Calling the United States from Mexico might seem daunting, but it’s simpler than you think. This guide provides a step-by-step process, covering various calling methods and essential tips for seamless communication. Whether you’re calling family, friends, or for business, we’ll help you connect with ease.
Choosing Your Calling Method
Several options are available for calling the US from Mexico:
1. International Roaming
- Contact Your Provider: Enable international roaming with your cell phone provider before your trip. Confirm activation and inquire about rates, as they can be expensive. Adjust data roaming settings, especially on iPhones, to avoid unexpected charges.
- Consider Short Trips: Roaming is best for short trips due to high costs. For longer stays, explore other options like local SIM cards.
2. Calling Cards
- Purchase Wisely: Calling cards offer toll-free or local access numbers for international calls. Buy from reputable stores and choose cards with small charging increments (e.g., 1-minute increments) to avoid paying for unused minutes. Prices vary based on usage and destination.
3. Local SIM Card
- Major Carriers: Consider purchasing a SIM card from a Mexican carrier like Telcel, AT&T Mexico, Movistar, or Virgin Mobile. This provides a local number and avoids expensive roaming fees.
- Update Contacts: After inserting the new SIM, inform your US contacts of your new Mexican number.
- Month-to-Month Plans: Look for no-contract, month-to-month plans offering unlimited calls to the US and Canada, often available for around $11 USD.
- Top-Up as Needed: Easily recharge your SIM card with airtime and data at local stores. You’ll receive an SMS confirmation after a successful top-up.
4. VoIP Services
- Cost-Effective Solution: VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services like Skype, WhatsApp, FaceTime, and specialized providers like Ultatel allow calls over the internet.
- Advantages: VoIP often offers lower rates, superior call quality, and features like call recording and app integration.
Dialing Instructions: Calling the US from Mexico
Follow these simple steps for direct calls to both landlines and cell phones in the US:
- Exit Code: Dial “00” to initiate an international call from Mexico.
- Country Code: Enter “1” for the United States.
- Area Code: Dial the 3-digit area code for the specific US region.
- Phone Number: Enter the 7-digit phone number.
Example: To call Los Angeles (area code 213), dial 00 + 1 + 213 + 555-1212.
Understanding Calling Costs
Costs vary based on call duration, your chosen service provider, and your plan. Per-minute rates for calls to the US typically range from $0.10 to $0.50. Factor in potential surcharges for international wireless calls. Contact your provider for precise pricing details. Some providers offer discounted rates or free international minutes within specific plans.
Making Business Calls
- Time Zone Awareness: Consider time zone differences between Mexico and the US to avoid calling outside of business hours. Mexico observes Central Time, while the US has multiple time zones (Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific).
- Service Provider Plans: Many providers, such as Ultatel, offer tailored business plans with options like pay-as-you-go, unlimited calls, or customized enterprise solutions. Research plans to find the best fit for your needs.
Calling US Cell Phones from Mexico
The dialing procedure for US cell phones is the same as for landlines. Follow the steps outlined in the “Dialing Instructions” section.
Summary
Staying connected with the US while in Mexico is easy with the right approach. Choose the calling method that suits your needs and budget, and always confirm rates with your service provider. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy seamless communication with your contacts in the United States. Remember to consider time differences, especially for business calls.
