Making international calls can seem complicated, especially when dialing countries like Mexico with specific codes and evolving dialing procedures. Whether you’re trying to connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Mexico, understanding the correct dialing codes and available options is essential. This guide provides a clear and concise checklist to ensure your calls to Mexico are successful and cost-effective. We’ll break down the dialing process, explore cost considerations, and introduce you to various service providers to help you navigate international calling with ease, focusing specifically on the “Code For Mexico” and how to use it effectively.
Dialing Mexican Phone Numbers: Mobile and Landline Codes Explained
The way you dial a phone number in Mexico from the United States, Canada, or other international locations depends on whether you are calling a mobile phone or a landline. It’s also crucial to be aware of recent changes in dialing procedures to avoid call failures.
Calling Mobile Numbers in Mexico: Key Updates
In 2020, a significant change was implemented for dialing mobile numbers in Mexico. Crucially, callers from the U.S. and abroad should no longer include the digit “1” after Mexico’s country code (52) when dialing a mobile number. This alteration simplifies the dialing process and ensures your calls connect smoothly. The procedure for dialing landlines in Mexico, however, remains unchanged.
To dial a Mexican mobile phone number from the U.S. or Canada:
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Using a Mobile Phone: Begin by entering the “+” symbol (often achieved by holding down the “0” key), followed by Mexico’s country code, which is 52. Then, dial the 10-digit phone number, including the area code. The format is: +52 xx xxxx-xxxx.
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Using a Landline: Dial 011 (the international access code from North America), then Mexico’s country code 52, and finally the 10-digit phone number including the area code. The format is: 011 52 xx xxxx-xxxx.
Understanding the correct dialing code for Mexico is crucial for successful international calls, whether using a mobile or landline.
Calling Landlines in Mexico: The Established Method
Dialing a landline in Mexico from the U.S. or Canada follows a consistent procedure:
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Using a Mobile Phone: Similar to mobile calls, start with the “+” symbol, followed by the country code 52, and then the 10-digit landline number including the area code. Format: +52 xx xxxx-xxxx.
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Using a Landline: Dial 011, then 52, followed by the 10-digit landline number. Format: 011 52 xx xxxx-xxxx.
It’s important to double-check you are using the correct “code for mexico” – 52 – and remember the 2020 change for mobile numbers to ensure your call goes through without issues.
Navigating International Calling Costs: Basic Rates and Alternatives
Making international calls can sometimes lead to unexpected expenses. Understanding the basic rates and exploring alternative, more cost-effective options is a smart approach to managing your communication budget.
Basic Rates: Convenience at a Higher Price
Basic rates are the standard, non-discounted charges for international calls, typically applied to landline users who haven’t subscribed to a specific international calling plan. While basic rate calling offers convenience for occasional international calls, it’s crucial to be aware that these rates can be significantly higher compared to other options. Furthermore, calling mobile phones internationally using basic rates might incur additional charges.
The following tables illustrate the price differences between basic rates, monthly plans, and internet-based services like Skype, based on data from September 2020. Note that these rates are examples and may have changed; always verify current rates with your provider.
