Essentials
🏙️ City | Oaxaca, a vibrant city known for its colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage. |
👥 Population | 300,000 |
💻 Internet Speed | 25 Mbps |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 18 MXN |
🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, bottled water recommended. |
🔌 Power | 127V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
📶 SIM Card | Providers include Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly accepted cards include Visa and Mastercard. ATMs widely available. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and guesthouses. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderate, cards accepted mostly in larger establishments. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Dany and Casa Oaxaca offer budget-friendly options. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Oaxacalifornia offers great facilities and networking opportunities. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Brújula is popular among remote workers. |
💼 Networking Events | Oaxaca Expats Meetup on Facebook organizes regular meetups. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Weekly language exchange gatherings at Casa de la Cultura. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Didi and Uber operate in Oaxaca. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented at places like Oaxaca Bike Rental. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Puerto Escondido is about 1.5 hours away by car. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Volaris operates flights to major Mexican cities. |
✈️ Top International Airline | AeroMexico provides international connections. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected through Highway 190 to Puebla and Mexico City. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The bus terminal Terminal de Autobuses de Oaxaca is the main transport hub. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; services are pay-per-ride. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses frequent travel to nearby towns like Monte Albán and Mitla. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de la Mujer is a major healthcare facility. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Oaxaca Yoga offers a variety of classes. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit is a popular gym with reasonable fees. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Lavaxpress provides excellent laundry services. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and Domicilios.com for local food deliveries. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mole Oaxaca, a rich and complex sauce, is a must-try. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Hierba Dulce offers a delicious vegetarian menu. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastelería La Uva serves delightful pastries. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado 20 de Noviembre for local produce and meals. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Mexico operates for online purchases. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Superama and Chedraui offer delivery services. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Centro Histórico has vibrant nightlife options. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Oaxaca is the city's renowned brewery. |
🍷 Wine Bars | La Casa de la Cerveza offers a selection of wines and beers. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Tacos de cecina at Mercado 20 de Noviembre are highly recommended. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria Mamma Mia serves great Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The historic Zócalo and Santo Domingo Church. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museum of Oaxacan Cultures is a highlight. |
🏰 Historical Sites | Monte Albán ruins are nearby and a significant archaeological site. |
🕍 Religious Sites | Templo de Santo Domingo is a beautiful baroque church. |
🎉 Annual Events | La Guelaguetza festival in July showcases traditional music and dance. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Xochimilco is known for its colorful buildings and artisan shops. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Macedonio Alcalá hosts various performances. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Abastos is the largest market with diverse goods. |
🎼 Music Scene | Zócalo frequently features live music performances. |
🎨 Street Art | Oaxaca has vibrant murals throughout its neighborhoods. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Casa de la Cocina Oaxaqueña offers traditional cooking classes. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Oaxaca showcases modern art. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palacio de Gobierno features stunning murals. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Known for its rich indigenous culture and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sierra Norte offers stunning hiking trails. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional Benito Juárez is a must-visit for nature lovers. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | El Llano Park has paths for walking and cycling. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Oaxaca provides stunning panoramic views of the city. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Chacahua National Park is great for birdwatching. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Hiking areas in Sierra Norte have bonfire provisions. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Estafeta offer reliable parcel services. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Reparación Celular Oaxaca provides device repair. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Centro Recreativo offers ping pong facilities. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Centro de Idiomas offers Spanish classes for expats. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Infantil de Oaxaca is a cozy reading space. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Santo Domingo hosts various cultural events. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Arcade La Cueva is a popular gaming spot. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino De Oro offers gaming options in the city. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $64,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
🏦 Tax System | Income tax is based on progressive rates. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
🧾 VAT | 16% |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable to foreign ownership. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is generally low. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 2% of the property value. |