< Blog

How to Dial Mexico from the US: A Step-by-Step Guide

Staying connected
How to Dial Mexico from the US: A Step-by-Step Guide
Staying connected

Aprenda a ligar para o México dos EUA. Descubra o formato de discagem correto (011 + 52), códigos de área e as regras atualizadas para ligar para fixos e celulares.

How to Dial from the US to Mexico: A Step-by-Step Guide

Calling Mexico from the United States is straightforward once you understand the correct dialling format. As of 2026, the process has been simplified, meaning you no longer need different codes for landlines and mobile phones. The two most important components you’ll need are the US Exit Code, which is 011, and the Mexico Country Code, which is 52. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your call connects successfully every time.

Summary

This guide provides everything you need to know about calling Mexico from the US. You’ll learn the basic international dialling format, including the US exit code (011) and Mexico’s country code (52). We’ll show you how to call both landlines and mobile phones using the simplified 10-digit system, use the ‘+’ shortcut on your mobile, and find area codes for major cities. You’ll also find instructions for dialling toll-free numbers and answers to frequently asked questions about costs and using apps like WhatsApp.

TLDR

  • To call Mexico from the US, you dial: 011 + 52 + Area Code + Phone Number.
  • On a mobile phone, you can replace the exit code ‘011’ by holding ‘0’ to get the plus sign: +52 + Area Code + Phone Number.
  • You no longer need to add a ‘1’ after the country code when calling a Mexican mobile phone. The process is the same for landlines and mobiles.
  • A standard Mexican phone number consists of a 2 or 3-digit area code plus a 7 or 8-digit local number, equalling 10 digits in total.

📑 Table of Contents

The Basic International Dialling Format

To make a call from the US to Mexico, you need to follow a standard international format. This sequence ensures your call is routed out of the United States and directed to the correct country and phone number in Mexico. It consists of three parts:

US Exit Code (011)
This is the first number you dial. It signals to your phone carrier that the call you are making is an international one that needs to be routed outside of the US phone system.
Mexico Country Code (52)
Immediately after the exit code, you dial 52. This code specifically directs your call to the telephone network within Mexico.
Area Code + Local Phone Number
This is the 10-digit number for the person or business you are trying to reach.

Putting it all together, the standard formula for how to make a call from the US to Mexico is: 011 + 52 + Area Code + Phone Number.

How to Dial from the US to Mexico Landlines

Connecting to a fixed landline in Mexico follows the basic international format precisely. You’ll need the city or region’s area code, which can be two or three digits, followed by the local number.

Landline Dialling Steps

  1. Dial the US Exit Code: 011
  2. Dial the Mexico Country Code: 52
  3. Dial the 2 or 3-digit city area code (e.g., 55 for Mexico City).
  4. Dial the remaining 7 or 8-digit local phone number.

Example call to a landline in Mexico City: 011 + 52 + 55 + [8-digit number]

How to Dial from the US to Mexico Cell Phones

Dialling a Mexican mobile number from the US used to be slightly different, but a nationwide change simplified the process significantly. This is the most important update to be aware of when learning how to dial from the US to a Mexico cell phone.

✅ Crucial Update: No More ‘1’ Prefix!

As of August 2019, Mexico implemented a uniform 10-digit dialling plan. This means you no longer need to dial the prefix ‘1’ after the country code when calling a mobile phone. The dialling process for a cell phone is now exactly the same as for a landline.

The correct format is: 011 + 52 + [10-digit mobile number]

Using the Plus (+) Sign on iPhones and Mobiles

If you’re calling from a smartphone like an iPhone or Android, there’s a convenient shortcut that makes international dialling even easier. You can use the plus (+) symbol to automatically replace the US exit code (011).

📱

Mobile Dialling Tip

To use this shortcut, simply press and hold the ‘0’ key on your phone’s keypad. The (+) symbol will appear. This symbol is the international standard for an exit code, and your mobile carrier will automatically know how to route the call.

The format is: +52 + Area Code + Phone Number

Major Mexican City Area Codes

To help you connect faster, here is a quick reference list of area codes for some of the most frequently called cities in Mexico. While these major metropolitan areas use 2-digit codes, most other regions use 3-digit area codes.

Mexico City

55

Guadalajara

33

Monterrey

81

How to Dial Toll-Free (800) Numbers in Mexico

Dialling a toll-free number internationally can be confusing. A standard US toll-free number (like 800, 888, etc.) will typically not work when dialled from another country. If you need to call a Mexican toll-free number from the US, you must replace the standard prefix with an international equivalent.

Toll-Free Prefix Conversion

To call a Mexican toll-free number from the US, simply swap the first three digits as follows:

  • If the number starts with 800, change it to 880.
  • If the number starts with 900, change it to 990.

You would then dial the full sequence: 011 + 52 + 880 + [Rest of the number].


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to dial 1 before calling a Mexican cell phone?

No. As of a major telecommunications update in 2019, the ‘1’ prefix is no longer required when dialling a mobile number in Mexico from abroad. The dialling process is now standardised for both landlines and mobiles to a simple 10-digit number after the country code.

How many digits is a Mexican phone number?

A standard Mexican phone number has 10 digits. This is a combination of a 2 or 3-digit area code and a 7 or 8-digit local number. When you are instructed to dial the “10-digit number,” it refers to this combination, not including the country code (52).

Can I use WhatsApp to call Mexico from the US?

Yes, absolutely. Using Voice over IP (VoIP) apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, or Skype is an excellent way to call Mexico for free. These calls use your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection instead of your carrier’s network, avoiding international calling charges. For this to work, ensure the contact is saved in your phone with the correct international format: +52 [10-digit number]. This is also a great option when travelling, as good managing mobile data abroad can save you a lot of money.

How much does it cost to call Mexico from the US?

The cost varies widely depending on your mobile carrier (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) and your specific plan. Many modern mobile plans now include unlimited calling to Mexico and Canada as part of a “North American” package, making the calls free. However, if your plan does not include this, you could be charged per-minute rates. Always check with your provider for their specific international rates before making a call.


Written by

Ruby Walker