Is Oaxaca Safe to Travel to Right Now? (The Answer Might Shock You)

Wondering, Is Oaxaca Mexico Safe right now?

That’s great! As someone who’s traveled solo all over Mexico, I know that keeping your personal safety a top priority is the best way to stay safe while traveling to Oaxaca, Mexico — or anywhere.

Now, let’s examine the Is Oaxaca safe for travelers? question.

For the past few years, Oaxaca has become one of the most popular Mexico destinations.

It is located in Southern Mexico, and sits right on the Pacific Ocean. The beaches of Oaxaca are some of the best beaches in Mexico, with soft golden sand, warm water and tropical vibes.

While Mexico is portrayed as a totally unsafe country in the mainstream U.S. media, know that millions visit Oaxaca each year — with most coming from the U.S., Canada and Europe.

If Mexico were as unsafe as it’s portrayed, people would just stop coming, right!? Well, they aren’t, so that might tell you something.

According to Mexico Secretary of Tourism statistics, an astounding 35 million international travelers visited Mexico from just January to August 2021. Even with all the sinister news reports, millions still flock to Mexico.

As a large country, looking at Mexico travel safety and Oaxaca travel safety are two different things, so let’s bring our focus down to Oaxaca itself.

In this article you’re going to discover everything you need to know about Oaxaca travel safety, so let’s get right to it.

Is Oaxaca Safe for travelers

The biggest threats in Oaxaca are usually hangovers from drinking too much mezcal, and sunburns, hurricanes and mosquitoes on the beaches of Oaxaca.

However, no place on Earth is 100% safe, so it’s untrue to paint Oaxaca Mexico as a travel utopia.

As one of the poorest states in Mexico, petty crime in the tourist areas, including Centro Historico (Historic Downtown Oaxaca City) can absolutely happen.

In Oaxaca, you’ll need to always pay attention to your valuables, and never leave anything unattended.

If you’re visiting all the best mezcalerias (mezcal bars), watch your alcohol intake, never take a drink from a stranger and never leave your drink unattended with strangers.

Is Oaxaca Safe for travelers

Crime in Oaxaca Mexico

As with most tourist towns, petty theft and crimes of opportunity aren’t uncommon in Oaxaca.

This isn’t a huge problem, and if you don’t leave your valuables unattended and stay aware of your surroundings, you likely won’t be a victim of petty crimes in Oaxaca.

Shootings in Oaxaca Mexico

In recent years, there have been a few reports of shootings in Oaxaca Mexico.

As with most violence in Mexico, these shootings usually have direct ties to the cartels. However, violent acts will jar anyone’s sense of safety, especially innocent bystanders.

In late-2021, there was a shooting in a bar in Oaxaca City, and a young woman named Jazmín lost her life when hit by a stray bullet.

While I can’t say definitely this won’t happen again, I can say it’s a rare occurrence — and largely related to the cartels, which you can easily avoid.

Drugs & Cartels in Oaxaca

The Mexican drug cartels cast such a dark shadow on an otherwise amazing country. As I live in Mexico, I know first-hand what a meta topic this is, and I try to navigate it carefully.

What I do know is not buying drugs in Oaxaca is the best way to avoid the cartels, and not support them.

I’ve lived in a few places in Mexico, including Tulum and Playa del Carmen, both located just south of Cancun. There is definitely a cartel presence in these areas, as three of the biggest Mexico party towns.

By comparison, you rarely get offered to buy drugs in Oaxaca City. However, it can happen on the beaches of Oaxaca, particularly Puerto Escondido, which has a big party scene.

If you are approached, a simple no gracias, and they will leave you alone. If you’re out somewhere and get approached by multiple people in a row, it might be a good idea to find another place to hang out.

This is the best advice I can offer for Oaxaca safety: Avoid anything related to the cartels, don’t buy drugs off them, and stay as far away from them as physically possible — and you’re well on your way to safe travels in Oaxaca Mexico.

Is Oaxaca Safe for travelers

Oaxaca Travel Advisories for Mexico

For any official travel advisories for Oaxaca, check the U.S. State Department website here. Keep in mind they evaluate state by state, not city by city, so it’s not always easy to get an accurate picture of the situation in Oaxaca City itself.

