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Oaxaca Travel Hacks

Oaxaca Travel Hacks

Oaxaca State Mexico Travel Guide

Money-Saving Strategies

Save money without compromising your Oaxaca experience.

Discount Cards & Passes

  • No universal tourist discount cards exist exclusively for Oaxaca.
  • Student IDs, like the International Student Identity Card (ISIC), sometimes have discounts at museums.
  • Always inquire if student rates apply.
  • No specific card for general tourist discounts.

Free Activities & Attractions

  • Walk the Centro Histórico, exploring its charming streets.
  • Spend time at the Zócalo and Alameda, observing local life.
  • Visit churches like Templo de Santo Domingo; entry costs nothing.
  • The Textile Museum has entry at no cost.

Dining Deals

  • Many bars have "2x1" happy hour specials on drinks.
  • Look for "comida corrida" (fixed-price lunch menus) at local eateries.
  • These present a full, inexpensive meal.
  • Often including soup, a main course, dessert, and a beverage.

Transportation Savings

  • Go on foot wherever feasible in the downtown area.
  • Use colectivos for excursions to surrounding villages; they are less expensive.
  • Take public buses for longer distances within the city.
  • For getting to/from the airport, use shared colectivos instead of private taxis.

Time-Saving Tips

Use your time effectively in Oaxaca with these strategies.

Skip-the-Line Options

  • For Monte Albán or Museo de las Culturas, buying tickets online is not typical.
  • Arrive early, right at opening time, to aid in avoiding queues.
  • Pre-book popular cooking classes or tours, as spots fill quickly.
  • Planning ahead gives a smoother experience.

Best & Worst Times

  • Best: Visit attractions early morning or late afternoon.
  • This aids in avoiding midday heat and large groups of tourists.
  • Worst: Mid-day is typically the most congested time, especially during peak season.
  • Markets are best visited in the morning for fresh produce.

Express Transport

  • For airport transport, private taxis are a faster and more non-stop choice.
  • For day trips, private tours are quicker than public transport.
  • They reduce transfer time from one location to another.
  • Private options provide direct routes.

Pre-Booking Recommendations

  • Book your travel and lodging well in advance for high season.
  • Secure spots for popular cooking classes.
  • Purchase Guelaguetza getting tickets long before if traveling in July.
  • Book special events or tours for Día de Muertos.

Local Insights

Understand local customs and common tourist mistakes for a more authentic experience.

Avoid These Mistakes

  • Never drink tap water. Drink bottled or purified water.
  • Avoid taking photos without permission.
  • Do not just eat in tourist restaurants; try street food.
  • Carry small bills and coins for vendors and taxis.

Local Customs

  • "Buen provecho!": Say this to people eating.
  • "Con permiso": Use to travel through crowded areas.
  • Siesta: Some smaller businesses close in the afternoon.
  • Formal Address: Using "usted" shows respect.

Social Norms

  • Punctuality: "Mexican time" can be relaxed.
  • Personal Space: People stand closer in conversation.
  • "No pasa nada": A common phrase meaning "no problem."
  • Politeness goes a long way in dealings.

Impress Locals

  • "¡Qué rico!" (keh REE-koh!) - How delicious! (For food).
  • "Me encanta Oaxaca." (meh en-KAHN-tah wah-HAH-kah) - I love Oaxaca.
  • "¿Podrían ayudarme?" (poh-DREE-ah ah-yoo-DAR-meh?) - Could you assist me?
  • "Con permiso, disculpe." (kon pehr-MEE-soh, dees-KOOL-peh) - Excuse me, pardon me.

Solo, Family & Group Advice

Customize your approach according to your travel companions.

Solo Travelers

  • Oaxaca City is generally safe for solo travelers.
  • Stay in hostels with social common areas to meet others.
  • Join group tours, cooking classes, or language schools.
  • Engage with locals respectfully.

Family Travel

  • Avoid over-scheduling your days.
  • Oaxaca contains a lot of kid-friendly options like quesadillas and fruit.
  • Alebrije workshops in San Martín Tilcajete are colorful and fun.
  • A Baby Carrier Backpack can prove very useful.

Group Logistics

  • Book accommodations, tours, and restaurants in advance for groups.
  • Consider private vans for day trips to simplify logistics.
  • Appoint a single point of details for contacting bookings within the group.
  • Regularly confirm all details.

Accessibility

  • The Heart of oaxaca has challenges for mobility-impaired travelers.
  • Its uneven terrain and historic infrastructure present difficulties.
  • Research designated accessible hotels and travel services.

Keep Your Devices Charged

Carry an external battery for your phone. You will use your phone frequently for navigation, photos, and translation, and a portable charger keeps you connected.

Resources & References

Details to support your trip planning and activities.

Guidebooks & Maps

Traditional printed resources may hold in-depth information and offline access.

Books on Oaxaca

Dive into Oaxaca's history, culture, and food through literature.

Local Publications

Find free local tourist magazines or newspapers for current events and recommendations.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries & Films

  • These possess visual and narrative context.
  • Search for films or series covering Mexican society or Oaxacan history.
  • Explore YouTube guidebooks for visual insights.

Music & Art

  • Seek out traditional Oaxacan music like "jarabes" and "sones."
  • Listen to current Mexican music.
  • Research Oaxacan artists like Francisco Toledo and Rufino Tamayo.

