Without software, a graphic designer is nothing. There are tons of different software options out there, but it can be hard to differentiate the best graphic design software for your skill level.

I’ve been a graphic designer for quite a few years and I run my own graphic design business. Over the years, I’ve tried numerous different software programs. I’ve found the ones that work best for me and hopefully, this list will help you to do the same without all the research.

This list covers everything from the best free graphic design software to the best graphic design software for Mac vs Windows, so it truly covers it all.

Here are some of the best graphic design software programs you’ll want to try.

Best Free Graphic Design Software

While much graphic design software is paid, there is actually some great free graphic design software that you can utilize instead — especially if you’re a bit new to this line of work. Here’s some of the best graphic design software that won’t break the bank.

1. Canva

First up on this list of best graphic design software is Canva. While there is a paid version of Canva, I qualify it as free because the free version is all you’ll need.

Canva isn’t great for print projects, but it’s perfect for digital products, including social media graphics and virtual advertisements. Everything is in the RGB colour space already, so there is no extra work needed on your end.

If you ever hit a creative roadblock, Canva has you covered. There are tons of free templates in many different sizes that you can use and tweak as needed. Canva templates have saved me many times when I couldn’t get enough inspiration from Pinterest.

2. Figma

I like to call Figma the free version of Adobe Creative Cloud. Yes, I mean all of Adobe Creative Cloud, because it’s like InDesign, XD, Photoshop, and Illustrator all in one, for free.

In Figma, you can create both print and digital projects for clients. Plus, you can send versions of it to review straight through the program, which can save you many back and forth emails.

Do you work with a design team? Well, Figma has you covered for that too. Figma is collaborative, so you can send a link for someone to join your project and edit right alongside you.

The real showstopping part of Figma that makes it stand out from other free software is how easy it is to create prototypes. This is essential if you ever design an app or web design layout. It can show your clients exactly what you have in mind for how everything works together.

While there are paid versions of Figma, the free version is perfect for most designers and can hold up to three projects at once.

3. SketchUp

One of the best free graphic design software programs available is SketchUp. Many people initially think, hey, isn’t that for architects? I’m here to tell you no it’s not — anyone can use it.

If you ever find yourself working on a more in-depth project that requires mockups, SketchUp can help bring it to life. For example, maybe you’re designing a pattern that is going to go on a desk for your client. You can mock it up easily within SketchUp.

SketchUp can be a bit difficult to get used to when you’ve never used it before, but it won’t take long to pick it up with the multitude of tutorials that you can find online.

4. Krita

Last but not least, on this list of best free graphic design software is Krita. This one is pretty underrated, but if you’re a graphic designer on a budget, you’ll find that it will help many of your projects.

While many artists use Krita, it can help graphic designers in the same way Adobe Illustrator does. It’s essentially a platform for digital painting and illustration, so it can be great for creating vectors for logos or other projects that you may be working on.

Krita is continually coming out with updates and is always changing depending on what users are suggesting, which is impressive for free graphic design software. It’s available for both Windows and Apple computers.

Best Graphic Design Software for Beginners

While Adobe Creative Cloud offers the best programs for graphic designers, they can be difficult for beginners to use. These software programs are a bit easier for designers just starting.

1. Easil

Easil is the best graphic design software for beginners, and I only recently learned about it. I’m currently a designer for a marketing company, and they had been using Easil for years, and they’ve been having me create a lot of my projects in it.

If you’re wondering what Easil can compare to, it’s sort of like Canva with training wheels, which is another one of the best graphic design software options out there.

Easil is filled with premade templates, so beginner designers can learn what makes a good design.

While there are paid versions of Easil, the free version is genuinely all you’ll need, especially if you’re just starting. Similar to Canva, Easel is better suited for digital designs.

2. Stencil

Stencil is a bit of a newer graphic design tool that deserves its spot on this list of graphic design software for beginners. While it doesn’t have as many options as other tools out there, it has all you need if you’re just learning how to design.

Within the software, users also have access to millions of royalty-free photos that they can use in their projects, which is a huge plus. There are also tons of templates you can use for designs.

Stencil even comes set up with all of the digital design sizes you could possibly need so you don’t have to memorise them. They have premade documents set up for Pinterest pins, Instagram photos, Twitter posts, and more.

3. Picmonkey

I used to be obsessed with Picmonkey when I was first learning how to design. I used it even more than Canva, even though the two tools are quite similar. 

Picmonkey is perfect for creating all online graphics types, ranging from social media advertisement images to YouTube thumbnails. Plus, Picmonkey also has its own photo editing software built into it, so you can learn how to edit and later start using Adobe Lightroom.

If you’re new to the graphic design space, Picmonkey is excellent and will provide you with all the tools and pre-made designs you could possibly imagine to start your own design business. The interface is really user-friendly, making it perfect for those who have never used the software before.

4. Sketch

Sketch is similar to Figma, which was mentioned earlier on this list, but it’s more beginner-centric. Within the platform, you can design pretty much anything you can imagine.

Just like with Figma, the best thing about Sketch is the prototype feature. This is great if you’re a beginner who is already starting to work with clients or you want to build your portfolio with projects that you’re creating yourself.

With the prototype feature, users can mock up website designs, apps, and more. This is the perfect way for you to show your clients exactly what you envision happening once your designs are installed and come to life.

Unlike Adobe Creative Cloud, Sketch has a one-time payment of $99; then you get the license for life.

Best Graphic Design Apps for iPad

Utilising apps on an iPad as a graphic designer can be a huge time saver, especially if you often illustrate in your designs. Below, find some of the best graphic design apps for iPad that I’ve used.

1. Procreate

Even though I only recently started utilising Procreate, I already know it’s one of the best graphic design apps for iPad. It’s a lot easier to use than Adobe Fresco (the Adobe Creative Cloud version) even though it does have a small one-time purchase fee.

Many people probably think of Procreate as an app for illustrators, but if you’re a designer who consistently uses illustrations or creates logos, then this app will save you.

I’ve even used Procreate to open up my own side business on Etsy selling travel stickers! The possibilities are endless with this app.

What’s even better is that once you create something on the app, you can export it and airdrop it to your computer as an AI or PSD file, so it integrates seamlessly with your Adobe Creative Cloud products that you probably already use as a graphic designer.

2. Adobe Fresco

If you already use Adobe Creative Cloud and don’t want to pay extra for a product like Procreate, Adobe Fresco/Adobe Draw will do the same thing.

It’s an illustration app for the iPad, so you can make accents for any of your products instead of purchasing and spending hours searching for vector graphics online. Drawing apps like this have saved me tons of time in the past.

Because it’s already an Adobe product, you can airdrop your finished vector illustration to any other programs you have on your computer within minutes. As an added bonus, if you love watching time lapses, you can see one of yourself drawing the image when it’s all done.

3. Adobe Capture

Adobe Capture is one of the best graphic design apps for iPad that is seriously underrated. It’s also an app for your phone, which you may find you use while you’re out and about more often than your iPad.

With Adobe Capture, you can essentially take a photo of anything and turn it into a vector. Graphic designers know that it can take a while to do this, which is why this app comes in handy.

This is perfect if you’re the kind of person who would rather not use a drawing app and would instead rather sketch by hand.

All you have to do is sketch in your physical notebook, then take a photo, and you can transfer it into Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator to digitize it in seconds.

4. Adobe Lightroom

If you’ve ever been sent a terrible photo by a client that is edited with colouring that doesn’t make sense for the design, you can change that in seconds using the Adobe Lightroom app.

While it’s also an app on the computer, I much prefer the iPad app version. It’s a bit easier to use, and you can do it no matter where you are since you don’t need the internet. Plus, the mobile app is free.

Once you’re done editing the photo, just airdrop it back to your computer and get back to designing.

Best Graphic Design Software for Windows

Unfortunately, Adobe Creative Cloud programs don’t run as smoothly on Windows, but there are graphic design software options if you prefer a PC computer.

1. CorelDraw

While CorelDraw isn’t as great as Adobe’s software, it can get the job done and runs a bit better on Windows than Mac.

It’s essentially a vector-based graphic design software, so you can scale the artwork however you need once it’s done like in Adobe Illustrator.

The main plus of CorelDraw is that it isn’t a subscription-based program. Instead, you pay a one-time fee of $250 USD, and you’ll have it for life unless you want to update to a newer version.

CorelDraw is also an extremely collaborative graphic design software, so it’s perfect if you’re consistently working on or with a team. It makes the process of sharing a lot more seamless than using another program like Dropbox to store files.

2. Affinity Designer

Affinity Designer is another vector-based software that deserves a spot on this list of the best graphic design software for Windows.

It’s similar to Adobe Illustrator, and if you also do some artwork on the side of your design business, then this software is perfect for you.

Within Affinity Designer, you can edit photos (similar to Lightroom), create vector-based typography designs for projects like branding, and illustrate different shapes or pieces of art that you may need in your designs.

First-time users are allowed to use Affinity Designer for free for up to ninety days, so you’ll have more than enough time to try it out before you purchase. As an added bonus, Affinity Designer is also available as an iPad app so you can use it on the go.

3. Gravit Designer

Next up is Gravit Designer. This vector graphic design software is similar to Canva and Adobe Illustrator, so it can come in handy while designing or working on clients’ projects. Believe it or not, many designers even rank Gravit Designer higher than Adobe Illustrator.

The web app is perfect for creating both print and digital images. You can also prototype within the software for showcasing your projects to clients and export to a multitude of file types, including SVG.

Gravit Designer is simple to use if you’re new to graphic design because of how clean its interface is. There is a free version and a paid version that costs $49 per year.

