Staying connected with friends, family, or business contacts in Mexico is essential for many in the United States. Whether you’re planning a vacation, managing business across borders, or simply keeping in touch with loved ones, understanding how to correctly call Mexico from the US is crucial. This guide provides you with a comprehensive overview of the dialing process, cost-saving tips, and alternative calling methods to ensure your international calls are seamless and affordable.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Call Mexico from the US
The dialing process for calling Mexico from the United States involves a few key steps, and it’s important to follow them correctly to ensure your call goes through. The procedure differs slightly depending on whether you are calling a mobile phone or a landline in Mexico, and also based on whether you are calling from a mobile phone or a landline in the US.
Dialing a Mobile Number in Mexico from the US
Recent changes in Mexican dialing codes have simplified the process for calling mobile numbers. Crucially, you no longer need to add the digit “1” after the country code when dialing a Mexican mobile number from the US. This update, implemented in 2020, streamlines international calls.
Here’s how to dial a Mexican mobile number from your mobile phone in the US:
- “+” Sign: Begin by dialing the “+” symbol. This is the international access code and is usually entered by holding down the “0” key on most mobile phones.
- Mexico Country Code: Next, enter “52”. This is the country code for Mexico.
- Mexican Phone Number: Finally, dial the 10-digit Mexican phone number, which includes the area code.
In summary, the format for dialing a Mexican mobile number from a US mobile phone is: +52 xx xxxx-xxxx
If you are calling from a landline in the US, the process is a little different:
- International Access Code: Dial “011”. This is the international access code used in the United States to make calls outside of North America.
- Mexico Country Code: Enter “52”, the country code for Mexico.
- Mexican Phone Number: Dial the 10-digit Mexican phone number, including the area code.
Therefore, the format for dialing a Mexican mobile number from a US landline is: 011 52 xx xxxx-xxxx
Dialing a Landline Number in Mexico from the US
The process for calling a landline in Mexico from the US remains the same as it was before the mobile dialing changes.
From a mobile phone in the US, dial a Mexican landline using the same format as for mobile numbers:
- “+” Sign: Dial the “+” symbol.
- Mexico Country Code: Enter “52”.
- Mexican Landline Number: Dial the 10-digit Mexican landline number, including the area code.
Format: +52 xx xxxx-xxxx
From a landline in the US, dial a Mexican landline using this format:
- International Access Code: Dial “011”.
- Mexico Country Code: Enter “52”.
- Mexican Landline Number: Dial the 10-digit Mexican landline number, including the area code.
Format: 011 52 xx xxxx-xxxx
Understanding the Costs of Calling Mexico
While making international calls is straightforward with the correct dialing codes, it’s important to be aware of the potential costs. International calling rates can vary significantly depending on your service provider and the type of plan you have.
Basic Rates vs. International Calling Plans
Most major US carriers offer both basic rates for international calls and specialized international calling plans.
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Basic Rates: These are non-discounted, per-minute rates that apply when you make international calls without a specific plan. Basic rates are generally higher and can become expensive if you make frequent or lengthy calls to Mexico. For example, as of September 2020, basic rates to Mexico could range from $0.02 to $3.65 per minute depending on the carrier and whether you are calling a landline or mobile phone.
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International Calling Plans: If you anticipate making regular calls to Mexico, signing up for an international calling plan can significantly reduce your costs. These plans typically involve a monthly fee and offer discounted per-minute rates to specific countries, including Mexico. Some plans may also include a certain number of international minutes. For instance, a plan might offer rates as low as $0.02 to $0.24 per minute to Mexico for a monthly fee.
It’s crucial to compare the basic rates with the available international calling plans from your provider to determine the most cost-effective option for your calling needs.
Cheaper Alternatives for Calling Mexico
Beyond traditional landline and mobile calling plans, several cheaper alternatives can help you save money on calls to Mexico:
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Prepaid Calling Cards: International prepaid calling cards can offer lower per-minute rates compared to basic carrier rates. You pre-pay for a certain amount of calling time, allowing you to control your spending. However, be sure to check for any hidden fees or surcharges associated with prepaid cards.
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Mobile Phone International Plans & Add-ons: Many mobile providers offer international add-ons or plans specifically designed for calling Mexico. These might be more flexible and cost-effective than standard international calling plans, especially if you already have a mobile plan with the provider.
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Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Services: VoIP services like Skype, Google Voice, and Vonage utilize your internet connection to make calls, often at significantly lower rates than traditional phone services. Many VoIP providers offer very competitive rates for calls to Mexico, sometimes as low as a few cents per minute. Some even offer monthly plans for unlimited international calling to specific countries. VoIP can be used via computer, smartphone apps, or even traditional phones with adapters.
Comparison of Calling Options (Based on 2020 data):
| Calling Method | Cost to Mexico (Example Rates) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T Basic Rate (Landline) | $3.50/minute | High cost, for occasional calls |
| AT&T Plan (Landline) | $0.09/minute + $5.99/month | Lower rate, monthly fee |
| Verizon Basic Rate (Landline) | $0.02/minute | Can be lower basic rate depending on carrier/plan |
| Verizon Plan (Landline) | $0.02/minute + $10/month | Lower rate, monthly fee, often includes minutes |
| Skype (Landline) | $0.010/minute | Very low rates, internet-based |
| Skype (Mobile) | $0.035/minute | Still competitive, slightly higher than landline VoIP rates |
Note: Rates are examples from September 2020 and can change. Always check current rates with your chosen provider.
Choosing the Best Calling Option for Your Needs
The best way to call Mexico from the US depends on your individual calling habits and budget. Consider these factors when making your choice:
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Frequency of Calls: If you call Mexico frequently, an international calling plan or VoIP service will likely be the most economical option. For occasional calls, basic rates or prepaid cards might suffice, but compare the per-minute costs carefully.
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Call Duration: If you typically make long calls, a plan with lower per-minute rates is essential. For short calls, the initial connection fees or monthly plan costs might outweigh the per-minute savings.
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Call Destination (Landline vs. Mobile): Be aware that calling mobile phones in Mexico can sometimes be slightly more expensive than calling landlines, depending on the provider. However, with modern plans and VoIP services, the difference is often negligible.
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Budget: Determine your budget for international calls and explore options that fit within it. VoIP services and prepaid cards often offer the most budget-friendly solutions.
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Convenience: Consider the convenience of each method. Basic rates are the simplest to use for occasional calls, while plans or VoIP might require setup or subscriptions.
Web Resources for Service Providers
To find the most up-to-date rates and plans, it’s best to consult directly with service providers. Here are some links to major US carriers and VoIP providers that offer international calling services:
- AT&T International Long Distance Plans: att.com/home-phone/landline/long-distance.html
- Verizon International Long Distance Plans: verizon.com/home/phone
- 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/
- 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/
Conclusion
Calling Mexico from the US is a straightforward process once you understand the correct dialing codes and available options. Remember to dial +52 or 011 52 followed by the 10-digit Mexican phone number. To minimize costs, explore international calling plans, prepaid cards, or VoIP services. By comparing your options and choosing the right method for your needs, you can stay connected with Mexico affordably and easily. Always verify the latest rates and dialing procedures with your service provider to ensure a smooth and cost-effective calling experience.
