Flight
Oaxaca Airport is a small, modern, easy to use, and located a short drive out of the city center. Many of you will be going through Customs there and thanks to the limited number of daily flights it is a relatively easy experience. Not all airport staff and customs officials speak English well, but they are used to working with tourists and are generally very helpful. Signage is clearly posted in English and Spanish. It is recommended to arrive two hours before departing flights. Check out the airport's website for additional info.
Travel Note
Private cars/shuttles- Private cars and Shuttles can be arranged through the Oaxaca Airport website. Also, most hotels and AirBnb hosts are happy to help arrange pickup and drop off from the airport with a private car or van service. While cabs are less expensive, private cars are generally newer vehicles and and offer a more comfortable ride. Vans are great for larger groups. Cabs- Cabs in Oaxaca are safe, well marked and affordable. When you leave Oaxaca Airport look for a kiosk for the local Cab Union. Give them the address and name of your accommodation and then you pay them directly for your trip. The staff will print you a ticket and direct you to the driver who will take you into town. Hotels and Airbnb hosts can help you set up cab trips back to the airport. Since our last trip to Oaxaca there is a new app that can be used like Uber or Lyft to get a cab called DiDi Rider. You can download the app and use it to order a taxi. Uber/Lyft- Unfortunately are not available in Oaxaca.
Travel Note
Tap water in Mexico is not safe to drink, so planning ahead is important. Check in with your Hotel or your Airbnb Host to make sure they have water available, many will arrange to have some ready when you arrive. Restaurants offer bottled and or treated water. Convenience stores like OXO and 7/11 are omnipresent and always have bottled water available. Picking up a couple bottles at the Airport is also a good idea for your journey into town.
Travel Note
Weather in Oaxaca during October is usually dry and temperate. Highs are usually in the 70’s with lows in the 50’s. Packing layers and bringing them with you is recommended. Oaxaca sits at over 5000 ft above sea level, similar to Denver here in the US. So even on temperate days the sun can be intense and planning ahead for the altitude shift and staying hydrated are important.
Travel Note
Pesos: The Peso is the currency of Mexico. Some of you may have traveled to Mexico in the past and were able to use US dollars. This is no longer the case in Oaxaca. The exchange rates fluctuates but currently sits at around 18 pesos to the dollar. Cards: Many sit down restaurants, attractions, hotels and bars take credit cards. Some shops and most street vendors do not. When you are en route using a card is fine at airports. Changing Money: The easiest way to exchange money at the best rate is through an ATM. Clearly marked ATMs at banks, airports, and OXO’s have the best exchange rates and have machines with English options. ATMs in these areas are safe to use and offer the lowest service fee’s. You can also change cash at Airports or in the US before you leave, but the exchange rate will be worse. Tipping: Tipping waiters and cleaning staff is customary in Mexico. Percentages are similar to what you would do in the US.
Travel Note
The easiest way to get around the city is on foot! Most of the major attractions, restaurants, places to stay, and wedding events are within a 15 minute radius of the Zocalo. Like everything in Oaxaca the streets are well maintained but old, so surfaces can be uneven. Many areas are pedestrian only, but looking out for cars is important, especially during busier times of day. As we mentioned above cabs are plentiful in the city and can be a helpful way to cover longer distances. Though we weren't able to use It on our last trip, the DiDi Rider app can be used to arrange a ride. Convenience stores like 7/11 and OXO will have lots of the basics including snacks, food and drinks. Farmacias are helpful places to pick up over the counter medications and toiletries, they will almost always have a medical cross sign on the building. There are also some American style supermarkets outside the historic center of the city, including a Walmart.
Travel Note
Oaxaca is considered to be extremely safe! The state department currently has no restrictions on travel to Oaxaca City. Like any tourist area taking precautions is advised to avoid potential petty theft. If you loose an important document like a passport or need assistance, The US Consular Agency is located in Santo Domingo Square and is open Monday-Thursday from 9 30am to 3pm. For emergencies in Mexico dial 911 just like the US.
Travel Note
Most U.S. cell phone providers have free or inexpensive roaming and data packages for Mexico, though some older and low data plans do not. Check with your provider before you leave. We found coverage to be fairly good and google maps and translate to be helpful tools to navigate the city. Wifi is available at most hotels and AirBnb's, and in some restaurants and cafes.