It’s worth splurging on the paid version because then you can work offline. Gravit Designer truly is one of the best graphic design software for Windows.

4. Photoscape

While Photoscape may not have the prettiest interface and looks a bit outdated, it can get the job done for photo editing. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best photo editing platforms out there.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to edit photos on your Windows computer to use in your graphic design projects, Photoscape is great. It doesn’t have as many options as Photoshop but has excellent photo editing features.

Best Graphic Design Software for Mac

Without argument, the best graphic design software for Mac is all of the apps included in the Adobe Creative Suite. Below are a few of the ones that I use most often in my own graphic design business.

1. Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is the best graphic design software out there for digital designs. You can manipulate photos in any way and edit them, so it’s almost like Lightroom but with a lot more graphic design capabilities.

You can also touch up any photos, alter the text to make some interesting typographic designs, and more. I open up my Photoshop app at least once a day for a project. 

It also seamlessly integrates with all the other Adobe applications, which makes it even more useful. You can easily take something that you’re working on in Adobe InDesign, move it to Photoshop and make it a Smart Object in minutes, and then move it back. It’s great!

2. Adobe Illustrator

If you frequently use graphic design apps or consistently make vector-based illustrations, look no further than Adobe Illustrator. Yes, there are many free applications out there that work similarly to Adobe Illustrator, but nothing beats it.

Adobe Illustrator is perfect for drawing vector art on the computer and creating logos. It’s also great for projects that you know will have to get blown up to a huge proportion. With AI, you can change the size of any project without worrying too much about the resolution.

Whether you’ve used it or not, if you’ve had the chance to use any other applications by Adobe, you’ll be able to pick it up quickly without watching many tutorials at all.

3. Adobe XD

I like to think of Adobe XD as the new kid on the block. Not many people use it or even know what it is yet, but it’s an app that I frequently use in my graphic design business.

It works a lot like Adobe Illustrator because you can create multiple artboards, making designing go a lot quicker. It’s perfect for creating app designs and web design layouts, and since I’ve recently added web design as a service, I’ve been using this almost every day!

Similar to Figma, you can also prototype with Adobe XD, which is helpful for showing projects to clients. They can see just what their website or app will look like once it’s live.

What’s even better is that Adobe XD is included in the Adobe Creative Cloud price.

4. Adobe InDesign

Adobe InDesign is the original design software, and it’s one of the first programs that all designers are taught when they’re in design school.

It’s one of the best graphic design software for Mac, and even if you don’t think you’ll use it often, it’s good to have a subscription for it at least.

InDesign is the perfect software for creating print designs. You can work with grids, add bleeds and crop marks for printing, and quickly design multi-page documents.

Plus, once you master how to use different text and design styles, you’ll save yourself loads of time working on big projects.

I feel that every other project in my design business has to be created in Adobe InDesign, so the monthly subscription more than pays for itself through my services.

Conclusion

Now you know the best graphic design software that there is. Honestly, there is no reason to spend an arm and a leg on software if you don’t have to. There are many affordable options out there no matter your skillset and computer type.

Be sure to utilise free trials for these programs before purchasing — try before you buy to see if the software is right for you.

 

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If you’re interested in becoming an online English teacher, you’ve probably heard about a popular teaching company called VIPKID. In this honest VIPKID review, I’ll let you in on exactly what it’s like to work as a teacher for this company. 

I’ve been an English teacher with VIPKID for 3 years now and am here to share my insider information with you.

This first-hand review of VIPKID will cover everything you need to know about this online ESL giant, including what to expect as a VIPKID teacher and how to decide if it’s right for you.

Let’s get started! Here’s my in-depth review of what it’s like working as a VIPKID teacher.

Update 2021: In 2020, VIPKID slowed down on hiring teachers. But, the demand is high again and they are looking to hire as many English teachers as possible. Read more in this VIPKID review and submit your application to teach! 

About VIPKID

Created in 2013, VIPKID is one of the largest and most established online English companies in the industry. They are based in China and focus on offering English lessons to Chinese children between the ages of 4 and 12.

Classes are one-on-one and students learn a curriculum designed to match a North American elementary education. This means that teachers will cover science, math, and social studies topics in addition to English grammar, reading and speaking.

VIPKID lessons are 25 minutes long and are taught through the VIPKID App. Teachers can enter the classroom and hold classes on a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet as long as there is a strong internet connection.

Teachers are paid between $14 – $22/hour and scheduling is extremely flexible. There are no minimum or maximum working hours each week so you can teach as much or as little as you want. You can also change your schedule each week as needed.

I learned about VIPKID when I was teaching in a traditional classroom back home in the USA. I was interested in remote work and a colleague mentioned that she had been able to earn a few hundred dollars a month teaching English online on the weekends and before school.

As you can imagine, I was intrigued. This was in 2017 and online teaching wasn’t as widespread as it is now. The idea that you could actually make decent money teaching online was very new and I worried that it was too good to be true.

Still, my skepticism didn’t stop me from signing up once school let out for the summer. It didn’t take long for me to become totally hooked on the online teaching lifestyle.

VIPKID has changed a lot since I started in the summer of 2017. I think these changes are for the better. The hiring process has been simplified, the classroom design and functionality has improved drastically, and teachers are more supported than they were back in the day.

☞ SEE ALSO: 10 Things To Know Before Becoming An Online English Teacher

What Are The Requirements To Become a VIPKID Teacher?

Unfortunately, the VIPKID requirements are strict compared to some other online ESL companies. To become a VIPKID teacher, applicants must have the following credentials:

You Must Be From The USA Or Canada

While you can teach classes from anywhere in the world, you must be from the USA or Canada to be hired with VIPKID. As of 2020, VIPKID no longer hires teachers that live in California.

You Must Have A BA Degree Or Higher

Your degree can be in any subject, but you’ll need to have at least a BA or higher to get hired by VIPKID. They are strict about this requirement and will require verification of your degree later in the hiring process. No degree? No problem! Check out this list of 10 companies that will still hire you. 

1+ Year Experience Working With Children Is Required

Many types of experience will fit this requirement. If you have experience coaching, mentoring, babysitting, teaching, or tutoring, that counts toward your year of experience.

While traditional classroom teaching is a plus, it’s not a requirement to teach English with VIPKID.

You’ll Need a Computer or Tablet With High-Speed Internet.

It makes sense that you’ll need reliable internet for a job that takes place online, so this requirement probably doesn’t come as a surprise. VIPKID teachers need to have a device for teaching as well as consistent access to the internet.

If possible, the ideal internet speed for teaching online is at least 20 Mbps. I’ve been able to comfortably teach on around 10 Mbps, but higher speeds are preferable. 

Special Mention: TEFL Certificate

For VIPKID, all teachers will need either a TEFL certification or a professional teaching license. But don’t worry, you can still apply even if you don’t have one of these qualifications.

If you don’t have a TEFL certificate or teaching license, VIPKID will require that you take an in-house TEFL course while you complete your onboarding. This course is free and provided within the VIPKID platform.

As far as I know, this special VIPKID TEFL course won’t transfer to other teaching jobs, but it is enough for you to meet the VIPKID requirements and start teaching on their platform.

If you do have your TEFL, your odds of being hired over someone who doesn’t are much greater. Find out about the best 7 TEFL Certificates on the market here. 

How Do I Apply To VIPKID?

The VIPKID hiring process used to be a deterrent for prospective teachers because it was so complicated. In recent months, however, VIPKID has overhauled its hiring process and now it’s much simpler.

Here’s what you’ll need to do to start teaching with VIPKID!

• Create an Account. This is free and easy and is done online and you’ll need to make sure you meet the criteria above.
• Complete an Interview Demo Lesson. You can do a short “Smart Demo Lesson” on your phone, record yourself teaching a Demo Lesson.
• Review Materials in the Certification Center. After passing the interview, you’ll have access to the Certification Center on the VIPKID website. You will find information about teaching, helpful resources, and the lessons you’ll need to teach in your mock classes.
• Complete your Mock Classes. Mock classes take place with an existing VIPKID teacher called a mock class mentor. You’ll teach a mini-lesson and your mentor will give you feedback. Most people will do their mock classes 2-3 times before moving on. Think of this as your teacher training!
• Upload your documents. You’ll fill out your payment information and upload the required documents. Getting your documents verified can take a few days, so in the meantime, you can work on the final step…
• Complete your Profile. This is where you’ll create your teacher bio, welcome video, and upload profile pictures.

Click Here To Apply For a VIPKID Teaching Position

What Materials Do I Need For VIPKID?

Many VIPKID reviews don’t mention the materials that you’ll need. When I first started teaching with VIPKID, I used some flashcards I bought at the dollar store and dog toys as props. These days, my teaching equipment is a bit more refined!

Teaching Materials And Resources

For this part, you can get creative! While VIPKID does expect you to use some props and classroom decorations, you can be as inventive and unique as you want.

To get started, it’s a good idea to find some sort of academic posters, a chalkboard, or decorations to put on the wall behind you while you teach. This gives your little computer thumbnail more of a classroom feel.

For props, you can’t go wrong with a set of flashcards and a small dry erase board. You should also have a stuffed animal or puppet to help demonstrate question and answer scenarios to younger students.

You can find these items at dollar stores, teacher supply stores, or on Amazon.

Technology Requirements

You’ll need a reasonably new laptop, desktop or tablet for teaching classes. You’ll also need a headset with a microphone attachment so that your students don’t get distracted by any background noises.

If your computer doesn’t have an HD camera (most modern devices have one built-in), you’ll need to buy a separate webcam camera so your students can see you clearly.

