Ever tried calling your family back in the States from Mexico, only to be met with dropped calls, confusing area codes, and exorbitant charges? Connecting with loved ones, managing business affairs, or even just confirming travel details between Mexico and the United States is a necessity for millions. However, navigating the international dialing codes, understanding potential fees, and choosing the right method can be a frustrating ordeal. Making that call shouldn’t feel like deciphering a secret code!
Whether you’re a frequent traveler, an expat living in Mexico, or simply planning a vacation, knowing the proper way to dial the United States from Mexico can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. Having a clear understanding of the process ensures smooth communication and helps you avoid those unexpected phone bill surprises. In a world increasingly reliant on instant communication, mastering this skill is more important than ever.
What are the most common questions about calling the US from Mexico?
What’s the correct exit code for calling the US from Mexico?
The correct exit code for calling the United States from Mexico is 00. You must dial 00 before the country code and phone number to successfully make an international call from Mexico.
When making an international call from Mexico, the exit code tells the Mexican telephone network that you are about to dial a number outside of Mexico. Without this exit code, the call will be interpreted as a local Mexican number, and you will likely not connect to the United States. After dialing 00, you must then enter the country code for the United States, which is 1.
Therefore, the complete sequence for calling a US number from Mexico is as follows: 00 + 1 + area code + phone number. For example, to call the number (555) 123-4567 in the US from Mexico, you would dial 00 1 555 123 4567. Ensure you dial all digits correctly for the call to go through properly.
Are there cheaper alternatives to direct dialing, like using an app?
Yes, absolutely. Using mobile apps or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services is significantly cheaper than direct dialing from Mexico to the United States.
Direct dialing often incurs high per-minute charges from your Mexican mobile carrier, especially for international calls. Apps leverage the internet to make calls, sidestepping these hefty fees. Instead of paying your mobile provider’s international rates, you primarily use your internet data, which can be much more cost-effective, particularly if you have a Wi-Fi connection. Many apps offer free calls between users of the same app or provide very competitive international calling rates to phone numbers.
Several popular and reliable apps offer calling services between Mexico and the United States. These include WhatsApp, Skype, Google Voice, and Viber. Each offers varying features, pricing structures, and user interfaces, so it’s worth exploring a few to find one that best suits your needs. For example, WhatsApp calls are free to other WhatsApp users, while Skype and Google Voice offer paid plans for calling regular phone numbers at significantly reduced rates compared to direct dialing.
Is there a different procedure for calling a cell phone versus a landline?
No, the procedure for calling a United States phone number from Mexico is the same whether you are calling a cell phone or a landline. You will use the same exit code, country code, and phone number format regardless of the type of phone you’re dialing.
When calling the United States from Mexico, you need to dial the following sequence: 00 + 1 + area code + phone number. “00” is the exit code for Mexico, which allows you to dial outside of the country. “1” is the country code for the United States. The “area code” is the three-digit code that identifies a specific region within the US, and the “phone number” is the seven-digit number specific to the individual subscriber. Therefore, whether you are calling a cell phone or a traditional landline, you follow the same steps, using the appropriate area code and phone number for the destination. For example, if you are calling a US phone number with the area code 212 and the phone number 555-1234, you would dial 00-1-212-555-1234. This process is identical regardless of whether that number is assigned to a mobile device or a fixed-line telephone. The phone system recognizes the country code and area code to route the call to the correct location, irrespective of the end device type.
What are the typical calling rates from Mexico to the US?
Typical calling rates from Mexico to the US vary significantly depending on the method used. Using a Mexican mobile carrier or landline directly can range from a few pesos per minute to considerably higher rates. However, utilizing internet-based calling apps (VoIP) or purchasing international calling plans can drastically reduce these costs, often to fractions of a peso or even free with certain promotions.
Calling from Mexico to the US has become increasingly affordable thanks to technological advancements. Direct dialing through Telmex or other traditional Mexican telecom companies often incurs the highest costs, particularly for mobile phones. These rates can fluctuate based on peak calling times and the specific plan a user has. The proliferation of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services such as WhatsApp, Skype, Google Voice, and others has revolutionized international calling. These apps often leverage Wi-Fi or mobile data, allowing calls to be made for free (app-to-app) or at significantly reduced rates compared to traditional methods. The cost is then typically associated with the user’s internet plan or the cost of purchasing credit within the app for calling landlines or mobile phones in the US. Many prepaid phone companies in both Mexico and the United States offer plans that include unlimited calls to the other country, which could represent significant savings for people who make frequent calls. When selecting a method for calling the US from Mexico, it’s important to compare the costs of different options. Direct dialing offers simplicity but often at a premium. VoIP apps require internet access but provide the most cost-effective solutions in many cases. Examining calling plans from both Mexican and US providers can also uncover advantageous options with low per-minute rates or unlimited calling features.
Can I use a US-based calling plan while in Mexico to call the US?
Whether you can use your US-based calling plan while in Mexico to call the US depends entirely on your specific plan and carrier. Some US carriers offer plans that include talk, text, and data roaming in Mexico, often as an add-on or as part of a premium package. However, many standard plans will charge significantly higher rates for calls, texts, and data used outside of the US, or may not work at all.
Before traveling to Mexico, it’s crucial to contact your mobile carrier and inquire about their international roaming options and rates. Ask specifically about the cost per minute for calls back to the US, the cost per text message, and the cost per megabyte of data. You should also ask if they offer any international travel packages or add-ons that would provide more affordable rates. It is also important to verify if your plan includes unlimited calling to the US from Mexico.
Alternatively, consider these options to avoid high roaming charges:
- Purchase an international roaming package: Many carriers offer temporary packages specifically for use in Mexico.
- Use a local SIM card: Buying a prepaid SIM card in Mexico can provide significantly cheaper rates for local calls, texts, and data.
- Use Wi-Fi calling: When connected to Wi-Fi, you can use apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or your carrier’s Wi-Fi calling feature (if supported) to make calls to the US without incurring roaming charges. Just be sure to disable cellular data to avoid accidental roaming charges.
How does roaming affect calling the US from Mexico?
Roaming significantly impacts the cost of calling the US from Mexico. If your US-based phone is roaming on a Mexican network, you will likely incur international roaming charges from your US provider for both making and receiving calls, often at substantially higher rates than domestic calls.
When your phone roams in Mexico, it’s essentially using a Mexican cellular network instead of your usual US network. Your US carrier typically has agreements with Mexican carriers to allow this, but they charge you extra for the privilege. These roaming charges can include per-minute fees for calls, per-text fees, and data charges, which can quickly add up. It’s crucial to check your US carrier’s international roaming plan and rates before traveling to Mexico to avoid bill shock. Many carriers offer international packages or add-ons that provide discounted rates for calling, texting, and using data abroad. To mitigate roaming charges, consider using Wi-Fi calling whenever possible. When connected to a Wi-Fi network, you can often make calls to the US through apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or your carrier’s Wi-Fi calling feature, using your US phone number without incurring roaming fees. Another option is to purchase a Mexican SIM card for your phone. This gives you a local Mexican phone number and allows you to make calls using Mexican rates, which are typically much cheaper than roaming rates. Just be sure your phone is unlocked before you travel so it can accept a foreign SIM card.
And that’s all there is to it! Hopefully, this guide has made calling the US from Mexico a little less daunting. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you back here soon for more helpful tips and tricks!