🇲🇽 Wondering what state is Oaxaca in? Oaxaca de Juarez (AKA Oaxaca City) is the capital of Oaxaca state.

As someone who lives in Mexico, I know there are safe places in Mexico, and unsafe places. Top Mexico travel destinations, like Oaxaca, are mostly safe.

Oaxaca tourism and tourism in general is a huge part of Mexico’s economy, so the government makes sure it stays safe so visitors keep coming back.

This is not to say that bad things don’t happen in Oaxaca; they do. However, isolated incidents happen everywhere — even your hometown.

The way to stay safe in Oaxaca is to use common sense, listen to your intuition, stay aware of yourself and surroundings and don’t buy drugs.

Is Oaxaca Safe for travelers

Best Travel Insurance for Mexico

In an article focused around safety, I’d be remiss not to discuss travel insurance for Oaxaca. Just as you insure your car, home and body, you can also insure your luggage, belongings and health while traveling.

For me, Mexico travel insurance is a must — as it can mean the difference between a $2,000 hospital bill and a $2 hospital bill if you get sick in Oaxaca.

If Oaxaca travel safety is on your mind, get your FREE quote below from World Nomads and Safety Wing, two of the biggest names in travel insurance.

⭐️ World Nomads travel insurance

They have the Standard Plan with general travel coverage, and the Explorer Plan, for those who want to do adventurous activities while traveling in Oaxaca, like climbing the Monte Alban Ruins or surfing in Puerto Escondido.

Plans average about $7 USD per day.

⭐️ Safety Wing Digital Nomad insurance

Safety Wing is the best Mexico travel insurance for digital nomads and long-term travelers who plan to stay a while.

Plans start at only about $42 USD per month — so this is a no brainer — as you get both medical travel insurance and general travel insurance.

Is Oaxaca Safe for travelers

Mexico gets a bad wrap in the mainstream media, and perhaps you’ve been warned not to do any Mexico solo travel, but make sure you consider the source.

As you probably know, the news has a habit of reporting the doom and gloom side of life because that’s what sells.

Oaxaca attracts all kinds of travelers, from honeymooners and families, to luxury and solo travelers.

It is considered safe for solo travel in Mexico because there are many solo travelers so it’s easy to meet others, especially if you’re staying in one of the best Oaxaca hostels.

I know I am just one voice in this conversation, so check out this first-hand account from Poonam, a Canadian woman who has also done solo travel in Oaxaca.

Group Tours in Oaxaca

Just because you’re doing solo travel in Oaxaca Mexico, doesn’t mean you have to be solo all the time.

Solo travel just means you’re the sole person who gets to decide what you do with your precious travel time while on your Oaxaca trip.

If there’s somewhere you’re not comfortable going alone, or you just don’t feel like dealing with how to coordinate transportation there, book a group tour.

They are a great way to meet other travelers (often other solo travelers), and offer a safe way to see the Oaxaca sites.

🇲🇽 Two great places to book Oaxaca tours are Viator and Airbnb Experiences.

Is Oaxaca Safe for travelers

There’s no reason to think that kids and families are any less safe in Oaxaca than solo travelers, couples and group travelers. The same standard Oaxaca safety tips apply across the board, from families to all travelers.

These include not walking home at night, staying aware of your belongings, and going with group tours when you’re venturing off the beaten path.

There are so many things to do in Oaxaca City, but for kids who love being out in nature, there’s plenty to see just outside of the city.

For outdoor activities, don’t miss Hierve el Agua, Zapotec villages in the Pueblos Mancomunados and the Apola Waterfalls.

Is Oaxaca Safe for travelers

Is Oaxaca safe at night?

The population of Oaxaca City is about 300,000, so Oaxaca is a pretty small town. Because of this, walking alone at night isn’t considered too dangerous.

However, always listen to your intuition, meaning that if it feels safer to take a taxi ride instead of walking, do that. While there’s no Uber in Oaxaca, taxis operate all day and night.

⚠️ Oaxaca Safety Tips: Watch your mezcal intake

While I won’t tell anyone to go to Oaxaca and stay sober if that’s not what you want — I will say to go easy on the mezcal and stay extra alert when visiting the Oaxaca mezcal bars.

