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Puerto Escondido Travel Tips

Puerto Escondido Travel Tips

Puerto Escondido Oaxaca State, Mexico Travel Guide

Mobile Coverage

Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar are the main mobile providers. Telcel generally has the widest and most reliable coverage, especially outside of major towns.

SIM Cards & Plans

  • Purchase SIM cards at official provider stores or Oxxo convenience stores.
  • An Unlocked phone is needed.
  • Prepaid plans ("recargas") are common and inexpensive.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and cafes throughout Puerto Escondido. Connection speeds vary.

Connectivity Tips

  • Public Wi-Fi for general browsing and communication.
  • Consider a portable Wi-Fi device from Solis Wi-Fi for consistent personal internet.
  • Postal services are available, but less commonly used by travelers.

Language Barriers

Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist-oriented businesses, hotels, and by tour guides.

Communication Aids

  • Basic Spanish phrases are aid interactions.
  • Google Translate with offline Spanish pack.
  • A Spanish phrasebook can assist with common situations.

Learn Phrases

Basic Spanish phrases are appreciated and can improve interactions.

Essential Phrases

  • Hola (OH-lah): Hello
  • Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs): Thank you
  • Por favor (por fah-VOR): Please

Important Phrases

Common Questions

  • ¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWahn-toh KWEHS-tah): How much does it cost?
  • Sí / No (SEE / NOH): Yes / No
  • Agua (AH-gwah): Water
  • ¿Habla inglés? (AH-blah een-GLEHS): Do you speak English?

Daily Use

  • Disculpe (dees-KOOL-peh): Excuse me / Sorry
  • Dónde está...? (DOHN-deh es-TAH): Where is...?
  • La cuenta, por favor (lah KWEHN-tah, por fah-VOR): The bill, please
  • Buenos días/tardes/noches: Good morning/afternoon/evening.

Communication Tip

Download the offline Spanish pack for Google Translate before your trip. This aids communication even without internet access. For deeper learning, consider Rosetta Stone.

Business Hours & Schedules

Know the general operating times for businesses.

Shop Hours

Shops generally open from 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM. Smaller shops may close for a siesta (2:00 PM to 4:00 PM).

Restaurant & Market Hours

Restaurants operate for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, often closing around 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. Bars stay open later. Markets, like Mercado Benito Juárez, are open early morning (6:00 AM) to late afternoon or early evening (6:00 PM).

Banking & Holidays

Banking hours are usually Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. ATMs are accessible 24/7. Mexico observes numerous national and religious holidays when banks and some businesses have reduced hours or close.

Seasonal Closures

Some smaller businesses, especially in low season, have reduced hours or close for a few weeks.

Travel Impact

  • Tourist services remain open during holidays.
  • Expect increased business during peak holiday times.
  • Lower season means quieter experiences.

General Hours

Operating times for various establishments.

Daily Schedules

  • Shops (General): 9/10 AM - 8/9 PM
  • Siesta (Smaller Shops): 2 PM - 4 PM
  • Mercado Benito Juárez: 6 AM - 6 PM

Banking and ATMs

Banking Details

  • Banks: Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 4 PM
  • ATMs: 24/7 accessibility
  • Reduced hours on holidays.

Holiday Impact

  • Tourist services generally remain open.
  • Expect increased business during holiday times.
  • National and religious holidays may alter schedules.

Planning Tip

Verify specific business hours for essential services upon arrival, especially around national holidays like Semana Santa or Día de Muertos.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Observe local etiquette and cultural norms for respectful interactions.

Greeting Customs

Say "Hola," "Buenos días/tardes/noches." Use "usted" (the formal "you") when addressing elders or in formal situations. A handshake is common.

Politeness

  • Offer a handshake as a greeting.
  • Address locals with courtesy.
  • A smile often breaks down barriers.

Appropriate Attire

Puerto Escondido has a casual dress code. Beachwear is for the beach. In town, light, comfortable clothing is fine.

Dressing Guidelines

  • For churches or formal settings, modest attire (shoulders and knees covered) shows respect.
  • Comfortable, light clothing for daily wear.
  • Keep beachwear for beach areas only.

Photography & Discussion

Be mindful of privacy and sensitive topics.

Photo Ethics

  • Ask for permission before taking photos of people.
  • Be discreet with photography.
  • Avoid photographing military or police.

Sensitive Topics

Avoid discussing politics or sensitive social issues unless locals you know well invite you to do so.

Social Conduct

  • Avoid discussing politics or sensitive social issues.
  • Respect local customs and beliefs.
  • Observe local behavior.

Social Considerations

Solo Female Travelers

  • Women traveling alone are generally safe.
  • Exercise caution, especially at night.
  • Catcalling can occur, but usually causes no harm.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

  • Puerto Escondido is generally welcoming and tolerant.
  • Zipolite, a nearby town, is known for its open atmosphere.
  • Positive experiences are common.

Important Social Cues

Observation

  • Observe local behavior for guidance.
  • Follow the lead of residents.
  • If unsure, simply observe.

Polite Interactions

  • Always approach with politeness.
  • A friendly demeanor promotes positive exchanges.
  • Basic Spanish phrases will go a long way.

Social Custom

If you are unsure about a social custom, observe what locals do and follow their lead.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure has challenges for travelers with mobility needs.

Mobility Challenges

Sidewalks are often uneven, narrow, or non-existent. Many beaches require navigating stairs or sandy paths.

Infrastructure Limits

  • Few specific accessible attractions are present.
  • Newer, larger resorts might have better internal accessibility.
  • Taxis may help; public transport is not accessible.

Support Services

Limited specialized services are available for travelers with visual or hearing impairments.

Assistance Options

  • Consider hiring private guides.
  • Rely on travel companions.
  • Consult a specialized travel agent focusing on accessible travel for planning.

General Accessibility Note

Information specific to Puerto Escondido on accessibility is limited.

Planning Considerations

  • Research specific locations thoroughly.
  • Contact accommodations directly for accessibility details.
  • Plan travel routes with accessibility in mind.

Airport Accessibility

Airport services may offer varying levels of accessibility for travelers.

Traveler Support

  • Wheelchair assistance can be requested.
  • Airport lounges provide comfort.
  • Early boarding options.

Accessibility Advice

Due to terrain and infrastructure, Puerto Escondido may not be ideal for all mobility needs. Plan accordingly and communicate your needs with providers. Consider Priority Pass for airport lounge access.