Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oaxaca Safe?
Oaxaca is one of the safest states in Mexico. The violence in the news is concentrated in northern border regions far from here and the State Department has no advisory against Oaxaca City. We've traveled there many times and always felt completely safe.
Do I Need a Passport?
Yes! You'll need a valid U.S. passport to enter Mexico. Make sure it's valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates (so through at least April 2027). No visa is required for U.S. citizens visiting Mexico. If your passport is expired or close to expiring, we recommend renewing it ASAP — processing times can take 6–10 weeks.
Is This an Adults-Only Wedding?
Yes! To help us create our dream wedding atmosphere, we are hosting an adults-only celebration. We adore children, but this one's for the grown-ups! We hope this gives you a great excuse for a kid-free getaway.
What Should I Wear?
Oaxaca City is located in a valley and tends to have bright, sunny days. It will be warm during the day. Whatever the temperature reads on your weather app, its going to feel up to 10 degrees warmer when you're out and about.
Friday Welcome Party: Party Night Out — Think of your favorite stylish outfit for a fun evening out. Black and/or white are a-ok for today.
Ladies: Party dresses, minis, jumpsuits, and two piece sets are all great choices.
Gentlemen: Nice pants or well-fitting dark wash or black jeans paired with a short-sleeve button-down, knit sweater or polo or resort-style shirt are perfect. No jackets or ties required.
Saturday Wedding & Reception: Vibrant Cocktail — Think festive, colorful cocktail attire that reflects the spirit of Oaxaca. Play with bold colors, patterns, and textures. Black is out, this is a celebration of color! The ceremony is outdoors in the shade, and the evening cools after sunset, so bring a light layer.
Ladies: Mini, midi or maxi length dresses, and bold colorful suits or jumpsuits are ideal. Lean into rich, saturated color.
Gentlemen: Black is out, and colorful suits, statement blazers, and playful prints are in. Bring the color however suits you. No jeans or shorts, please. No jackets, tuxes or ties required.
Shoe tip: Cobblestone streets are everywhere and are uneven, so we strongly recommend block heels, wedges, or dressy flats.
How Do I Get to Oaxaca?
Best option: Fly directly into Oaxaca International Airport (OAX), about 25–30 minutes south of the city center. Cities like Dallas (DFW), Houston (IAH), and Los Angeles (LAX) often have nonstop or seasonal direct flights.
Alternative: Fly into Mexico City (MEX) and catch a short one-hour connecting flight to Oaxaca on Aeroméxico, Volaris, or VivaAerobus (multiple daily departures). Bonus: spend a night or two exploring CDMX on the way! We love it there and are happy to share recommendations.
Pro tip: If you're not finding exactly what you're looking for, try searching for and buying two one-way tickets instead of one round trip. At times we have had luck finding better timing and pricing that way!
Book early! Flights to Oaxaca are becoming more popular and often sell out, especially around weekends. The weekend after our wedding kicks off Día de los Muertos, the city's biggest celebration, so availability will be tight.
How Do I Get from the Airport to the Hotel?
After baggage claim at OAX, walk past the rental car kiosks and you'll find taxi stands on the right. Two options (credit cards accepted):
-
1) Private SUV / Van — direct to Zone 1 ($25-28 USD total)
-
2) Shared Van / "Colectivo" — to Zone 1 ($7-8 USD per person)
Uber is available in Oaxaca but can take longer or cost more than the airport taxis.
Where Should I Stay?
We've reserved room blocks at two boutique hotels in Oaxaca's walkable city center:
-
Nana Vida — 20% room discount available. To book, email oaxaca@nanavida.com and mention Callie & Daniel's Wedding.
-
Becino — To book, use the link on our Lodging page and mention in the notes that you are attending Callie & Daniel's Wedding. Book by September 22, 2026, standard rates apply.
Both hotels may appear sold out on booking websites since rooms are blocked for our group. Feel free to reach out to us for help!
Will I Need a Rental Car or Taxis During the Weekend?
No, unless you want to visit Monte Alban, el Tule, Mitla or Hierve el Agua. Oaxaca's historic center is pretty compact and very walkable. All of the hotels, restaurants, and wedding venues are within easy walking distance of one another. You won't need a rental car or taxi for any of the wedding events.
Can I Drink the Water?
Do not drink the tap water. Every hotel in Oaxaca provides bottled drinking water for daily use and teeth brushing, so you'll be well taken care of. Stick to bottled or purified water at all times, and you'll be all set. Ice at restaurants and hotels is made from purified water, so no worries there either. The water from street food stalls may be questionable.
What About Money & Tipping?
Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants, shops, and hotels. However, pesos are appreciated for small street vendors, markets, and tips. The exchange rate fluctuates between 16.8-17.8 MXN per 1 USD. If you exchange USD for MXN pesos at a store, expect the rate to be 1 peso less than the current exchange rate.
The standard tip (propina) in Mexico is 10%, or more if you're feeling generous. ATMs are available in the city center if you need to withdraw pesos. If you're going shopping in los mercados, its best to bring pesos.
What's the Weather Like in Late October?
October in Oaxaca is full of warm, sunny days in the high-70s to mid 80s°F with cool evenings that can dip into the upper 50s to mid 60s°F. Whatever the temperature reads on your weather app, its going to feel up to 10 degrees warmer when you're out and about. A light jacket or wrap for the evenings is a must!
Should I Extend My Trip?
Absolutely! Oaxaca is an incredible destination with so much to explore: ancient ruins at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Monte Albán, the ruins of Mitla, mezcal distilleries in the surrounding valleys, textile villages, incredible food, vibrant markets and friendly locals. Plus, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) begins the weekend after our wedding.
If you want recommendations for things to do, day trips, or restaurants/bars, or museums, just ask us!
What If I Have Dietary Restrictions?
We're working with our caterer to accommodate all dietary needs. Please note any allergies or dietary restrictions when you RSVP, and we'll make sure you're taken care of.
Will There Be a Gift Registry?
Yes! You can find our registry through the Registry link on our website. Of course, your presence in Oaxaca is our preferred gift.
Is There Anything Else I Should Know About Oaxaca City?
A few things to keep in mind:
-
Oaxaca is a beautiful, historic colonial city. Every stunning courtyard and rooftop terrace is hiding just behind a big wooden door. Wander and explore!
-
The city is in an earthquake-prone region, so most buildings are 3–4 stories tall max. Elevators are very rare so expect stairs in all buildings.
-
Leave your passport in your hotel room when exploring the city. You wont need it out and about. Carry a copy or photo of it on your phone instead.
-
The food scene is world-class, from street-side tlayudas to fine dining, you're in for a treat.
Questions we didn't cover? Rach out to us directly. We're here to help make your trip as easy and fun as possible!