🥂 Planning to party hardy? Liquid IV hydration multiplier is a game changer in the fight against hangovers! With more than 86,000 Amazon reviews, you know it works.

▶︎ Shop Now on Amazon

Safety always goes way down when there’s a lot of booze involved, but again, I’m not here to lecture you.

Also, never take drinks from strangers in Oaxaca (or anywhere) — even cute strangers — and don’t leave your drink unattended with a stranger. If you’re headed to the restroom, take your drink with you for safety’s sake.

Is Oaxaca Safe for travelers

Tourist Scams in Oaxaca

There aren’t a ton of things you need to be aware of while traveling to Oaxaca Mexico, but there are some common tourist scams in Oaxaca to be aware of.

These things aren’t exactly the norm, but you’ll want to know about them for the sake of staying safe in Oaxaca.

🏧 Oaxaca ATM Scams

Many places in Oaxaca are cash only, so you’ll need to use ATMs in Oaxaca.

They’re located all over town, but the safest ATMs in Oaxaca are inside banks, and not just on the street. If there’s a problem, you’re already at the bank so staff can assist you, which isn’t the case at street ATMs.

Besides street ATMs, I’d also avoid ATMs inside convenience stores.

These are often privately owned, and if something happens, like it takes your card or never dispenses your cash, it’s often impossible to find the owner and get a refund, or get your card back.

🚔 Police Corruption in Oaxaca

In Facebook groups for expats and digital nomads in Oaxaca, like Expats Oaxaca, you can read past posts about corruption by police officers in Oaxaca.

It’s not that all cops in Oaxaca and Mexico are corrupt, but the bad ones certainly ruin it for the good ones.

For the most part, police will only approach you if you’re breaking any laws. One of the best ways to attract police attention is by being drunk and acting rowdy in public, so you don’t want to do that.

If you’re renting a car in Oaxaca, be sure to obey all Mexico driving laws. Driving in Oaxaca is pretty straightforward, but you still need to remain mindful of laws and rules at all times.

🚙 Oaxaca Car Rental Scams

If you’re getting a Oaxaca car rental, make sure to take photos of the entire car, including the interior, in case there are any disputes when you return it.

Head here for more information on common Mexico car rental scams.

🚨 Robberies in Oaxaca

While not incredibly common, robberies and theft in Oaxaca can happen.

When packing for Mexico, you’ll want to leave all valuables at home. Also, only carry a small amount of cash on you — $1,000-1,500 pesos (about $50-75 USD) should be more than enough for the day.

👗 Wondering what to wear in Oaxaca Mexico?

Oaxaca has a desert climate, so is quite hot during the day, and cool to cold at night. For outfits, think flowy sundresses by day, and layers by night.

Need more info? ▶︎ Head here for a Mexico outfits guide

Is Oaxaca Safe for travelers

Safest and Best Oaxaca Neighborhoods

As with most places on Earth, safety can come down to what parts of town you plan to stay in and hang out in. Like all cities, Oaxaca has safe areas and areas you might want to avoid (especially at night).

So, let’s examine where to stay in Oaxaca so you’re in a safe area.

Jalatlaco: Best Neighborhood in Oaxaca

Love street art, colorful buildings and cute cafes

Then head to the hippest of all Oaxaca neighborhoods — Jalatlaco (pronounced ha-lat-lack-oh). It is located just outside of Centro Historico and the Zocalo, and makes for a fun, leisurely place to just stroll around.

🤔Not sure where to stay in Oaxaca City?

There are some great places here, and it’s less touristy than Centro Historico so you get a more authentic locals’ vibe.

Of the best hotels in Jalatlaco, you’ll fall in love with City Centro Hotel, the famous pink hotel in Oaxaca City.

Xochimilco Oaxaca City

This is Oaxaca City’s oldest and most historic neighborhood, Xochimilco (pronounced so-chee-mill-co) is located just north of Centro.

You will still get the old school colonial city feel and look in this neighborhood, but you’ll be further away from the crowds. (Don’t miss the 18th century aqueduct that runs along Callejon Rufino Tamayo street.)

Being slightly on the outskirts of Centro Historico in this hisoric barrio (neighborhood) means you get great value at Oaxaca boutique hotels — like Casa de Arte and El Callejón Hotel.

