Calling the United States from Mexico can be a straightforward process, but it’s essential to understand the different options and costs involved. Whether you’re using a landline or a mobile phone, there are several ways to make the call. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various methods available, including dialing codes, carrier options, and tips for saving money on your calls. By following these steps, you’ll be able to effortlessly connect with your friends, family, or business associates in the United States from Mexico.
Before making a call from Mexico to the United States, it’s crucial to understand the dialing codes and prefixes involved. To dial a landline number in the United States from Mexico, you’ll need to use the international dialing code of 011, followed by the country code of 1 for the United States and the area code. For example, to call a landline number in New York City, you would dial 011 + 1 + 212 + the local phone number. If you’re calling a mobile phone in the United States, you’ll need to use the international dialing code, the country code, and the mobile phone carrier’s area code. For instance, to call a mobile phone on the AT&T network in Los Angeles, you would dial 011 + 1 + 310 + the local phone number.
When choosing a carrier to make your call from Mexico to the United States, you’ll have several options. Traditional landline providers like Telmex and Axtel offer international calling plans that can be cost-effective if you make frequent calls. However, if you prefer the flexibility of making calls from your mobile phone, you can use a local carrier like Telcel, Movistar, or AT&T Mexico. These carriers offer international calling packages that can provide competitive rates and convenient payment options. Additionally, there are numerous VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) providers that offer low-cost international calling services, such as Skype, Viber, and WhatsApp. These services allow you to make calls over the internet, which can significantly reduce your expenses.
Dialing the International Prefix
Initiating an international call from Mexico requires dialing a series of prefixes and the recipient’s phone number. Here’s a detailed guide to dialing the international prefix:
- Dial the Exit Code: In Mexico, the exit code for international calls is “00.”
- Dial the Country Code: For the United States, the country code is “1.”
- Dial the Area Code: The area code is a three-digit number that identifies the specific region or city in the US. For example, New York City’s area code is “212.”
- Dial the Local Number: This is the seven-digit phone number of the individual or business you’re calling.
Here’s a table summarizing the key elements for dialing the international prefix to the United States:
| Element | Example |
|---|---|
| Exit Code | 00 |
| Country Code | 1 |
| Area Code | 212 (New York City) |
| Local Number | 123-456-7890 |
Example: To call a number in New York City from Mexico, you would dial: 00 1 212 123-456-7890
Entering the US Country Code
To call the United States from Mexico, you need to dial the US country code, followed by the area code and the phone number. The US country code is 001.
Dialing the US Country Code in Detail
Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to dial the US country code from Mexico:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dial the exit code for Mexico, which is 00. |
| 2 | Dial the US country code, which is 001. |
| 3 | Dial the area code of the US city you are calling. |
| 4 | Dial the seven-digit phone number. |
For example, to call a phone number in New York City, you would dial 00 001 212 555-1212.
Removing the Leading Zero from Area Code
When dialing a number in the United States from Mexico, you need to remove the leading zero from the area code. For example, if you want to call the number (212) 555-1212, you would dial 011 + 52 + 2125551212. Here’s a table with the steps on how to remove the leading zero from the area code:
| Step | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dial 011, which is the exit code for Mexico. |
| 2 | Dial 52, which is the country code for the United States. |
| 3 | Dial the 10-digit phone number, but remove the leading zero from the area code. For example, if you want to call the number (212) 555-1212, you would dial 2125551212. |
Dialing the Area Code
Once you have the country code, you will need to dial the area code of the city or region you are calling. Area codes in the United States are three digits long and can be found by searching online or using a telephone directory.
For example, if you are calling New York City, the area code is 212. If you are calling Los Angeles, the area code is 323. You would dial the area code after the country code, so for New York City, you would dial 011 212.
Example Area Codes
| City | Area Code |
|---|---|
| New York City | 212 |
| Los Angeles | 323 |
| Chicago | 312 |
| Houston | 713 |
| Philadelphia | 215 |
Entering the Local Number
Dial the city code
To call a local number within the United States from Mexico, you will need to dial the city code first. The city code is a three-digit number that corresponds to the city where the phone number is located. You can find the city code by looking it up online or in a phone book.
Dial the phone number
Once you have dialed the city code, you will need to dial the phone number. The phone number is a seven-digit number that corresponds to the specific phone line you are calling.
Do not dial the area code
When calling a local number within the United States from Mexico, you do not need to dial the area code. The area code is a three-digit number that corresponds to the geographical region where the phone number is located. However, if you are calling a long distance number within the United States from Mexico, you should dial the area code.
