Mexico Business Etiquette: Gift Giving

When doing business in another country, one of the questions that most often comes up is whether or not it is appropriate to give gifts.  In the United States, people have become very wary about giving gifts because they may be misinterpreted or companies may have strict policies against giving and receiving gifts.  I have not found that to be the case in Mexico.

One of the great things about doing business with people from a different country is being able to share your differences and similarities. 

So what would be considered an appropriate gift?

Food, alcohol, something for their office with your company logo, a coffee table book, or something that is hard to find in Mexico.
Let's say you are from California - a bottle of California wine that is not sold in Mexico would be seen as a good gift. 

It is also common practice in Mexico to send a Christmas card or small Christmas gift to your clients (remember Mexico is 90% Catholic). 

I think the most important thing to remember here is that in Mexico it is highly unlikely that you will "offend" someone when bringing a gift, it might even strengthen your business relationship because it shows you are making an effort to strengthen your interpersonal relationship which is KEY in Mexico.