Is Oaxaca Safe for travelers

They do have DiDi Taxi through the DiDi Rider app, which lets you call a Oaxaca taxi via the app. It’s basically like using Uber or Lyft, but you will get a regular cab.

• Download DiDi Rider for iPhone
• Download DiDi Rider for Android
• Note: If you want to use the DiDi Rider app, make sure you have a Mexico SIM card with data so you can call one when you need it.

I personally prefer to call taxis via the DiDi Rider app, so I have a record of my trip, I can share the trip status with someone else, the price is already set for me, and I don’t have to pay in cash.

Is Oaxaca Safe for travelers

Renting a Car in Oaxaca Mexico

Renting a car in Oaxaca City gives you the freedom to venture off the beaten path on day trips from Oaxaca, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.

With tours, you only get a limited amount of time in each place, but with your own rental car, you set the schedule.

The public transportation in Oaxaca isn’t great, but you can always use DiDi Taxi and regular Oaxaca taxis. You can also take these best Oaxaca tours in lieu of driving a rental car.

You’ll want to exercise more caution than usual, as Oaxaca roads aren’t always well-maintained. Also, avoid driving at night because many roads aren’t well lit, or lit at all.

Since you’ll be driving in another country, where you’re unfamiliar with local driving laws, make sure to check out these 10 Oaxaca Mexico driving tips.

They will help you get comfortable with how to drive in Oaxaca state, and how to drive anywhere in Mexico.

For the majority of visitors, it’s perfectly safe to drive in Oaxaca City and the surrounding areas.

🚙💨 Driving from Oaxaca City to the beaches of Oaxaca

Wondering, Does Oaxaca have beaches?, or if there are beaches near Oaxaca City. From Oaxaca City to the nearest beach, it is about 160 miles (260 km) and usually takes about 6-8 hours of driving.

Check out these guides on how to safely get from Oaxaca to the beaches — Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido and Oaxaca to Huatulco. For safety info, check out the links below for Puerto Escondido, Mazunte and Huatulco safety:

• Is Huatulco Safe?
• Is Puerto Escondido Safe?
• Is Mazunte Safe?

For the majority of visitors, it’s perfectly safe to drive in Oaxaca City and the surrounding areas.

Bloqueos: Oaxaca Road Protests

Though not common, road protests in Oaxaca do happen from time to time, and can add hours to the trip.

These bloqueos, or blockades, happen when locals are protesting and essentially shut down the road that passes through their part of town.

Unfortunately, there is no way to predict these, and really no way to tell how long they will last when they do happen.

As an absolute worst case scenario, I have heard of people having to stay the night in the town the bloqueo is happening in — though this is extremely rare.

Is Oaxaca Safe for travelers

Of course, you’ll want to be mindful of your belongings at all times because crimes of opportunity can happen in even the safest of places. Here’s a rundown of your Oaxaca public transportation options:

ADO: Best Buses in Oaxaca

Bus transport in Mexico is safe, inexpensive and convenient. It is used by both locals and visitors alike.

ADO is the largest Mexico bus company, with a fleet of luxury buses. There are also second class buses, but for only a few dollars more, the luxury ADO bus is absolutely worth it.

Note: The ADO website is not user-friendly and doesn’t take United States credit cards, so you’ll want to book your Oaxaca bus tickets via GuateGo.

🚌💨 Mexico City to Oaxaca Bus

In this class, you’ll enjoy the large, comfy, recliner seats and outlets at each seat for your gadgets. These only cost a few dollars more than the budget class buses, but you get a much more comfy ride.

Oaxaca Colectivos (Shared Vans)

A colectivo (AKA camioneta) is a shared passenger van that seats between 10-12. These are the cheapest way to get around in Oaxaca, popular with budget travelers and locals.

Prices vary, but you’ll usually never spend more than $50 MXN pesos ($2.50 USD) per ride.

Most companies in Oaxaca use Nissan Urvans, Toyota Hiace or Dodge Sprinter vans. The vans themselves are comfortable enough, and well-maintained, but don’t expect any extras like AC.

The one caveat I give is that if you don’t speak Spanish, it’s not always easy to use the colectivos in Oaxaca. There aren’t online schedules for colectivos, so your best bet is to ask a local to direct you to the one you need.

