How to make a phone call to and from Mexico

If you’re dreaming of an exciting trip to Mexico, there are a few practicalities you’ll want to know before you embark on your adventure. One of the essential things to keep in mind is how to make phone calls while you’re there.

Whether you need to book a hotel room in advance, gather information about exciting tours and activities, or simply stay connected with your loved ones back home, knowing the correct dialing procedures can be incredibly useful.

To call to or from Mexico, you’ll need to be familiar with the country code, area codes, and the format for dialing local and mobile phone numbers. The country code for Mexico is +52, and area codes can have two or three digits depending on the region.

When calling a Mexican phone number from the U.S. or Canada, you should dial 011 + 52 + area code + local number.

In Mexico’s three largest cities – Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey — the area code consists of two digits, and phone numbers are 8 digits long. In other parts of the country, area codes are three digits long, and phone numbers are 7 or 8 digits long, depending on the region.

Calling Mexican cell phones from abroad requires adding 1 after the country code. If you want to call a Mexican cell phone from outside the country, you would dial the country code (+52), then 1 + the area code + the mobile number.

To call to or from Mexico, here’s what you need to know

Once you arrive in Mexico, you might need to call home to stay in touch with loved ones or manage important matters. Or perhaps you want to reach family or friends living in Mexico, making a reliable phone connection essential for any situation.

Mexico country code:

• The country code for Mexico is +52.
• You also need the area code, which can be 2 or 3 digits depending on the location.
• When calling Mexico from the U.S. or Canada, dial: 011 + 52 + area code + local number.

Area codes in Mexico: In the three largest cities — Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey — the area code is 2 digits, and phone numbers are 8 digits long. In the rest of the country, area codes are 3 digits, and phone numbers are 7 digits long.

These are the area codes for Mexico’s three largest cities:

• Acapulco (744)
• Cancun (998)
• Celaya (461)
• Chihuahua (614)
• Ciudad Juarez (656)
• Cozumel (987)
• Culiacan (671)
• Guadalajara (33)
• Hermosillo (622)
• La Paz (682)
• Mazatlan (669)
• Merida (999)
• Mexicali (686)
• Mexico City (55)
• Miquelon (508)
• Monterrey (81)
• Puebla (222)
• Puerto Vallarta (322)
• San Luis Potosi (444)
• Tampico (833)
• Tecate (665)
• Tijuana (664)
• Torreon (871)
• Veracruz (229)

Local phone numbers can be 7 or 8 digits, depending on the city.

How to call a cell phone in Mexico from abroad?

If you want to call a cell phone in Mexico from another country, you need to add a 1 between the country code and the area code. For example, to call from Argentina or Spain, you would dial: 00 + 52 + 1 + (area code) + (cell phone number).

Mexican mobile numbers usually start with the digit 6.

Example: Calling a friend in Lagunas, Mexico, from Spain:

• Dial your exit code (Spain: 00)
• Dial Mexico’s country code: 52
• Dial 1 for mobile numbers
• Dial the area code of Lagunas: 972
• Dial your friend’s phone number (7 or 8 digits)

So the full number would look like: 00-52-1-972-XXXXXXX.

Calling a cellphone within Mexico

• Same area code: Dial the area code + phone number
• Different area code: Dial the area code + phone number

Pay Phones and Phone Cards

Although pay phones are less common in Mexico, they are still available in busy areas. They provide a cheap way to contact home or make calls if your cell phone runs out of battery, so keep an eye out for street corners and in public places.

Many pay phones are located near crowded streets, making it hard to hear. For a quieter option, look inside large stores like Sanborns, often near restrooms. These phones offer a more comfortable environment to make calls without the noise of traffic or crowds.

Phone cards (“tarjetas telefónicas”) for pay phone use are sold at newsstands and pharmacies in 30, 50, and 100 peso denominations. Coins are not accepted, so a card is essential for calling from public phones anywhere in Mexico.

When purchasing a phone card, ask for a “tarjeta LADA” or “tarjeta TELMEX.” Prepaid cell phone cards, such as TELCEL cards, are also sold at the same stores, so be sure to specify that you want a card for pay phone use.

Calling from a pay phone is usually the most economical method. However, long-distance calls from Mexico tend to be more expensive than from other countries, so check rates before dialing to avoid unexpected charges.

Other options include using a “caseta telefónica,” a business that provides phone and fax services, or calling from your hotel. Hotels often charge extra for calls, so they may not be ideal for travelers on a budget who need to save on phone expenses.

Emergency and useful phone numbers

Keep these important phone numbers handy in case of any emergency while in Mexico. You do not need a phone card to dial 3-digit emergency numbers from a pay phone, making it quick and easy to get help when needed.

Mexico previously used the emergency number 066, but the country has now switched to 911. This aligns Mexico with the same emergency system used in the United States and Canada, simplifying access for travelers who are familiar with dialing 911.

For any type of emergency, dial 911 to reach an operator. The operator will assess the situation and connect you to the correct service, whether it is police, fire, or medical assistance, ensuring that help arrives as quickly as possible.

In case of an emergency while traveling in Mexico, it is important to know the proper steps. Dial 911 for immediate police, fire, or medical assistance. You do not need a phone card to call 911 from any pay phone or mobile device in Mexico.

For tourist protection or travel information, you can call the toll-free numbers 01-800-903-9200 or 01-800-987-8224 while in Mexico. These lines provide guidance for travelers, including safety tips and assistance in case of minor emergencies.

If you are calling from the U.S. or Canada, dial 1-800-482-9232 or 1-800-401-3880. These numbers connect travelers to Mexican authorities for tourist support and information, ensuring help is available even before you arrive or from across the border.