It’s also a good idea to connect your laptop to your internet source via an ethernet cord if you’re able to do so. Using an ethernet cord means your connection will be more reliable and ensures a smoother classroom experience.

VIPKID Review: My First-Hand Experience

As I mentioned at the start of this VIPKID review, I’ve been a teacher for 3 years now! Here’s a bit about what it’s like working as a VIPKID teacher.

My typical day as a VIPKID teacher begins early in the morning. When I’m on the East Coast time zone, the time is opposite for me and my students in China. This means that China’s evening is my early morning.

The highest demand for classes is in the afternoons and evenings after kids are home from school, so I’m up well before first light most weekdays.

After getting a cup of coffee and changing into my orange teaching t-shirt, I head to my classroom which is set up in the corner of my bedroom.

How I Prepare For My VIPKID Classes

With VIPKID, you open the time slots you’re available to teach in the teacher platform. You can open classes a few weeks in advance or a few days in advance.

Parents can see your availability schedule. Starting about 1-2 weeks in advance, parents can book your time slots for their child. While you’ll often see the same students again and again (called regulars), you might also meet new students.

Once a time slot gets booked by a student, I can see the lesson I’ll be teaching. This means that I can look over the slides in advance so there are no surprises.

The night before a class, I make sure to review which lessons I have coming up and pull out any props I’ll need.

For example, if I’m teaching a class about fruit, I might go to the kitchen and grab a banana so I can use it during the lesson. If I’m teaching a younger student about colors, I’ll try to find a few different colored items that I can use.

I’m always amazed by how many teaching props I can find around my home!

I also look through my 2D image props and pull out any pictures that might be useful for the lesson. Some of my most frequently used 2D props are a picture of my family and a world map.

Starting A VIPKID Lesson

About 5 minutes before my first class, I get settled into my desk and connect my ethernet cord to my laptop. Then I launch the VIPKID computer app and click on my bookings tab.

This displays a calendar of all my booked classes, so I can click on the one that’s about to start to “enter the classroom.”

Once I’m in the classroom, I can see a timer that tells me exactly how long I have until the start time. VIPKID is strict about starting and ending classes on time, so don’t be late!

With 10 seconds until class time, I turn on my webcam and unmute my microphone on my headset. Now I can see my student and the student can see me. It’s time to begin class.

If I see a regular, I’ll ask them about their day and chat with them about the topics we discussed last time before introducing the new material.

If I see a new student, I’ll focus on more “get to know you” information like asking them their name, how old they are, where they’re from, and, depending on their speaking level, their interests.

After saying hello and building that initial connection, we begin the lesson.

VIPKID Review: What Is A Lesson Like?

Lessons in VIPKID often follow the same format. They all start with a warm-up activity where the student practices reading or conversation skills. With younger students, this could be a song or matching game. Find more English classroom games here.

Then I introduce new material to the student and we practice it together. After practicing together, I encourage the student to practice independently. There will be activities to evaluate student understanding throughout the lesson.

Remember that VIPKID will provide the entire lesson for teachers so you don’t have to worry about creating a curriculum. Teachers are expected to teach the material and encourage the student to participate independently.

At the end of the 25-minute lesson, my student and I will say goodbye. If I have another lesson scheduled in the next time slot, I have about 5 minutes between classes to go to the bathroom, refresh my coffee, stretch, and start on class feedback.

If you don’t have any more classes booked, congratulations, you’re almost done for the day.

Usually, I teach between six and eight classes (3-4 hours) in one sitting. It took me several months of teaching to build up to this point, so when you’re starting out, give yourself plenty of breaks. Overall, I love having my workday finished around the same time most people are just getting started. 

What Is Class Feedback?

VIPKID requires that you submit class feedback after every lesson you teach. This feedback goes to the parents of the student and is a way for you to tell them how their child is doing. 

I usually write about a paragraph for my lesson feedback. I thank the parent for choosing my class and explain briefly what we learned during the lesson. Then I name at least three things the student did well and suggest an area to review independently. I end the paragraph by saying that I hope to see the student again soon.

Writing feedback will get faster with time, but to help remember what happened in each lesson, I’d recommend keeping a document open on your computer where you can jot down notes during or immediately after the class.

Class feedback must be submitted no later than 12 hours after the class in order to receive full pay, so don’t procrastinate!

VIPKID Review: The Pros 

Almost 100,000 teachers have made VIPKID their classroom of choice, and there’s a good reason. The following VIPKID Pros are a big part of why so many teachers rave about this online ESL company. See Also: 15 Pros and Cons Of Being An Online English Teacher.

Totally Remote Work

One of the biggest pros of VIPKID is that your work is entirely online. You can work from home, from your friend’s house, or while travelling. As long as you have reliable internet, you’re good to go!

Schedule Flexibility

While some other companies require that you commit to the same schedule week to week, VIPKID offers more schedule flexibility. You can change your schedule as much as you want and there are no minimum or maximum teaching hours.

This means that on busy weeks, you don’t have to teach at all if you don’t want to. On the flip side, if you wanted to make more money, you could easily open more classes.

Engaged Teacher Community

Even though you won’t physically spend much time with other VIPKID teachers, there is a large and active online community. VIPKID has a welcoming presence on social media and it’s easy to find other teachers to connect with.

VIPKID also does a good job of keeping teachers up to date on company happenings via a weekly email newsletter. They listen to and address teacher concerns, making adjustments when necessary.

Online Teaching Is Fun

One of the reasons I became invested in VIPKID so quickly was because the classes were really fun! Even now after teaching thousands of lessons, I start to miss it if I take time off.

I have made bonds with several of my regular students and seen them grow over time. I love helping students build confidence in their language skills and many of my students have told me that they look forward to their VIPKID classes all week.

Students usually participate in VIPKID as an extracurricular activity. Classes are more focused on conversation skills than assessment.

Since the children usually take classes from the comfort of their homes, students are relaxed and excited to show their teachers their toys, pets, and siblings. I get to learn more about Chinese culture while teaching some of the sweetest students, which is definitely a win in my book!

VIPKID Review: The Cons 

As with any job, some parts of the gig are less than ideal and it wouldn’t be a legitimate review of VIPKID if I didn’t include the downsides of the job. The following aspects of VIPKID can be challenging for some teachers.

Different Time Zones Means Early Working Hours

If you hate early mornings, you’ll probably have a hard time making a substantial income with VIPKID if you’re teaching from North America. Because the highest demand for classes is in the evenings, China time, most teachers get bookings during the early hours of the morning in North America.

Now, if you plan to teach with VIPKID in addition to a traditional day job, this could be a huge perk! I have friends with 9-5 jobs who do VIPKID for a few hours in the mornings to make extra money. For them, the early hours are perfect.

If you’re working as a VIPKID teacher while you’re travelling or living in Europe, Australia, or Asia, you’ll have no issues with the time changes!

But if you’re living in North America and are looking for something to totally replace your day job, you might have a hard time unless you’re okay with early morning work sessions.

Across social media, one of the most common complaints of being a VIPKID teacher is the lack of “normal” working hours. Read more about what it’s like to live in the USA as an online English teacher with VIPKID.

Slow Start-Up Process

Even though it’s improved recently, VIPKID still has a lengthy hiring process. New applicants should allow at least two weeks from the time they fill out the application to the end of the hiring process.

After being hired, some teachers have trouble getting their first bookings right away. It’s important to be very flexible at the beginning and open as many high-demand time slots as possible.

After you’ve taught some classes and built up good reviews, it gets easier. Be patient and remember that most teachers start getting consistently booked around 2-3 months in.

Strict Cancellation Policies

If you open a time slot and it gets booked by a parent, canceling that spot could have consequences. Teachers should avoid too many class cancelations.

VIPKID teachers get six class cancelations per six month period. The maximum they will count against you in a single day is two cancelations. For example, if an emergency comes up and you have to cancel ten classes in one day, you would only have two cancelations count toward your six month total.

If you are sick, you’ll need to provide a doctor’s note. If your internet or power goes out, you’ll need to provide documentation of the outage from the provider. Other family emergencies will also require documentation for them not to count against your total.

Teacher Burnout Is A Real Thing

Another common complaint from VIPKID teachers is feeling burned out. VIPKID classes are short but require a lot of energy. For those 25 minutes in the classroom, one student has your full attention and teachers must be engaged at all times.

Especially when you’re first starting out, it’s easy to over-do it and get burned out. To avoid this feeling, make sure to:

• Schedule breaks between classes. A good starting point is to teach two classes back to back, then take a 30-minute break. As you build your teaching stamina, you can teach more classes in a row with fewer breaks
• Take a day off every week. I know it’s tempting to schedule yourself to the max when you’re first starting out, but having one morning to sleep in each week does wonders for preventing teacher burnout.
• Get different VIPKID certification levels. In the teacher portal, you have the option to add different levels and class types. This will allow you to teach a greater variety of lessons so you won’t get bored teaching the same ones again and again.

In my opinion, the pros far outweigh the cons!

Is VIPKID A Good Fit For You?

I hope my VIPKID review gave you a good idea of what to expect from working as a teacher with this company.

VIPKID gave me the best of both worlds. I had the freedom to make my own schedule and work from home or on the road, but I also got to stay in the teaching profession.

VIPKID teachers should be excited to work with children and care about helping others learn the English language. They should also be comfortable working with the scheduling demands of students in China.

If you’re from the USA or Canada, hold a BA degree, enjoy teaching children, and are looking for a flexible online job doing meaningful work, VIPKID could be a great fit for you! Click here to apply today.

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Disclaimer:Goats On The Road is an Amazon Associate and also an affiliate for some other retailers. This means we earn commissions if you click links on our blog and purchase from those retailers.

