Whether you’re catching up with friends, connecting with family, or handling business in Mexico, it’s essential to know the right way to dial a Mexican phone number from the United States. Understanding international dialing codes and the formats used can save you time, prevent mistakes, and help you avoid costly surprises on your phone bill. This guide will walk you through the process of calling Mexico from the US and share tips on how to keep those international calling rates down.
Things to Consider Before Calling Mexico
Before you make that call to Mexico, keep a few things in mind to ensure it goes smoothly.
- Time Zone: Mexico is in multiple time zones, but most of the country follows Central Standard Time (CST), which is the same as US Central Time. The Pacific Time Zone applies to areas like Baja California, while the Eastern Time Zone is used in places like Cancun. So, check the time zone of the location you’re calling before you dial to avoid waking anyone up in the middle of the night!
- Calling Plan: Double-check your phone plan. Does your current plan cover international calls? Are the rates for calling Mexico reasonable, or should you consider an international calling plan?
- Dialing Codes: Make sure you know the country code and the area codes for the region you’re calling in Mexico. Each area in Mexico has its own unique area code, and you’ll need to include it in the number.
Format of Mexican Phone Numbers
Mexico uses a closed telephone numbering plan, meaning all phone numbers are fixed-length. This makes it easy to dial correctly once you know the format.
- Country Code for Mexico: The country code for Mexico is +52 or 0052.
- Area Codes: Area codes in Mexico range from two to three digits, and they vary depending on whether you are calling a landline or a mobile number. Mobile numbers typically have area codes starting with 1 followed by eight digits, whereas landlines have a fixed area code of two or three digits.
- Phone Number Format: The general format for dialing a Mexican phone number is:
- For landlines: +52 [Area Code] [Local Number]
- For mobile phones: +52 1 [Area Code] [Local Number]
For example, to call a mobile number in Mexico City, you’d dial: +52 1 55 1234 5678.
How to Dial Mexican Phone Numbers from the US
When dialing from the US, you need to follow these steps:
- Dial the US Exit Code: The exit code for the US is 011. This tells your phone that you’re dialing internationally.
- Dial the Country Code for Mexico: The country code for Mexico is 52.
- Dial the Area Code: Make sure you leave out the leading 0 from the Mexican area code (for landlines) or the 1 for mobile numbers. For example, if you’re calling a landline in Mexico City, the area code would be 55, and for a mobile number, the area code would be 1 55.
- Dial the Local Number: Finally, dial the local phone number, which will typically be 8 digits for a landline or 7 to 8 digits for a mobile number.
Example:
- To call a landline in Mexico City, you would dial: 011 + 52 + 55 + [local number] (For example, 011 52 55 1234 5678)
- To call a mobile number in Mexico, you would dial:011 + 52 + 1 + [Area Code] + [local number] (For example, 011 52 1 55 1234 5678)
How to Reduce the Calling Fees When Calling Mexico from the US
International calling rates can rack up quickly, so it’s always a good idea to find ways to cut those costs. Here are a few tips:
Use Internet Calling Services
Services like Skype, WhatsApp, and Dingtone allow you to make voice calls over the internet. With a Wi-Fi connection, you can call Mexico for a fraction of the cost, or sometimes even for free. Dingtone is especially great because you can make calls to Mexico at very low rates—sometimes for as little as $0.02/minute.
Get an International Calling Plan
If you prefer using your regular phone number, many mobile providers offer international calling plans. These plans typically allow you to make unlimited calls to specific countries like Mexico or at a discounted rate. Plans range from $10 to $20/month depending on the provider and the number of minutes offered.
For example:
- AT&T offers an international plan with unlimited calls to Mexico for $15/month.
- Verizon has international calling options with prices starting at $5/month for calls to Mexico.
Use a Prepaid Calling Card
Another great option for keeping costs low is using a prepaid international calling card. These cards allow you to buy credits in advance, and they can save you money on long-distance calls. Many cards come with special rates for Mexico, and you can use them from any phone.
Check Your Phone Provider’s Rates
Before you dial, make sure to check what your phone provider charges for calls to Mexico. Some plans offer discounts for international calls, while others might charge as much as $2-3 per minute. For instance, with T-Mobile, you might pay $3 per minute for calls to Mexico, but with a plan like the Stateside International Talk plan, you could get unlimited calls for $15/month.
Conclusion
Making international calls to Mexico from the US is pretty straightforward if you know the correct format and dialing codes. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to connect with friends, family, or business associates in Mexico without a hitch. Plus, there are plenty of ways to reduce the costs of international calls, whether through internet-based calling services, prepaid calling cards, or international calling plans. By being mindful of these options, you’ll keep your communication smooth and your phone bill manageable.