Dial “01” before the country code
When calling a local number within the United States from Mexico, you need to dial “01” before the country code. The country code for the United States is “1”. So, to call a local number within the United States from Mexico, you would dial “011” followed by the city code and the phone number.
Example
For example, to call a local number in Los Angeles, California from Mexico, you would dial “011” followed by “323” (the city code for Los Angeles) followed by the phone number.
| Dialing a Local Number in the United States from Mexico |
|---|
| 011 + City Code + Phone Number |
Dialing a 10-Digit Number
To call a 10-digit number in the US from Mexico, follow these steps:
- Dial 00 (Mexico’s international access code)
- Dial 1 (US country code)
- Dial the 10-digit phone number
Dialing an 11-Digit Number
If the phone number you’re calling has 11 digits, including an area code with a leading 0, follow these steps:
- Dial 00 (Mexico’s international access code)
- Dial 1 (US country code)
- Dial the first digit of the area code (drop the leading 0)
- Dial the remaining 10 digits of the phone number
Example of Complete Call Format
To call the phone number 212-555-1212 in New York City from Mexico, you would dial:
00
1
212 555 1212
Using a Long Distance Service Provider
If you don’t want to dial the entire international dialing code, you can use a long distance service provider. These providers offer lower rates for international calls than traditional landlines or mobile phones.
Here are some popular long distance service providers in Mexico:
| Provider | Dialing Code |
|---|---|
| Claro | 044 |
| Telcel | 045 |
| Movistar | 046 |
To call the US using a long distance service provider, follow these steps:
- Dial the provider’s dialing code
- Dial the US country code (1)
- Dial the 10 or 11-digit phone number
Additional Tips
- Make sure to check the time difference between Mexico and the US when making a call.
- If you’re using a mobile phone, make sure to enable international roaming before making a call.
- Be aware of any additional fees or surcharges that may apply to international calls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When calling the United States from Mexico, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can lead to connection issues, high costs, or missed calls. Here are several mistakes to watch out for:
1. Forgetting the Exit Code
To call the United States from Mexico, you must dial the exit code 011 before the U.S. country code.
2. Using the Wrong Country Code
The country code for the United States is 1. Ensure you dial 1 after the exit code.
3. Omitting the Area Code
Area codes are essential for connecting to specific regions in the United States. Look up the area code for the city or town you’re calling.
4. Mixing Up the “+” and “011” Exit Codes
Do not use both the “+” symbol and the “011” exit code. Using both can lead to connection errors.
5. Dialing Local Numbers
Remember that local Mexican numbers do not work when calling the United States. You must use the correct country and area codes.
6. Not Allowing for the Time Difference
The United States spans multiple time zones. Check the time difference between Mexico and the U.S. city you’re calling to avoid waking or missing the person you need to reach.
7. Using a Mexican Phone Carrier Without an International Plan
Most Mexican phone carriers require an international calling plan to make calls to the United States. Without a plan, calls may be blocked or subject to high fees. Consider purchasing an international calling plan if needed.
| Country Code | Example |
|---|---|
| United States | (+1) 555-555-5555 |
| Mexico | (+52) 555-555-5555 |
Using a Calling Card
Calling cards can be purchased at many convenience stores and pharmacies in Mexico. To use a calling card, follow these steps:
- Dial the access number for the calling card company. This number can be found on the back of the calling card.
- Enter your calling card number. This number can also be found on the back of the calling card.
- Enter your PIN. This number is usually provided when you purchase the calling card.
- Dial the phone number you wish to call.
- You will be connected to the other party.
Calling cards can be a convenient way to call the United States from Mexico, but they can also be expensive. Be sure to compare rates before you purchase a calling card.
Different Types of Calling Cards
There are two main types of calling cards: prepaid calling cards and postpaid calling cards.
Prepaid calling cards require you to purchase a certain amount of minutes before you can use them. Once you have purchased minutes, you can use them to call any phone number in the world. Prepaid calling cards are a good option if you only need to make a few calls.
Postpaid calling cards allow you to make calls without having to purchase minutes in advance. You will be billed for the calls you make at the end of the month. Postpaid calling cards are a good option if you need to make a lot of calls.