You’ll have to at least know the direction you’re headed, then head to a main road, and look for a line of people — they are usually waiting for the bus or colectivo.

Is Oaxaca Safe for travelers

That’s not to say people don’t also get sick while traveling to Oaxaca; they do.

The truth it this: Getting food poisoning in Mexico is a bit of the luck (or unluck) of the draw.

Don’t assume just because food is cooked on the street and not in a building, that it’s automatically bad or unsafe to eat because that is just untrue.

Since moving to Mexico in 2018, I’ve seen people who only eat in high end restaurants get a bad case of Montezuma’s Revenge (AKA Traveler’s Diarrhea, or TD).

I’ve also seen people who exclusively eat street food, but don’t get sick, and have the trip of their lives.

The reality is leaving your home country to visit another is risky on your stomach, as you’re not acclimated to what’s in that country’s food and water.

To some extent, all food and water have bacteria, but your body knows how to handle the ones you come in contact with often.

How to pick the best Oaxaca street food

Wondering where to NOT eat in Oaxaca? Sadly, there are no hard and fast rules.

The tips you’ll find below aren’t an exact science, but they’re a good line of defense to help ensure you’re one of the people who doesn’t get sick in Oaxaca from the food.

1. Look for long lines: Long lines mean a good reputation for both their food, and their hygiene.

2. Look for taxi cabs: Cab drivers drive around all day, so they can eat anywhere they want — because of this, they also know where all the delicious, inexpensive, hygienic places are.

3. Look for two employees: Make sure there are at least two people working, and that the one cooking the food is not the one handling the money.

4. Look for hand sanitizer: If you don’t see a bottle of hand sanitizer, skip that stand for one that has some.

5. Look at yourself: Remember that your own hands are one of the dirtiest parts of your body, and you’re about to use those to eat! When possible, wash your hands before eating, and use hand sanitizer liberally.

Know that this does mean “all humans,” including Oaxaca locals, Oaxaca visitors, and even Oaxaca Mexico expats like me. I have lived in Mexico since 2018, and still don’t drink unfiltered Mexico water.

Single use plastics from bottled water are horrible for the planet. Do your part and travel with a reusable bottle from Water-To-Go. Use code SOLO15 for 15% OFF your entire purchase.

▶︎ Get your Water-To-Go Bottle

The important thing here is these are often different microorganisms than you’re used to in the U.S. — but that doesn’t mean they are any better or any worse; just different.

In recent years, Mexico water filter standards have improved, but still aren’t safe enough. For this reason, I recommend Oaxaca travelers get a Water-To-Go Bottle.

According to their website, the 3-in-1 filter membrane removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants.

Is Oaxaca Safe for travelers

Top 15 Oaxaca Safety Tips for Mexico Travelers

Millions of visitors travel to Oaxaca each year to soak up the rays on the best Oaxaca beaches, eat a whole lot of tacos and Oaxaca food, stroll historic Downtown Oaxaca City, climb the ancient ruins at Monte Alban, swim in the thermal pools at Hierve el Agua… and more!

Before I go too far and make Oaxaca sound like some kind of travel utopia, I’ll stop here and say there are definitely some things to remain aware of.

While in Oaxaca, you’ll want to keep safety as your top priority by following the 15 tips below in this Oaxaca safety guide.

1. Stay Hydrated

Most people don’t associate hydration with safety, but the better hydrated you are, the more clear you are mentally.

If you’re hydrated, you’re making great decisions and able to stay alert and aware of yourself, your valuables and your surroundings at all times.

Can you drink the water in Oaxaca?

Unfiltered tap water in Oaxaca is not safe to drink, but you will need to drink plenty of water. Reusable Water-To-Go Bottles have a three-stage water filter so you don’t get sick in Mexico.

▶︎ Save 15% with code SOLO15

2. Brush up on your Spanish

It’s always a good idea to brush up on your Spanish before traveling to Mexico, just in case.

Download the free Duolingo App and get in a little practice before your Oaxaca vacation, so you’re comfortable with everyday basics and casual niceties.

👩‍💻 Looking for a more structured language learning program? Rocket Spanish will have you confident and conversational in just a few modules.

3. Ask Locals for Advice

No one knows their town like a local, and getting the advice of a local can be a travel game changer.

