Mexico : Safety by City
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- Zihuatanejo
Oaxaca (pronounced waa-haa-kuh) is a state in southern Mexico known for its indigenous cultures.
Its capital city of the same name is noted for colonial buildings often made of green volcanic stone.
In the main square, El Zócalo, stands the baroque Catedral de Oaxaca.
Beyond the city, pre-Columbian archaeological sites include Mitla, Yagul, and Monte Albán, the Zapotec capital dating to around 500 B.C.
Heritage tourism is an important part of the city’s economy, and it includes numerous colonial-era structures, significant archeological sites, and elements of the continuing native Zapotec and Mixtec cultures.
With Mexico having such a wide variety of safe to unsafe cities to visit, where does Oaxaca stand in terms of being safe to visit?
Let’s see.
Warnings & Dangers in Oaxaca
OVERALL RISK: LOW
The overall travel risk in Oaxaca is low, especially in tourist areas. Violent crime against tourists is rare, though not impossible; the primary concern is petty theft. Be mindful of pickpockets and bag snatchers in crowded markets (like Benito Juárez or 20 de Noviembre) and busy streets. While the city is manageable, surrounding rural areas have higher risks due to isolation and lack of services.Driving in the historic center is discouraged due to complex, narrow streets; use taxis or walk instead.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
There is a risk here, but common sense can help you avoid it. Risk of express kidnappings where thieves may work with or pose as taxi drivers to force victims to withdraw money from ATMs. is a possibility, and Hailing unmarked cabs on the street can expose you to unlicensed drivers. You can avoid these risks by having your hotel call a taxi, using an official taxi stand, using a ride-sharing app, or walking while exploring
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Medium in crowded areas such as the markets and during festivals. Transport hubs are also a bit risky. Not showing what you possess and keeping things close, such as with a money belt, should help here.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Oaxaca City faces significant natural disaster risks, primarily major earthquakes due to its location in a seismically active zone, causing strong shaking, damage, and landslides. It's also vulnerable to coastal hazards like hurricanes, tropical storms, storm surges, and tsunamis, leading to flooding, power outages, and significant infrastructure damage, especially in coastal areas.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
As long as you use plain old common sense, the risk of an actual mugging is low. Pickpockets and petty thieves are much more common. However, it can be dangerous to walk dark streets alone at night or display flashy things like expensive jewelry, cameras, and phones. As in any city, opportunists do exist.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
Oaxaca City has a Level 2 Travel Advisory from the U.S. State Department, meaning "Exercise Increased Caution" due to risks from crime, cartels, and potential terrorism, though direct terrorism risks for tourists in Oaxaca City are generally lower than violent crime, with the main concerns being petty theft and cartel activity in some state areas; travelers should stay aware of surroundings, avoid restricted zones, and use standard precautions. There are no travel restrictions within the city.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
The most common scams in this city involve fake rentals, overcharged taxi fares, restaurant over-pricing, and people making up elaborate sob stories to get money from you. If you learn some Spanish, pay with money when possible, use trusted transport, and keep valuables hidden. You should navigate this area well.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Oaxaca City is generally considered safe and great for women travelers due to its strong cultural appeal and tourist infrastructure, but typical travel precautions apply, with the main risks being petty theft (pickpocketing in crowded markets/events) and needing to be cautious at night by sticking to well-lit areas or taking group tours, while violent crime is lower than the national average. Women should focus on situational awareness, securing belongings, learning basic Spanish, and trusting their intuition to navigate safely. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas; consider group tours for evening activities or stay in well-trafficked zones near the Zócalo.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
The tap water in Oaxaca City is not safe to drink due to contamination risks from aging pipes and infrastructure, causing issues like heavy metals and bacteria, with locals and health experts recommending bottled or purified water for all consumption, including brushing teeth, to avoid waterborne illnesses. Standard practice involves purchasing large jugs of purified water for home use, as well as bottled water for drinking and cooking, and taking extra care with raw produce and ice.