Published by Sasha Savinov

Sasha is a regular contributor to Goats On The Road exactly where he shares his tips as a total-time traveler and electronic nomad. In specific, Sasha is an expert in travelling the United States, Mexico and Thailand. He’s also an on the web English trainer and a video clip producer. In point, he researched video clip manufacturing at Michigan Point out College. He and his spouse Rachel share their adventures on their web site, Grateful Gypsies.

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Living the freelance life can be incredibly alluring. Imagine having the option to work from anywhere, be your own boss, choose your hourly rate, and pick exactly the people you want to work with. If you’re wondering how to start freelancing with no experience, you’re in the right place.

I started freelancing about two years ago — without a lot of experience. All freelancers have to start somewhere and now, I have numerous clients. Trust me, you’re not alone, and freelancing for beginners is completely possible!

Stop searching for articles about how to become a freelancer with no experience; this article will cover all the bases. Implement these steps, and you could be well on your way to finding your first client.

Here’s my guide to freelancing for beginners.

1. Start a Website

Probably the easiest way to get started out freelancing with no experience is to create a website for your services.

Even if you’re not a web designer, you can find templates for pretty much every web platform out there. All you have to do is tweak the colours to match your branding.

Some of the website platforms I suggest for beginners are Wix and Elementor. The latter is more affordable. If you want a bit more freedom, consider looking into WordPress. 

One thing to make sure of when creating a website is to purchase your own domain name. (ie: www.yourwebsite.com)

This looks a lot more professional to your clients right off the bat, and you can also usually get a free email address at your domain too, so you won’t have to use something like Gmail.

When creating your website, you don’t need to have a lot of information that will bore your clients. Focus the copywriting on your client, what you offer, and how you can help. Make sure to at least have a home page, about page, contact page, and services page.

To raise your domain authority, consider starting a blog on your website too. This is a great way to share information with potential clients and showcase your knowledge so that you can start to show others that you are an expert in your field and should be hired for your skillset.

Start your website using this link and you’ll receive a free, easy to follow, video tutorial to help you set up your website easily and correctly. 

2. Look on Freelancing Websites

There are many freelancing websites out there filled with potential clients who are looking for someone to do one-off (and sometimes ongoing) projects for them. These can range from graphic design projects to writing blog articles for different websites.

Some of the best freelance websites for beginners include FlexJobs, Upwork and Fiverr, but there are also many others. I personally use Upwork a lot, especially when I want to find new clients.

Since joining Upwork, I’ve made more than $10,000 on the platform, so there is money to be made as a freelancer if you have the ability and the hustle.

One thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t focus all your efforts solely on freelancing websites, because these platforms do tend to take a percentage of your income, so you make a bit less. You also may tend to come across lower-quality clients on these sites.

However, freelancing for beginners can be easily done using these platforms, and I lived by them my first few months of freelancing.

3. Showcase Your Work

Another great way to let others know about what you do (so that you can start getting steady clients) is to showcase your work.

If, for example, you want to offer graphic design services, use pieces that you created in college, or in your marketing position at work, and showcase them.

You don’t need to have a website to create a portfolio, even though it’s best to have your work on your own site.

You could honestly create a presentation using something like Canva to showcase some of your projects and the outcomes. Then, save it as a PDF and share it with anyone who might be interested.

As a beginner, it’s possible that you will have absolutely nothing to showcase just yet. Don’t worry about it! Instead, look at #7 on this list; it might help.

One thing to keep in mind when showcasing your work is to put projects in your portfolio that you actually want to do.

For instance, maybe you created an app for a school project once, but you want to focus on freelance writing. Obviously, you wouldn’t want to put this in your portfolio, or people might think you’re open to doing app design projects.

4. Offer Free Services

When you’re more established, I’m against performing free services and it’s imperative to know your worth. But, when you’re just starting out, there is nothing wrong with offering your services for free to some people.

Just make sure you limit the number of people you’ll offer this service to, and make sure you still set up a contract.

In the end, the final payment should be a testimonial from your client that you can showcase on your website. You should also hold the right to be able to put the work in your portfolio so that people visiting your site can see some of the work that you’re capable of.

Note that I did say you should still have a contract in place for free services. This is incredibly important because it covers you and the client in case they start asking for more than you initially offered.

Scope creep can be real, and you want to make sure you aren’t being taken advantage of.

When performing free services, you may even consider making your packages a bit smaller so that you can get great portfolio work out of it.

For example, you don’t necessarily have to include a mood board, five sub marks, and social media templates that your regular branding package might include, 

Simplify it so that you aren’t giving away too much for free, and then offer the rest of your services as an upsell to the client who received complimentary work. 

5. Network Within Your Circle

Network, network, network! Want to know how to start freelancing with no experience, this is it. One of the best tips when it comes to freelancing for beginners is to get the word out in any way possible that you are now offering these services.

Use LinkedIn to reach out to old employers and coworkers. Let them know about your new services and prices, and see if they might know of anyone who is interested.

Be sure to post on your personal Facebook page and let your friends and family know about your new offerings. I had a few of my first clients from sharing to my personal Facebook page thanks to some family friends who needed graphic design services.

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6. Utilize Social Media

If you’re wondering how to start freelancing with no experience, know that social media can be explosive for getting your services out in the world. I recommend thinking more about your ideal client and where they might be. Would they be on Instagram or Facebook? YouTube?

If you’re unsure where they’d be, then utilize the social media platforms you use most often and create accounts with your new business name attached to them.

On Instagram, use Reels, create Guides, try to post consistently, and show your face on Stories. You never know who might come across your page.

Facebook can be filled with tons of clients too if you look in the right places. Be sure to join Facebook groups filled with the type of person you want to work with. For instance, if you want to work with travel bloggers, then you’d join as many travel blogger groups as you can.

Once you get accepted to the groups, don’t self promote in any way.

Instead, wait until someone asks a question in one of these groups that you can answer, and make sure it’s related to your services. I’ve received quite a few clients this way, and it helps showcase the knowledge that you hold, even if you have no experience.

7. Create Fake Client Projects

One of my new favourite ways to get clients and showcase what I’m capable of is to create fake client projects and put them on social media and in my portfolio.

Don’t lie and say that you created the project for a client; instead, say that you created a prompt and imagined that this would be made for a certain type of client and share your thought process.

For instance, I recently started offering branding services, but I don’t have a whole lot of logo work in my portfolio.

To make up for it, I’m going to start creating branding kit templates that I can put in my portfolio and eventually turn into digital products to start a store on my website for people who may not have the budget for my full-blown branding services.

When creating fake client projects, make sure that you are only doing the work you want to create for your clients. Don’t focus on creating designs for a botanical shop, for instance, if you want to work with course creators. There’s no correlation there.

If you have trouble coming up with ideas for these fake client projects, do a simple search online. You’ll be able to find a lot of prompts with a quick Google search so that you don’t have to think too hard.

8. Pitch Your Services

Many freelancers preach that you should only pitch to warm leads, but if you want to know how to start freelancing with no experience, I recommend you consider cold pitching.

Now, you shouldn’t do this very often, but if you find a business that aligns with your values that you think could benefit from your services, send them a cold email introducing yourself.

In your first email, you should never spend too much time selling your services. Instead, focus on the business that you’re emailing, and let them know how you align with their values and love what they are doing. Be as specific as possible so that they know this wasn’t a mass email.

In the end, briefly state what you do in one sentence, and let them know you’d be happy to set up a time to discuss more. This doesn’t work very often, but I have secured two clients via cold pitching.

9. Find What You’re Good At

This may seem like an obvious point, but take some time to soul search and figure out what skills you already have and what you enjoy doing. Then, build your services around them.

Maybe you run a blog of your own, and you find that you love writing and you’re good at it. Maybe you can then create a package that includes 5 blog posts a month for a certain price.

One of the best ways to figure out what you are good at is to make a list.

Add to the list whenever you think of something else. If you find that it’s something you enjoy doing, but you aren’t good at it, you know this is a skill you can focus on learning more about and growing.

10. Consider Interning

I know, often when you think of interning, you probably think of someone who works for free or is heavily underpaid for the work they do.

Well, believe it or not, there are a lot of freelance business owners who hire interns to help with some of the tasks they don’t have time for, including social media management, answering emails, and more.

What’s even better is that a lot of freelancers pay their interns, and they pay a fair wage because they know how hard freelancing can be. When I was first starting, I interned for $18 an hour, which is more than I would have made elsewhere.

This internship turned into a long relationship with the freelancer I worked under who has now become one of my business mentors, and she consistently refers other clients to me.

To find internships, look in Facebook groups and job board websites. 

5 Best Jobs For Freelancers With No Experience

Now that you know some of the best tips to getting a freelance gig with little experience, I bet you’re wondering what jobs are suited for those just starting. There are quite a few freelance services that you don’t need a lot of experience for, luckily.

1. Transcriptionist

To be a transcriptionist, you don’t need to have any experience at all working with past clients. All you need is a computer and to be able to transcribe what you hear in a timely manner. While this isn’t a high-paying job, it can be a great way to gain some client experience.

2. Writing

If you went to school, then you’ve spent a lot of time writing essays. Therefore, you can offer writing as one of your services. While beginner writers don’t make a whole lot of money, the more niche your work gets, the more you can charge.

I have quite a few freelancing friends who even charge $0.25 per word, which can add up quickly if you’re writing articles that are a few thousand words. 

3. Virtual Assistant

To be a virtual assistant, you basically need to know how to follow directions given to you by your client. Virtual assistants do a little bit of everything, from scheduling meetings, emailing clients, and sending invoices, to helping create social media posts. Plus, virtual assistants can easily make up to $50 or more an hour.

