Trying to call Mexico from the U.S. can feel confusing, but it's become much more straightforward since a 2019 system update. The key is knowing the right sequence: the U.S. exit code, Mexico's country code (+52), and the person's full 10-digit phone number.
This standard format—+52 followed by a 10-digit number—works for every phone in Mexico, whether you're calling a mobile phone in Mexico City or a landline in Tijuana.
The Complete Dialing Format for Mexico
In 2019, Mexico standardized all phone numbers to a uniform 10 digits (a 2 or 3-digit area code plus a 7 or 8-digit local number). This major update eliminated confusing old prefixes like "044" for mobile phones and the extra "1" that was previously required for cell phones.
Now, all you need to know is the correct dialing sequence for your device. Get these methods down, and you'll be able to connect without any trouble.
Here’s a quick reference table with the exact dialing formats you'll need.
| Quick Guide: How to Dial Mexico From the US | |
|---|---|
| Your Phone Type | What to Dial |
| Calling from a U.S. mobile phone | +52 followed by the 10-digit Mexican phone number |
| Calling from a U.S. landline | 011 then 52, followed by the 10-digit Mexican phone number |
Keep this handy, and you'll have the right format every time. As you can see, dialing from a mobile is often easier since the "+" symbol automatically handles the U.S. exit code for you.
Step-by-Step: How to Call Mexico From Any Device
If you haven't called Mexico in a few years, you might be using an outdated method. Mexico's 2019 phone system overhaul simplified everything down to a standard 10-digit number for both landlines and mobile phones. The old rules no longer apply.
The Building Blocks of a Call to Mexico
When you’re dialing from your mobile phone, the first thing you'll enter is the + symbol. Think of it as a universal shortcut that tells your phone you're making an international call. It automatically stands in for the US exit code (011), so you don't have to remember it.
Right after the +, you'll dial Mexico's country code: 52. It's helpful to have a complete telephone country code list handy for other destinations, too. From there, you just punch in the person's complete 10-digit number. That's all there is to it.
Old vs. New Mexico Dialing Formats (Post-2019)
To see just how much simpler things have gotten, let’s compare the old, incorrect method with the current, correct way to dial a Mexican mobile number.
| Call Type | Old Format (Incorrect - Pre-2019) | New Format (Correct) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Phone | +52 1 Area Code Number |
+52 10-Digit Number |
| Landline | 011 52 Area Code Number |
011 52 10-Digit Number |
The key takeaway is to drop that extra "1" after the country code. Forgetting the old rules is the best way to ensure your calls connect successfully.
Putting It All Together: Real-World Dialing Examples
Let's walk through how this looks in practice for different scenarios. Seeing the complete dialing sequence is the quickest way to get comfortable with the format. Since the 2019 update, all phone numbers in Mexico (landline and mobile) use the same 10-digit structure, making the process consistent.
Scenario 1: Calling a Mexico City Landline
Let's say you're calling a landline in Mexico City with the number (55) 1234 5678.
- On a mobile phone, you'd dial: +52 55 1234 5678
- From a U.S. landline, it's: 011 52 55 1234 5678
Scenario 2: Calling a Mexican Mobile Phone
Now, imagine you're calling a cell phone in Guadalajara with the number (33) 9876 5432. The process is identical to calling a landline.
- On a mobile phone, you'd dial: +52 33 9876 5432
- From a U.S. landline, it's: 011 52 33 9876 5432
Scenario 3: Calling Tijuana or Other Border Cities
For a number in Tijuana like (664) 111 2233:
- On a mobile phone, you'd dial: +52 664 111 2233
- From a U.S. landline, it's: 011 52 664 111 2233
Scenario 4: Calling Mexican Toll-Free Numbers from the US
One common snag people hit is trying to call a Mexican 800 number from the U.S. More often than not, it won't work. These toll-free numbers are usually set up for in-country calls only and will reject an international connection. If you need to contact a business, your best bet is to find and dial their direct, local 10-digit number instead.
How Much Does It Cost to Call Mexico?
Before you dial, it’s smart to know the cost. The good news is that many major US carriers, like T-Mobile and some AT&T plans, now include unlimited calls to Mexico as part of their standard packages.
