How to Call to United States from Mexico: A Complete Guide

Ever found yourself staring blankly at your phone, desperately needing to call someone back home in the US from Mexico, but unsure where to even begin? You’re not alone. Calling across borders can seem like a daunting task, filled with confusing international dialing codes and potential charges. But with a little guidance, making that call becomes a breeze.

Knowing how to properly dial the United States from Mexico is essential for both personal and business reasons. Whether you’re staying connected with family and friends, handling important work matters, or simply need to contact a US-based service, being able to easily and affordably make these calls can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. Misdialing or using the wrong codes can lead to failed calls, unexpected fees, and a whole lot of frustration.

What are the most common questions about calling the US from Mexico?

What is the correct exit code to call the US from Mexico?

The correct exit code to call the United States from Mexico is 00. You will dial 00 followed by the country code for the United States (1), then the area code, and finally the phone number you wish to reach.

When making an international call from Mexico, the exit code signals to the Mexican telephone network that you are dialing a number outside of Mexico. This is a crucial first step in connecting your call internationally. Without the correct exit code, the Mexican phone system will interpret the subsequent numbers as part of a local Mexican number, and your call will not be routed to the United States.

Therefore, the proper dialing sequence to call a US number from Mexico is: 00 + 1 + [Area Code] + [Phone Number]. For example, to call the US number (555) 123-4567 from Mexico, you would dial 00 1 555 123 4567.

Do I need to dial a country code when calling the US from Mexico?

Yes, when calling the United States from Mexico, you need to dial the country code for the US, which is “1”. This is a crucial step to ensure your call is routed correctly to the United States.

The complete dialing format is as follows: First, dial the exit code from Mexico, which is typically “00”. Then, dial the country code for the United States, “1”. Following that, dial the 3-digit area code of the US number you’re calling, and finally, the 7-digit local number. Therefore, the full sequence would be: 00 + 1 + [Area Code] + [Local Number]. For example, to call a number with the area code 212 and local number 555-1212, you would dial 00 1 212 555 1212.

It’s important to remember that failing to include the country code will likely result in your call not going through, or worse, being routed to a different location altogether. Always double-check that you have dialed the correct exit code and country code before proceeding with the rest of the phone number. Cell phones will usually auto-populate the “00” with a “+”, so you could also dial “+1” instead of “001” on most modern cell phones.

Are there cheaper ways to call the US from Mexico than using a regular phone?

Yes, there are significantly cheaper ways to call the US from Mexico than relying on traditional landlines or mobile phone services. These alternatives primarily leverage internet-based technologies, offering substantially lower rates and often better call quality.

Modern communication has provided numerous affordable options for international calls. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services are a prime example. Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Google Voice allow you to make free calls to other users of the same app, and offer very competitive rates for calling US phone numbers. These apps use your internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data), so the cost is primarily your internet access fee, which is often much lower than per-minute charges from traditional phone companies. Another popular method involves purchasing a local Mexican SIM card with a data plan and using that data for VoIP calls. This can be particularly cost-effective for longer stays in Mexico, as you avoid international roaming charges from your US-based mobile carrier. Furthermore, some Mexican mobile providers offer plans specifically designed for making calls to the US, which may include unlimited calling or very low per-minute rates. Comparing these options with your anticipated calling volume is crucial for choosing the most economical solution.

What’s the standard format for dialing a US phone number from Mexico?

To dial a United States phone number from Mexico, the standard format is 00 + 1 + area code + phone number. The “00” is the exit code for Mexico, “1” is the country code for the United States, followed by the three-digit area code and the seven-digit local phone number.

When making a call from a Mexican landline or mobile phone, you must first dial the Mexican exit code, “00,” which signals the Mexican phone network that you are placing an international call. Next, you enter “1”, the country code for the United States, which tells the network to route the call to the US. Following the country code, you’ll dial the three-digit area code specific to the US location you’re calling, and finally, the seven-digit local phone number. For example, to call the US number (555) 123-4567 from Mexico, you would dial 00 1 555 123 4567. Note that some mobile providers might allow using a “+” sign instead of “00,” so +1 555 123 4567 could also work.

How do I call a US toll-free number (like 800) from Mexico?

To call a US toll-free number (800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844) from Mexico, you typically need to dial an exit code, the US country code, and then the toll-free number itself. The exit code from Mexico is 00, the US country code is 1, so you would dial 00-1-800-XXX-XXXX (replacing XXX-XXXX with the specific toll-free number).

Calling a US toll-free number from Mexico may not always be completely “toll-free” for you, the caller. Many US-based toll-free numbers are designed to only be free within the United States, Canada, and sometimes other specific territories. When calling from Mexico, your Mexican phone service provider will likely charge you international calling rates. Check with your provider beforehand to understand the charges you might incur. Another option to consider is using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, Google Voice, or WhatsApp. These services often allow you to call US numbers, including toll-free numbers, at potentially lower rates than traditional international calls. Some may even allow free calls to US numbers, depending on their specific plans and promotions. Be sure to check the terms of service for each VoIP provider to understand any associated fees or restrictions.

Will my Mexican cell phone work to call the US, and what will it cost?

Yes, your Mexican cell phone will generally work to call the US, but the cost will depend on your specific mobile plan, your carrier, and whether you are calling a US mobile or landline number. You’ll likely incur international calling charges, which can vary significantly.

Mexican cell phone carriers like Telcel, AT&T Mexico, and Movistar offer various plans and add-on packages specifically designed for making international calls to the United States. It’s essential to check with your carrier to understand the exact per-minute rate or if they offer a bundled package that includes a certain number of minutes for international calls. Calling a US cell phone may be cheaper than calling a landline, depending on your plan. Roaming agreements between Mexican carriers and US carriers facilitate this ability, but it’s these agreements that also determine the cost. Consider exploring alternatives to direct dialing to potentially save money. Many popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype allow you to make voice and video calls over a Wi-Fi connection. If you have access to Wi-Fi, these options can significantly reduce or eliminate international calling charges. Another option is to purchase an international calling card within Mexico that provides a pre-paid amount of calling time. Be sure to compare the rates from different providers before making your final decision.

Are there any area code restrictions when calling the US from Mexico?

No, there are generally no area code restrictions when calling the United States from Mexico. You can call any US area code as long as you dial the correct exit code, country code, and area code along with the recipient’s seven-digit phone number.

When making a call from Mexico to the United States, you’ll need to follow a specific dialing sequence. First, dial the exit code for Mexico, which is typically “00.” Then, dial the country code for the United States, which is “1.” Following that, you’ll enter the three-digit area code for the location you’re calling in the US, and finally, the seven-digit local phone number. For example, to call a number in the 212 area code in New York City, you would dial 00-1-212-XXX-XXXX. While there aren’t restrictions based on area code, be mindful of the time zone differences. Calling someone late at night in California from Mexico City could be inconvenient due to the time difference. Furthermore, calling a number that’s been disconnected or changed will, of course, not connect, regardless of whether you’re calling from within the US or from Mexico.

Alright, there you have it! Calling the U.S. from Mexico doesn’t have to be a headache. Hopefully, this guide cleared things up for you. Thanks for stopping by, and we hope you’ll come back again soon for more helpful tips and tricks!