Nomad Watch

AI estimate Updated Mar 22, 2026 About guide entries

Essentials

City
Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, Mexico
Population
Approximately 300,000 (City), 715,000 (Metropolitan)
Internet Speed
Average 40-100 Mbps; Fiber optic available in Centro via Totalplay and Izzi
Currency & Banking
Mexican Peso (MXN). 1 USD ≈ 17.50 MXN. ATMs widely available.
Tap Water
Not drinkable. Use bottled water or 'Garrafones' (20L jugs) for roughly 45 MXN.
Power
127V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets (same as USA/Canada)
SIM Card
Telcel (best coverage), AT&T Mexico. 3GB data plan approx. 200 MXN.
Banking for Expats
BBVA, Santander, Banamex. Revolut and Wise cards accepted at most terminals.
Accommodation
Airbnb, localized Facebook groups like 'Rentals & Rooms Oaxaca', or Selina Oaxaca.
Cashless Friendly
Moderate. Restaurants and hotels in Centro accept cards; markets and street food are cash only.
Short Term Rentals
Airbnb, VRBO, and local guest houses like Casa de las Bugambilias.
Budget Accommodation
Hostel Iguana (approx. 250 MXN/night), Ticuchi Hostal (approx. 300 MXN/night).
Best Area to Stay for Tourists
Centro Histórico near Santo Domingo Temple.
Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
Jalatlaco (trendy, quiet) or Reforma (more modern, better amenities).

Working and Networking

Best Coworking Space
Convivio (Avenida Morelos 801) - Day pass approx. 300 MXN.
Best Cafe for Work
Marito & Morgane (Calle de Manuel García Vigil) or Muss Café (Miguel Hidalgo 911).
Networking Events
Oaxaca Digital Nomads Facebook Group meetups; events at Selina Cowork.
Social Events for Expats
Tuesday Night Mixer at various rotating bars; Language Exchange at Oaxaca Lending Library.

Transportation

Best Taxi/Ride App
Didi (Uber is not available); Yellow city taxis (agree on price first, approx 60-100 MXN in city).
Bike/Scooter Rental
Mundo Ceiba (Calle de Berriozábal 109) - Approx 150 MXN per day.
Best Beach Nearby
Puerto Escondido (6-7 hour drive or 30-min flight via Aerotucán).
Top Regional Airline
Aeromar, Aerotucán (for coastal flights).
Top International Airline
Aeroméxico, Volaris, United Airlines (direct from Houston).
Highway Access
Highway 131 to the coast; Highway 190 (Pan-American Highway).
Main Train/Transit Hub
ADO Bus Terminal (Calle 5 de Mayo) for long-distance luxury buses.
Public Transport Passes
No formal pass system; 'Colectivos' (shared taxis) and buses cost 8-15 MXN per ride.
Regional Travel
ADO Buses to Puebla/Mexico City; Colectivos to Tlacolula/Hierve el Agua.

Health and Wellness

Best Hospital
Hospital San Lucas (Belisario Domínguez 928) or Clínica Hospital del Carmen.
Yoga & Wellness Centers
Oaxaca Yoga (Reforma); Tierra Zen (Centro) - Classes approx. 180 MXN.
Gyms & Fitness Centers
Gimnasio Municipal; Sport City Oaxaca (Reforma) - Monthly approx. 1,200 MXN.
Laundry Services
Lavandería La Burbuja - Approx. 15-20 MXN per kilo for wash/dry/fold.

Food and Drink

Best Food Delivery App
Didi Food and Rappi.
Best Local Dish to Try
Mole Negro and Tlayudas at Tlayudas El Negro.
Vegan/Vegetarian Options
Hierba Dulce (Calle de Libres 101); Calabacitas Tiernas (Porfirio Díaz).
Best Dessert Spots
Panaderia Boulenc (Calle Real de San Felipe); Nieves de la Soledad.
Affordable Shopping Spots
Mercado 20 de Noviembre; Mercado de Abastos.
E-commerce/Online Store
Amazon.com.mx (fast delivery to local pickup points); Mercado Libre.
Grocery Delivery
Walmart Mexico app; Cornershop (by Uber).
Bar/Nightlife Area
Calle de Manuel García Vigil and Calle de Macedonio Alcalá (Andador Turístico).
Local Brewery
Consejo Cervecero Oaxaqueño (Calle de Belisario Domínguez).
Wine Bars
Vino & Vinyl (Jalatlaco); Expendio Tradición.
Street Food Stalls
Tamale vendors near San Agustín; Tacos del Carmen on García Vigil.
Popular International Cuisine
Boulenc (French/Sourdough); Gozobi (Rooftop Italian/Mexican Mediterranean).