4. Social Media Manager

With everyone on social media, you really don’t need any experience to be a social media manager. I’m one, and I didn’t even go to school for it, so it’s totally possible!

If you know your way around Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or another platform, then you can be a social media manager. Utilize free templated design tools like Canva and then write a catchy caption to go along with it. It’s that simple.

5. Customer Service

Customer service representatives are always in need. Often, this is a freelance remote job for online companies that sell products.

There are small business owners and bloggers who have customer service representatives to basically be in charge of staying on top of emails that come in.

Do you have access to a computer? Are you good at explaining things? Then customer service can be a great way for you to get some client experience under your belt.

Now You Know How To Start Freelancing With No Experience

Now you know how to become a freelancer with no experience. It truly isn’t that difficult if you focus on what you’re good at and don’t mind being paid a bit less in the beginning.

One thing to keep in mind as an early freelancer is that your pricing can be fluid. If you start to book up, raise your rates and charge your worth. If you find that you have a slower month, consider lowering your prices until you get a few more clients.

I hope this guide helps you start your freelancing business. If you found the article useful, please share it with your friends on social media, or send it in an email.

 

Disclaimer:Goats On The Road is an Amazon Associate and also an affiliate for some other retailers. This means we earn commissions if you click links on our blog and purchase from those retailers.

What are the best places to visit in Mexico? This list of destinations will help you start planning your trip.

With bustling cities, pristine beaches, colorful hill towns, ancient ruins, and natural wonders, Mexico is the gift that keeps on giving for travelers. Unfortunately, many skip Mexico entirely thanks to its less than stellar reputation.

While there are certainly dangerous areas, most of the best places to visit in Mexico are quite safe. Would you skip out on the Grand Canyon because you read about violence in Chicago? I didn’t think so!

With so many amazing places to see and things to do in Mexico, give yourself some time here. Mexico travel is exciting, simple, and affordable.

Check out this list of the best places to visit in Mexico in 2021 and start planning your trip to the land of tequila and tacos!

1. Mexico City

When it comes to the best places to visit in Mexico, we have to start out with the country’s vibrant capital city. Mexico City (or DF as it’s known to locals) is one of the liveliest cities out there. There are so many things to do in Mexico City that even a week isn’t really enough.

Spend your days visiting museums on a wide range of topics, from anthropology to art, to history, and even tequila. You can also see the ruins of the former Aztec capital city and a stunning cathedral right downtown. Don’t miss the great tours in and around the city as well. 

Sightseeing is great in Mexico City, but it’s the culinary and nightlife scene that makes it one of the best places to visit in Mexico.

Foodies and party animals alike will be in paradise here. You’re spoiled for choices with a bounty of street food, international restaurants, bars, and clubs. There are endless things to do in Mexico City, with every night out being a great one.

☞ Click here to compare prices on all accommodation options available in Mexico City on Booking.com

2. Guadalajara

Mexico’s 2nd largest city definitely lives in the shadow of the capital, but Guadalajara has enough going on that you should also include it when choosing your places to visit in Mexico. After all, this is the birthplace of tequila and mariachi.

In addition to sampling both (ideally at the same time), there are quite a few cultural sights to take in. Most of these are located in the Centro Historico and are easily visited in a day.

For sports fans, Guadalajara is home to two football teams. You can catch the wildly popular Chivas or the ultimate underdog Atlas for a wild, beer-soaked good time.

No visit to Mexico would be complete without an evening of lucha libre, and the Estacion Pub runs a great party bus to the arena every Tuesday night. Be sure to grab a colorful mask as a great souvenir. 

When backpacking Mexico, don’t miss all of the amazing things to do in Guadalajara and the party nights!

☞ Click here to compare prices on all accommodation options available in Guadalajara on Booking.com

3. Monterrey

Do a quick Google search of the best places to visit in Mexico, and you probably won’t find the country’s 3rd largest city there. Known more as an industrial city, Monterrey often flies well under the radar of tourists.

Surrounded by epic mountains, it’s actually a great choice for eco-tourism and you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and more, all within reach of the city.

In the city, you can enjoy a stroll through the Macroplaza to take in some cutting edge architecture.

After visiting the massive Mexican History Museum, take a boat cruise up the manmade river to Parque Fundidora and stick around for sunset. Be sure to work up an appetite and dig into a plate of cabrito (slow-roasted goat), the local specialty. 

☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Monterrey

4. Puerto Vallarta – Definitely One of The Best Places to Visit in Mexico!

Forget the touristy Yucatan area and head to Mexico’s west coast for your beach vacation. Puerto Vallarta has been making lists of the best places to visit in Mexico for decades now and for good reason.

While it is well-known as an all-inclusive resort and spring break party destination, PV is so much more than that.

There are numerous activities, excursions, and tours in Puerto Vallarta to keep you busy. Adventure junkies will love this place, as you’ve got sky diving, bungee jumping, and paragliding all on tap here.

Speaking of on tap, PV has two craft breweries and several fantastic cocktail bars. Enjoy the amazing food by eating your way through the city while searching for the best Puerto Vallarta restaurant. 

The real fun goes on outside of the resorts in town, where the party goes all night. There’s some awesome nightlife in PV, numerous incredible beaches to see and endless things to do in Puerto Vallarta!

Having spent six months in Puerto Vallarta, I can say with confidence that this is also a great place to live as a digital nomad. Although it’s on the coast and is wildly popular, it’s surprisingly affordable. Read more about the cost of living in Puerto Vallarta and you’ll be ready to move there as well.

Looking for more information on Puerto Vallarta? Since Puerto Vallarta is one of the top places to visit in Mexico, it’s no surprise that we have numerous articles about this beach town on our website! Check out these posts:

5. Huatulco

How does a pristine and undeveloped stretch of beach sound? If you’re into that, you should probably be planning a trip to this gorgeous part of Oaxaca.

Huatulco is home to nine bays and thirty-six beaches, and many of them are ecological preserves where development is not allowed. It’s actually the only resort area in Mexico that has won a Green Globe award.

In addition to sunbathing, you can also visit nearby coffee farms and waterfalls or join a rafting or cycling trip. This hidden gem is mostly popular with domestic tourists, but it won’t be long until the secret is out.

This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Mexico this year, so start planning! *Bonus, check out nearby Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca too.

6. Tulum

Once upon a time, Tulum was considered an off-the-beaten-path destination in Mexico. The path has definitely been beaten now, as more and more travelers flock here for the white sand and turquoise waters.

That being said, you’ll still find far smaller crowds here than you will in nearby Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Just be sure to get to the ruins early in the morning to avoid the tour buses.

The beaches are great here, but you can’t come to this part of Mexico without taking a dip in a cenote. These sinkholes are abundant in the Yucatan, and they’re a great place to do a bit of snorkeling or scuba diving.

Back in town, there are tons of choices to wine and dine the night away. Although not a hidden gem, there are numerous fun things to do in Tulum and it’s still one of the best places to visit in Mexico.

7. Teotihuacan

When visiting Mexico City, be sure to set aside a day to explore the ancient city of Teotihuacan. It was the largest pre-Colombian city in the Americas, with a population of around 150,000 at its peak. 

As the legend goes, this is the place where the gods planned the creation of man.

Here you’ll be able to climb on some of the largest ancient pyramids in the world. After taking in the views from atop the Temple of the Sun, you can sit down to lunch in a cave.

La Gruta is located right outside of the ancient city and is the perfect place to cool down. Oh yeah, the food is pretty good, too! There are numerous day trips from Mexico City that will take you here. 

If you’re into ancient ruins, the best time to visit Mexico to see the sites without tons of tourists would be during the shoulder season in April or May.

Make sure you spend some time around the Yucatan, visiting the other amazing ruins of Ek Balam, Coba and Chichen Itza — some of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico.

8. Palenque

Located in the state of Chiapas (which in itself is one of the best places to visit in Mexico), the Mayan ruins at Palenque are much smaller than some of the more well-known sights.

Surrounded by jungle and far from any major city, it also means that they’re far less crowded. In addition to exploring the ruins, you’ve also got several waterfalls and caves in the area to check out.

While some travellers visit the ruins on a long day-trip, you’re better off basing yourself in one of the cool forest hideouts.

Spending the night at one of these funky spots allows you to get an early start and take in the ruins before the hottest part of the day. Check out accommodation options in Palenque here. 

9. Chichén Itzá

As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it should come as no surprise to see Chichén Itzá on a list of the top places to visit in Mexico.

Be prepared to be awestruck by the amazing El Castillo (The Castle), which was built to honor a Mayan serpent deity. This is one place where it’s well worth it to shell out a few extra pesos for a guide, so you can learn the fascinating details of this impressive structure.

While hordes of tourists descend upon the site on a daily basis, it’s very easy to escape the crowds. Stay at a hotel a few miles up the road rather than visiting on a day-trip, and you’ll almost have the place to yourself in the early morning. Even the vendors and touts aren’t going yet when the doors open.

Visiting this incredible site is one of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen, and Mexico in general. 

☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available near Chichén Itzá on Booking.com

10. San Miguel de Allende

A longtime favorite destination for “Mexpats,” San Miguel de Allende was recently awarded the Best City in the World by Travel + Leisure.

This charming, colorful city boasts a temperate climate, a vibrant arts scene, and a beautiful church at its center. There are numerous things to do in San Miguel de Allende to keep you busy. Outside of town, you’ll find hot springs, horseback riding, cycling, and more.

While it’s true that San Miguel is somewhat of a “Gringolandia,” that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a local experience here. 

It’s one of the best places in Mexico to study Spanish, and there are several options for homestays where you can live with a local family and get lots of practice.

