Doing business in Latin America and not just that...

There are 2 replies in this Thread which has previously been viewed 143 times. The latest Post (December 14, 2025 at 8:36 PM) was by UK Man.

    As I expand my business in Latin America, I am facing cultural challenges that I can't overcome.

    I am trying to read on the topic, as obviously the world here works in a certain way, and I can't change it. I ought to change!

    From emails leading to nowhere, cryptic information, mass email, unanswered letters, vague replies... I am really losing my mind over these small interactions. My first reading is:

    Doing Business In The New Latin America: A Guide To Cultures, Practices, And Opportunities Hardcover – November 1, 2004

    by Thomas H. Becker (Author)


    Case #1. A prospect emails me (and other 11 competitors in CC) for a quote. He includes a link to a Google Drive folder. However, clicking on the link it says I don't have access to it. I email back saying that I was unable to access the file. Replies from this prospect: "You have to request access because it is a sensitive document".

    What's the point in sending me a link, then? And is this a treasure hunt (or just a waste of my time?).

    Case #2. A prospect emails me requesting a quote for the translation of a marriage record of unknown length. I reply asking to see the file to provide a quote. Never heard back.

    Why did you email me, if you just "hang up" the conversation by ghosting me?!

    Case #3. My teacher makes a mistake in grading my exam (due to a technical issue on their side, just the first 3 pages of 13 were visible... or perhaps the teacher is not very computer-literate). She whatsapped the Registrar 60' after submitting the wrong (lower) grade requesting to have it fixed. She is told the "school regulation" doesn't foresee amending grades once they have been registered. I go to see the Registrar in person, I bring in a letter with proof supporting my request asking to please accomodate the professor's request to fix the grade. This was in November 25. I never heard back. Someone on the internet had suggested to send it by "carta documento", but it seemed a little OTT. Now I am regretting it.

    Note: this is a paid university and the grade mistake was not mine. Technically, there is no issue in fixing the grade in the system, it is just a matter of willingness.

    Is this common practice?

    I am not proud to admit that I am still facing these challenges after 12 years here. I learned the language, why can't I learn the culture?

    That is a major question, serafina . Is it possible to EVER be not just conversant with a new culture, but comfortable with it, able to work within its unspoken rules? If so, does it take decades to get to that point?

    Everything's bamboozled me here ever since I first came. From their love of the US Dollar to having to get married twice in three days all because a church wedding isn't officially recognised. 25 years later and not much has changed.