Is Oaxaca Safe to Visit? 2023 Guide

We’ll discuss Oaxaca safety in this article, along with tips on how to enjoy your trip and take part in the city’s top attractions.

The city of Oaxaca serves as the state capital of Mexico’s Oaxaca. It is renowned for its safety, amazing food, and traditional Mexican charm. It seems as though Mexican crime is a frequent topic of American news coverage., prompting you to wonder, “is Oaxaca safe?”

Oaxaca is relatively safe, especially for tourists, and ranks similarly to the Riveria Maya region in terms of safety. Let’s get right to it and learn everything you need to know about Oaxaca travel safety in this article.

Is Oaxaca Safe?

One of the safest states in Mexico to travel to is Oaxaca. Although Oaxaca is generally safe, visitors should still use caution to avoid petty theft while they are in this southern coastal state.

As long as you take the proper precautions to avoid Oaxacan minor offenses like theft, traffic infractions, and harassment, you will have a blast there.

One of the safer places to travel in Mexico is Oaxaca, which has a lower crime rate than other nearby states. The majority of the local violence is drug-related and does not affect tourists.

Because Oaxaca is so far south and a bit off the beaten path, it’s not overcrowded like other tourist destinations in Mexico. Mexico has many tourist destinations where there is a high rate of crime.

Crime in Oaxaca

Pickpocketing and petty theft are the primary forms of crime in Oaxaca. Most tourists don’t encounter any serious crimes. You must always keep an eye on your possessions, though, and take care of them.

The area has avoided the cartel violence that has plagued other areas of Mexico and the infrequent drug violence. However, you should continue to steer clear of drugs and those who are involved with them.

Due largely to its lower cost of living, Oaxaca has significantly less crime than other areas. While visiting the area, you should exercise caution to prevent any issues.

Driving: Dicey But Doable

By all means, take the chance to drive around the city and the surrounding area if you have a lot of international driving experience and can handle aggressive drivers. In that case, it would be preferable for you to take the bus or a taxi.

Large potholes and frequent speed bumps are present on the roads, which are also in poor condition overall and get worse in rural areas. Roads in and around the landmark are very confusing because Oaxaca is a historic city from the colonial era.

It’s preferable to hail a ride from a driver who is familiar with the area. The frequent protests are another issue to be aware of when driving through Oaxaca city. The town’s streets are typically blocked by worker and union protests.

Even though these demonstrations rarely turn violent, you might be stuck there for several hours before they break up. You should try to hail a taxi or walk because parties frequently block the roads.

Top Safety Tips for Traveling to Oaxaca

Traveling to Oaxaca shouldn’t fill you with dread. It’s a fantastic location with plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation by the beach. Here are some of our top safety recommendations for Oaxaca to keep you traveling safely because it’s not a theme park.

• Don’t walk around looking rich – Any of these things will make you a target for thieves, including wearing designer clothing, flashy watches, expensive jewelry, and constantly having your smartphone out in public.
• Do your research – Oaxaca is a sizable city, so it’s crucial to make adequate plans. Safety norms and cultures vary considerably across different regions. Puerto Escondido is very different from the capital, for example
• Limit the amount of money you carry around with you – The more you possess, the more you might stand to lose. Additionally, flashing a wad of cash out of a wallet might attract the wrong kind of attention. To conceal your cash, put on a money belt.
• Be careful when using ATMs – Make use of them during the daytime and preferably inside a mall, store, or bank. Watch out for your surroundings.
• Keep an eye on your belongings – Even on your checked-in suitcase at a hotel or your backpack at the bus stop. It’s possible that they’ll vanish.
• Report crimes to the local police – 911 should be called in an emergency. You won’t have any more options after you leave the country if you don’t file a formal complaint.
• Try to dress down and blend in with what you are wearing – It’s best to err on the side of casual. Consider how others are likely to be dressed around you.
• Be careful of people who claim to be police officers – Nobody is exactly what they seem to be. Ask for specifics, such as their name, badge number, patrol car number, etc. if you’re unsure.