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit more authentic, check out the things to do in Guanajuato, which is just an hour and a half away.

☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in San Miguel de Allende on Booking.com

11. Oaxaca City

This beautiful colonial city is the capital of the state by the same name, and it definitely earns its spot on the list of top places to visit in Mexico. 

In case you were wondering, it’s pronounced wa-HAH-ka. Here you’ll find some of the best cuisine in Mexico, bustling markets, and a thriving arts and crafts scene.

Oaxaca is also home to the Guelaguetza festival, which highlights the indigenous culture of the area and is focused primarily on traditional dancing. This is one of the best festivals in all of Mexico.

The city also throws one of the biggest celebrations in the country for the Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) – this is one of the best things to do in Oaxaca, don’t miss it.

SEE ALSO: 

12. Guanajuato

Once a thriving silver mining town, Guanajuato is now a huge draw for tourists and expats. It’s a gorgeous city located on the steep slope of a ravine, with a name meaning “Place of the Frogs.”

Walking around town, you can admire the colonial architecture and bright houses, pausing to chill in tree-filled plazas or quaint cafes.

☞ SEE ALSO: Manzanillo, Mexico – The Ultimate Travel Guide

It’s a very cultural city, with plenty of museums, theaters, music venues, and festivals. Be sure to join a walking tour with the city’s famous callejoneadas, a band of musicians and story-tellers who lead you through the meandering alleyways on a musical journey like no other.

There are numerous things to do in Guanajuato, including a great food tour, for those of you who want to eat all of the tacos and then some.

With colourful buildings, historical sites and an awesome vibe, Guanajuato is definitely one of the most vibrant places to visit in Mexico.

☞ Click here to see all accommodation options available in Guanajuato on Booking.com

13. Yelapa

Those looking to escape the all-inclusive resorts, chain stores, and packaged tour groups that descend upon Puerto Vallarta should consider hopping on a speed boat and heading 45 minutes south in the Bay of Banderas to Yelapa.

It’s not an island, but it sure feels like one. Since it’s wedged in between the mountains and the ocean, there are no roads or cars here.

This small fishing village once attracted famous actors and musicians (like Bob Dylan), who sought an escape here in this little slice of paradise in Mexico.

You might not find Mr. Tambourine Man hanging in Yelapa anymore, but you’ll be able to enjoy horseback riding, hiking to a waterfall, or just chilling in a hammock listening to the sounds of waves crashing and kids playing. Life is slow here, and life is good.

14. Los Cabos

Los Cabos is the collective name for two towns found at the southern end of Baja — Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

This was a remote, rural area until a few decades ago when the Mexican government developed it for tourism. It’s now one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico, famed for its world-class beach resorts, excellent sport fishing, and championship golf courses.

The two towns are only about 20 miles away from each other, but they feel worlds apart. San Jose is a more traditional Mexican town that still has cobblestone streets and a tree-lined plaza centered around a gorgeous cathedral.

Cabo San Lucas, on the other hand, is far more touristy and is known for its raucous nightlife. There are many other things to do in Cabo San Lucas if you aren’t into partying, so give yourself some time here to explore.

There’s now a corridor of resorts and golf courses in between the two towns where many vacationers choose to stay.

15. Zihuatanejo

Once a sleepy fishing village, Zihuatanejo experienced a tourism boom with the development of the nearby resort city of Ixtapa.

Skip the government-planned resort and head instead to this chilled-out town that locals simply call Zihua. Roam the cobblestone streets, feast on the super fresh catch of the day, and just kick back and relax on the idyllic beaches.

If this seems familiar, that’s because this is the paradise that Andy and Red escaped to in The Shawshank Redemption. After a few days lounging in Zihua, you’ll probably be planning your permanent escape here as well.

16. Cozumel

If you’d like to add a Caribbean island to your Mexico trip, you can catch a quick ferry from Playa del Carmen over to Cozumel.

The main draw here is the incredible diving and snorkeling that’s quite possibly the best in all of Mexico. There are tons of dive shops here, and it’s a great place to finally get certified if you’re not already.

There are numerous things to do in Cozumel, so rather than just visit on a day trip, it’s well worth it to spend a few days here. Rent a scooter and explore small Mayan ruins, an excellent national park, and the rugged beaches on the east coast.

You have plenty of choices when it comes to places to stay, eat, and party in Cozumel, but it’s still far less developed than its neighbors over on the mainland.

17. San Pancho

“The San Francisco You’ve Never Heard Of” is a popular nickname for this beach town. It’s more commonly referred to as San Pancho, and it’s a little slice of paradise on the Pacific coast of Mexico.

While it’s just up the coast from Puerto Vallarta and Sayulita, it’s less built up and crowded than its neighbors.

Even though it’s a small, sleepy pueblo, there are plenty of things to do in San Pancho. You can take yoga classes, check out the polo club, volunteer at the excellent community center, and so much more. Not bad for a little beach town of only 2,000 people!

18. Isla Holbox (one of the top places to visit in Mexico to relax)

Often touted as Mexico’s best-kept secret, Holbox is a tiny island off the north coast of the Yucatan peninsula. This is a great spot for wildlife spotting, highlighted by the whale sharks that visit in the summer months.

There’s not much else to do here, but that’s the point. Simply enjoy this beautiful, laid back place where you can spend the majority of your time barefoot. Isla Holbox is one of the top places to visit in Mexico if you’re seeking some relaxation.

To get here, you’ll need to drive or take a bus to the town of Chiquila and then catch a ferry. Cars are not allowed on the island, so if you do have one you’ll need to leave it parked in Chiquila.

Since there are no cars here, your options for getting around include rented bicycles or golf carts.

19. Isla Mujeres

The “Island of Women” is located in the Caribbean, just a few miles off the coast from Cancun.

If you’re wondering where the name comes from, it’s because the island was once a Mayan sanctuary dedicated to the goddess of childbirth and medicine named Ixchel. When the Spanish arrived and saw all the images of the goddess, they called it Isla Mujeres.

While most travelers simply visit for the day, for such a small island there are many things to do in Isla Mujeres and it’s definitely worth a longer stay if you’ve got the time.

Rent a scooter or a golf cart and spend a couple of carefree days beach hopping and enjoying the relaxed pace of life.

20. Morelia

Although it’s often mentioned on lists of the most beautiful cities in Mexico, Morelia still remains off the beaten path. The capital of Michoacan, this gorgeous colonial city is so well-preserved that it was given UNESCO status in 1991.

There are over 200 historic buildings here that were built out of the pink stone that’s characteristic of the region.

Morelia is also a cultural hub in Mexico. The city is home to several big events and festivals throughout the year. Whether it’s food, dance, or film, there’s probably something going on in Morelia.

21. Puerto Morelos

If you’re looking for a more authentically Mexican experience in the Riviera Maya than what you’ll find in Cancun or Playa del Carmen, look no further than Puerto Morelos. This peaceful beach town is located between the two tourist hot spots, meaning you still have easy access to both.

Although it’s geographically close, Puerto Morelos feels the world’s apart from the glitz of Cancun.

You won’t find massive resorts in town, as buildings are limited to three stories here to retain its small-town feel. If you still want that luxurious vacation, though, there are some amazing resorts on the coast.

Just offshore is the Great Mesoamerican Reef, which is the second-largest reef system in the world. This is one of the best places to visit in Mexico if you’re into snorkeling or scuba diving.

22. Tijuana

Located just south of the US border with San Diego, Tijuana is one of Mexico’s fastest-growing cities. It’s a pretty wild place, to say the least.

Gringos flock here for cheap everything — dental work, pharmaceuticals, eyeglasses, Cuban cigars, plastic surgery, and a good time.

If you can look past the absurdities like donkeys painted as zebras for you to pose with, there’s plenty to discover in Tijuana.

The city has an impressive art scene, which is centered around the massive Centro Cultural Tijuana. You’ll find lots of vibrant street art here as well. Tijuana loves its sports, as the city is home to several professional teams. You can also catch a night of lucha libre wrestling while you’re here.

Of course, you’ll also want to indulge in the city’s famous nightlife scene, whether it’s trying out the various craft breweries or doing a tequila tasting.

For Americans, Tijuana is one of the easiest places to visit in Mexico, but it’s still worth a visit if you’re not coming from the States.

23. Puerto Escondido (one of the best places to visit in Mexico for surfing)

The name of this Oaxacan beach town translates as “Hidden Port” in English. Despite being a longtime favorite of surfers and backpackers, it remains a relatively undiscovered corner of Mexico.

That’s probably because there are no direct flights here from the US or Canada, and it’s a bumpy 7-hour bus ride from Oaxaca City. It’s well worth the effort to get here, though!

Even if you’re not here for the waves, there’s plenty to keep you busy. You can take a boat tour to spot marine life, swim in the bioluminescent lagoon, or even go sky diving.

After all that excitement, kick back and relax in a temazcal — an indigenous steam bath. Don’t miss our Travel Guide to Puerto Escondido.

24. Mazatlan

New Orleans and Rio may get all the hype, but did you know there are plenty of huge Carnaval celebrations in Mexico as well?

One of the most famous takes place every year in the coastal city of Mazatlan. For one week, the oceanfront Malecon is packed full of revelers who come out to enjoy the massive parade, fireworks, live music, and the epic party that ensues.

Outside of Carnaval, there are still numerous things to do in Mazatlan. Explore the beautiful historic centre, take part in some water sports, play a round of golf, or just go lounge on the beach on nearby Stone Island.

25. Valladolid

Valladolid is a fine example of the blending of cultures that exists across Mexico. The colonial city in the Yucatan is just as much Mayan as it is Spanish.

