Traveling to Oaxaca, Mexico (study abroad)?

Question

I'm going to be traveling to Oaxaca for a month as a study abroad type thing. I'm staying with a host family and will take classes at the university. Can anyone give me some good info I need to know while there? Also, what is proper etiquite as far as shower length, wearing shoes inside the house, smiling at people on the street, etc.? Oh, and I heard that there is often a trash can next to the toilet for toilet paper because water pressure isn't good. Is this true? Thanks, I'll take any advice I can get!

Answer 1

Trash can...

The trash can next to the toilet is sometimes common throughout most poor and very old towns in Mexico.  

More than having a small waste pipe is because of the ignorance of people. My people.  

Many of them do not know that toilet paper has been designated to be disintegrated when in water.

In public bathrooms in poor restaurants you will find a trash can because many clients used to throw other things rather than paper into the toilet (specially women).  

This does not happen in first class restaurants nor modern houses nor with OLD or MODERN homes of people highly educated.

It is just a matter of common sense to have a can with dirty paper in a bathroom.

Anyway, if you see one, you have to use it. Sorry.

Talking about something nicer, just want to wish you best luck in your trip and please do not forget to have at least one day a wonderful diner at the Camino Real Hotel.

Regards.

Answer 2

please throw the paper toilet in the toilet not in the can, we mexicans use 2 take the shower every morning, dont dring tap water.

If u have the chance 2 visit the sorroundings there r a lot of archeological sites in Oax.

Try every food they offer u, food frm Oax. is one of the best ones in Mex, but not a lot cause it could b a bit 2 spicy 4 u and ul have a stomach ache.

Answer 3

are you going with the UW madison?  sounds like something i did.  the zocolo is a great time, but watch out for the zocolo boys (if you're a girl).  they prey on new women with their salsa moves.  if you get the chance to go the beaches of puerto escondito and zipolite.  wonderful.

Answer 4

I've spent about 6 months in Oaxaca. People wave and smile a lot. The trash can for toilet paper is common in most of Mexico (but ask about your house- Many homes have adequate pressure). Electricity is expensive so I would take short showers if you are a guest.

  Make sure that you know how to use Skype before you go since phone calls abroad are very expensive. If you are not bringing a computer install it on a memory stick and learn to use the computers for hire. Rental places for computers are everywhere for very cheap (usually less than $1 per hour). If you want to bring a computer most of the cafes have wireless for free (but some charge to plug in).

  It is possible to buy a simple cell phone for very little money (maybe $30). You don't have to sign a contract. It is probably the easiest way to make calls within Mexico.

  Electronics are expensive so bring all the memory sticks, cd players, MP3 players, and batteries that you need.

  You will probably be adverse to buying the street food and things from the small stalls. Stick to the crowded places and you'll be OK.

   The city is very safe, but there are always pickpockets. Don't hike in the hills above the stadium.

  There is a cheap tourist bus that goes to Monte Alban five or six times a day from about five blocks south of the zocolo. You don't have to pay a lot.

   Restaurants with views are in short supply. There is a restaurant with a beautiful view of the city called "La Mirador" that is up by the stadium. Mirador is also a name for the parking lot that provides a view of the city. The restaurant is a short walk down a flight of stairs. Go there early in your visit so that you can see the whole city. It's inexpensive, more of a place to kick back and enjoy the sunset and Tlayudas.

   If you want to sample the better restaurants but don't have much money, try the bar at Casa Oaxaca. They have good size appetizers for a reasonable price. Another option is the midweek lunch at Los Danzantes. It usually starts about 1-2 in the afternoon and goes to 5-6. It's the best way to eat on a budget.

  The best tacos are at Don Juan's across the street from "Los Elefantes" the dance club.

   The beach is very difficult to get to. If you only have a few days and you are desperate to sunbathe, I would check into a luxury hotel for a few days and hang out at the swimming pool. It will be cheaper and less stressful.

  Eat everything. Especially the Chapulines (fried grasshoppers in chili). Oaxaca has one of the world's greatest cuisines.

  Watch the mescal. They give it away everywhere. The hangovers are wicked.

Answer 5

trash can?

The trash can next to the toilet is common throughout most of Mexico and central America because they use a smaller waste pipe leaving the toilet and it clogs more easily.

smiling at people?

Sure you can smile and say "Buenas dias," "Buenas tarde" or "Buenas noches."

shower length?

Water is a little more expensive (relative to a Mexican's income) so don't be too long.  While I'm on the subject of water, I'm sure everyone's told you not to drink the water, but there's another thing that many people don't think about--don't open your mouth in the shower.  Just a little bit of that water can give you la turista.

wearing shoes?

The house I stayed in on the Yucatan Peninsula had front and back doorways but no doors, so chickens and other animals sometimes wandered in--I wore my shoes.  Just ask your host family.

Enjoy Oaxaca, it's one of my favorite cities.

You might be able to glean a little more information from the link below.