Telephone Area Codes in Mexico: A Guide to Calling Mexico

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Want to call family or business associates in Mexico? Calling Mexico is actually quite simple. You just need to remember the universal dialing formula below to easily connect.

International access code + 52 (Mexico country code) + 10-digit local phone number

This formula provides all the information you need for dialing. Note that the 10-digit local number already includes the complete Mexico phone area code, so you don’t need to add any extra digits.

Key Takeaways

• To call Mexico, use the formula “international access code + 52 + 10-digit local number.”
• The international access code varies by country, for example, 011 for the United States and 00 for China.
• Mexico’s country code is 52, applicable to all phone numbers.
• Mexican phone numbers are now uniformly 10 digits, and there’s no longer a need to add “1” for mobile numbers.
• Before calling, consider the time difference and confirm the complete 10-digit phone number.

Complete Format for Calling Mexico

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Now, let’s break down the formula “international access code + 52 + 10-digit local number” step by step. You’ll find that once you understand the role of each part, calling Mexico will never be a problem again.

Step 1: Find the International Access Code

Your dialing journey begins with a special code called the “international access code” or “exit code.” This code tells your phone service provider that you’re about to make an international long-distance call.

The international access code varies by country. You need to use the access code for the country you’re calling from, not Mexico’s.

Tip: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recommends using 00 as the standard international access code. Therefore, in most countries around the world, including most of Europe, mainland China, and the Middle East, you can use 00.

To make it easier for you, here’s a list of international access codes for some major countries:

If you’re unsure about your country’s access code, you can refer to this chart showing access codes for the top ten most populous countries, or use an online tool to check.

Step 2: Dial the Country Code 52

After finding your international access code, the next step is very simple. You just need to dial Mexico’s country code: 52.

This number is Mexico’s unique identifier in the international phone system, and it remains the same whether you’re calling from anywhere in the world or reaching a Mexican landline or mobile phone.

Step 3: Dial the 10-Digit Local Number

This is the final step of dialing. You need to enter the complete 10-digit Mexican local number.

This 10-digit number consists of two parts:

• Area Code: Usually 2 or 3 digits, representing a specific city or region in Mexico. For example, Mexico City’s area code is 55.
• Local Number: The remaining 7 or 8 digits.

When you receive a Mexican phone number, make sure it includes the area code, totaling 10 digits. The complete Mexican area code and local number together form the local number required for dialing.

Unified Dialing for Mobile and Landline

Important Reminder: No Need to Add “1” for Mobile Numbers Anymore!

This is very important and a common mistake people used to make. Before the telecom reform in August 2019, when calling a mobile number in Mexico from abroad, you needed to add the digit 1 after the country code 52 and before the 10-digit local number.

This rule has now been eliminated.

To simplify the dialing process, Mexico has unified the dialing method for all phone numbers. Whether you’re contacting a landline or a mobile phone, you only need to dial the complete 10-digit local number after the country code 52.

• Old Format (No Longer Valid): International access code + 52 + 1 + 10-digit mobile number
• New Format (Currently Valid): International access code + 52 + 10-digit local number (applies to all phones)

Remembering this change can help you avoid the frustration of dialing errors.

Quick Reference Table for Common Mexico Area Codes

You’ve now learned the complete dialing formula, and the most critical step is finding the correct Mexico phone area code. Mexico is a vast country, and each city and region has its own dedicated area code.

To help you get started quickly, we’ve compiled a quick reference table of area codes for Mexico’s major commercial and tourist cities. You can find the code you need right here.

Mexico City: 55

As the capital and largest city of Mexico, Mexico City is the country’s political, economic, and cultural hub. If you’re contacting anyone in this bustling metropolis, you need to use the area code 55. Recently, Mexico City has also introduced a secondary area code, 56, so you may encounter numbers starting with it.

Guadalajara: 33

Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state, is known as Mexico’s “Silicon Valley” and the birthplace of traditional Mexican Mariachi music. To call this vibrant city, use the area code 33.

Monterrey: 81

Monterrey, the capital of Nuevo León state in northeastern Mexico, is an important industrial and commercial center. It’s known for its stunning mountain views and modern cityscape. To contact phone numbers in Monterrey, add the area code 81.

Cancún: 998

Cancún is a world-renowned tourist destination, attracting global visitors with its beautiful Caribbean beaches and Mayan cultural sites. If you’re booking a hotel or contacting a local travel agency, remember its area code is 998.

Tijuana: 664

Tijuana, located on the Mexico-U.S. border, is a vibrant city in Baja California. It’s a significant manufacturing hub and border crossing point. To call Tijuana, use the area code 664.

Puebla: 222

Puebla is a historic colonial city famous for its cuisine, handicrafts, and colorful architecture. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To contact Puebla, use the area code 222.

More Area Codes for Travelers

In addition to the major cities above, if you’re planning to visit other popular vacation spots in Mexico, the following area codes may be useful:

How to Find Area Codes for Other Cities?

Mexico has hundreds of area codes, and we can’t list them all. You should know that a single state (federal entity) often has multiple area codes. For example, Jalisco state not only has Guadalajara’s 33 but also over 30 other area codes.

If the city you’re calling isn’t listed above, the easiest ways to find the correct Mexico phone area code are:

• Use an Online Search Engine: Simply search for “(city name) phone area code” or in English, “area code for (city name).”
• Ask Your Contact: Directly ask your contact in Mexico for their complete 10-digit phone number, including the area code, for the most accurate information.

