Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours. With everything going on with the drug cartels, is it safe to travel to Huatulco on vacation? So, is Oaxaca safe? Crime and violence are widespread. The best advice you can have is, dont walk around looking like a rich tourist. These are the cartels of the Pacific (or Sinaloa), the Gulf and Los Zetas . Oaxaca is one of the top digital nomad destinations in Mexico and the world. Oaxaca is the second poorest state in Mexico, second only to Chiapas. Just be forewarned, once you do decide to live in Oaxaca, its likely youll never want to leave! Campeche state Exercise Normal Precautions. Copyright 2023 A Piece of Travel | All Rights Reserved |Privacy Policy, Laura has been wandering the globe for over a decade. It's very far from the crime flashpoints on the US-Mex border and hasn't succumbed to the power of the cartels like other corners of Mexico in the last 50 years. Aguascalientes state Exercise Increased Caution. I felt safe day and night exploring Oaxaca City as a solo female traveler. The Oaxaca airport is a prime place for pirate taxis to linger, along with genuine taxi drivers who want to overcharge tourists. Its a good thing that Zihuatanejo usually doesnt appear on the shortlist of famous Mexican beaches. No surprise, the U.S. State Department recently issued a chilling warning about travel to Mexico with a level 3 on a scale of 1 to 4, meaning "reconsider travel.". Ian is the founder of Where Sidewalks End, a website dedicated to showing people how to travel responsibly and break free from their comfort zones, and experience as much of the world as possible. This surge in fare is primarily due to the high demand from people returning home/hotel or to their accommodation from bars or clubs. Country Summary: Violent crime such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery is widespread and common in Mexico. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Baja California state Reconsider Travel. If you dont know where youre going, you might end up where you dont want to be. The U.S. Department of States issued travel advisory for travelling to this city is not concerning. Your email address will not be published. Mexicans protest for similar reasons that people likely protest in your home country, such as wanting increased wages and raising awareness about inequality. Oaxaca is mostly plagued by petty crimes, and most cases you will find are related to Pickpocketing or delivery. Before you get too worried about needing to exercise increased caution in Oaxaca, keep in mind that these statistics refer to the entire state. In fact, the DOS categorizes most areas in Mexico as Level 2. I hope this guide helps give you the basics for figuring out if Oaxaca is a city from which you want to be based as a digital nomad. To help support the investigation, you can pull the corresponding error log from your web server and submit it our support team. However, you must drink Mezcal responsibly as it can contain 45-50% alcohol content. The tap water isnt safe to drink in Oaxaca City or elsewhere in Oaxaca state. Do your best to support the local economy by shopping locally as much as possible, be mindful of your surroundings, and most of all, enjoy this lovely city and the kindness and humbleness of the people who will be hosting you here. Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. Im not saying you should let your guard down while youre in Oaxaca. That is the same for any city in the world, though, right? Earthquake is yet another natural disaster that can happen as Oaxaca happens to be situated close to a fault line. Before renting a vehicle, check if the rental company has written down any damages that previously occurred during rent. While protesters often have good intentions, such events can sometimes turn dangerous in Oaxaca. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Chiapas state, which includes tourist areas in:Palenque, San Cristobal de las Casas,andTuxtla Gutierrez. There actually is a cartel in Oaxaca state, as with most regions in Mexico, though their presence and activity are invisible to tourists. All of these destinations offer great amenities, a community of like-minded people, fun things to see and do, fast wifi speeds, co-working spaces, great apartments and more! The port town of Puerto Escondido has earned a bit of a reputation for crime in recent years. Its not that it doesnt exist, but it can be difficult to find. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. There is a cafeteria on the ground floor which is where the co-working space is located. Zacatecas state due to crime and kidnapping. Upon arrival, I quickly fell in love with it to the point that Ive now been living in Oaxaca pretty consistently ever since. This makes for one of the best visas in the world. In general, tourists in Mexico rarely get caught up in disputes between rival drug gangs and that's especially true for Oaxaca, a state that has been mostly spared from the violence.Mar 12, 2022 Its one of the best cities in Mexico for Digital Nomads. However, you never know when something bad will happen and . Visa situations are different for everyone, and its best to check with your local embassy for your nationalitys restrictions. However, staying calm and knowing how to respond to emergencies should ensure your safety. Cloudflare monitors for these errors and automatically investigates the cause. Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. 