Walking around the main square, you’ll see women wearing traditional Mayan dresses walking by the pastel buildings and the beautiful central cathedral. The pace of life is slow here, as most shops shut down for an afternoon siesta.

There are thousands of cenotes (underground sinkholes) around the Yucatan, and you can easily visit several of them from Valladolid. There’s even one just a short walk from the square.

The impressive ruins at Ek Balam are nearby as well. Unlike Chichen Itza, you can still climb up the ruins here, and you may even end up with the entire place to yourself. Learn more about visiting Valladolid, in our complete guide.

26. Merida

The colorful capital of the Yucatan state, Merida was recently named the American Capital of Culture. Its culture is a unique blend of ancient Mayan traditions and customs brought by the Spanish conquistadors.

Days here can be spent taking in the gorgeous architecture, visiting world-class museums, and of course, digging into the mouth-watering cuisine.

If you’re looking for the perfect base to explore all that this corner of Mexico has to offer, look no further.

From here, you’re just a short ride away from the beach, numerous archaeological sites, and plenty of opportunities for adventure. It’s a great alternative to the overly touristy places like Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Learn more in our article showcasing the best things to see in Merida. 

27. San Cristobal de las Casas

All across Mexico, there are places designated as Pueblos Magicos (Magic Villages). One of the best is the lovely town of San Cristobal de las Casas in the southern state of Chiapas.

As with many other colonial towns, San Cristobal de las Casas features red-tiled roofs and scenic cobblestone streets. Start your day with some famous Chiapas coffee and head out to take in the plazas, museums, cathedrals, and markets.

It lies in a valley and is surrounded by hills, meaning you have plenty of choices for getting out and enjoying the great outdoors.

There are day trips to canyons, waterfalls, eco-reserves, and so much more at your fingertips here. Keep in mind that the elevation here is 2,200 meters, so you may want to get acclimated before doing anything too intense.

28. Cancun

Ah, Cancun — the gateway drug to travel in Mexico. This is the first place many people visit in the country, myself included. It’s probably the most popular tourist destination in all of Mexico, thanks to its picturesque beaches and wild nightlife.

While it’s easy to dismiss Cancun as a sort of “Disneyfied” version of Mexico, it’s worth it to visit and make up your own mind.

Once you get out of the glitzy hotel zone, you’ll find a truly Mexican city full of taco vendors, bustling markets, and rowdy salsa clubs. It’s not all beaches here! There are many cool things to do in Cancun that don’t involve laying in the sun.

Cancun is considered to be the gateway to El Mundo Maya (the Mayan World), meaning you’re not far from several Mayan temples including the famous Chichen Itza. Before you head out there, be sure to check out the informative Mayan Museum in the city.

29. Sayulita

Just about an hour up the coast from Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find the bohemian beach town of Sayulita. This chilled-out town in Nayarit attracts surfers, yogis, and artists looking for a more laid back vibe.

If you’ve never been on a surfboard before, this is a great place to learn. The waves are pretty calm and there are plenty of instructors available for hire.

If you want to get off the beach for a bit, you have a lot of different options. Sayulita is surrounded by jungle, where you can enjoy some hiking, horseback riding, or cruising on an ATV.

Visiting between November and January gives you the chance to head out on a boat trip to do a bit of whale watching.

30. Puebla

Despite being the 4th largest city in Mexico, Puebla is often forgotten in the shadow of its neighbor — Mexico City. It’s only 110 km away from the capital, meaning you can easily visit on a day trip while you’re in CDMX.

With a day here, you can explore the historic downtown area that was granted UNESCO status in 1987.

Puebla’s biggest claim to fame is Cinco de Mayo. The holiday celebrates the victory of the local army over French expeditionary forces in 1862.

You won’t find people chugging margaritas and stuffing their faces with nachos to celebrate, but you will find a festive atmosphere around the historic forts where the battle took place.

31. Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a popular beach destination located right in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Its central location between Cancun and Tulum (with easy access to Cozumel) makes it a great choice for a base from which to explore the region.

Playa – as the locals call it – is naturally home to several stunning beaches. Spend your days snorkeling, fishing, yachting, or just kicking back and chilling at one of the many excellent beach clubs.

You don’t come all the way to Mexico just to sit on the beach, though. There are several eco-parks nearby Playa del Carmen, where you can enjoy some bird watching, explore caves and underground rivers, or even swim with sea turtles.

Back in town, your options are endless for wining, dining, and dancing the night away. Oh ya, there are lots of fun things to do in Playa del Carmen.

Looking for more posts on Playa del Carmen? Check out our articles here:

32. Lake Chapala

Just south of Guadalajara, you’ll find Mexico’s largest freshwater lake. Known for its pleasant climate, lovely scenery, and friendly locals, this is definitely one of the best places to visit in Mexico.

There are several towns around the lake, with the most popular being Chapala and Ajijic.

While the lake is easily visited on a day trip from Guadalajara, you’re better off staying a few days. Just be warned that you may fall in love with the place and want to move here. And who knows, maybe someday you will. After all, it is one of the most popular retirement destinations in the world.

33. La Paz

Most travelers to Baja California Sur flock straight to Cabo San Lucas. If you’re headed to this part of Mexico, you might as well include a stop in La Paz.

This scenic capital city has some amazing beaches on the Sea of Cortez. Fun fact: this sea is one of the most bio-diverse places on Earth!

There’s an abundance of marine life here, meaning you can swim with sea lions, go diving with hammerhead sharks, and head out on a whale-watching adventure.

In order to see the majestic whales, you’ll have to visit between January and March. After all that fun in the water, you can enjoy a nice stroll on the long waterfront Malecon that’s full of shops, restaurants, and bars. There’s a wide range of things to do in La Paz Mexico, make sure you add it to your list.

These Are Just Some of The Best Places to Visit in Mexico!

Now you know where to go in Mexico. These are just a few of the best places to visit in Mexico, a list that could easily top 100.

It’s a vast, diverse, and incredible country with a fascinating culture. From its lively capital and ancient ruins to the pristine beaches and colorful colonial towns, Mexico ticks all the boxes for a perfect travel destination.

The fact that Mexico has some of the best food in the world is just the icing on an already incredible cake.

The question isn’t whether or not to go to Mexico, but rather where to go in this amazing country. Hopefully, we’ve given you some good ideas. Mexico is waiting for you. Vamos, amigos!

*Note: Some images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.

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Disclaimer:Goats On The Road is an Amazon Associate and also an affiliate for some other retailers. This means we earn commissions if you click links on our blog and purchase from those retailers.

Composed by Krystianna Pietrzak

Krystianna has worked as a freelancer with graphic design and social media expert services for the past two decades and loves not staying tethered to a single site. When not traveling or functioning, she enjoys sharing valuable tips and methods with others who are intrigued in being self-employed and doing work remotely!

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Oaxaca is one of the top digital nomad destinations in Mexico and the world. Learn more about living in Oaxaca in this detailed guide. 

In 2020, the Digital Nomad world changed forever. Not only was being a Nomad quite challenging as borders closed globally — but even those who had never worked the ‘digital’ lifestyle as a remote worker, were all of the sudden forced to learn how to self-operate from home.

Companies had to adapt, with many realizing that the lower overheads of having their staff work from home is both better for the bottom line, as well as for the morale of their employees.

Now it looks like the digital landscape may have changed forever as a result.

With borders starting to reopen, more and more of the newfound remote workforce will be looking at never-before thought of opportunities to work from abroad — and the Digital Nomad landscape will grow exponentially as a result!

Many cities around the world have already established themselves as “Digital Nomad Friendly Destinations”, with some almost oversaturated with remote workers, such as Chiang Mai, Berlin, Playa Del Carmen and Medellin.

Other Digital Nomad cities have remained havens, off the main radar — yet still teeming with incredible communities. Oaxaca de Juarez in southern Mexico is one such haven for remote workers.

Learn everything you need to know about living in Oaxaca as a digital nomad in this detailed guide. 

Living in Oaxaca

I’ve been basing myself as a Digital Nomad in Oaxaca since October 2016.

After living for 5 years in Asia, I came to Oaxaca with the plan of staying for a month around the famous Day of the Dead celebrations before planning to travel around more of Latin America.

Upon arrival, I quickly fell in love with it to the point that I’ve now been living in Oaxaca pretty consistently ever since.

Located 1500 meters above sea level, Oaxaca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by the endless mezcal farms and mountains, with some of the most interesting and unique food in the country, and some of the largest populations of varied indigenous groups remaining in Mexico.

Oaxaca’s vibrancy, colourful buildings, incredibly welcoming and caring locals, great expat community, gorgeous mountain backdrop and international standard cuisine set it apart as being one of my favourite cities, not only in Mexico, but in the world!

What Does Oaxaca Offer Digital Nomads?

Oaxaca is an ideal city for Digital Nomads primarily due to its tight community of remote workers, its affordability compared to other popular Mexican destinations, and tons of amenities to make your stay comfortable

On top of all that, Oaxaca offers easy access to natural and historical sites both inside and outside the city, and of course, it’s local population, which is a mix of the 11 major indigenous groups that populate Oaxaca state. 

These indigenous groups bring their own food, textiles, music, festivals and traditions into the mix of the already colourful Mexican culture most are familiar with.

There is a great nightlife scene in Oaxaca, plenty of gyms and yoga studios around the city, and one of the best coffee-shop scenes in all of Mexico. Be prepared to loosen your belt, as the food scene in Oaxaca is known country-wide for being amongst the best!

Located high in the mountains, the weather is perfect all year round, without the threat of hurricanes which hit the coastal cities like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. While living in Oaxaca, you can enjoy nature, mountains and forests right on the city’s edge.

