How to Call Mexico from the US: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

In this guide, we will talk about how to call Mexico from the US. We will cover the exact dialing formats, the critical rules that changed in 2019, area codes, and the cheapest ways to stay connected. Plus, we will show you how getting a US number via TrueNumber is one of the smartest, most cost-effective ways to manage your cross-border communications.

Mexico’s Country Code & US Exit Code Explained

• The US Exit Code is 011: Think of this as opening the door to the outside world. Dialing 011 tells your US telecom provider, “Hey, I am making a call outside of the North American Numbering Plan.” If you are using a mobile phone, you can simply type the + symbol instead of 011.
• The Mexico Country Code is 52: This is the specific address for Mexico. It tells the global phone network to route your call south of the border.

So, the basic formula for calling Mexico from the US will always start with: 011 + 52 (or +52 on a mobile phone).

How to Call a Landline in Mexico from the USA

Calling a traditional landline in Mexico is incredibly straightforward. Mexican landlines consist of an area code (2 to 3 digits) and a local phone number (7 to 8 digits), which always combine to make exactly 10 digits.

Here are the step-by-step instructions to connect your call:

1. Dial 011 (The US exit code).
2. Dial 52 (The Mexico country code).
3. Dial the area code (2 or 3 digits).
4. Dial the local phone number (7 or 8 digits).

Quick Examples for Landline Calls

How to Call a Mobile Phone in Mexico from the USA

Here is where a lot of older articles on the internet get it wrong. In 2019, Mexico simplified its dialing rules.

Previously, if you were calling a Mexican cell phone from the US, you had to add a “1” after the country code. This is no longer true. You do not need to add the “1” prefix anymore. Today, calling a Mexican mobile phone is exactly the same as calling a landline.

Here are the steps for calling a mobile device:

1. Dial 011 (or simply press and hold the 0 key on your smartphone until the + symbol appears).
2. Dial 52 (Mexico country code).
3. Dial the 10-digit mobile number directly.

The Complete Formula: 011 + 52 + [10-Digit Mobile Number] OR +52 + [10-Digit Mobile Number]

Using the + sign on your smartphone is the smartest and easiest way to dial, as it works universally no matter what country you are currently standing in.

Mexico Area Codes: Quick Reference Table

In Mexico, area codes are locally referred to as ladas. Major metropolitan areas like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey use 2-digit area codes. Smaller cities and regions use 3-digit area codes.

Combined with the local number, the total will always be 10 digits. Here is a handy list of area codes for the most popular destinations in Mexico:

Time Zone Differences Between the US and Mexico

Nobody wants to accidentally wake up their family or clients at 4:00 AM. Before you dial, it is crucial to check the time zone.

Here is a vital piece of information: In 2022, most of Mexico stopped observing Daylight Saving Time (DST). This means that for part of the year, the time difference between the US and Mexico shifts.

The majority of the country (including Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Cancún) remains on Central Standard Time (CST / UTC-6) all year round. The only major exceptions are northern border cities like Tijuana and Ciudad Juárez, which still change their clocks to stay synced with their neighboring US states.

Here is a quick reference for time in Mexico City compared to US time zones:

How Much Does It Cost to Call Mexico from the US?

• Traditional Landlines and Carriers: If you just pick up your phone and dial without an international plan, you could be charged anywhere from USD 0.05 to USD 0.25 per minute. That adds up incredibly fast on a long catch-up call with family.
• Mobile Add-on Plans: Major US carriers (like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon) often include Mexico and Canada in their unlimited plans. If yours does not, you can usually buy an international add-on package for roughly USD 5 to USD 15 per month.
• Prepaid Calling Cards: While a bit old-school, calling cards are still an option and usually offer rates between USD 0.01 and USD 0.03 per minute.
• VoIP and Wi-Fi Calling: Apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype allow for free calls over a Wi-Fi connection, but they require the person you are calling to also have the same app downloaded.

But what if you want to make standard phone calls to actual phone numbers in Mexico without paying carrier fees or forcing the other person to download an app? That is where TrueNumber come in.

The Cheapest & Smartest Way to Call Mexico: Download TrueNumber

If you frequently call Mexico, do business across the border, or are planning to travel there soon, relying on standard carrier rates is a surefire way to drain your wallet.

The modern, smart solution is getting a real US number on TrueNumber. TrueNumber allows you to get a real, working US phone number right on your current smartphone via an app—no extra SIM card or contract required.

Here is why using TrueNumber is the ultimate hack for calling Mexico:

• For US Residents Calling Mexico: You can use TrueNumber over Wi-Fi or your existing data plan to make crystal-clear international calls at a fraction of the cost of traditional cellular carriers.
• For Travelers Visiting Mexico: When you travel to Mexico, you can use your TrueNumber app over local Wi-Fi to call back to the United States. Because it is a US number, you will not pay international roaming fees to call home, and your friends and family won’t pay international rates to call you while you are on vacation.
• For Business Owners: If you have clients or suppliers in Mexico, giving them a dedicated TrueNumber keeps your personal number private and helps you manage your international business calls seamlessly from one device.

Ready to call smarter? Get your US number today. There are no SIM cards, no long-term contracts, and it works seamlessly anywhere you have an internet connection.

Download TrueNumber on the App Store or Google Play today and get your second number in 60 seconds!

Common Mistakes When Make Calls to Mexico (and How to Fix Them)

• Including the Domestic Trunk Code: As mentioned earlier, if the Mexican number you are trying to dial starts with 01, 044, or 045, do not dial those digits. Start directly with the area code.
• Adding the Outdated “1” Prefix: Do not add a 1 after the 52 when calling a mobile phone. This rule was retired in 2019, and adding it now will cause your call to fail.
• Forgetting the Area Code: All phone numbers in Mexico are exactly 10 digits long (area code + local number). If you are dialing fewer than 10 digits after the country code, you are missing numbers.
• Using the Wrong Exit Code Formats: Ensure you are using 011 on a landline or + on a smartphone. Mixing these up or trying to use 011 after a + sign will break the dialing sequence.

FAQs

Do I need to dial “1” before a Mexican mobile number?

Can I call Mexico for free from the US?

What happens if I dial a Mexican number without the 011?

How do I call a Mexican toll-free (800) number from the US?