Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Oaxaca is a vibrant city known for its rich culture, colorful markets, and stunning architecture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 300,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 18.50 MXN. ATMs widely available, but fees may apply. Major banks include BBVA and Santander. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; it's advised to drink bottled water or use purification systems. |
| 🔌 Power | 127V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Telcel and AT&T; prepaid SIMs are available at local shops. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut and Wise work well for transferring money. Local banks like Banorte are also available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Spotahome, and local hostels. Monthly rentals typically start around $300. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are accepted at most places, but cash is still common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local realtors offer numerous short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Catrina and Casa de las Bugambilias are popular for budget stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Centro Histórico is ideal for tourists due to proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Jalatlaco and Xochimilco are favored by digital nomads for their peaceful environment and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Oaxaca Work Space offers excellent facilities and community for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Brújula is known for its fast Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are often held at Casa de la Ciudad; check local Facebook groups for schedules. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat Oaxaca is a community group on Facebook that organizes meetups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Didi is the most reliable ride-hailing app in Oaxaca. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available through local shops; electric scooters are becoming popular as well. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Puerto Escondido is the nearest beach town, about 6 hours away by bus. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Viva Aerobus connects Oaxaca with nearby cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Aeroméxico offers flights to major US cities from Oaxaca. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways including Highway 135 provide access to nearby regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Oaxaca lacks a train station; buses are the primary mode of transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses and taxis operate without passes; fares are typically under $2. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities are frequent; companies like ADO offer comfortable services. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital General Dr. Aurelio Valdivieso offers comprehensive healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Oaxaca Yoga offers various classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Total Fitness and GymX are popular for locals and expats. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavaxion is a well-reviewed laundromat offering wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Domicilios is a popular food delivery service in Oaxaca. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mole Oaxaqueño is a must-try local dish known for its complex flavors. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Taller de Culinaria offers numerous vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Casa de la Tlayuda serves delicious Oaxacan sweets, especially their chocolate. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado 20 de Noviembre is great for fresh produce and local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.mx operates in Mexico and is widely used for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Superama offers grocery delivery service in the area. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | El Centro offers various bars and nightlife options, especially around Calle Alcalá. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery La Cerveza Artesanal offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar Cornucopia offers an excellent selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street tacos from vendors on Jalatlaco Street are highly recommended. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Casa Oaxaca Restaurant serves excellent contemporary Oaxacan and international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Zócalo and Santo Domingo Church are essential stops for culture and photography. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca showcases the region's rich history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Monte Albán, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is in close proximity. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Templo de Santo Domingo is famous for its beautiful architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Guelaguetza festival in July showcases local dance and music traditions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Barrio de Jalatlaco is known for its picturesque streets and local art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Macedonio Alcalá hosts various performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado 20 de Noviembre is not only a food market but a cultural experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in various plazas and local bars, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Oaxaca features vibrant murals, especially in the neighborhoods around Santo Domingo. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Casa de los Sabores offers hands-on cooking classes focusing on Oaxacan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería Quetzalli showcases contemporary local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palacio de Gobierno is an iconic building worth visiting. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The traditional Guelaguetza dance represents indigenous history and culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hierve el Agua offers stunning rock formations and natural mineral springs. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sierra Norte's forests are perfect for hiking and exploring indigenous communities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Bicycle paths along the city parks provide great opportunities for outdoor activities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the lookout point at Monte Albán for breathtaking views of the valley. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | La Ventanilla is known for its rich birdlife, including migratory species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches near Puerto Escondido are great for bonfires, though regulations apply. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Correos de México provide reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix offers a range of repair services for devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Parks often have tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language schools such as Instituto Cultural Oaxaca offer immersive programs. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca pública central offers quiet places for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural y de Información offers various cultural events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes also serve as gaming lounges, primarily on weekends. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Oaxaca does not have casinos; entertainment is generally more cultural. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income, non-residents only on Mexican income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are strict regulations for CFCs. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is low, typically 0.1% of the property's value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 2-4% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No income tax for foreign-sourced income if you stay under 183 days. |