Is Oaxaca Safe?

This is a very common question to ask us when we are about to visit a place where we haven't been before. As a local, I'll try to be as honest as possible, and I say this because I love my City.

We have been working for more than 20 years, hosting tourists from all over the world. And have been living in Oaxaca our entire life. If we count the robberies that had occurred in those 20 years to our guests, the number is 8. And to us 3.

Is important to mention that, as it happens in other cities, Oaxaca has its "safe" and "dangerous" places. From our reality, we can say Oaxaca is safe. But the truth is, we are always making sure we are safe by being cautious.

Anywhere you go, you have to take care of yourself, and this case is not different. Oaxaca is really beautiful, and as in other places, is worth it to visit. As locals, we want to share with you some recommendations that we think are important when living in Oaxaca.

• First, we want to start by pointing the "safe" hours. This applies to the whole City. Don't walk on the streets after 12 pm. If it's late at night and you are walking on the street, try to take the more illuminated streets, always avoiding the "dangerous" areas that I'll tell you down below. Is important to mention that robberies during the day are without you to notice (pickpocket) and during the night, since there are not many people on the streets, with more violence.

• If you want to go party late at night, call a taxi to take you to your place. You can use the Didi app, or, if you can make local calls, here is the number of taxi stations. ADO (951) 516 0503; Sitio Reforma (951) 503 1731. You just have to say "Quiero un taxi, por favor" and give the address where you are. Is always safer to call a taxi than to take one on the streets.

• The dangerous (And by this I mean the places where is more probable to be robbed) places in the center area, are the closest ones to the Benito Juárez market. More when it's very crowded. Robbers are not obvious, they don't force with you normally, but they are aware when you are distracted.

• Other touristic areas where you have to pay attention to your belongings are Central de Abastos market, Tlacolula market, El Mirador, and Monte Albán.

• Don't walk while using your cellphone at the same time.

• Try to keep your passport and the money you are not going to use yet in a safe place. Don't bring them with you when walking on the streets.

I know this post is not very positive, we are not trying to convince you not to come, but just want to make sure you are safe in Oaxaca. If (hope not) a thief assaults you, don't put up resistance. Is always better to give everything and make sure you are safe.