Calling from Mexico to the United States can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right information, you can make international calls quickly and easily. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to call from Mexico to the United States, as well as some tips for saving money on your calls.
To call from Mexico to the United States, you’ll need to dial the following numbers:
- First, dial the exit code for Mexico, which is 011.
- Next, dial the country code for the United States, which is 1.
- Finally, dial the area code for the city you’re calling, followed by the phone number.
For example, to call a number in New York City, you would dial 011 + 1 + 212 + XXX-XXXX.
Here are some additional tips for calling from Mexico to the United States:
- If you’re calling from a landline, you may need to dial a 0 before the exit code.
- If you’re calling from a cell phone, you may need to use a different dialing format.
For example, to call the United States from a Telcel cell phone, you would dial 00 + 1 + XXX-XXXX.
* To save money on your calls, consider using a calling card or a VoIP service.
There are many different calling cards and VoIP services available, so be sure to compare prices and features before choosing one.
Dialing the Exit Code
Before you can make a call from Mexico to the United States, you need to dial the exit code. The exit code is a number that tells the phone system that you are calling an international number. The exit code for Mexico is 00. Once you have dialed the exit code, you can then dial the country code for the United States, which is 1. Next, you will need to dial the area code for the city you are calling in the United States. Finally, you will need to dial the phone number of the person you are calling.
Here is a summary of the steps you need to take to dial the exit code from Mexico to the United States:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dial the exit code: 00 |
| 2 | Dial the country code: 1 |
| 3 | Dial the area code |
| 4 | Dial the phone number |
Entering the Country Code
When calling from Mexico to the United States, you must first enter the country code for the United States, which is 011. This code tells the phone system that you are calling an international number.
Country codes are assigned to each country by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The ITU is a United Nations agency responsible for coordinating the global telecommunications network.
Here is a table of country codes for some of the most common countries that people call from Mexico:
| Country | Country Code |
|---|---|
| United States | 011 |
| Canada | 01 |
| United Kingdom | 44 |
| France | 33 |
| Germany | 49 |
Area Code Verification
To call from Mexico to the United States, it is important to use the correct area code. The area code is a 3-digit number that identifies a specific geographic region. For example, the area code for Mexico City is 55. To find the area code for a specific city or region in the United States, you can use an online area code lookup tool.
Once you have the area code for the location you are calling in the United States, you will need to dial it before the phone number. For example, to call a phone number in New York City, you would dial the area code 212 before the phone number. If you are calling a landline, you will need to include the 1 before the area code. If you are calling a mobile phone, you will not need to include the 1 before the area code.
Here is a table with the area codes for some major cities in the United States:
| City | Area Code |
|---|---|
| New York City | 212, 347, 646, 718, 917 |
| Los Angeles | 213, 310, 323, 424, 562, 626, 818 |
| Chicago | 312, 708, 773 |
| Houston | 281, 346, 713, 832 |
| Phoenix | 480, 520, 602, 623 |
Prefixes and Extensions
When calling from Mexico to the United States, you must use the appropriate prefixes and extensions. The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the prefixes and extensions you will need to use, depending on the type of call you are making:
| Type of Call | Prefix | Extension |
|---|---|---|
| Landline to Landline | 011 | 1 (Area Code) (Phone Number) |
| Landline to Cell Phone | 011 | 1 (Area Code) (Phone Number) |
| Cell Phone to Landline | 001 | 1 (Area Code) (Phone Number) |
| Cell Phone to Cell Phone | 001 | 1 (Area Code) (Phone Number) |
Additional Notes:
* The exit code for Mexico is 011.
* The country code for the United States is 1.
* The area code is a three-digit number that identifies the region in the United States where the phone number is located.
* The phone number is a seven-digit number that identifies the specific phone line.
* When dialing a cell phone from a landline, you do not need to dial the extension.
* When dialing a landline from a cell phone, you may need to dial the extension after the phone number.
Phone Plan Considerations
When choosing a phone plan for making calls from Mexico to the United States, there are several factors to consider:
1. Usage Patterns
Estimate the frequency and duration of your calls. If you plan to make frequent or lengthy calls, it may be worthwhile to consider a plan with unlimited calling minutes.
2. Network Coverage
Ensure that your chosen provider offers reliable coverage in the areas where you’ll be making calls. Research different providers and their network performance before making a decision.
3. Calling Rates
Compare the per-minute calling rates offered by different providers. Pay attention to any additional charges, such as roaming fees or international call surcharges.
4. Device Compatibility
Make sure that your phone is compatible with the network and frequency bands used in Mexico. This information is typically provided by your carrier.
