Oaxaca Tours Oaxaca Mexico Study Learn Spanish Language Tours Oaxaca Mexico

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

1. Do I need a passport to enter Mexico?

2. How do I get to Oaxaca?

3. What do I do with the visa paper I receive as I enter Mexico?

4. What clothes are appropriate?

5. What about spending money?

6. What are the best bets for shopping?

7. What health issues should I consider?

1. Do I need a passport to enter Mexico?

All U.S. visitors to Mexico are required to carry proof of citizenship, such as a valid passport or certified birth certificate. If you are a US citizen you may enter Mexico with a notarized copy of your birth certificate. It is strongly advised, however, to enter with a valid passport since this is the usual method of entry. You will receive a tourist visa on the airplane which you will need to fill out before going through customs. Do not lose this form since you have to hand it in upon leaving the country.

2. How do I get to Oaxaca?

If you fly on Mexicana Airlines you can book yourself all the way through to Oaxaca. It is the only airline that has connecting service to Oaxaca. If you fly in on other airlines you will have to buy a connecting ticket on either Mexicana or Aeromexico. There are several flights daily. Remember that you will have to deplane in Mexico City, collect your luggage, go through customs and proceed to the National Terminal to reboard your flight to Oaxaca. I will be happy to consult with you regarding your transportation.

3. What do I do with the visa paper I receive as I enter Mexico?

Keep this paper (your Mexican tourist Visa) in a safe place because you will need to turn it in as you leave the country.

4. What clothes are appropriate?

The weather is usually mild in Oaxaca in the spring but the nights can be chilly. Light cottons with a jacket or sweater, comfortable walking shoes and a hat or sunscreen are good choices. There are some very nice restaurants where you might want to "dress up".

5. What about spending money?

I suggest that you bring some cash to get started after which you can easily get additional spending money with an ATM card. You will also be able to cash traveler's checks at any casa de cambio (with a passport as identification) but no personal checks. The exchange rate is usually better when you use an ATM card.

6. What are the best bets for shopping?

Oaxaca is renown for its hand woven and naturally dyed rugs, and textiles (including table linens, clothes and yardage) . You will also find the famous black ceramic pottery, embroidered shawls and dresses, hand-carved masks and wooden figures and amber and silver jewelry. Original art work abounds.

7. What health issues should I consider?

Hand carry any regularly taken medicine on the plane with you! Also consider bringing sunscreen, bug repellent, and Imodium for any upset tummies. There are good medical facilities in Oaxaca should the need arise.

We will do a lot of walking and the altitude is high (5700 ft) so consider that as you decide to join us. Our pace is not fast and we can often use taxis, nevertheless, you should be able to withstand a fair amount of walking.

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