198.204.246.90 (Photo: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images ). To avoid confusion, Ill focus on Oaxaca City in this article, although Oaxaca state will come up in statistics. Yet, in Oaxaca, I wandered the streets nearly every night by myself. Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. Oaxaca is a state in southern Mexico that has a glorious reputation for being one of the most culturally vibrant places in the country. For this reason, you should avoid any areas or neighborhoods where you see people protesting in Oaxaca. The capital of Oaxaca City is particularly tourist-friendly . Youll need to determine the context of a conversation to know if someone is talking about the state or city. Moreover, Oaxaca has some of the most exquisite and tantalizing Mexican cuisines, good enough to leave a lasting impression. There is an issue between Cloudflare's cache and your origin web server. They are both trendy, loaded with cafes, beautiful colourful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, and a short walk into Centro for access to the restaurants, art galleries and studios, bars, and parks. To ensure safety in the area, avoid late-night beach trips. On the bright side, water bottles are cheap and plentiful in Oaxaca. Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos. The people of Oaxaca are hospitable by nature, and are proudly sharing their unique culture with the world. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State. Be subtle and use your brain to get by. I felt much safer in Oaxaca than in places like Cabo and Guadalajara. Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on travel to Mexico. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state, which includes tourist areas in:Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo,andLa Paz. Oaxaca ranks similar to the San Miguel de Allende and Maya Riviera regions for safety. So, I hope these numbers help challenge the all of Mexico is dangerous reaction that so many of us subconsciously (and sometimes not-so-subconsciously) have. As youll see, theres nothing unique about themits wise to practice these tips regardless of where you travel in the world. In 2020, the Digital Nomad world changed forever. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. The capital and largest city of the state of the same name, Oaxaca is widely seen as one of the safest places in the country. Below are the other top places where Ive felt the safest: Should you be considering Cabo, learn why I dont recommend it for solo female travelers. At first sight, your enchanting streets drew me in. Everyone has unique experiences that shape their perception of any given destination. Copyright 2023 Goats On The Road | GOTR Media LLC. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D. It's one of the safest places we've ever been. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state. Although these things dont matter in most touristy areas in Oaxaca, there are certain neighborhoods where you can get in trouble for showing off. You can even book a food tour. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Accommodation, even on the higher end, is half that of a place such as Playa del Carmen or Puerto Vallarta. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-84989440', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Oaxaca and surroundings? U.S. government employees may travel to other parts of Sonora state in compliance with the above restrictions, including tourist areas in: Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state. The food is more likely to be fresh that way. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following area with the noted restrictions: U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas inAcapulco,Zihuatanejo, andIxtapa. Belgium has been hit by terrorist bombings at the airport and train station. How safe did you feel in Oaxaca? Yes, you read that rightOaxaca gets earthquakes. Yucatan state Exercise Normal Precautions. can we travel safely through the country and visit historic sites? There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state. Learn more about living in Oaxaca in this detailed guide. Also, when on the road, be cautious and drive safely. There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. You should also consider the frequent protests, as they often block the road, and you may end up stuck on the road. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state. Sonora state due to crime and kidnapping. Work Coffee Inc occasionally has private offices open up for rental ranging between 4-5000 pesos/mo ($198 $250), though based solely on the vacancy of current tenants. From the Yucatn to the Baja California peninsula, these destinations are unforgettable. Tip 10% to 15% in restaurants, 5% to 10% of room costs in a hotel and M$5 to M$10 for parking lot and gas station attendants. So, Oaxaca City is nearly twice as safe as Baltimore. Nayarit state Exercise Increased Caution. Mexicos hurricane season begins in June and continues through the end of November, and Oaxacas Pacific Coast does fall within the vulnerable zone. But you can check this earthquake tracker to see the most recent seismic activity. Guanajuato state due to crime and kidnapping. These indigenous groups bring their own food, textiles, music, festivals and traditions into the mix of the already colourful Mexican culture most are familiar with. Remember to keep all your credit cards and your passport somewhere safe and use a money belt on public transportation. Its main attraction is a rooftop bar, and co-living hotel and door rooms. Morelos state due to crime. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-84989857', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Oaxaca in January ( our 12th annual visit to Mexico). Usually, crime doesnt happen because of the low cost of living, making Oaxaca mostly safe. Some areas of Mexico have increased risk of crime and kidnapping. That said, if youre in a bind, Id be more comfortable taking a street taxi in Oaxaca than, say, in Cancun or Mexico City. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. The road conditions further worsen as you enter rural areas. . The first-class buses within the city are also known for their quality service. Oaxaca is home to 30-ingredient mole, Day of the Dead festivities, and the Monte lban ruins. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Oaxacas vibrancy, colourful buildings, incredibly welcoming and caring locals, great expat community, gorgeous mountain backdrop and international standard cuisine set it apart as being one of my favourite cities, not only in Mexico, but in the world! It has friendly locals, well-lit streets, and a vibrant atmosphere that welcomes visitors to enjoy its attractions. Companies had to adapt, with many realizing that the lower overheads of having their staff work from home are both better for the bottom line, as well as for the morale of their employees. Coahuila state Exercise Increased Caution. Don't display expensive watches or jewelry. Although earthquakes are not frequent, they can happen since we dont know the exact time. I felt 100% safe in Oaxaca City during the Day of the Dead. Taking the bus in Oaxaca is generally safe. A rich cultural and local arts scene, delicious food, Oaxaca City's attractive old town, and excellent Pacific Coast surf beaches have made it a go-to destination for enlightened travelers in Mexico.Spots like the surfers' paradise Puerto Escondido have proved . Additionally, there are risks of potential tropical storms and hurricanes, particularly during the hurricane season from June to November. Spring days get hot in Oaxaca (from around March to May), so not consuming precooked food thats been sitting outside for awhile is always a plus. Is Oaxaca safe transportation-wise? Photo credit: Mint Images via Envato. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state. That said, use common sense; I wouldnt stroll around Oaxaca City by myself at 2:00 am. Mind you we don't hang out at bars, buy drugs or drive off onto dirt back roads in the hills. Work Coffe Inchas become a popular co-working space for locals. There are many things to do in Zihuatanejo, such as lounging on the beach, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, along with exploring the tiny but charming town of the same name. We were in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You can take buses or taxis. While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured innocent bystanders. The northern state of Tamaulipas is home to Matamoros, which is just across the Rio Grande from Brownsville, Texas. If you want to save money by taking a second-class bus, conducting thorough research beforehand is necessary. They have a private corporate meeting room with a tv screen, and seating for up to 8 people available for rent. Ill share some other safety tips at the end of this article to help you stay as safe as possible during your Oaxaca trip. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state. Think lush green mountains, beautiful beaches, colonial cities and impressive ruins. Ill share a combination of facts and personal experience to help you understand the nuances of safety in Oaxaca. Sinaloa cartel in Oaxaca: seven fell from the cell of the "Chino" Quintero The lieutenant of the transnational crime group also operates on the Costa Chica of Guerrero, as the beaches that . If youre a solo female traveler asking yourself, How safe is Oaxaca? My response, from personal experience, is that its very safe. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. Oaxaca is one of the best budget options for being a digital nomad in Mexico. 14068. Last Updated: Reissued with updates to health information. Don't exchange your money at the airport when you arrive in Mexico. If you choose to go with public or other modes of transportation in Oaxaca, youll find various options. Recently the city witnessed a horrible earthquake of 8.2 Magnitude. 15 Safety tips for traveling to Mexico Fly safely and observe safety guidelines. Tlayudas, memelas, and enmoladas are other popular dishes. The location will also, as always, greatly influence the price. While most taxis are safe, if you notice anything suspicious or concerning, take note of the drivers name and license plate number for reference. If you are planning on staying in Oaxaca long-term, it may be best to just settle with something that has loose commitments, such as a guesthouse, hostel or hotel, as you begin your search. Theres no shortage of guided tour options in Oaxaca City. During that time, Ive really Pros and Cons of Living in Oaxaca as a Digital Nomad, interesting and unique food in the country, 15 Best Things to Do in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, in 2023, Best Digital Nomad Luggage in 2023 (Backpacks, Suitcases & Bags), 15 Best Cities For Digital Nomads in 2023, Oaxaca is a gastronomical paradise, with some of the best and most diverse, Its one of the prettiest and safest towns in the world, Its walkable and packed with places to go and things to do, Its got an amazing expat and remote working community, The locals are some of the kindest, humble and welcoming people youll ever meet, Though very safe, Oaxaca is a poor state, so petty crime such as pickpocketing does exist, Its far from the beach (6+ hours by land, or 30 mins by air) however, the surrounding mountains make for a gorgeous backdrop, Due to rapid growth in exposure and popularity (. To prevent getting pickpocketed or robbed, stay alert, be mindful of your surroundings, and avoid leaving your belongings unattended. Cloudflare monitors for these errors and automatically investigates the cause. 