• Watch out for scam artists – People approach you and demand financial assistance or personal information. Such impromptu chats should be regarded with suspicion.
• If somebody tries to rob you, hand over the goods – Being a hero in these circumstances just isn’t worth it.
• Be careful on beaches – Even though some beaches have lifeguards, flags, and warnings, not all of them will. A local should be consulted before swimming at any particular beach to ensure safety.
• Research tour companies – If you’re going on an adventure or even a tour, make sure the company you choose has a good reputation and high safety standards.
• Watch out for tainted alcohol – There have been reports of “fake” alcohol, which can be very dangerous.
• Don’t leave food and drink unattended – Keep an eye on it and use caution because food and drink can spike.
• Don’t get involved in drugs of any kind – Simply put, it’s not a wise move. The consequences are severe.
• Know what to do in the event of an earthquake – Although it’s unlikely that a major earthquake will happen while you’re in Oaxaca, it’s still a good idea to be prepared.
• Pay attention to the weather – You can learn about the development of tropical storms along the Pacific coast from local reports. If a hurricane is headed your way, you’ll need to make preparations in advance, especially if you’re not used to this type of extreme weather.
• Protect against mosquitoes – Bring repellent with DEET, cover up at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and avoid stagnant water
• Get a local sim card – As a result, you will be able to use the phone, the internet, and maps to stay in touch with people. Your safety will reap a variety of advantages.
• Learn some local lingo – Even if you’re not fluent in Spanish, knowing a few words and phrases would be useful (and appreciated), especially for understanding menu items.

Oaxaca is generally safer than most of Mexico, but this does not mean you can roam around carefree. As you explore this incredible Mexican state, keep in mind our advice and be careful.

Is Oaxaca Safe to Travel Alone?

Even when traveling alone, Oaxaca is a fantastic destination.

It’s a great destination for history buffs, with the colonial district of the capital city to explore, as well as for foodies, with a wide variety of delectable treats to savor.

Even though it may not be a popular tourist destination, it is possible and worthwhile. We’ve put together some advice for solo travelers in Oaxaca to keep in mind as you move around the city.

• Stay in a welcoming hotel. For instance, the capital city has a nice selection of hostels where you can meet and get to know other travelers over free breakfasts and other amenities. Just be sure to read reviews and find a safe place to stay that fits your personality.
• Prepare by doing some research. Finding safe, secure, and affordable housing on demand is not always going to be simple or practical. To avoid disappointment, prepare in advance, be aware of what to anticipate, and reserve hotels and hostels well in advance.
• Avoid going for a nighttime stroll alone. This will obviously depend on your location, but generally speaking, doing so will put you at greater risk than not.
• Stay alert. Be careful not to wander aimlessly through cities or other urban areas while holding your iPhone. The better course of action is to avoid getting distracted by your phone and to instead pay attention to your surroundings.
• Before you travel, download every app you’ll need for safety. Make sure you have offline-capable versions of apps like Maps.me and other important ones. This could be very useful. However, it’s still wise to use your phone quietly, especially in crowded cities.
• Maintain a charged phone. Always make sure you have enough battery life before you leave because it will be a lifesaver for you, especially in an emergency. Take a backup battery pack with you if you can.
• When visiting beaches alone, use caution. Consider not bringing anything to the beach because it is not a good idea to leave valuables and belongings unattended there if you go swimming because they could disappear. Otherwise, you might want to spend money on a dry bag you can bring swimming.

• Ask locals or the people at your accommodation for their insider knowledge of the area in which you find yourself and about They might know interesting places to go and things to eat that your guidebook won’t have shown you in Oaxaca as a whole.
• Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. Trust us when we say that you don’t want to get sunstroke. Use plenty of sunscreens, cover up when you can, avoid spending the entire day in the sun, spend some time in the shade, and most importantly, stay hydrated.
• Remain in touch with family and friends back home. Tell them where you are right now, what you’re doing, and what you’ve been up to, as well as your travel schedule. Both of them and you will want to communicate with one another, and hearing your own voice will be reassuring to you.
• Do not over-exert yourself. Recognize when to halt and when to rest. That applies to exploring Oaxaca in general. You are not required to follow your guidebook’s instructions to the letter. Travel at your own pace and, if you feel like it one day, spend the entire day lounging on the beach or doing whatever else you want.
• Travel light. Because you have more possessions to worry about, we are aware from experience that traveling with too much luggage can be dangerous as well as enjoyable. Keep your luggage to a minimum, ideally only needing one (not overstuffed) backpack or suitcase.
• Don’t keep all of your money in one location; keep track of it. Everything is lost if your wallet is lost. Cash should also be spread out, along with your bank and credit cards. You might also want to think about getting an emergency credit card just in case.

Oaxaca is not what you may have imagined it to be—it’s not a remote Mexican wonderland where everything is perfect. You still need to keep an eye out for your possessions and travel cautiously because it’s somewhere in the middle.

Conclusion: is Oaxaca Safe to Visit?

One of the safest states in Mexico is Oaxaca. It’s a place full of culture, food, and Mexican heritage, and the people are friendly. Violence and crime are also at a minimum. Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s most underrated tourist destinations, provided you exercise good safety.

It is a very worthwhile destination that is safe to travel to thanks to its native culture, diverse landscapes, entertaining fiestas, and distinctive cuisine.