Culture and Attractions

Must-See Landmarks
Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán; Monte Albán Archaeological Site.
Museums & Art Venues
MACO (Museum of Contemporary Art Oaxaca); Textile Museum (Calle de Hidalgo).
Historical Sites
Mitla Ruins; Ethnobotanical Garden (Jardín Etnobotánico).
Religious Sites
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad.
Annual Events
Guelaguetza (July); Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos - October/November).
Cultural Districts
Jalatlaco (Murals and history); Xochimilco (Oldest neighborhood).
Theater Venues
Teatro Macedonio Alcalá (Artec Nouveau architecture).
Local Markets
Mercado de Tlacolula (Sundays); Mercado Benito Juárez.
Music Scene
La Nueva Babel (Live jazz/eclectic); Txalaparta (Alternative/Live bands).
Street Art
Murals of Jalatlaco and ASARO collective prints in Centro.
Cooking Classes
Seasons of My Heart (Susana Trilling); Casa Crespo.
Art Galleries
IAGO (Graphic Arts Institute); Galería Quetzalli.
Historic Buildings
Edificio de la Ex-Escuela de Derecho.
Local Heritage
Alebrijes (carved wood animals) from San Martín Tilcajete.

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Nearby Nature Escapes
Hierve el Agua (Petrified waterfalls); El Tule Tree.
National Parks Nearby
Benito Juárez National Park (Sierra Norte).
Cycling/Walking Paths
Ciclovía on Avenida Universidad; Hiking trails in San Felipe del Agua.
Scenic Viewpoints
Cerro del Fortín (Auditorio Guelaguetza overlook).
Birdwatching Locations
Teotitlán del Valle reservoir area.
Bonfire-Friendly Spots
Cabins in Sierra Norte (Pueblos Mancomunados).

Other Services and Amenities

Parcel Delivery Service
Estafeta; DHL (Calle de Armenta y López).
Tech Repair Services
Fix It (Centro); various independent shops on Calle de Zaragoza.
Table Tennis Spots
Available at Selina Oaxaca; local sports complexes in Reforma.
Language Classes
Spanish Magic; Instituto Cultural Oaxaca (ICO).
Libraries & Study Spots
Oaxaca Lending Library (Pino Suárez 519); BS Biblioteca Infantil.
Community Centers
Centro Cultural San Pablo.
Gaming Lounges
Limited; mostly internet cafes near the Universities (UABJO).
Casino & Gaming Halls
Casino Caliente (Plaza Bella).

Business

Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
Approx. $45,000 MXN per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $1,800,000 MXN / $105k USD)
Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
Approx. $28,000 MXN per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $1,120,000 MXN / $65k USD)
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
Approx. $40,000 MXN per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $2,400,000 MXN / $140k USD)
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
Approx. $25,000 MXN per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $1,500,000 MXN / $88k USD)
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
Approx. $35,000 MXN per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $2,800,000 MXN / $164k USD)
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
Approx. $22,000 MXN per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $1,760,000 MXN / $103k USD)
Corporate Tax
30% (Federal Income Tax - ISR)
Dividend Withholding Tax
10% for individuals/foreigners
Tax System
Resident-based/Worldwide income; Digital Nomad Visa (Residente Temporal) may have specific exemptions.
Highest Income Tax Bracket
35%
VAT
16% (IVA)
Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
Yes, 'REFIPRE' rules apply to low-tax jurisdictions.
Property Tax
Predial (annual - relatively low, based on cadastral value).
Property Transaction Tax
ISAI (Acquisition Tax) ranging from 2% to 5% depending on state/value.
Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
No specific 0% nomad tax, but Residente Temporal beneficiaries often pay tax in home countries only if income is not Mexican-sourced.

About these guide entries

Method
AI estimate
Last updated
Mar 22, 2026
Generated by
Model not recorded
Last changed
None yet

Generated by an AI model without cited sources and not yet checked by research. A research pass replaces these values with sourced ones, compared with similar cities.

Continue exploring Oaxaca

Free views Sign up free