How to Call Mexico from the US (2026 Dialing Guide)

How to Call Mexico from the US: The Complete 2026 Dialing Guide

Calling Mexico from the US requires a simple combination of codes: the US exit code (011), the Mexico country code (52), and the 10-digit local number. Whether you are using a landline, a mobile phone, or making a business call to a toll-free number, the fundamentals remain largely the same. This guide covers the essential steps for all devices, ensuring you can connect with friends, family, or colleagues without connection errors.

While the process is straightforward, dialing rules changed significantly a few years ago, specifically regarding the removal of the “1” prefix for mobile phones. This guide provides the current, correct method for 2026, ensuring you aren’t using outdated formulas. Before you pick up the phone to chat or send an international top-up to a loved one, take a moment to review the exact dialing sequence below.

How to Dial a Number from the US to Mexico

To successfully connect your call, you must follow the standard international dialing sequence. This ensures your carrier knows you are leaving the domestic network and directing the call to the Mexican telephone system.

Step 1: Dial the Exit Code (011)

The number “011” signals your specific carrier that you are making an international call from the United States. Without this prefix, the network will attempt to connect you to a domestic number, which will result in an error. Knowing how to dial international from US to Mexico always starts with this exit code unless you are using a mobile phone shortcut.

Step 2: Dial the Mexico Country Code (52)

Every nation has a unique identifier. “52” is the dedicated country code for Mexico. After you have dialed the exit code, inputting 52 directs the call specifically to the Mexican telecom infrastructure.

Step 3: Dial the Area Code and Phone Number

All phone numbers in Mexico, whether they are landlines or mobile phones, are now standardized to 10 digits long. This 10-digit string is composed of the Area Code plus the Local Number.

The Final Formula:
011 + 52 + [10-Digit Number]

How to Dial from US to Mexico Cell Phone

If you are wondering how to dial from US to Mexico cell phone numbers, the good news is that the process has been simplified. As of the 2019 regulatory changes by the IFT (Federal Telecommunications Institute in Mexico), the dialing procedure is identical to calling a landline.

Previously, you had to insert a “1” between the country code and the area code to reach a mobile phone (e.g., 011 52 1…). This prefix has been eliminated. If you have contacts saved in your phone with the “52 1” prefix, you must edit them to remove the “1” for the call to go through in 2026.

Major Area Codes: How to Dial from US to Mexico City and Others

When learning how to dial from US to Mexico City or how to dial from US to Mexico landline numbers in other regions, it is helpful to understand the structure of the 10-digit number. While the total length is always 10 digits, the length of the Area Code varies depending on the density of the city.

2-Digit Area Codes (Major Cities)

The three largest metropolitan areas in Mexico use a 2-digit area code followed by an 8-digit local number.

3-Digit Area Codes (Other Regions)

The rest of the country uses 3-digit area codes followed by 7-digit local numbers. For example, if you are calling Cancun, the area code is 998, followed by a 7-digit local number.

How to Dial from US to Mexico on iPhone and Mobile Apps

If you are searching for how to dial from US to Mexico on iPhone or Android, you can use a convenient shortcut that bypasses the “011” exit code. This is the “Plus Sign (+)” method.

1. Open your phone’s dialer.
2. Press and hold the “0” key until the “+” symbol appears on the screen.
3. Enter the country code (52).
4. Enter the 10-digit phone number.

Mobile Formula: +52 + Area Code + Number

This method signals the network automatically that you are making an international call. Additionally, to save money, you might consider calling Mexico for free using apps like WhatsApp or Messenger, which use data instead of cellular voice minutes.

How to Dial an 800 Number from the US to Mexico

Many businesses operate toll-free numbers, but knowing how to dial an 800 number from the US to Mexico requires a specific conversion. Toll-free numbers (like 1-800) are not international by default. To reach a Mexican toll-free line from the US, you must replace the prefix codes as follows:

Note: While these numbers are toll-free within Mexico, calling them from the US is generally not free and will be charged at international rates.

How to Dial from Mexico to USA

Eventually, you or your contact may need to call back. Understanding how to dial from Mexico to USA or answering the question “how do i call from the us to mexico” in reverse is vital for two-way communication.

Calling US Landlines and Mobiles from Mexico

To call the US from a Mexican phone, you must use the Mexico Exit Code (“00”) and the US Country Code (“1”).

The Formula: 00 + 1 + Area Code + Number

How to Dial the US from Mexico on Verizon or US Cell Phones

If you are traveling and wondering how to dial the us from mexico on verizon or how to dial the us from mexico on a cell phone that is roaming, the process is usually simpler. Modern smartphones and networks recognize the device’s origin.

When roaming with a US mobile device in Mexico, you typically only need to dial:

+1 + Area Code + Number

The “+” symbol (held by pressing “0”) tells the local network to route the call back to the North American numbering plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to dial 011 to call Mexico?

Yes, if you are calling from a landline, “011” is required as the exit code. However, if you are calling from a mobile phone, you can substitute “011” with the “+” sign (by holding down the 0 key), followed immediately by the country code 52.

Is +1 the same as 011?

No. “+1” is the country code for the USA, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean. “011” is the exit code used from the USA to dial out to other countries. The “+” sign is a universal substitute for “011” on mobile phones, but the number “1” following it represents the destination country (USA), not the exit action.

What does +52 stand for in a phone number?

+52 is the international country code assigned specifically to Mexico. It instructs the international telephone network to route the call to the Mexican telecom system.

How to call Mexico from US mobile using WiFi calling?

When using WiFi calling, the dialing format remains the same (+52 or 011 52). However, the call is routed over the internet rather than cell towers. This is often helpful in areas with poor reception and may help you avoid international roaming fees, depending on your carrier’s specific plan policies.