Safest Places to Visit in Oaxaca
- Centro Histórico (Historic Center):
The heart of the city, ideal for walking, with major sites, restaurants, and shops; generally safe, but stay alert at night.
- Santo Domingo:
Adjacent to the historic center, home to the famous church and cultural sites, popular and safe.
- Jalatlaco:
A charming, colorful, and safe bohemian neighborhood with cobblestone streets, perfect for strolling.
- Barrio de la Noria & Barrio de Xochimilco:
Lively, traditional areas with markets and cultural activities are considered safe for visitors.
- Reforma:
A slightly less touristy but safe area for those wanting a local feel.
Places to Avoid in Oaxaca
There isn’t really a particular area to avoid in Oaxaca, but there are situations that require being aware.
These include:
- Crowded Markets & Events: The main threat in Oaxaca City is petty crime like pickpockets and bag-snatching, especially in crowded places like markets and transportation hubs or during the city’s events and festivals.
- Late-Night Walks: While generally safe, standard big-city precautions apply; avoid poorly lit or deserted streets late at night.
- Unfamiliar Neighborhoods: Stick to the areas known for tourism (Centro, Jalatlaco, Reforma, Santo Domingo, Xochimilco), where you’ll find more people and better infrastructure.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Oaxaca
- Stay aware of your surroundings. Watch for people who may be watching you too closely. Stay your distance to avoid being run into as a distraction. Watch for anything that feels “off”.
- Secure all valuables. A money belt or fanny pack is wonderful for this. Don’t lay your camera or phone on a bench beside you or on a table. Don’t carry expensive versions of these items.
- Don’t walk alone at night. This is especially true of unknown areas, unpopulated areas, and darker streets. If you must wander, consider renting a timeshare or taxi, or going on a guided tour.
- Use official taxis and ride shares. Some people will try to scam you by offering taxi rides in unlicensed vehicles. They will overcharge you and may even try to get you to make ATM withdrawals. Ask the hotel management to call for a ride and keep the local numbers handy.
- Drink only bottled or filtered water. The water is highly contaminated, and you are more likely than not to fall ill with some intestinal disease. Make sure all your water is distilled or filtered, and don’t trust the hotel to follow this. Provide your own method of filtering if necessary.
- Use common sense with street food. If food looks like it has been out all day, pass it by. Only order from booths that appear clean and that make food as it is ordered. You don’t want your vacation ruined by food poisoning.
- Learn basic Spanish. This will help you not appear so vulnerable. It also allows you to more easily ask for things like directions or help, order food, and avoid appearing totally clueless. This last makes you more likely to become a target.
- Trust your instinct. This is your best defense. If a situation or person doesn’t feel right, leave. Don’t chalk it up to paranoia.
- Don’t drive in the city center. The streets are narrow and full of potholes. The city center is perfectly safe to walk during the light hours, and there are acceptable forms of transportation if you need to go further.
- Carry a portable charger. You want to make sure your phone is charged at all times, but you can’t trust plugging it in someplace where it might be stolen. A portable charger is one of your greatest investments.
So... How Safe Is Oaxaca Really?
With a low rate of violent crime, the ability to walk safely during the day, and reliable transportation, Oaxaca is a very safe place to visit.
Women do not need to worry about traveling alone, and with some common sense put into place, any visitor can remain safe and free of petty crimes such as pickpockets.
While there is a higher than average chance of natural disasters, if you stay up to date on weather reports and follow any directions from those in charge, you will manage well.
How Does Oaxaca Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Oaxaca |
78 |
| Juarez |
28 |
| Puerto Morelos |
80 |
| Nogales |
50 |
| Isla Holbox |
85 |
| Cancun |
70 |
| Tijuana |
38 |
 Waterloo | 85 |
 Biloxi | 53 |
| Rialto | 58 |
| Fairmont | 70 |
| Granbury | 74 |
 Negril | 51 |
Useful Information
Visas
You don't need a Visa to visit Oaxaca for under 180 days, but you will need: Valid Passport: Must be valid for your entire stay. FMM Form (Multiple Immigration Form): This is your tourist permit, often given on your flight or at the port of entry, and allows up to 180 days in Mexico. Proof of Funds: May be requested to show you can support yourself. They don't want to risk letting people in who may beg or steal. Return/Onward Ticket: Proof that you plan to leave Mexico. This is necessary, or you risk being detained.