5. Additional Features
Some phone plans offer additional features that may enhance your calling experience. These can include features such as caller ID, call forwarding, and voicemail.
Table: Comparison of Phone Plan Features
| Provider | Unlimited Calling | Network Coverage | Calling Rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telcel | Yes (with certain tiers) | Extensive | $0.50 per minute (without plan) |
| AT&T | No | Good in major cities | $0.60 per minute (without plan) |
| Movistar | Yes (with select plans) | Limited | $0.45 per minute (without plan) |
Calling Cards and VoIP Services
Calling Cards
Calling cards provide a convenient way to make international calls. They can be purchased online or at retail stores. When using a calling card, you typically dial the access number for the calling card company, enter your calling card number, and then dial the number you wish to call. Calling cards typically have a per-minute rate, so it’s important to compare rates before purchasing a card.
VoIP Services
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services allow you to make international calls over the internet. This can be a cost-effective way to make calls, especially if you have a high-speed internet connection. To use a VoIP service, you need to sign up for an account and download the software.
Benefits of Using VoIP Services:
| Benefit |
|---|
| Cost-effective |
| High quality calls |
| Additional features (e.g., call forwarding, voicemail) |
Considerations for Using VoIP Services:
| Consideration |
|---|
| Internet connection quality |
| Compatibility with devices |
| Fees associated with additional features |
To choose the best option for calling from Mexico to the United States, consider the following factors:
- Frequency of calls: If you make frequent calls, a VoIP service may be more cost-effective.
- Quality of internet connection: If you have a high-speed internet connection, VoIP can provide high-quality calls.
- Features: Some VoIP services offer additional features, such as call forwarding and voicemail.
- Cost: Compare the rates of different calling card companies and VoIP services to find the most affordable option.
Time Difference Considerations
When making a call from Mexico to the United States, it’s crucial to consider the time difference between the two countries. To ensure you reach your desired recipient, pay attention to the following guidelines:
Calculate Time Zones
| Mexico Time Zone | United States Time Zone |
|---|---|
| Central Mexico Time (CST) | Central Time (CT), Eastern Time (ET) |
| Mountain Mexico Time (MST) | Mountain Time (MT), Pacific Time (PT) |
Time Difference
| From Mexico | To US |
|---|---|
| Central Mexico Time (CST) | -1 hour (CT), -2 hours (ET) |
| Mountain Mexico Time (MST) | -2 hours (MT), -3 hours (PT) |
For example, if it’s 10:00 AM in Central Mexico Time (CST), it would be 9:00 AM Central Time (CT) or 8:00 AM Eastern Time (ET) in the United States.
DST Adjustments
During Daylight Saving Time (DST), the time difference between Mexico and the United States changes. Remember to adjust your calculations accordingly.
Cost of International Calls
The cost of international calls from Mexico to the United States varies depending on the phone provider and the calling plan you choose. Here is a general breakdown of the approximate costs:
Landline to Landline
Calls from a landline in Mexico to a landline in the United States typically cost between 4 pesos (about 20 cents) and 10 pesos (about 50 cents) per minute.
Landline to Mobile
Calls from a landline in Mexico to a mobile phone in the United States are generally more expensive, ranging from 10 pesos (about 50 cents) to 20 pesos (about $1) per minute.
Mobile to Landline
Calls from a mobile phone in Mexico to a landline in the United States vary depending on the carrier and plan. They usually fall between 6 pesos (about 30 cents) and 15 pesos (about 75 cents) per minute.
Mobile to Mobile
Calls from a mobile phone in Mexico to a mobile phone in the United States are similar in cost to mobile-to-landline calls, ranging from 6 pesos (about 30 cents) to 15 pesos (about 75 cents) per minute.
Additional Factors
Keep in mind that international call rates may vary based on the time of day, peak hours being more expensive. Additionally, some carriers may offer discounted rates for extended calling plans or packages.
Example Rates
Here is a table with approximate rates from Telmex, one of the major phone providers in Mexico:
| Service | Rate (pesos per minute) |
|---|---|
| Landline to Landline | 4-10 |
| Landline to Mobile | 10-20 |
| Mobile to Landline | 6-15 |
| Mobile to Mobile | 6-15 |
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
1. Check your phone settings
Make sure that your phone is set to the correct network and that you have a strong signal. If you are using a Wi-Fi connection, make sure that your phone is connected to the correct network and that the signal is strong.
2. Restart your phone
Restarting your phone can often fix minor connection issues. To restart your phone, press and hold the power button until the phone turns off. Then, press and hold the power button again to turn the phone back on.
3. Check your account balance
Make sure that you have enough money in your account to make calls. You can check your account balance by logging into your online account or by calling customer service.