Here is a table that compares the different types of calling cards:
| Type of Calling Card | Prepaid | Postpaid |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | You pay for the minutes you purchase in advance. | You are billed for the calls you make at the end of the month. |
| Convenience | You can use prepaid calling cards to call any phone number in the world. | You need to have a postpaid calling card to call certain phone numbers. |
| Flexibility | Prepaid calling cards are flexible because you can use them to call any phone number in the world. | Postpaid calling cards are less flexible because you need to have a postpaid calling card to call certain phone numbers. |
Dialing from a Landline or Mobile Phone
In order to call the United States from Mexico, you will need to include both the country code (1) and the area code (which varies depending on the city you are calling) when dialing.
From a Landline
To call from a landline in Mexico, follow these steps:
1. Dial the exit code for Mexico, which is 00.
2. Dial the country code for the United States, which is 1.
3. Dial the area code of the city you are calling.
4. Dial the local phone number.
From a Mobile Phone
To call from a mobile phone in Mexico, follow these steps:
1. Dial the exit code for Mexico, which is 00.
2. Dial the country code for the United States, which is 1.
3. Dial the area code of the city you are calling.
4. Dial the local phone number.
Example
For example, to call the number 555-1212 in New York City from a landline in Mexico, you would dial: 00 1 212 555-1212.
Country Codes
| Country | Country Code |
|---|---|
| United States | 1 |
| Canada | 1 |
| United Kingdom | 44 |
| France | 33 |
| Germany | 49 |
How To Call To United States From Mexico
Calling the United States from Mexico can be a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you need to know to make sure your call goes smoothly. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Dial the exit code for Mexico, which is 011.
- Dial the country code for the United States, which is 1.
- Dial the area code for the city you’re calling.
- Dial the phone number.
For example, to call a number in New York City, you would dial 011 + 1 + 212 + 555-1212.
Tips for Saving on International Calls
There are a few things you can do to save money on international calls:
- Use a calling card. Calling cards can offer significant savings over traditional phone rates.
- Use a VoIP service. VoIP services allow you to make calls over the internet, which can be much cheaper than traditional phone calls.
- Use a mobile app. There are a number of mobile apps that allow you to make calls to the United States for free or at a very low cost.
- Call during off-peak hours. Phone rates are typically lower during off-peak hours, such as evenings and weekends.
- Avoid calling to premium numbers. Premium numbers are typically charged at a higher rate than regular phone numbers.
- Bundle your services. If you have multiple phone services, such as a landline and a cell phone, you may be able to get a discount on your international calling rates by bundling them together.
- Use a callback service. Callback services allow you to receive calls from the United States for free or at a very low cost.
- Use a prepaid phone card. Prepaid phone cards can be purchased at convenience stores and other retail outlets. They offer a convenient way to make international calls without having to worry about running up a large bill.
- Ask your service provider about international calling plans. Some service providers offer international calling plans that can save you money on your calls to the United States.
- Compare rates between different service providers. There are a number of different service providers that offer international calling services. It’s important to compare rates between different providers to find the best deal.
| Service | Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Calling card | Varies | Can offer significant savings over traditional phone rates |
| VoIP service | Typically lower than traditional phone rates | Allows you to make calls over the internet |
| Mobile app | Free or very low cost | Allows you to make calls to the United States for free or at a very low cost |
| Callback service | Free or very low cost | Allows you to receive calls from the United States for free or at a very low cost |
| Prepaid phone card | Varies | Offers a convenient way to make international calls without having to worry about running up a large bill |
How to Call to United States From Mexico
Calling to the United States from Mexico is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. Here’s how to do it:
- Dial the exit code: 011
- Dial the country code: 1
- Dial the area code:
- Dial the phone number
For example, to call a phone number in New York City, you would dial 011 1 212 555 1212.
Here are some additional tips for calling to the United States from Mexico:
- You can use a landline or a mobile phone to call to the United States.
- The cost of calling to the United States will vary depending on your phone plan.
- You can also use a calling card to call to the United States.
- If you are having trouble calling to the United States, you can contact your phone company for assistance.
People Also Ask About How To Call To United States From Mexico
How do I call Mexico from the US?
To dial Mexico from the United States, dial 011 (the international access code) + 52 (the country code for Mexico) + the area code (2-5 digits) + the local number (6-8 digits).
How much does it cost to call the US from Mexico?
The cost of making a call from Mexico to the US will depend on your phone plan. Some plans include unlimited or discounted calls to the US, while others may charge a per-minute rate. You can contact your phone carrier to inquire about the cost of calling the US from Mexico.