The first thing you should always do is check your mobile plan's details. If your plan doesn't include Mexico, standard pay-per-minute international rates can be shockingly high. A few long conversations could lead to a hefty bill.
Carrier Rates vs. VoIP App Options
The need for cheap, reliable calls is huge. According to Statista's report on mobile communications in Mexico, mobile connectivity is widespread, making phone calls essential for staying in touch.
This is where VoIP for international calls really shines. If your carrier charges high fees, an app can help you bypass them. If your carrier charges for Mexico calls, apps like CallSky offer affordable per-minute rates without requiring a plan change. You get crystal-clear calls for just a few cents per minute.
To give you a real-world sense of the savings, let's break down the cost for a typical 30-minute chat.
Cost Comparison: Calling Mexico from the US
Here's a quick look at what you can expect to pay for a half-hour call depending on the service you use.
| Provider Type | Typical Per-Minute Rate | Estimated 30-Min Call Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Major Carrier (Mexico Included) | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Major Carrier (Pay-Per-Minute) | $0.25 - $1.00+ | $7.50 - $30.00+ |
| VoIP Service (e.g., CallSky) | $0.01 - $0.05 | $0.30 - $1.50 |
The numbers speak for themselves. If your phone plan doesn't offer free calls to Mexico, looking into apps for cheap international calls is a no-brainer. It's the most practical way to stay connected without worrying about the cost.
Common Mistakes and Practical Calling Tips
Getting a call through to Mexico is straightforward once you know the modern dialing format. The biggest hurdle is using the old dialing format (pre-2019), which no longer works. If your call isn't connecting, double-check that you haven't added any unnecessary digits, like the old "1" prefix for mobile numbers.
On a softer note, don't forget the human element. Taking a moment to learn a few basic Spanish greetings can make the conversation feel warmer and more personal right from the start.
Pro Tip: Mind the Time Zones. Before you dial, check the local time. Mexico has four time zones (Northwest Zone, Pacific Zone, Central Zone, and Southeast Zone). A quick time zone check can save you from calling someone in the middle of the night.
Finally, if you're dialing everything correctly but the line is crackly, the issue might be on your end. A weak Wi-Fi signal can disrupt VoIP calls. If you suspect that's the problem, our guide on what to do when your Wi-Fi calling is not working has some simple fixes.
Answering Your Questions About Calling Mexico
Even with the right format, a few common questions always pop up. Let's clear up some of the most frequent points of confusion.
Do I Still Need to Dial a "1" for Mexican Cell Phones?
No, the "1" is no longer needed. This is the most common mistake, based on an old rule that Mexico officially dropped in 2019. The old dialing format (pre-2019) no longer works.
Today, the format is simple: just dial +52 followed by the complete 10-digit phone number. Adding an extra "1" will cause the call to fail.
What Is Mexico's Country Code Again?
The country code for Mexico is 52. When you're calling from your US cell phone, you'll always start by dialing +52.
If you happen to be using a landline, you’ll need to punch in the US exit code first, which is 011, and then follow it with Mexico's country code (52).
Can I Call a Mexican 800 Number From the U.S.?
Most of the time, no. Toll-free numbers in Mexico, such as those starting with 800, are usually configured for in-country calls only. Trying to dial one from a US number will rarely connect. Your best bet is to ask your contact for a standard local landline or mobile number instead.
My Call to Mexico Isn't Going Through. What's Wrong?
There are a few usual suspects. The most common mistakes are using the old dialing format (adding the extra "1"), entering the wrong area code, or having a phone plan that doesn't have international calling enabled.
First, double-check that you’ve dialed +52 followed immediately by the full 10-digit number. If you've confirmed the number is correct and it still won’t connect, contact your service provider to see if your plan allows international calls. If you're looking for an alternative to your carrier, check out our guide on how to call the UK from the US for more international calling tips.
If you find out your carrier charges a lot for Mexico calls, remember you can always use an app like CallSky to get affordable per-minute rates without messing with your current plan.
Ready for clear, affordable calls to Mexico? CallSky gives you premium quality at low per-minute rates, starting today. Sign up at CallSky.io.