Calling Mexico A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

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Learning how to call Mexico is simple. When you call Mexico from the US, you use a specific international formula. The key is knowing Mexico’s country code (52) and whether you are calling a landline or mobile.

For a successful call to Mexico, follow these formats:

• Landline: 011 + 52 + Area Code + Phone Number
• Mobile: 011 + 52 + 1 + Area Code + Phone Number

This guide provides every step for calling Mexico from the USA. You will find the correct country code and learn when to dial country code 52, the calling code for Mexico.

In real-life use, getting the call to connect is only the first step. Often the next step is money: confirming a booking with a hotel, coordinating with a supplier, or settling an invoice across borders. In those situations, it helps to check the conversion outcome upfront—especially when a service offers to convert the amount for you, since “convenience conversions” can quietly add extra spread to the rate.

To sanity-check MXN conversions before you pay or transfer, you can use the BiyaPay website and its free exchange rate converter & comparison tool to view live rates and compare results in one place. If you later need to move funds internationally, the same ecosystem also includes a remittance entry for cross-border transfers. As a multi-asset trading wallet, BiyaPay covers cross-border payments, investing, trading, and fund management, supporting flexible conversion across multiple fiat currencies and digital assets—useful for keeping the workflow consistent from “confirm by call” → “check the numbers” → “execute.”

Key Takeaways

• Always start your call with the US exit code ‘011’ to make an international call.
• Use ‘52’ as the country code for all calls to Mexico.
• Do not add ‘1’ for mobile numbers; this rule changed in 2019.
• Dial the 10-digit local number, which includes the area code and the local number.
• If your call fails, check the number format and your phone carrier’s international call settings.

How to Call Mexico: A Step-by-Step Guide

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You can easily learn how to call Mexico by breaking the process into four simple steps. This guide walks you through each part of the dialing sequence, ensuring your international call connects successfully. Following this formula removes the guesswork from calling internationally.

Step 1: Dial the US Exit Code (011)

First, you dial the exit code for the country you are calling from. When you call Mexico from the US, you must start with the exit code 011. This code signals to your phone provider that you intend to make an international call.

The North American Numbering Plan (NANP) officially refers to 011 as the ‘access code for international direct dialing all destinations outside the NANP’.

You use this same exit code when calling from many other countries and territories within the NANP.

Pro Tip: If you are calling from a mobile phone, you can usually replace the exit code 011 with the plus symbol (+). This + is the universal symbol for an international exit code, recognized by mobile networks worldwide according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) E.164 standard.

Step 2: Use the Calling Code for Mexico (52)

Next, you enter the country code for the destination. The calling code for Mexico is 52. You must dial this number immediately after the US exit code. This code directs your call specifically to Mexico’s telephone network. Every country has a unique code, and 52 belongs exclusively to Mexico.

The Mexico country code is applied universally across the nation. You do not need to worry about special exceptions for different regions, as all phone numbers in the country fall under the 52 designation. After you dial country code 52, you are ready for the next part of the number.

Step 3: Add ‘1’ for Mobile Numbers

This step is a critical update for 2025. In the past, calling a Mexican cell phone required you to add a 1 after the country code. This is no longer the case.

Due to a nationwide dialing simplification in Mexico on August 3, 2019, the system was standardized. The requirement to add a 1 when calling a mobile number from another country was eliminated. Using the old format is now a common reason for failed international phone calls.

Therefore, whether you are calling a landline or trying to dial a cellphone number in Mexico, you should not add a 1 after the country code 52. This change makes the process for calling Mexico from the USA much simpler.

Step 4: Enter the Area Code and Local Number

Finally, you dial the local 10-digit phone number. This number is a combination of an area code and a local subscriber number.

• Area Code: 2 or 3 digits (e.g., 55 for Mexico City).
• Local Number: 7 or 8 digits.

Together, the area code and local number always add up to 10 digits. For example, when calling a landline in Mexico or a mobile phone, you will dial the 2 or 3-digit area code followed by the 7 or 8-digit local number. This completes the full dialing sequence for how to call Mexico. If your call fails, double-check that you have the correct 10-digit number and have not included any old prefixes.