Mexicans are some of the friendliest people on Earth, so don’t be afraid to chat up your neighbor in a cafe, your server or bartender, a shop owner, etc.

4. Check In with Family and Friends

Set a regular time to check in with your family and friends back home. For some travelers, you’ll want to check in with a daily phone call, but for others, a text every other day will suffice.

You can even set up a group chat via text so you check in with everyone at once.

5. Get a Mexico SIM Card

The easiest way to check in with family members and friends back home? With a Mexico SIM card!

If you want to be able to use your phone in Oaxaca (who doesn’t?!), you’ll need a Mexico phone plan, as there’s not generally free public WiFi in Oaxaca.

Telcel is the largest cell provider in Mexico, so you’ll want one of their SIM cards so you get the best service in the most places.

For most travelers, a 3GB card will be more than enough for a week in Oaxaca, but if you think you’ll need more, there are 4GB cards and 8GB cards.

6. Carry Cash at all times

Not all businesses in Oaxaca take credit cards, especially mom and pop shops, so make sure you always have pesos on you. If you’ll be taking a lot of taxis and buying street tacos, you’ll need to pay for those in cash.

7. but don’t carry too much cash

For most travelers, $1,000-1,500 pesos a day ($50-75 USD) will suffice.

One of my best Oaxaca tips is to use your credit card whenever possible, but in places you can’t, then pay with cash. Always try to reserve your cash, so you don’t have to keep going to the ATM in Oaxaca.

8. Don’t keep your cash in one place

▶︎ Shop Bra Wallets on Amazon

▶︎ Shop Money Belts on Amazon

You’ll want to divide your cash, so it’s not all in your wallet. In the unlikely event you get robbed or lose your wallet, you’ll want to have a reserve of cash on you to get safely back to your hotel or accommodation.

There are great items available nowadays to keep your money protected while traveling.

These money belts have been around for a while now as an inconspicuous place to hide money. In recent years, these hidden bra wallets have also become a travel safety must have.

10. Never accept drinks from strangers

Never take drinks from strangers in Oaxaca (or anywhere), and yes, this even applies to cute strangers.

Also, don’t leave your drink unattended with a stranger, so if you’re headed to the restroom, you’ll want to take your drink with you for safety’s sake.

11. Go easy on the drinks

🥂 Planning to party hardy? Liquid IV hydration multiplier is a game changer in the fight against hangovers! With more than 86,000 Amazon reviews, you know it works.

▶︎ Shop Now on Amazon

While I won’t tell anyone traveling to Oaxaca to stay sober and not imbibe, I will say to go easy on the mezcal as it’s very strong.

Safety always goes way down when there’s a lot of booze involved, which I’m sure you already know, but consider this your friendly reminder.

12. Stay in the best neighborhoods in Oaxaca

For first time visitors, you’ll find staying in Oaxaca Centro (Downtown) near the Zocalo very convenient, as it’s super walkable.

There’s also the colorful and artsy Jalatlaco neighborhood, and Xochimilco, the most historic neighborhood in Oaxaca — all three are great options.

13. Be extra careful at night

As with many places in the world, most crimes in Oaxaca occur at night. Besides being extra careful at the bars in Oaxaca, you’ll also want to be extra careful when walking alone at night.

Personally, I always take a taxi home at night, and recommend you do the same.

⚠️ In the event of an emergency while traveling to Oaxaca, call 9-1-1.

Is Oaxaca Safe for travelers

That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Oaxaca City; they do. However, isolated incidents happen everywhere — even your hometown.

🗣 To get a better idea of life in Oaxaca City, you can start a conversation with people who are actually living in Oaxaca via Facebook groups like Expats Oaxaca.

However, no place on Earth is 100% safe, so to make a blanket statement that “Yes, Oaxaca is safe to live,” wouldn’t be accurate.

As one of the poorest states in Mexico, you will have to be mindful, but overall, the Oaxaca crime rate is pretty low.

If you’re considering moving to Oaxaca, you’ll want to learn Spanish. While there’s a large Oaxaca expat population, most Oaxacans don’t speak English.

You can use Duolingo for free, but the structured program Rocket Spanish provides is much more effective.

Earthquakes in Oaxaca

Besides personal safety, you should be aware that there are Oaxaca earthquakes.