Currency
Oaxaca City uses the Mexican Peso (MXN), and while ATMs at major banks (like Banamex, Banorte) in the Centro Histórico offer the best rates, you can also find casas de cambio (currency exchange offices) with competitive rates and longer hours, or exchange cash at the airport (though rates are usually worse). Using a debit card at an in-branch ATM upon arrival is often the most convenient and cost-effective way to get pesos, while markets and smaller shops prefer cash.
Weather
The lowest temperature you are bound to encounter in Oaxaca is a nighttime temperature of 48 degrees F in December or January. High temperatures rarely exceed 82 degrees F. The average temperature throughout the year is 63 degrees F to 72 degrees F. When packing, you will want a mixture of summer clothing and lightweight clothing for a slight chill at night. You will want close-toed shoes, because walking on the uneven sidewalks can be painful. You would also benefit from having rain gear. The wetter season lasts 4.7 months, from May 21 to October 12, with a greater than 37% chance of a given day being a wet day. The month with the most wet days in Oaxaca is August, with an average of 20.2 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. The drier season lasts 7.3 months, from October 12 to May 21. The month with the fewest wet days in Oaxaca is December, with an average of 1.3 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation.
Airports
OAX (Xoxocotlán International Airport) is the primary airport for visitors flying into Oaxaca City for its culture, food, and history. Located near Oaxaca City (Xoxocotlán), serving the state's cultural and central regions. Rental cars and taxi services are readily available here.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance for Oaxaca City isn't required, but it is highly recommended, offering crucial medical coverage (as U.S. plans often don't work there), emergency evacuation, trip interruption/cancellation, and baggage protection. You don't want to think about things like food poisoning or water sickness, but they do happen. As do things like having lost or stolen items which is another thing travel insurance can cover.
Oaxaca Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
25 | 27 | 29 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 |
| Low °C |
8 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| High °F |
77 | 81 | 84 | 88 | 86 | 82 | 81 | 81 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 77 |
| Low °F |
46 | 48 | 52 | 57 | 59 | 59 | 57 | 57 | 57 | 54 | 50 | 46 |
I felt safe in Centro. Took a guided tour into the food market Central de Abastos and was told before getting close to take my watch off and keep my camera in my bag. They told me to ask whenever I wanted photos as they would take them or tell me where it was safe to take phone out of my bag.
Me Quiero Oaxaca
Have had no problems — if anything there are too many police milling around but people are gentle and kind. Several times people pointed out that I’d dropped or almost dropped money (I’m too likely to stuff bills in a pocket or forget to zip
my backpack).
Nothing but love for the people of Oaxaca.
A beautiful city
Overall I felt reasonably safe in Oaxaca. Yes, I took common sense precautions, but I do that anywhere. The city is very charming, most people are kind, and the food is nothing short of amazing. Highly recommend for those who wish to experience authentic Mexican culture.
Exploring the central part of Oaxaca sounds fun, but good luck trying to find a meal that doesn’t blow your mind.
Templo de Santo Domingo was nice, but honestly, the crowds made it a bit less enjoyable.
Visiting Oaxaca felt like stepping into a living story, especially with the breathtaking beauty of the Catedral de Oaxaca right in El Zócalo; it’s a place that really stays with you.
Ah yes, nothing like wandering around ancient ruins and colonial buildings while keeping one eye out for any surprises, because who doesn’t love a little suspense with their historical architecture tour?
Walking through El Zócalo beneath the baroque Catedral de Oaxaca, I felt surprisingly at ease and kept wondering why the safety question gets so debated.
I wandered the cobblestone streets by El Zócalo at night and, with the cathedral lit up, actually felt pretty safe.