Dialing Examples from Different Countries

Now that you’ve mastered the theoretical knowledge, let’s look at some specific examples of how to call Mexico from different countries. You’ll find that as long as you follow the formula, it’s very straightforward.

Calling from the United States or Canada

When calling from the U.S. or Canada, you need to use the international access code 011. Both countries share the same North American Numbering Plan, so the dialing rules are identical.

Suppose you’re contacting a friend in Mexico City with the number 55-1234-5678.

Your dialing sequence should be:

1. International Access Code: 011
2. Mexico Country Code: 52
3. Mexico City Area Code: 55
4. Local Number: 12345678

Combine them, and you need to enter on your phone: 011525512345678

Calling from the United Kingdom or Europe

If you’re in the UK or most European countries (like Germany, France, Spain, etc.), your international access code is 00.

Let’s take calling Monterrey, an industrial city in Mexico, as an example. Suppose the local number is 81-8765-4321.

Your dialing steps are as follows:

1. International Access Code: 00
2. Mexico Country Code: 52
3. Monterrey Area Code: 81
4. Local Number: 87654321

The complete dialed number is: 00528187654321

Calling from Mainland China

When calling from mainland China to Mexico, the international access code is also 00.

Now, imagine you’re booking a hotel in Cancún with the number 998-1122-3344.

You need to dial in the following order:

1. International Access Code: 00
2. Mexico Country Code: 52
3. Cancún Area Code: 998
4. Local Number: 11223344

The complete number to dial is: 005299811223344

Calling from India

When making an international call from India, the international access code is also 00.

Suppose your contact is in Tijuana, a city on the U.S.-Mexico border, with the number 664-9876-5432.

The dialing process is straightforward:

1. International Access Code: 00
2. Mexico Country Code: 52
3. Tijuana Area Code: 664
4. Local Number: 98765432

Combine all the digits, and you need to dial: 005266498765432

Through these examples, you can see that no matter where you’re calling from, the core formula remains the same. You just need to replace the international access code with the one for your country to easily connect with anyone in Mexico.

Practical Tips and Common Questions

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After mastering the dialing method, some practical tips can help you contact Mexico at the right time in the most cost-effective way and avoid common mistakes.

Best Time to Call

Before making an international call, consider the time difference. Mexico spans four time zones.

• Southeast Time Zone (UTC-5): Applies to Quintana Roo state, where Cancún is located.
• Central Time Zone (UTC-6): Covers most of Mexico, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.
• Pacific Time Zone (UTC-7): Includes Baja California Sur (where Cabo San Lucas is located) and Sinaloa.
• Northwest Time Zone (UTC-8): Applies to Baja California, where Tijuana is located.

Tip: To avoid disturbing your contact in the early morning or late at night, refer to the table below. It shows the time comparison between Mexico’s main Central Time Zone and some major cities worldwide.

Avoiding Common Dialing Errors

Dialing failures are often due to small mistakes. You can avoid them by checking the following:

• No Need to Add “1” Anymore: This is the most common error. Since the 2019 reform, when calling a mobile phone in Mexico from abroad, you no longer need to add 1 after the country code 52.
• Using the Wrong Access Code: Ensure you use the international access code for your country, not Mexico’s.
• Incomplete Number: Always confirm you’re dialing the complete 10-digit local number, including the area code.

Saving on International Call Costs

International long-distance calls can be expensive, but there are many ways to save money. Many U.S. phone carriers (like AT&T and T-Mobile) include unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada in most of their plans.

If your plan doesn’t include this service, consider purchasing an international calling add-on package for about $15 per month, which typically offers unlimited or a large number of calling minutes.

Calling with Skype

Skype is another cost-effective option. While calls between Skype users are free, calling Mexican landlines or mobile phones from Skype requires payment.

You need to purchase a monthly subscription plan to make calls. Skype’s pricing depends on the country you’re calling, not where you’re calling from.

Important Update: Note that Skype services will gradually transition to Microsoft Teams. In the future, you may need to use Teams to make calls.

Calling with Google Voice

Many people believe that using Google Voice to call Mexico from the U.S. is free, but this is often a misconception.

In fact, calling Mexico requires a paid Google Voice Business plan (Standard or Premier). These calls are made through a system called SIP Link, with rates that may differ from standard international rates and could even be higher. Therefore, be sure to confirm your plan details and specific rates before using.

Now, calling Mexico should be very straightforward for you. Let’s quickly review the core steps:

1. First, dial your country’s international access code.
2. Next, enter Mexico’s country code 52.
3. Finally, dial the complete 10-digit number, including the Mexico area code.

You now have all the necessary information. Pick up the phone and confidently connect with your family, friends, or business associates in Mexico!

FAQ

Here, we answer some of the most common questions about calling Mexico to clear up any remaining doubts.

Can I Use the “+” Sign on My Phone Instead of the International Access Code?

Yes. On a mobile phone, the “+” sign, accessed by long-pressing the “0” key, is a universal symbol for the international access code. It automatically replaces your country’s access code, such as 011 for the U.S. or 00 for mainland China. This makes dialing simpler.

Do I Really Not Need to Add “1” for Mexican Mobile Numbers Anymore?

Yes, you absolutely don’t need to. Since the 2019 reform, the rules for calling all Mexican phones (including mobile and landline) have been unified. You only need to dial the 10-digit local number after the country code 52.

What If the Area Code for My City Isn’t Listed?

The fastest way is to ask your Mexican contact directly for their complete 10-digit number. You can also use a search engine by entering “(city name) phone area code” to find the information. This ensures you get the most accurate details.