Calling Mexico from the US? Our simple guide covers the correct dialling format for landlines and mobile phones, including the exit code (011), country code (52), and important area codes.
How to Call Mexico from the US: 2026 Dialing Codes & Guide
How to Call Mexico from the US: 2026 Dialing Codes & Guide
Understanding International Dialling Codes
Calling friends, family, or businesses in Mexico from the United States might seem complicated, but it’s straightforward once you understand the components of an international phone number. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your call connects successfully. Before placing a call, it’s also wise to check your phone plan’s international calling rates or consider prepaid services to avoid unexpected charges. The basic formula for any international call from the US is: Exit Code + Country Code + Area Code + Local Phone Number.
- Exit Code (011)
- This is the international access code you must dial first to signal that you are making a call outside of the United States.
- Country Code (52)
- This two-digit code directs your call specifically to Mexico.
- Area Code & Local Number
- Following the country code, you’ll dial the city or region’s area code and the local number. In Mexico, these two parts always add up to 10 digits in total.
Summary
This guide provides everything you need to know to call Mexico from the US in 2026. You’ll learn the essential codes (011 for exit, 52 for Mexico), the specific formats for dialling landlines and mobile phones, and the area codes for major cities. We’ll also cover modern shortcuts for smartphones and how to make free calls using apps.
TLDR
- To call a Mexico landline: Dial 011 + 52 + Area Code + Local Number.
- To call a Mexico cell phone: Dial 011 + 52 + 10-digit Mobile Number.
- Using a smartphone: You can replace the exit code (011) by pressing and holding the ‘0’ key to get a ‘+’ sign. The format is: +52 + 10-digit number.
- Remember: The total number of digits after the country code (52) must always be 10.
đź“‘ Table of Contents
How to Dial from the US to a Mexico Landline
Calling a fixed landline in Mexico follows a very consistent format. Once you have the exit code (011) and Mexico’s country code (52), you just need the local area code and phone number. The key is to ensure the digits after ’52’ add up to exactly ten.
The correct dialling format is:
011 + 52 + Area Code (2 or 3 digits) + Local Number (7 or 8 digits)
For example, to call a number in Mexico City (area code 55), it would look like this: 011 + 52 + 55 + XXXX-XXXX.
How to Dial from the US to a Mexico Cell Phone
If you’re wondering how to make a call from the US to Mexico specifically for a mobile device, you’re in the right place. The process has been simplified in recent years. Previously, callers from the US had to add a “1” after the country code (52) when dialling a Mexican mobile number. This is generally no longer necessary.
📲 Modern Dialling for Mobile Phones
The standard and most common method to call a Mexican cell phone from the US is to dial 011 + 52 + the 10-digit mobile number. Mexican mobile numbers now include their area code as part of the 10-digit sequence, making it a single, seamless number to dial.
Note: If your call doesn’t connect, your carrier might be using an older system. In that rare case, try dialling 011 + 52 + 1 + the 10-digit mobile number.
Mexican Area Codes: How to Dial from the US to Mexico City and Major Hubs
Knowing the area code for your destination is crucial. While Mexico has many area codes, a few cover the major population and business centres. Larger cities typically have 2-digit area codes, while smaller towns and regions have 3-digit codes.
| City | Area Code | Example Dialling Format from US |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico City (Ciudad de MĂ©xico) | 55 | 011 + 52 + 55 + XXXX XXXX |
| Guadalajara, Jalisco | 33 | 011 + 52 + 33 + XXXX XXXX |
| Monterrey, Nuevo LeĂłn | 81 | 011 + 52 + 81 + XXXX XXXX |
| Tijuana, Baja California | 664 | 011 + 52 + 664 + XXX XXXX |
| CancĂşn, Quintana Roo | 998 | 011 + 52 + 998 + XXX XXXX |
Dialling Special Numbers and Using Specific Devices
Modern technology offers convenient shortcuts, but calling special numbers like toll-free lines requires a different approach. Here’s how to handle these situations.
How to dial from US to Mexico on iPhone/Smartphone
Your smartphone simplifies international dialling with the plus (+) symbol. This symbol automatically replaces the exit code (011) of the country you are calling from.
- The “Plus (+)” Method
- On your phone’s keypad, press and hold the “0” key until the “+” sign appears. Then, dial the country code and the number: +52 [10-digit number].
đź’ˇ Pro Tip: Always save your Mexican contacts in your phone with the +52 format (e.g., +52 55 1234 5678). This ensures your calls, texts, and WhatsApp messages will work seamlessly whether you’re at home or travelling.
How to dial an 800 number from the US to Mexico
Calling a Mexican toll-free number from the US isn’t the same as calling a US toll-free number. These calls are typically not free when dialled internationally and may not connect at all.
- Toll-Free Conversion
- Mexican toll-free numbers often start with 800, 888, etc. To call them from the US, you may need to substitute the prefix. For example, an 800 number might be dialled as 880 from abroad. However, this is not a universal rule. The best approach is to find an alternative, standard local number for the business you are trying to reach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I call Mexico from the US for free?
To call Mexico from the US for free, you can bypass traditional phone carriers by using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications. Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime, and Skype allow you to make voice and video calls over a Wi-Fi connection at no cost. This is also a great strategy for managing mobile data abroad, as you can rely on Wi-Fi hotspots. For more options, you can check out some of the best travel apps that offer communication features.
What is the country code for Mexico?
The country code for Mexico is 52. You must dial this code after the US exit code (011) and before the local area code and phone number.
How many digits is a Mexican phone number?
As of recent standardizations, all phone numbers in Mexico, including both landlines and mobile phones, consist of 10 digits. This is a combination of a 2 or 3-digit area code and a 7 or 8-digit local number.
Do I need to dial 1 before calling a Mexican cell phone?
Generally, you no longer need to dial a “1” after the country code (52) when calling a Mexican cell phone. The standard format is now 011 + 52 + the 10-digit mobile number. The “1” was part of an older system that has been phased out. However, if a call fails to connect, some older US carrier systems may still require it, so it can be used as a backup option.
Written by
Conor Byrne
