When you go to a restaurant don't expect to receive the bill at the end of the meal. It is considered rude here to give the bill before it is requested. You have to ask for it. 'la cuenta porfavor' and they'll bring it right away.

If you asked for the check and you don't get it in a few minutes you can normally go to the cash register and request it there.

Don't be surprised by the security here. In almost every store you'll have to leave your bag, unless it is a purse, at the entrance with a store employee. They'll typically give you a number to later retreive it. The stores that don't require this will often have plain clothes security guards who will sometimes follow you around the store to make sure that you won't shoplift.

Some items are cheaper and some are more expensive.

Fruit and vegetables are typically inexpensive while meat especially beef and pork are more expensive or of a lower quality.

Electronic devices are extremely expensive or arrive several months later than they usually do in the US, or Europe. Expect to pay a premium on 'new' technology.

Brand name clothing is the biggest rip-off in retail. Expect to pay at least double for your favorite name brands. Generic clothing is very cheap.

Books aren't cheap but you'll pay more for the English version unless it is a used book. You can find used books in downtown Mexico city for around 40 pesos hardcover near the cathedral.

Don't bother buying in bulk to save money. Many Americans use coupons and bulk purchases to save however in most Mexican stores you pay the same $/unit so only buy the large size if it won't go to waste. Good luck finding coupons, they are few and far between. In fact, most Mexicans haven't even heard of them.

If you are shopping at a supermarket and you find that the pack of meat is too big, you can ask for part and they'll rewrap it for you.

A great way to shop is to compare prices. Check the street markets, bazars, and supermarkets and find the best price. A great place to buy cheap and fresh produce in mexico city is the Merced market. It is right outside of the Merced subway station. Bring a bag and lots of change.

Forget about free-checking. Banking in Mexico is expensive. Expect to wait in lines... most banks don't allow ATM deposit. The best time to go to the bank seems to be during the week mid-morning.

The banks will offer you the services that pay you the lowest interest and charge you the highest. Minimum balances, service fees, and check clearing fees are normal. Internet banking is NOT free but it is still better than having to wait in lines.

Don't mail your checks. Many companies won't accept checks anyway, you'll have to ask.

You either have to pay electronically if the company you are paying allows that, sign up to automatically pay using your creditcard, or take your bill to a bank, wait in line and give the money to the teller.

Normally you can only pay a bill at a bank if it is before the 'pay-by' date. After that they'll send you away.

Mexicans in general love to smoke cigarettes and in general don't care if you don't. Many international companies offices' have no smoking signs up but rarely enforce it. Since mexican culture isn't very health conscious, don't be surprised to find ashes, and smoke clouds by your new desk. If you're going out to eat with smokers ask for a table outside so that everyone will be happy.

Don't expect people to ask if you mind if they smoke. Expect them to offer you a cigarette.

In fact, don't expect smokers to put out their cigarettes. Most just throw them on the sidewalk too bothered to step on them.

Public transportation in Mexico city is fast and will take you almost everywhere. Most routes go until midnight and some will continue all night. You can typically get a bus in a matter of minutes if not seconds. The subway has many routes and is cheap.

Be prepared to pay when you get on ... or off the bus. Some charge you when you get on the bus, you say where you're going and they tell you how much. Most busdrivers can give you change. If you don't like cigarette smoke, find a seat in the back. Most busdrivers smoke eventhough it is officially not allowed.

The downside is that the busses and subway get REALLY crowded between 7 and 10 in the morning and between 5 and 8 at night. Dress light for the subway! The temperature is several degrees higher inside. Be ready to get off too. Many people especially old women love to push you when you are trying to get out.

Keep your purse or wallet safe. There are pickpockets in crowded places looking for an easy target.

Most Mexicans won't admit that they don't know where you want to go so they'll just point somewhere and tell you to go that way. I remember telling people I didn't know the street they were looking for and the person I was with told me I was rude! I guess it would have been nicer to make up directions.

The solution is this ask and go the way you are told for a block and then ask another person. If the second person points you the same way then you know it is correct.

Before you try to get somewhere ALWAYS ask for the neighborhood name (colonia), and the street. If the person you're talking to doesn't know the street, they can at least tell you if you're in the right area.