From Tianguis to Mall: Cultural Differences Between Mexico and the United States

We want to give a voice to the people who make us Rebtel: our customers! We love to share their stories and the experiences they've had in discovering new cultures, new countries, and new ways of living. We’ll also talk about the challenges and opportunities they've faced in staying connected with their families and friends.

Let's start by sharing the story of Santiago, a 31-year-old graphic designer who moved from Mexico City to New York in 2019.

"After completing my master's degree, I was offered a job at a design company in Brooklyn, and I immediately accepted it. Honestly, I didn't give much thought to cultural differences at the time, as I had visited the United States as a tourist, and in Mexico, we tend to think we know what 'gringos' are like. But now, I do wish I had taken a crash course in American culture.

The biggest shockers

Personal Space 

In Mexico, we are very affectionate, with greetings that involve hugging and kissing. On my first day at work, I patted the guys on the back and kissed the girls on the cheek, as we do in Mexico. However, with the exception of a Colombian girl, everyone stepped back and looked at me quite uncomfortably. That's when I realized that this kind of greeting is usually reserved for close friends here.

Cultural Stereotypes

Many people here in the US, with some exceptions, have stereotypical views about Mexicans, often based on stories of drug trafficking, illegal migration, or think of us as a tropical paradise, especially after a visit to Cancún. So, when I shared my story - growing up in Mexico City, attending good universities, and arriving here with a visa - they began to change their opinions. I believe this transformation of prejudices is one of the most beautiful aspects of cultural exchange.

Food

The portion sizes here took me by surprise, and I gained 3 kilograms in a month by eating what people around me did. Personally, I loved cooking in Mexico, going to tianguis, the local markets to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, and then preparing meals for the week. Here, on the other hand, people often go to the mall to buy food at massive supermarkets, and cooking at home is less common. I once was invited to a friend's house to bake cookies ‘from scratch’, but in reality, they had bought pre-made cookie dough that only needed to be baked in the oven.

Social Life

In Mexico, I would say that social life, friends, and family are at the core of everything. We always find time for improvised dinners, to grab a few beers, or 'chelas' as we call them, and do things together.

Here, on the other hand, people are friendly but seem to focus a lot on work and their daily routines, often making plans for two weeks down the line. Initially, I had some difficulties with this, but later on, I discovered the advantages of having a more structured routine.

Mexico is closer than ever with Rebtel

Beyond cultural differences, what I found to be the biggest challenge for me was maintaining contact with Mexico, but that changed after a friend recommended Rebtel to me.

First of all, their unlimitedcalling services to Mexico are just amazing! Additionally, I discovered that I can send top-ups at great rates that you won't find with providers like Telcel. Rebtel offers the option to send 103.85 MXN for just 5 USD! 

I usually send top-ups every month to the gentleman who helps us with gardening in Mexico, so I love Rebtel's plans because they offer the option to send mobile packages automatically each month, this way I don't have to worry about it anymore. Lastly, I can send his salary using Rebtel's money transfers, the money reaches his account in a matter of minutes, and the best part is they have the lowest commissions!

In short, Rebtel is the best option for me because I can have everything I need in one app and at amazing rates!”

Rebtel Services to Mexico 

Calling

With Rebtel, you can call any mobile phone or landline in Mexico without limits!Our calls are crystal-clear, and it gets better: you can even call without using data or Wi-fi!

Recharges

We offer you the possibility to send plans, bundles or credits to any mobile phone in Mexico!

• With plans, you can send calling minutes, data and SMS to Mexico every month, at fixed prices, fee-free and you can cancel anytime! And the best part: enjoy more than 50% off in the first month!

• Bundles offer you the convenience of sending minutes, data and SMS whenever there is a need for it.

• and if you only want to talk, you can simply send credits to a number of your choice, using our great rates! For instance, for Telcel, send 5 USD and your contact will receive 103.85 MXN!

Money Transfer

With Rebtel you can send money to any bank account in Mexico in a matter of minutes. And because we firmly believe that your contact should get the most out of your money, we commit to always having the lowest fees!