The +52 country code is the international dialing prefix for Mexico. If you have received a call from a number starting with +52 or need to dial one, you are connecting with a phone in Mexico. This guide provides a quick reference for dialing correctly.

Quick Answer: What is the +52 country code?

The +52 country code belongs to Mexico. All phone numbers in Mexico, including landlines and mobile phones, now use a standard 10-digit format after the country code.

Quick Reference Table for Dialing +52

Dialing Mexico requires a specific format depending on your location and the type of phone you're using. Use this table for a quick glance at the correct dialing sequence.

Calling From How to Dial
From US/Canada Mobile +52 [10-digit number]
From US/Canada Landline 011-52-[10-digit number]
From United Kingdom 00-52-[10-digit number]

Just match your location and device to the format, and you'll be able to connect without issue. Remember, the "+" symbol on mobile phones automatically replaces your country's exit code (like 011 or 00).

Understanding the +52 Format

A diagram illustrating the structure of a +52 phone number, composed of an Area code (2-3 digits) and a Local number (7-8 digits), noting '1 obsolete'.

Mexico's dialing system was simplified in 2019, making it much easier to call from abroad. The country now uses a unified 10-digit numbering plan for all phones, both landlines and mobiles.

The most important change to remember is that the extra "1" prefix once used for calling mobile phones is now obsolete. If you add a "1" after +52, your call will fail.

The current 10-digit number structure is simple:

  • Area Code: The first 2 or 3 digits.
  • Local Number: The remaining 7 or 8 digits.

Together, the area code and local number always add up to 10 digits. This is the complete number you need to dial after the +52 country code.

Major Mexican Area Codes Reference Table

Map of Mexico highlighting major area codes 33, 55, 81, 998 for cities like Mexico City, Monterrey, and Cancun.

After dialing the +52 country code, the next part of the number is the area code, which routes your call to a specific city or region. Getting this part right is crucial for connecting successfully.

Here is a reference table with the area codes for Mexico's most-called cities.

City Area Code
Mexico City 55
Guadalajara 33
Monterrey 81
Cancún 998
Tijuana 664
Puebla 222
León 477
Ciudad Juárez 656

Dialing Examples

Diagram illustrating the steps for dialing an international phone number to Mexico, starting with exit code.

Knowing the components is one thing, but seeing them in action makes it clear. Here are a few step-by-step examples of how to dial a Mexican number correctly.

Example 1: Calling a Mexico City Number

Let's say you're calling a number in Mexico City: 55-1234-5678.

  • From a US Mobile: Dial +525512345678
  • From a US Landline: Dial 011-52-55-1234-5678

Example 2: Calling a Mobile Phone

The dialing format for mobile phones is now identical to landlines. For a mobile number in Cancun like 998-123-4567:

  • From any smartphone: Dial +529981234567
  • Remember, do not add a "1" after 52.

Example 3: Calling from Outside the US (e.g., the UK)

If you're calling from another country, simply replace the US exit code (011) with your own. Most countries in Europe, including the UK, use 00.

  • To call Mexico City from a UK landline: Dial 00-52-55-1234-5678

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the simplified system, a few common errors can prevent your call from connecting. Watch out for these frequent mistakes.

  • Adding the old "1" prefix: The most common error is adding a "1" after +52 when calling a mobile phone. This format is outdated and will result in a failed call.
  • Missing the exit code from landlines: When using a landline, you must dial your country's international exit code first (e.g., 011 for the US, 00 for the UK). Mobile phones do this automatically when you use the "+" key.
  • Confusing area codes with country codes: Remember, 52 is the country code for all of Mexico. The area code (like 55 for Mexico City) comes after it.

Cheapest Ways to Call +52 Numbers

Making frequent international calls using traditional phone carriers can be expensive due to high per-minute rates. International calling plans from major carriers often come with fixed monthly fees that may not be cost-effective.

A more affordable alternative is using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like CallSky. These apps place calls over the internet, offering significantly lower rates to both landlines and mobiles in Mexico. Compared to standard carrier rates, VoIP provides a flexible, pay-as-you-go option without long-term commitments.

For a complete breakdown of calling options, see our detailed guide on how to call Mexico from the US.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are quick answers to the most common questions about the 52 country code.

What country has +52 country code?

The +52 country code is assigned exclusively to Mexico. Any phone number starting with +52 originates from Mexico.

How many digits is a Mexican phone number?

When calling from abroad, a complete Mexican phone number has 12 digits: the +52 country code followed by a 10-digit national number.

Do I need to dial 1 after +52?

No. The requirement to add a "1" after +52 for mobile phones was eliminated in 2019. Dialing +52 1 will now cause your call to fail. The correct format is +52 followed immediately by the 10-digit number.

What is the area code for Mexico City?

The area code for Mexico City is 55. A call to the capital would be formatted as +52-55-[8-digit number].