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Other Practicalities
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Practical Information for Travelers
Weather
Despite Oaxaca's southern location, its elevation and the cooling winds from its long pacific coast make the weather of the region surprisingly mild.
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Oaxaca City in particular enjoys a very pleasant weather all year long. 5,000 feet above sea level, it is much cooler than on the pacific coast or inland. From July to September, afternoon showers lasting a couple of hours are common.
The region is generally arid along the coast with more rainfall in the nearby mountains and inland. Huatulco and Puerto Escondido peak at 31° C (88 °F) in winter and can reach 35° C (95 °F) in summer.
Hurricane are common during the rainy season, chiefly along the pacific coast. Precipitations could increase dramitacally and rapidly, with very strong winds for several days.
Geography
The climate ranges from savanna and temperate forest on the Oaxaca plateau, to dry arctic conditions high in the mountains, to humid sandy beaches on the coast. On average, the Oaxaca plateau and coastline receives 50 inches of rain per year. Average temperatures are effected by altitude and proximity to the ocean. The low coastal plains are hot and humid, with annual temperatures ranging from 60F to 110F. The higher Oaxaca plateau is much more temperate and has little variation in temperatures throughout the year. It only fluctuates between 60-70F. The mountains are much colder and seldom get over 60F during the year.
Flora & Fauna
The highest peaks of the mountains in this region grow little arctic vegetation, while the lower elevations are forested with oak, pine, and fir trees. The plateau has a variety of native grasses and trees. The mountains and even the plateaus are the domain of a jaguars, bears, ocelots, peccaries, puma, and large numbers of birds, including some species of game birds. The coastal regions and lower sections of the rivers are rich in fish. Fur-bearing seal can be found along the coast as well as many varieties of sea birds.
Money
Visa, Mastercard and American Express credit cards are widely accepted.
Most local banks will give cash advances. ATM machines are common in all shopping and tourist areas.
Worldwide Visa ATM LocatorPhone and Internet
Very few international cell phone will allow you to roam in Oaxaca, but travelers can purchase a pre-paid cell phone downtown.
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If you bring a laptop computer, you can obtain a temporary dial-up account from a local ISP called Antequera Red in Oaxaca City. ++52 (561) 513-0558. They speak English.
Several hotels have internet port in the room or in a lounge.
There are also a few Cyber Cafes in the major cities. In Oaxaca City, it is at Manuel Bravo 210-E, ++52 (561) 514-9647. A smaller one is located at the top of 5 de Mayo street, behind Café Gecko. On the northern side of the city, the Terra Nostra Cafe is at Av. Morelos #600, between Garcia Vigil and Porfirio Diaz, on the second floor of the building.
Electric Power and Outlets
Standard Mexican Plug
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Electric power in Oaxaca, like in all of Mexico, is supplied at US-standard 110 Volts and 60 cycles.
But even if your appliance comes from the US, you may still need an adaptor: sockets are similar to old pre-70s US sockets, with two similar prongs and no ground. You should not have much trouble finding this adaptor at any electric store in Oaxaca City or other major city.
In most mid-range and high end hotels, electric outlets have been modified to support the US native plugs, and the continental european round-shaped prongs.
Map
The Oaxaca Handbook contains several map of Oaxaca. You can also access on-line a detailed roadmap.
The main roadmaps used in Mexico are published by Guia Roji. They can be purchased on-line.
Organized Tours
Several companies organize tour services. Contact Viajes Turisticos Mitla and Transportadora Turistica El Sol. They also offer "car with driver".
Real Estate Agencies
In Oaxaca City:
- Arlette Escobar O. ++52-515-4737 arletteescobaro@prodigy.net.mx
- Construcciones y Diseños AM ++52-520-0485
- Residencial Puente de Piedra ++52-518-4286
- Contacto Inmobiliario ++52-513-2672
- Pliego Inmobiliaria ++52-513-3010
- Contacto Inmobiliario ++52-513-2672
- Century 21 ++52-516-0323
Visa & Customs
With a tourist visa ("FMT"), you are allowed to import any of the following items:
Articles for your personal use, such as clothing, footwear, grooming and toiletry articles in reasonable amounts.
- If of legal age, up 20 packs of cigarettes, 20 cigars or 200 grams of tobacco, 3 liters of alcoholic beverage.
- Various objects worth up to $300 USD.
- Any photographic, movie or video camera for personal use, including its power source, and up to 12 rolls of film.
- Sports equipment, but no more than what is needed per person.
- Up to 20 books and/or magazines.
- Valises, suitcases etc. to carry the goods.
- One set of binoculars.
- A T.V., screen size up to 12".
- One portable radio apparatus for recording or playing, or both.
- Up to 20 Compact disks, DVD, audio tapes or equivalent.
- A typewriter or laptop/portable/notebook computer and power source.
- Portable usical instruments.
- One tent and camping equipment.
- A maximum of 5 childrens' toys.
- One set of fishing tackle, one pair of skis, 2 tennis racquets.
- A water glider, with or without sail.
- A video recorder/playback machine.
If you come with a temporary resident ("FM3") visa, the list is more restrictive.