The majority of earthquakes to hit the state of Oaxaca won’t be felt in Oaxaca City directly, but this is absolutely possible as the majority of Mexico is within the Ring of Fire.

Oaxaca Healthcare

The private Mexico healthcare system is excellent. In fact, some Americans travel to Mexico as medical tourists to get procedures done at a fraction of what they cost in the U.S.

Prescription drugs are also much cheaper in Mexico and South America than the U.S.

Most Oaxaca expats will buy private insurance through a provider like SafetyWing — which has plans that start at just $42 USD per month.

On a personal note, I have been a happy customer of SafetyWing Insurance since 2022.

Best Hospitals in Oaxaca

There are both state-run hospitals and private hospitals in Mexico and Oaxaca. As you might imagine, the private hospitals are much nicer.

In these, you usually get English-speaking medical personnel as well, so if you’re sick in Oaxaca, head to these hospitals:

• Clinica Hospital Carmen in Downtown
• Hospital Reforma in Downtown
• Hospital del Valle in the Reforma neighborhood near Downtown

Is Oaxaca Safe for travelers

Oaxaca Mexico Travel: Frequently Asked Questions

Oaxaca Map 🗺️

The southern edge of the state sits on the Pacific Ocean. Oaxaca City is the state’s capital city, and located about six hours south of Mexico City, you can book direct flights.

Is Oaxaca Safe for travelers

You might see this airport called Xoxocotlán International Airport, but it’s still OAX. This makes getting to Oaxaca Mexico very easy, and you can book your Oaxaca flights now!

🚐 Best Oaxaca Airport transportation

However, the temperate weather in Oaxaca City means it can be a year-round destination.

🌡️ Oaxaca weather

While it will rain during the Oaxaca rainy season, you’ll also get lower prices — as this is the slow season.

Need info on the Oaxaca climate to expect when you travel, and a Oaxaca weather by month guide? Check out this Best Month to Visit to Oaxaca article.

No matter than you visit, pack some eco-friendly bug spray and these anti-mosquito bracelets if you want to avoid aerosols.

There’s also this great reef-safe sunscreen from Bullfrog that has SPF 50 and also repels mosquitoes.

Is Oaxaca Safe for travelers

For those who want to explore the villages outside town, like Hierve el Agua in San Lorenzo Albarradas, San Agustín Etla, Teotitlán Del Valle and San Pablo Villa de Mitla, you’ll want at least 5-6 full days.

In fact, Oaxaca is known as the Foodie Capital of Mexico, so try both the street food in Oaxaca and the restaurants. For more info to answer the Why is Oaxaca famous? question, check out the linked article.

Is Oaxaca Safe for travelers

There’s everything from history, colorful festivals, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, locally-made Oaxacan mezcal, beautiful nature, colonial architecture, indigenous artisan communities, and of course, the Oaxacan food.

As you’ll usually need to take at least two flights to Oaxaca, Mexico, or even a flight and a bus, you might still be wondering if traveling to Oaxaca is worth it.

I hope this guide to Oaxaca made it clear that YES IT IS!

Final Thoughts: Is Oaxaca Safe Right Now?

You may have noticed there was never a definitive yes or no answer to the Is Oaxaca safe to travel to? question.

The reality is that there is crime in Oaxaca City, some petty and some serious, but most visitors travel to Oaxaca Mexico and have a great trip.

The minority of visitors have a negative experience in Oaxaca, but those are the voices you hear over the people who loved visiting Oaxaca.

As someone who’s been to Oaxaca, and lives in Oaxaca part-time, I think it’s as safe as much of Mexico — but with Oaxaca’s rise in popularity has come a rise in crime.

Still, it’s safe for the most part, and you should not be deterred from visiting Oaxaca because there is some crime.

If you only went to the places where there’s no crime at all, you’d never be able to leave your house because by that metric, even your hometown isn’t safe.

In short, Is it safe to travel to Oaxaca Mexico?, How dangerous is Oaxaca Mexico? and How safe is Ooaxaca City? have no definitive answer.

Like anywhere else in the world safe, it is safe for the majority of visitors, but not all visitors.

In Oaxaca, exercise caution, use common sense, follow the same general travel precautions you would anywhere else, and know the odds are in your favor.