4. Check the coverage area
Make sure that you are in an area where your phone has coverage. You can check the coverage area for your phone by visiting the website of your carrier.
5. Try another phone
If you are still having trouble making calls, try using another phone. This will help you determine if the problem is with your phone or with the network.
6. Contact customer service
If you have tried all of the above troubleshooting steps and you are still having trouble making calls, you should contact customer service. Customer service can help you troubleshoot the problem and get you back up and running.
7. Verify your international calling plan
Ensure that your phone plan includes international calling to the United States. Some plans may have restrictions or additional charges for international calls.
8. Check the country code
When dialing from Mexico to the United States, you must include the country code (+1) before the phone number. Failure to do so may result in failed connections.
9. Dial the number correctly
Pay close attention to the dialing instructions and ensure that every digit is entered correctly. The standard dialing format is:
| Country Code | Area Code | Local Number |
|---|---|---|
| +1 | (example: 212) | (example: 555-1212) |
Alternative Communication Methods
Apart from traditional phone calls, there are several alternative methods for communicating from Mexico to the United States:
1. Mobile Apps:
Various mobile apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, and Skype offer free or low-cost calling and messaging features with an internet connection. These apps allow users to make voice and video calls, as well as send text messages and share media.
2. VoIP Services:
Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Google Voice and Skype Out enable users to make calls over the internet using a dedicated VoIP phone or a computer. These services often provide affordable calling rates and additional features such as voicemail and call forwarding.
3. Calling Cards:
Prepaid calling cards can be purchased from stores or online, allowing users to make calls from landlines or mobile phones. These cards provide a set amount of minutes for a specific cost and can be used to call any number in the United States.
4. Landline Phones:
Traditional landline phones can be used to call the United States, but the cost per minute can be higher than other methods. It’s important to check with the local phone company for specific rates and service availability.
5. Satellite Phones:
Satellite phones are used in areas where cellular networks are unavailable or unreliable. These phones connect to satellites orbiting the Earth, allowing users to make calls from remote locations.
6. Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs):
Some PDAs, such as the Palm Pilot, feature built-in calling capabilities. These devices can be used to make calls over a cellular network or via VoIP services.
7. Walkie-Talkies:
Walkie-talkies are handheld devices that allow users to communicate over short distances without the use of a cellular or internet connection. They can be useful in situations where other communication methods are not available.
8. Social Media Platforms:
Social media platforms like Facebook Messenger and Instagram offer free video and voice calling features. These platforms require an internet connection, but they can be convenient for staying connected with friends and family in the United States.
9. Email and Text Messaging:
Email and text messaging are alternative methods for communicating with individuals in the United States. While they do not offer real-time communication, they can be used to exchange information or send updates.
10. International Calling Services:
There are several international calling services that offer affordable and reliable calling rates from Mexico to the United States. These services typically use a combination of VoIP and traditional phone lines to provide high-quality connections. They often have features such as call forwarding, voicemail, and caller ID. Below is a table comparing some of these services:
| Service | Features | Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Vonage | HD voice, voicemail, call forwarding | $10-$50 per month |
| Rebtel | Low calling rates, mobile app | $2-$15 per month |
| Skype | Video calling, group calling, voicemail | Free for Skype-to-Skype calls |
How To Call From Mexico To United States
To call from Mexico to the United States, you will need to dial the following:
- 011 – This is the exit code for Mexico.
- 1 – This is the country code for the United States.
- Area code – This is the three-digit code for the area in the United States that you are calling.
- Phone number – This is the seven-digit phone number of the person you are calling.
For example, to call a phone number in New York City, you would dial 011-1-212-555-1212.
You can also use a calling card or a VoIP service to call from Mexico to the United States. Calling cards can be purchased at convenience stores and supermarkets in Mexico, and they typically offer lower rates than calling directly from your hotel or cell phone.
People Also Ask About How To Call From Mexico To United States
How much does it cost to call from Mexico to the United States?
The cost of calling from Mexico to the United States varies depending on the calling method you use. Calling directly from your hotel or cell phone is typically more expensive than using a calling card or a VoIP service.
What is the best way to call from Mexico to the United States?
The best way to call from Mexico to the United States is to use a calling card or a VoIP service. Calling cards can be purchased at convenience stores and supermarkets in Mexico, and they typically offer lower rates than calling directly from your hotel or cell phone.
Can I use my cell phone to call from Mexico to the United States?
Yes, you can use your cell phone to call from Mexico to the United States.
However, you will need to make sure that your cell phone plan includes international calling. If it does not, you will be charged a per-minute rate for calls to the United States.