Oaxaca truly is a top choice for Digital Nomads who are in-the-know about this beautiful slice of paradise. There are endless things to see and do in Oaxaca to keep you busy.

How to Find Apartments in Oaxaca

There are many amazing places to rent in Oaxaca. They range from long term co-living spaces and basic studios, to deluxe private colonial houses, and even a few modern condos, with everything in between.

The expat community has been continually growing for the past 20 years or so in Oaxaca, and thus makes the rental market a bit competitive.

There are several Facebook groups for housing and rentals in Oaxaca. Often, a place that seems too good to be true will be rented within a few hours of being posted online.

If you are planning on staying in Oaxaca long term, it may be best to just settle with something that has loose commitments, such as a guesthouse, hostel or hotel, as you begin your search.

Understand as well that furnished places are MUCH more expensive than unfurnished. The location will also, as always, greatly influence the price.

Best Neighbourhoods to Live in Oaxaca as a Digital Nomad

The neighbourhoods which are attracting the most digital nomads right now are Jatalaco, and Xochimilco. Both of these neighbourhoods are located on the periphery of Oaxaca’s historic centre.

They are both trendy, loaded with cafes, beautiful colourful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, and a short walk into Centro for access to the restaurants, art galleries and studios, bars, and parks.

The average private furnished accommodation in these neighbourhoods ranges between 6000-12,000 pesos/month ($300-600 USD).

You can find apartments easily here either by searching in Facebook housing groups for Oaxaca, by using a real estate agent or simply walking around the streets looking for RENTA signs posted outside.

WiFi Speed in Oaxaca

The only thing that is challenging for some digital nomads is the lack of really fast wifi in most places around the city of Oaxaca. It’s not that it doesn’t exist, but it can be difficult to find.

There is good wifi, but not many cafes or inclusive apartments here have it. Sometimes it is due to infrastructure (no fibre optic cables to that neighbourhood), though usually, it is due to the landlord/owner using a router from 1997, or simply subscribing the cheapest internet package.

I have experienced wifi as bad as 0.8 MBS, in a Selina co-working space, no less. I have also seen it as fast as 150 MBS in a coffee shop, and 250 MBS in Convivio co-working space.

Housing rentals connection speeds vary greatly too, from the low end of 2MBS being the slowest to about 30 MBS as the fastest I’ve experienced in a home. The average would be closer to about 16 MBS for homes.

If infrastructurally possible, you may be able to negotiate a faster connection at home, but that’s not always available.

WiFi in Oaxaca is generally a solid connection, though I have seen fluctuations over the years… especially around April, 2020, when EVERYONE was at home watching Netflix! It was pretty slow that month. Let us never speak of that month again.

Co-working Spaces in Oaxaca 

There are three main co-working spaces in Oaxaca.

Convivio Oaxaca

Convivio Oaxaca is a long-standing staple in the Oaxaca Co-Working scene.

Not only was it one of the first co-working spaces here, but it also boasts the fastest WiFi in the city by a long shot, a solid community of co-workers, live music on weekends, a restaurant serving #Oaxasian fusion food, and a bar mixing up some incredible cocktails.

Their membership also gets a slew of discounts to the aforementioned, as well as free coffee, tea, and mezcal! Costs range from 200 pesos ($10 USD) day passes to 1750 pesos ($90 USD) monthly passes. Convivio is located conveniently in the heart of Centro.

Work Coffee Inc.

Work Coffe Inc has become a popular co-working space for locals. There is a cafeteria on the ground floor which is where the co-working space is located. They have a private corporate meeting room with a tv screen, and seating for up to 8 people available for rent.

Work Coffee Inc occasionally has private offices open up for rental ranging between 4-5000 pesos/mo ($198 – $250), though based solely on the vacancy of current tenants.

Their internet ranges from 50-100 MBS depending on the package you buy with them. General co-working prices start at 100 pesos ($5 USD) per day, and upwards of 850 pesos ($45 USD) per month, though may come with some limitations, such as limited time or access to facilities.

Selina

Selina is the most well-known chain of co-working spaces in Mexico, and has a location here in Oaxaca. Its main attraction is a rooftop bar, and co-living hotel and door rooms.

There is a restaurant and common area for co-working, though they seemed to have forgotten that digital nomads need wifi to do that too, with some of the slowest wifi in the city (often clocked below 2MBS).

Day passes here start around 200 pesos ($10 USD) up to 2000 pesos ($100 USD) for a general pass, or 4250 pesos ($215) for a dedicated desk. All passes include access to wifi, coffee and meeting rooms. Selina is located just 2 blocks from Convivio, in the heart of Centro.

What is the Cost of Living in Oaxaca?

You could easily live in Oaxaca for between $1200 – 1400 USD per month, all in, and live VERY comfortably.

Oaxaca is one of the best budget options for being a digital nomad in Mexico. Being one of the poorest states in the nation, the average cost of day to day living is incredibly low — having foreign money to spend here helps raise the standards of living for many.

If you are on a tighter budget, it’s easy to find delicious local food for 0.50 cents (10 pesos) per taco, or $1 (20 pesos) per torta/sandwich. That said, you can also splurge at some high-end fine dining of International standards for up to $100 USD.

Accommodation, even on the higher end, is half that of a place such as Playa del Carmen or Puerto Vallarta.

Rentals range anywhere between 3000 pesos ($150 USD) to 20,000 pesos+ ($1000 USD+) per month, depending on neighbourhood, size, amenities and inclusions.

The average for a private, centrally located furnished apartment in Oaxaca is around 8,000-10,000 pesos ($400-500/mo).

The average monthly cost of living in Oaxaca for most digital nomads sits somewhere comfortably in the middle, with slightly nicer accommodations, a mix of local and international cuisine, occasional day trips out of the city and some nights out on the town.

Pros and Cons of Living in Oaxaca as a Digital Nomad

As with anywhere, while there are many pros to living in Oaxaca, there are some downsides as well. 

Some of the biggest pros of being a digital nomad in Oaxaca City are:

• Oaxaca is a gastronomical paradise, with some of the best and most diverse food in Mexico!
• It’s one of the prettiest and safest towns in the world
• It’s walkable and packed with places to go and things to do
• It’s got an amazing expat and remote working community
• The locals are some of the kindest, humble and welcoming people you’ll ever meet

Some of the cons and things to be aware of in Oaxaca City are:

• Oaxacans are passionate people, and as such, it’s not uncommon to see protests or disruptive street blockades, though very rarely are they anything less than peaceful
• Though very safe, Oaxaca is a poor state, so petty crime such as pickpocketing does exist
• It’s far from the beach (6+ hours by land, or 30 mins by air) — however, the surrounding mountains make for a gorgeous backdrop
• Due to rapid growth in exposure and popularity (Travel & Leisure just voted it #1 city in the WORLD to visit ), it runs a high risk of growing without solid infrastructure. Visit responsibly, and try to shop and support locally, and keep things sustainable.

What is the Visa Situation for Mexico?

Visa situations are different for everyone, and it’s best to check with your local embassy for your nationality’s restrictions. That said, most visas (either applied for in advance, or a Visa on Arrival) are for 6 months, and are free. This makes for one of the best visas in the world.

If you really fall in love with Mexico (which is almost a guarantee), getting a temporary or permanent residence isn’t too hard either, as long as you have a steady income and some savings in the bank.

Is Oaxaca Safe?

Yes, Oaxaca is safe to visit.

One of the most frequent questions people ask when visiting a new destination is whether or not it’s a safe place to go. Oaxaca is amongst the safest cities in Mexico, though it is not without occasional petty crime.

The people of Oaxaca are hospitable by nature, and are proudly sharing their unique culture with the world. Keep in mind, Oaxaca is also one of the poorest states of Mexico, and so there is some homelessness and desperation amongst some.

So, is Oaxaca safe? Overall, Oaxaca remains one of the safest destinations for visitors. Just keep in mind you’re in a foreign country, and in a region which is poor, so don’t flaunt money or valuables carelessly.

Avoid Pickpocketing in Oaxaca

Like most countries, if you are in a busy market, or in a crowd such as watching a parade or concert, it is possible that you might get pick-pocketed. It is always best to be mindful of your valuables and keep wallets or phones in your front pockets or in a money belt.

Don’t carry around all your valuables with you, and always try to leave one of your bank/credit cards at the hotel in a safe, should you lose one, at least you’ll still have another way of accessing your funds.

Walk Away from Protests

The citizens of Oaxaca are also very proactive and vocal about politics and human rights issues, leading to occasional protests or blockades (the blockades are infamous for disruption of traffic).

Though I have never seen a protest be anything more than peaceful here, it is always best to try and avoid them if you see one happening, and simply walk the other direction.

Cartel Activity

There actually is a cartel in Oaxaca state, as with most regions in Mexico, though their presence and activity are invisible to tourists.

The cartel in Oaxaca are not aggressive nor have violent outbreaks, especially around the city or touristic regions, as you may read about in Quintana Roo or Sinaloa.

Support the Community to Assist with Poverty

Do your best to support the local economy by shopping locally as much as possible, be mindful of your surroundings, and most of all, enjoy this lovely city and the kindness and humbleness of the people who will be hosting you here.

Conclusion

I hope this guide helps give you the basics for figuring out if Oaxaca is a city from which you want to be based as a digital nomad. Just be forewarned, once you do decide to live in Oaxaca, it’s likely you’ll never want to leave!

Disclaimer:Goats On The Road is an Amazon Associate and also an affiliate for some other retailers. This means we earn commissions if you click links on our blog and purchase from those retailers.