Language Learning

Utilize apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Pimsleur for learning basic Spanish phrases before your trip. Consider enrolling in a Spanish language school upon arrival for a more immersive experience.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency & Medical

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance): Dial 911 (nationwide).
  • Your Country's Embassy/Consulate: Keep these numbers saved.
  • Hospitals: Hospital Civil, Hospital General Dr. Juan C. García, Hospital Reforma.
  • Pharmacies: Farmacias Similares, Farmacias del Ahorro, Farmacias Guadalajara are widespread.

Lost Document Steps

  • Passport: Report the loss to local police for a police report.
  • Contact your country's embassy or consulate immediately.
  • Credit/Debit Cards: Contact your bank immediately to cancel.
  • FMM Form: Losing it could result in delays and fines upon departure.

Natural Disaster Protocols

  • Earthquakes: "Drop, Cover, Hold On." Move to an open area if safe.
  • Follow instructions from local authorities or hotel staff.
  • Hurricanes (coastal areas): Monitor local news and weather advisories.
  • Oaxaca City is generally safe from direct hurricane impact.

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

  • Google Maps: Necessary for navigation. Download offline maps.
  • Google Translate: For real-time translation.
  • WhatsApp: This app aids communication with tour operators, hotels.

Booking & Currency

  • Booking.com / Airbnb: For researching and booking accommodation.
  • XE Currency Converter: For quick and accurate conversions.
  • Uber / DiDi: For a lift-sharing services (check local availability).

Useful Websites

Official & Travel Advisories

  • Travel.state.gov (US Dept. Of State): For travel advisories.
  • Gov.uk (UK FCDO): For UK citizens' travel advice.
  • Official Tourism Websites: For general info, events, cultural insights.

Transport & Social

  • ADO.com.mx: For bus tickets and schedules in Mexico.
  • Social media: Search "Oaxaca tourism" or "Oaxaca food".
  • Podcasts and digital content: Search for Oaxacan cuisine or travel.

Print Resources Continued

Guidebooks & Maps

  1. A comprehensive a manual for Mexico commonly comprises a good part about Oaxaca.
  2. Fodor's Essential Mexico is a well-regarded option.
  3. Look for specialized guides for a very in-depth exploration of the region.
  4. Pick up free tourist maps from your hotel or tourist information centers.
  5. These maps aid in getting around the city's streets.

Books on Oaxaca

  1. History: The Mexico Reader: History, Culture, Politics may have chapters on Oaxaca.
  2. Culture/Food: Oaxaca al Gusto: An Infinite Gastronomy by Diana Kennedy covers traditional Oaxacan recipes.
  3. Fiction: Mexican authors or novels set in Oaxaca give cultural insights through storytelling.
  4. Local Publications: Check for free local tourist magazines or newspapers.
  5. These provide current events, exhibition listings, and restaurant recommendations.

Online Communities

Facebook Groups

Join "Oaxaca travel" or "Expats in Oaxaca" for up-to-date advice.

Travel Forums

Forums like TripAdvisor have valuable information and discussions.

Visual Inspiration

Investigate travel blogs and YouTube for visual guides and recommendations.

Important Contact Information

Save important phone numbers (hotel, emergency services, embassy) to your mobile device and also write them down on a fragment of paper. This is beneficial if your phone battery dies or your device is lost.

Pre-Trip Checklist

Essential Preparations

Chronological Planning Timeline

  • 3+ Months Before:

    Check passport validity. Book international flights and main accommodation. Consider comprehensive travel insurance from World Nomads.

  • 1 Month Before:

    Confirm all your bookings. Begin learning basic Spanish phrases; this greatly aids daily interactions.

  • 1 Week Before:

    Pack your bags. Have both electronic and paper copies of essential documents. Get offline maps and translation apps.

  • Financial Preparations:

    Notify your banks and your credit card providers about your travel dates. Arrange for local currency (Mexican Pesos).

  • Home Prep:

    Inform family of itinerary. Arrange for mail, pets, and home security.

Required Advance Bookings

  • Flights:

    Required, especially international flights and those during peak season.

  • Accommodation:

    Always recommended, important for peak season or festivals.

  • Guelaguetza tickets:

    Required if you plan to attend this festival in July.

  • Día de Muertos special tours/events:

    Required if you plan to participate in these in-demand activities.

  • Cooking classes/custom tours:

    Reserve these in advance as they frequently have limited availability.

Home & Research

Pre-Trip Research

  • Read about Oaxacan history, culture, and food.
  • Familiarize yourself with local etiquette and safety tips.
  • Identify must-see attractions and potential day trips.
  • Consider NordVPN for secure browsing while traveling.

Home Preparations

  • Inform family or trusted friends of your itinerary.
  • Arrange for mail, pets, plants, and home security.
  • Pay any bills that is going to be due during your trip.
  • Use packing organizers from Eagle Creek.

Arrival Checklist

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • Immigration: Provide your passport and FMM.
  • Customs: Proceed through customs, declare articles as required.
  • Currency: Withdraw local currency from an ATM.
  • SIM Card: Consider purchasing a local SIM card for mobile internet.

Orientation Strategies

  • Check into your accommodation.
  • Ask hotel staff for a local map and recommendations.
  • Take a walk around your neighborhood to familiarize yourself.
  • Locate nearby ATMs, pharmacies, and mini-marts.

Transportation From Entry Point

  • From OAX airport: Use authorized shared colectivos or private taxis.
  • Purchase tickets inside the terminal building for a fixed price.
  • Initial Purchases: Purchase bottled water immediately.
  • Tap water is not safe for drinking.

Smooth Arrival

Ensure your FMM form is ready for surrender at immigration upon departure. Losing it's possible that result in delays and fines.

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