Signatures are important in Mexico in a variety of contexts. Here I will be talking about credit cards and IDs. Many people in the United States write “See ID” on the back of their cards in an attempt to encourage merchants to ask for an ID during each purchase. In my experience this rarely works, and I seldom get IDed. The worst thing you could do is not sign your credit card and have a blank strip on the back of your card just ready to be signed by someone that might steal your wallet or card.

In Mexico, most merchants WILL check the back of your card, and will often ask to see your ID. The important thing to know is that the merchant will check the signature on your ID or passport and if it’s not a near 100% match to what you signed on the receipt and on your card, they may fuss about it. It is unbelievably important that you sign your receipts and credit cards the way that you signed your passport or whatever ID you use during your transactions.

This will also apply to any type of formal business you conduct. People will often want to see an ID, and they will compare your signature. If they do not match 100%, they will ask you to resign and perhaps even begin to question if you indeed are the person you claim to be. Safe yourself some time and trouble, be mindful about how you sign.