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. Oaxaca's beaches are popular for surfing. You can find apartments easily here either by searching in Facebook housing groups for Oaxaca, by using a real estate agent or simply walking around the streets looking for RENTA signs posted outside. The man was found in an inland part of the city, far from the usual tourist . The word Oaxaca can be confusing for first-time visitors to Mexico. Ive explored much of Mexico as a solo female traveler and have felt safe in several other destinations in addition to Oaxaca. If youre interested in learning more about this holiday, check out my article on the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca. It was pretty slow that month. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state. So, the DOS gives the A-okay for people to travel to Oaxaca. . They include: In contrast, U.S. government employees have no travel restrictions when visiting four key tourist areas in Oaxaca, including: The bottom line is that if the DOS didnt include the Isthmus region and area northwest of Pinotepa in their statistics, theres a good chance Oaxaca could drop to a Level 1. Whether youre a seasoned digital nomad or are just starting your remote work journey, its important to pick the right luggage to accompany you on your adventures. Often, a place that seems too good to be true will be rented within a few hours of being posted online. So, I encourage you to check the U.S. Department of States website prior to making your plans and before you get on that plane. But most of the time, people mean Oaxaca City when they say Oaxaca.. Violent crime is widespread. Dengue fever is also a possibility, especially during the rainy season. Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state. (Photo: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images ), Numbeo: Crime in Oaxaca De Juarez, Mexico, Interesting Places of the Coastal Region in Ecuador, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. The quick answer: Yes! Copyright 2023 A Piece of Travel | All Rights Reserved |, Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa, Monte Alban (a great half-day trip from Oaxaca City), Dont walk around showcasing expensive items, Withdraw money from ATMs inside a bank, not street ATMs, Never carry around all of your credit cards and cash, Take a taxi at night if youre staying outside the tourist center, If youre going to get inebriated, do so with a sober companion. Sometimes it is due to infrastructure (no fibre optic cables to that neighbourhood), though usually, it is due to the landlord/owner using a router from 1997, or simply subscribing the cheapest internet package. Making a Baltimore and Oaxaca crime rate comparison might seem extreme, given Baltimores bad reputation for crime. Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state, which include tourist areas in:Cancun,Cozumel, Isla Mujeres,Playa del Carmen,Tulum, andtheRiviera Maya. A real Mexican view. Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. General co-working prices start at 100 pesos ($5 USD) per day, and upwards of 850 pesos ($45 USD) per month, though may come with some limitations, such as limited time or access to facilities. 11. Oaxaca is very safe for touring independently. safely enjoy in Oaxaca? If youve known Mexican cities for violence and crime and are wondering Is Oaxaca safe, fear not. Make sure to ask around about safe swimming areas, and always heed the signs. Oaxaca truly is a top choice for Digital Nomads who are in the know about this beautiful slice of paradise. The average would be closer to about 16 MBS for homes. 7. Though I have never seen a protest be anything more than peaceful here, it is always best to try and avoid them if you see one happening, and simply walk the other direction. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. Is it safe to live in Oaxaca Mexico? If you need to get anywhere that requires crossing through the Isthmus region or Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa, I recommend heeding the DOS warning and taking a flight instead of going at it by road. Located 1500 meters above sea level, Oaxaca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by endless mezcal farms and mountains, with some of the most interesting and unique food in the country, and some of the largest populations of varied indigenous groups remaining in Mexico. Do you have any tips or advice youd like to share? Mexico boasts some of the countrys most beautiful beaches, but the Pacific is an entirely different beast from the gentle Caribbean waters. Thats because locals say Oaxaca when referring to: It just so happens that Oaxaca City, which officially goes by the name Oaxaca de Jurez, is the capital of Oaxaca state.

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