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Contact Information:
Amy Morrow, Manager of El Interior: (512)474-8680
Address:
1009 West Lynn
Austin, TX 78703
1) Here is your contact information while in Oaxaca:
Casa de las Bugambilias
Reforma # 402 Col. Centro
Oaxaca, Oax. Mexico
CP. 68000
Telephone:
MEX (951) 516 1165
USA: 1-866-829-6778
bugambilias@lasbugambilias.com
2) Learn more of Oaxaca before the trip:
Consult the Oaxaca Tourism Office website at
http://www.oaxaca-travel.com/guide/index.php?lang=us
This is an English-language reference resource The Tourism Office also
offers a list of events, attractions and background for the places we
will visit and others you might wish to see on your own. They also
provide maps and brochures of the State of Oaxaca. Most staff members
speak English.
Also, you can consult the “Oaxaca Times”, a monthly newspaper for
tourists, which is published in English. It can be found online at
http://www.oaxacatimes.com
We would also urge you to consult the excellent background presentations
on the Historic Center of Oaxaca (where we will be lodged), Monte Alban
and Mitla. These are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. More
information can be found at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oaxaca,_Oaxaca and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monte_Alb%C3%A1n
More information on the pre-Columbian ruins of Mitla is listed at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitla
The Tlacochahuaya Cathedral is a most unique 16th century church and
home to an extensive colonial art collection and a famous organ. The
latter can be seen and heard at
http://www.planeta.com/ecotravel/mexico/oaxaca/tlacochahuaya.html
3) Weather Forecast
Oaxaca in January/February
Highs: 70s to Lows: 45°F
Rain is rare in January
4) Money Matters: Banks, Currency, and Credit Cards
The United States dollar is widely accepted, but if you have any other
type of currency we recommend exchanging it at money-exchange offices
during your stay. We recommend exchanging an amount equivalent to $100
once you arrive in Oaxaca. You will have access to automatic tellers.
Bancomer ATMs provide PLUS and CIRRUS systems and offer menus in both
Spanish and English.
Generally, you can exchange traveler’s checks or cash at
money-exchanges. Though dollars are accepted everywhere (and preferred),
we recommend using pesos or credit cards during your stay.
Prices posted in pesos are printed thus: $25.00 M.N. "M.N." means "Moneda
Nacional" [National Currency] or pesos paper currency.
Credit Cards:
The major credit cards accepted are American Express, VISA, and
MasterCard. When you registers at the hotel, you will be asked for a
credit card for additional charges, and then asked to sign a blank
voucher. This is common practice and should not be viewed with
suspicion. When you close your account, they must hand you the voucher
for elimination, unless the hotel services have been charged to your
card by prior authorization.
5)
Staying Healthy
Visitors who are not used to spicy Oaxacan foods or have different
eating habits might suffer some form of intestinal difficulty. We will
only eat at established restaurants that meet high hygienic standards.
We recommend drinking from purified water bottles, since tap water is
not potable and not be ingested.
In order to avoid stomach troubles simply follow these guidelines:
• Always wash your hands before meals
• Beware of consuming foods from street vendors
• Drink only bottled water
• Do carry medicines, such as Imodium, to treat an upset stomach
• Take it easy the first few days
• Try to nap during the afternoon
• Tequila and Mezcal should be treated with the utmost respect
In case of a problem, you will find pharmacies well stocked with
suitable medicines. Our hotel is within blocks of the hospital district,
several of which offer medical services on a par with US hospitals.
Before leaving home, check with your insurance company about coverage in
Mexico.
Immunizations (vaccine shots) are not necessary to travel from the
United States into Mexico.
Now, let’s enjoy the delicious Oaxacan food and drink!
6) What to pack
In Oaxaca, light clothing is appropriate for almost all occasions. In
general, the climate in Oaxaca is warm, except in the evenings, where it
is necessary to wear a sweater. There are few taboos or customs
regarding “appropriate dress code” for most circumstances, except that
shorts or Bermudas must not be worn inside a church
Don’t forget to pack:
• Sunglasses
• Sun block
• An extra pair of reading glasses or contacts
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Dollar bills (for gratuities)
• Travel documents
• A pocket size Spanish/English dictionary
• Medications
• A hat
• Camera and film Extra batteries
• A spirit of adventure and good sense of humor
• Pepto-Bismol
• A good book
• Small electric devices such as chargers for cells, laptops, or hair
dryers
Note: The electric current in Mexico 110 volts CA same as in the United
States.
7) Telephone Calls and Internet Connections
Casa de las Bugambilias has excellent and free internet connections in
each room, so if you have a laptop and or cell phone, we recommend
bringing them along. Calls from hotel phones are often quite costly;
however, and depending on your cellular carrier and service, you should
be able to buy a local SIM card so that you can use your cell phone to
call back to the States. You can also make collect calls or use an
international calling card that can be bought in most any store. You can
make long distance telephone calls from almost any public telephone in
the City of Oaxaca. Ask the hotel operator about any charges or fees
before making a telephone call.
Automatic Services
• National Long Distance: 01 + Telephone Number
• International Long Distance to the US: 001 + Telephone Number
• International Long Distance to other countries: 00 + Country +
Telephone Number
8) Airfare
We have been told that there are some reasonable airfare rates to be
found on Continental Airlines
from Austin to Oaxaca. This is an easy flight to Oaxaca--you change
planes in the United States (Houston) and go straight to Oaxaca!
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