Key Mexican Area Codes You Need to Know

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After you dial the Mexico country code (52), you need the correct area code. The area code is the first 2 or 3 digits of the 10-digit local number. This short guide will help you find the right one.

Area Codes for Major Cities in Mexico

You can quickly find the codes for Mexico’s largest business hubs. Mexico City, for instance, now uses two area codes.

Many popular tourist destinations also have their own unique codes. You will need these when calling hotels or tour operators.

How to Find Other Area Codes

What if the city you need is not on our list? You can find all Mexico area codes using an online directory.

Pro Tip: For the most accurate results, use a dedicated database like the 'Mexico Area Code Database’ website. It offers comprehensive search options by city or state, ensuring you get the correct information. Some websites are maintained by users and may not be up-to-date.

Calling Toll-Free Numbers in Mexico

You might need to call a toll-free number, which often starts with 800, 888, 877, or 866. When you call a Mexican toll-free number from the US, the call is typically free for you. Businesses in Mexico cover the cost so customers can contact them without worrying about charges. This makes it easier to have longer, more meaningful conversations without facing an expensive international phone bill.

Finalizing Your Call to Mexico

You now have all the components for a successful call. This final part of the guide puts everything together with clear examples and troubleshooting tips. Following these steps will help you understand how to call Mexico with confidence.

Dialing a Landline: An Example

Let’s say you need to call the Presidente InterContinental Hotel in Guadalajara. The area code for Guadalajara is 33, and the local number is 3678-1234.

You will dial the numbers in this exact sequence:

1. US Exit Code: 011
2. Mexico Country Code: 52
3. Guadalajara Area Code: 33
4. Local Phone Number: 36781234

Your complete dialing string would look like this: 011 + 52 + 33 + 36781234

Dialing a Mobile Phone: An Example

The process for calling a Mexican cell phone is now the same as calling a landline. You no longer add a 1 after the country code. Imagine you are calling a mobile number in Cancún (998) with the local number 123-4567.

This is how you would dial:

1. US Exit Code: 011
2. Mexico Country Code: 52
3. Cancún Area Code: 998
4. Local Phone Number: 1234567

The full number you dial is: 011 + 52 + 998 + 1234567

Troubleshooting a Failed Call

Did your call not go through? Don’t worry. Here are the most common reasons a call to Mexico might fail and how you can fix them.

• Incorrect Number Format: You may hear an error message like “Calls to Mexico Require 10 Digits” or “Number is Invalid.” Double-check that you have a 2- or 3-digit area code and a 7- or 8-digit local number, totaling 10 digits.
• High Carrier Rates: Some carriers block international calls by default to prevent unexpected charges. Per-minute rates to call Mexico from the US can vary significantly.

• Using an Alternative Service: If you continue to have issues or find the rates too high, consider using a calling app. Services like Biyapay often provide more reliable connections and lower costs for international calls, bypassing common carrier restrictions. This can be a great solution for how to call Mexico without hassle.

By checking your dialing sequence and understanding potential carrier blocks, you can easily resolve most connection problems.

You now know how to call Mexico successfully. Just follow the correct dialing formula. Remember these key steps for your next call:

• Dialing Sequence: 011 + 52 (the calling code for Mexico) + 10-Digit Local Number

Following this updated format helps you avoid common errors. As Mexico implements new anti-spoofing rules in 2025, ensuring your number is correct is more important than ever. With this guide, you are ready to connect. Happy calling!

FAQ

Can I use ‘+’ instead of ‘011’ to call Mexico?

Yes, you can. When you make an international call from a mobile phone, you can replace the US exit code 011 with the plus symbol +. Mobile networks worldwide recognize this symbol, simplifying the process of calling internationally.

Do I still add a ‘1’ for mobile numbers?

No, you do not. A 2019 update simplified dialing to Mexico. You no longer add a 1 after the country code for mobile numbers. This change makes the format for all international phone calls to the country consistent.

What if I don’t know the city’s area code?

You can find the correct area code using an online directory. For the most current information, use a dedicated database website. This ensures your call connects to the right city or region within Mexico.

Why are some international calls to Mexico blocked?

Some phone carriers block outgoing international calls by default to prevent high charges. You may need to contact your provider to enable this feature or purchase an international plan. This is a common security measure.