How to Call Mexico from the US: Complete Guide (2026)

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

To call Mexico from the US, you generally dial the exit code (011), followed by the Mexico country code (52), and then the 10-digit phone number. If you are calling from a mobile phone, you can simply substitute the “011” exit code with the plus sign (+). This guide covers everything you need to know about connecting calls to landlines, cell phones (including iPhones and Androids), and specific city codes like Mexico City.

Understanding the Codes: Exit Codes and Country Codes

Before you start dialing numbers, you need to understand the components of an international call. Successful connection relies on two primary prefixes: the exit code and the country code.

First, 011 is the Universal International Carrier Code for the US (and other NANP countries). Dialing this tells your local telephone exchange that you are directing a call outside of the country.

Second, +52 is the specific country code for Mexico. If you are saving contacts in your smartphone, it is highly recommended to save the number starting with “+52”. This format is universally recognized by mobile networks, allowing you to connect whether you are at home in the US or roaming internationally.

How to Dial from the US to Mexico (Landline and Mobile)

Dialing Mexico has become much simpler since the telecommunications reform fully implemented in 2019. Mexico now uses a unified 10-digit numbering plan, which means you no longer need confusing prefixes like “01”, “044”, or “045” to reach cell phones. The process is now straightforward for both landlines and mobiles.

Calling from a US Landline

If you are using a traditional home phone or office landline, you must physically dial the exit code. Here is the step-by-step formula:

1. Step 1: Dial 011. This is the exit code to call out of the US.
2. Step 2: Dial 52. This is the country code for Mexico.
3. Step 3: Dial the 10-digit phone number. This consists of the Area Code + Local Number.

Calling from a US Mobile Phone (iPhone or Android)

When calling from a cell phone, you have a more convenient option known as the “Plus Sign (+)” method. This is the modern standard for international dialing.

To do this, simply hold down the 0 key on your dial pad until the + symbol appears. This symbol replaces the need for the “011” exit code. Your formula is:

+52 + Area Code + Number

You can still use 011 on a mobile phone if you prefer, but using the “+” format is better for saving contacts. If you are looking to save money on these calls, you might want to explore options for calling Mexico for free using internet-based apps.

Dialing Specific Numbers and Locations in Mexico

While the dialing format is unified, area codes in Mexico vary by city size. Understanding this helps ensure you have the correct number of digits.

How to Dial Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey

Major metropolitan areas in Mexico typically have two-digit area codes. However, regardless of the area code length, the total number of digits you dial after the country code is always 10.

• Mexico City: Area code is 55 (followed by an 8-digit local number).
• Guadalajara: Area code is 33 (followed by an 8-digit local number).
• Monterrey: Area code is 81 (followed by an 8-digit local number).

Smaller cities and towns typically have 3-digit area codes followed by 7-digit local numbers. In all cases, you simply combine the area code and local number to get your 10 digits.

How to Dial an 800 Number from the US to Mexico

Calling toll-free numbers across borders can be tricky. A US toll-free number (800, 888, 877) generally cannot be dialed from Mexico without changing the prefix. Conversely, if you are in the US trying to dial a Mexican toll-free number (usually starting with 800), the call may not connect because these numbers are not typically international.

Often, you must replace the “800” prefix with a specific code to route the call correctly. For example, dialing a Mexican 01-800 number from the US often requires you to dial 880 followed by the rest of the number instead of 800.

How to Call the US from Mexico

If you are traveling in Mexico and need to call back home, the process is the reverse. You need to signal that you are calling out of Mexico and into the US.

Dialing the US on a Cell Phone or Landline

To call the US, you need the US country code, which is 1.

• From a Landline: Dial 00 (Mexico’s exit code) + 1 + Area Code + Number.
• From a Mobile Phone: Dial +1 + Area Code + Number.

Example for calling a New York number from a Mexican mobile: +1 212 555 1234.

Using US Carriers (Verizon, AT&T) in Mexico

If you are roaming with a US carrier like Verizon (TravelPass) or AT&T (International Day Pass), your phone acts much like it does at home. You generally do not need to dial exit codes manually if you have your contacts saved with the “+1” format.

While dialing is easy, keep an eye on your usage. This is crucial for managing your mobile data abroad to avoid unexpected roaming charges. Simply dial +1 followed by the 10-digit US number to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to dial 011 to call Mexico?

Yes, if you are calling from a landline, you must dial 011 to exit the US telephone system. If you are on a mobile phone, you can skip 011 and use the “+” symbol instead, which is easier and works internationally.

Is +1 the same as 011?

No. “+1” is the international country code for the US and Canada. “011” is the exit code used to call out of the US. On a mobile phone, the “+” symbol replaces the exit code (011), but if you are calling Mexico, you would follow the “+” with Mexico’s code (52), making it “+52”.

What does +52 stand for in a phone number?

+52 is the international country calling code for Mexico. It tells the telephone network to route your call specifically to the Mexican telephone system.

Do I still need to dial ‘1’ for Mexican cell phones?

No. As of the 2019 telecommunications reform, the prefixes 01, 044, and 045 were eliminated. You no longer dial an extra “1” after the country code. Just dial +52 followed by the 10-digit number. Being aware of correct numbering formats is also helpful for avoiding potential scam calls that may use spoofed or irregular number formats.