International Calls from Landline Phones: Basic Rates vs. Monthly Plans vs. Skype
| Calls to: | AT&T Basic Rate | AT&T Worldwide Value Calling ($5.99/month) | Verizon Basic Rate (Fios) | Verizon World Plan 300 ($10/month)* | Skype |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $1.55 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.023 |
| China | $5.00 | $0.11 | $0.15 | $0.15 | $0.020 |
| India | $5.00 | $0.28 | $0.28 | $0.28 | $0.015 |
| Mexico | $3.50 | $0.09 | $0.02 | $0.02 | $0.010 |
| UK | $3.50 | $0.08 | $0.08 | $0.08 | $0.023 |
| * Rates listed apply to minutes in excess of the 300 minutes included in the plan. |
International Calls to Mobile Phones: Basic Rates vs. Monthly Plans vs. Skype
| Calls to: | AT&T Basic Rate-Mobile | AT&T Worldwide Value Calling ($5.99/ month)-Mobile | Verizon Basic Rate (Fios) – Mobile | Verizon World Plan 300 ($10/month) – Mobile* | Skype-Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $1.55 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.023 |
| China | $5.00 | $0.11 | $0.17 | $0.17 | $0.020 |
| India | $5.00 | $0.28 | $0.29 | $0.29 | $0.015 |
| Mexico | $3.65 | $0.24 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.035 |
| UK | $3.70 | $0.28 | $0.29 | $0.29 | $0.10 |
| * Rates listed apply to minutes in excess of the 300 minutes included in the plan. |
As you can see, the cost per minute can vary drastically. For calls to Mexico, basic rates are significantly higher than monthly plans or services like Skype.
Exploring Cost-Saving Alternatives
If you anticipate making regular international calls, consider these cheaper alternatives to basic rates:
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International Calling Plans: Major carriers like AT&T and Verizon offer international calling plans that provide significantly reduced per-minute rates for a monthly fee. If you frequently call Mexico, these plans can lead to substantial savings.
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Prepaid Calling Cards: International prepaid calling cards can offer lower rates than basic rates, and they allow you to control your spending by pre-paying for minutes. However, be sure to check for any hidden fees associated with these cards.
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Mobile Phone International Plans: Mobile service providers also offer international plans. Check with your provider (like AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, US Cellular) to explore their international plan options and rates for calling Mexico.
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Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Services: VoIP services like Skype and Google Voice utilize your internet connection to make calls, often at much lower rates than traditional phone services. These services can be particularly cost-effective for international calls to Mexico.
Comparing different international calling options, including basic rates, monthly plans, and VoIP services, can reveal significant cost savings.
Choosing Your Service Provider: Wireline, Mobile, and VoIP Options
Numerous service providers cater to international calling needs, each offering different plans and rates. Here’s a look at various types of providers:
Wireline Service Providers
Traditional wireline providers like AT&T and Verizon offer international long-distance plans for landline users. Their websites provide details on available plans and pricing:
- AT&T International Long Distance Plans: att.com/home-phone/landline/long-distance.html
- Verizon International Long Distance Plans: verizon.com/home/phone
Prepaid Service Providers
Union Telecard is an example of a prepaid service provider offering international calling cards:
- Union Telecard International Prepaid Calling Cards: uniontelecard.com/phonecards
U.S. Mobile Wireless Service Providers
Major U.S. mobile carriers provide international wireless plans and services:
- AT&T Mobility International Wireless Plans: att.com/offers/international.html
- T-Mobile International Services: t-mobile.com/coverage/roaming
- US Cellular International Long Distance Rates: uscellular.com/services/international/long-distance-cell-phone-plans/index.html
- Verizon Wireless International Solutions and Services: verizonwireless.com/solutions-and-services/international/
VoIP and Alternative Service Providers
VoIP providers offer internet-based calling solutions, often at competitive rates:
- Google Voice International Rates: google.com/voice/rates
- Nextiva International Rates: nextiva.com/resources/international-calling-rates.html
- Skype International Plans: skype.com/en/international-calls/
- Vonage International Plans: vonage.com/unified-communications/global/global-calling-plans/
Remember to research and compare rates and plans from different providers to find the best option for your calling needs to Mexico. Always confirm the most current rates and terms before making international calls.
Conclusion: Connecting to Mexico with Confidence
Calling Mexico internationally doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding the correct dialing codes – remembering that the “code for mexico” is 52 and noting the 2020 mobile dialing update – and exploring the various cost-saving options available, you can confidently connect with contacts in Mexico without communication barriers or excessive costs. Take the time to compare service providers and choose a plan that aligns with your calling frequency and budget to ensure seamless and affordable international communication.
