Oaxaca Oaxaca State, Mexico Travel Guide
Start your planning well in advance, especially for longer trips or peak seasons.
A chronological guide to help you organize your journey.
Check passport validity. Research visa requirements for your nationality.
Book international flights and your main accommodation.
Consider and purchase comprehensive travel insurance from World Nomads.
Confirm all flights, accommodation, and major tours.
Begin learning basic Spanish phrases; this greatly aids daily interactions.
Notify banks of travel dates. Arrange for Mexican Pesos.
Pack your bags. Make copies of documents.
Download offline maps and translation apps.
Charge all your electronics for immediate use.
Secure your spots for these popular experiences.
Steps to take at home before you leave.
Gain a richer experience by learning about Oaxaca before you go.
Ensure your passport remains valid for the entire duration of your stay in Mexico. This prevents issues at immigration.
These steps aid you in settling in smoothly upon arriving in Oaxaca.
Present your passport and FMM (if not pre-digital). Follow instructions from immigration officials.
Proceed through customs. Be prepared to declare items as required.
Withdraw some local currency from an ATM. Airport exchange rates are usually not ideal, so limit initial exchanges if possible.
Check into your accommodation.
Ask hotel staff for a local map and recommendations for nearby places. Take a walk around your neighborhood.
Locate nearby ATMs, pharmacies, and convenience stores for ease of access.
From OAX airport: Use authorized shared colectivos (vans) or private taxis.
Purchase tickets inside the terminal building to ensure a fixed and fair price.
Use ATMs for the best exchange rates. Avoid airport currency exchange kiosks for large amounts.
Only exchange a small amount if initial cash is immediately needed.
Purchase bottled water immediately upon arrival. Tap water is not safe for drinking.
Consider purchasing a local SIM card for mobile data and local calls.
Ensure your FMM form is ready for surrender at immigration upon departure. Losing it may result in delays and fines.
Prepare for your departure from Oaxaca to ensure a smooth exit.
Ensure you allocate sufficient time for your journey to the departure point.
Take photos of your passport, FMM card, and flight itinerary. Store them on your phone and in a cloud service for easy access.
This is beneficial in case you lose the physical copies.
