City, Mexico
Oaxaca
Colonial food capital with mezcal, markets, crafts and a thriving café and nomad scene. Mild and walkable, with Zapotec ruins and villages nearby; blockades, protests and altitude are the usual hiccups.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,430–2,310Comfortable, one person · MX$26,000–42,000Details
- Value for money41/100Better value than 40% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goOct–MarWarmest: Apr, 31°CDetails
- Air quality22 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2018) · PollutedDetails
- Internet118 MbpsFixed broadband, Mexico medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or purified water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$22–66Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundDiDiVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards in hotels, upscale restaurants and some cafés; cash for markets, tlayudas, mezcal shops, colectivos and tours.Details
Where to stay in Oaxaca
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro Histórico | First-timers: markets, galleries, restaurants, walkable |
| Jalatlaco | Quiet colorful streets, cafés and murals, close to Centro |
| Xochimilco | Local and artsy, cheaper long stays, near the aqueduct |
| Reforma | Quieter residential area with newer apartments |
Apps that work in Oaxaca
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Google Translate: Spanish menus and conversations
- Taxis: Local taxis dominate; use airport booth taxis and ask your hotel for sitio taxis at night. App availability can disappear.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Mexico.
- Mostly cash Cards in hotels, upscale restaurants and some cafés; cash for markets, tlayudas, mezcal shops, colectivos and tours.
- Currency: Peso (MXN). US$1 ≈ MX$18.21 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards roughly MXN 30–150 per withdrawal; always decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: 10–15% at restaurants (check whether service is already added), MXN 10–20 for gas attendants and grocery baggers; app rides optional.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at many card terminals in cities; local bank transfers need a Mexican account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Air arrivals get a digital FMM (QR code) at immigration; the visitor fee is already included in your airfare.
- Officers set your stay and may grant fewer than 180 days; carry a return ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds.
- Land arrivals going beyond the border zone need an FMM; the visitor fee applies for stays over seven days.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · Tourist police 078 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 127 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Telcel or AT&T SIMs at airports, OXXO stores and carrier shops, about MXN 100–300 with data. Bring your passport to register the line. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Mexico
Going to Oaxaca solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.