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Calling Mexico from the United States is now easier than ever. To dial a phone number in Mexico, begin by entering the exit code—011 if you're using landline, or + on a cell phone. Then, dial 52, Mexico's country code, followed by the 10-digit phone number. You can pay for calls to Mexico using your international long-distance calling plan, calling credits, or using apps like Skype, Viber, and Google Voice. This wikiHow article will teach you the easiest ways to call someone in Mexico from the United States, both by dialing a phone number and using free apps.
Things You Should Know
- If you're using your mobile phone, dial +52 XX-XXXX-XXXX.
- When calling from a landline, dial 011 52 XX-XXXX-XXXX.
- Use apps like Messenger, WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime to call Mexico for free.
Steps
Dialing the Number
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Enter the exit code. The exit code you enter will be a little different depending on whether you're calling Mexico from a landline or mobile phone.
- If you're using a landline, dial 011 (the United States exit code).
- If you're calling from a mobile phone, dial +, which shares a key with 0.
- You will be able to dial any foreign number after you dial 011 or +, including Mexico.[1]
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Enter Mexico's country code, 52. After the exit code, enter 52 to call Mexico. You can call any landline or cell phone in Mexico with this code.
Did you know? As of August 3rd, 2019, you no longer need to dial a 1 after the country code when calling a cellular phone in Mexico.
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Enter the area code. Mexican phone numbers are 10 digits long, beginning with a 2 or 3-digit area code. For example, 55 is the area code for Mexico City, and 444 is the area code for Acapulco.
- If you see the prefix 01, 044, or 045 in front of the area code of the number you want to call, don't dial it. These trunk codes were only to be used when calling within Mexico, and have been dropped altogether as of 2019.
- If you don't have the area code of the city or region in Mexico you're trying to call, check out our Mexican area code list.
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Dial the 7 to 8-digit phone number. Altogether, the number you enter after the country code should be 10 digits long.
- Some phone carriers give the option to block international calls, so if your call does not go through, make sure you are capable of making international calls from your phone.
Paying for Calls
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Check with your phone provider for current rates. Many mobile phone providers, including T-Mobile and AT&T, offer free calls to Mexico and Canada from the United States with certain plans.[2] If free calls to Mexico aren't included in your plan, you may be able to add an unlimited international calling feature for an affordable rate—much more affordable than paying by the minute with a calling card.
- Most US-based landline phone providers also offer affordable packages with unlimited calls to Mexico, including Verizon, Vonage, and Spectrum.
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Use Skype, Viber, or Google Voice to call and text phones in Mexico. You can call both landlines and cell phones directly from these apps, even if the person you're calling doesn't have them. However if both you and the person you're calling both have internet connections, you can also use these apps and more to talk on the phone for free.
- If you use Skype to call a Mexican phone number, you can pay as you go, or try one of Skype's unlimited calling plans that cover Mexico.[3]
- On Viber, you can buy credits to call Mexico for as low as 1.8 cents per minute (mobile numbers) or 1.2 cents per minute (landline numbers). Alternatively, you can opt for their $5.99 unlimited plan.[4]
- Google Voice advertises rates of $.01 per minute to call landlines in Mexico, and $.02 to call cell phones.[5]
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Buy voice credit online to call Mexico. There are companies that provide transparent policies, inexpensive rates, and easy to use services that allow you to call Mexico from your cell phone or landline. Simply do an online search using terms like "buy credit to call Mexico." Once you do, sign up, download an app on your computer or smartphone, and buy credit for as little as $5.
- These services often have much more transparent policies and fees and cost less than calling cards.
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Avoid using calling cards. The majority of calling cards have unclear terms and fees. It is more affordable to use web-based calling like Google Voice or to buy phone credit through an online company because the services are less costly and more transparent.[6]
- If you do have to use calling cards, use cards with lower cost-per-minute rates and an inexpensive connection fee unless you are going to be using all of your minutes in one phone call.
- Find cards that advertise specifically for Mexico. These cards can be less expensive than buying general international calling cards.
- Buy cards from stores that let you look at the card before you buy it. Check to see what the rates are and whether there are service fees. Compare cards and find the best deal for your needs.
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat are some reasons that someone would need to call Mexico?Community AnswerPeople often call Mexico if they have friends or family living there, and would like to keep in touch. Some people might also call Mexico to schedule vacations or get information about a job or college that is located there.
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QuestionWhat is the area code for Ensenada?Community Answer646 is the area code for Ensenada. If you are calling from the US, add that before your number.
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QuestionHow do I call a US cell phone that is located in Mexico from the USA?Community AnswerIf the US cell has coverage in Mexico through its provider, the number will not change. Dial the number as you normally do and it will work.
Tips
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You can find the yellow pages for Mexico online at https://www.seccionamarilla.com.mx.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/international-long-distance-calling-made-simple-tip-sheet
- ↑ https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/canada-mexico-included
- ↑ https://www.skype.com/en/international-calls/Mexico
- ↑ https://account.viber.com/en/call-mexico
- ↑ https://voice.google.com/u/0/rates
- ↑ http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/05/shop-wisely-when-buying-prepaid-phone-cards/index.htm
- ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204380
About This Article
To call Mexico from the United States, start by entering the exit code, which is 011. Next, dial Mexico’s country code, 52, followed by a 1 if you’re calling a cell phone. Then, leave out the trunk code, which is 01, 044, or 045, and enter your 10 digit phone number. For a cheaper way to call Mexico, try using apps like Skype and Google Voice, which allow you to call landlines and cell phones for a fee, or talk for free while both of you are online. For tips on how to find Mexican area codes, keep reading!
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