Making Phone Calls in Mexico - A Complete Guide for Expats

To call within Mexico, dial all 10 digits (area code + number). To call the US/Canada from Mexico, dial 00-1 + the 10-digit number. Emergency services use 911. Mexico's phone system is straightforward once you understand these basics. Here's everything expats need to know about making calls in Mexico.

Emergency Services

First things first - if you have an emergency, Mexico uses 911 just like the US and Canada. This service is available nationwide, so that's one less thing to worry about.

Calling Within Mexico

All domestic phone numbers in Mexico use 10 digits - that's the area code plus the phone number. For example, a Mexico City number looks like: 55-1234-5678.

To call any number within Mexico, just dial all 10 digits. No need to add anything before or after - it's pretty straightforward once you know this.

Privacy Tip

Want to hide your caller ID when calling another Mexican number? Prefix the number with #31#. For example: #31# 555-123-4567. This works great when you don't want your number showing up on someone's phone.

Calling Mexico from the US or Canada

If your family or friends back home need to call you in Mexico, here's what they do:

1. Dial + (from a mobile) or 011 (from a landline)
2. Enter Mexico's country code: 52
3. Dial the 10-digit Mexican number

Example: To call a Cancun cell phone (998-555-5555), they would dial: 011-52-998-555-5555

Calling the US or Canada from Mexico

This is probably what you'll do most often. To call the US or Canada from Mexico:

1. Dial 00 (Mexico's exit code)
2. Dial 1 (the country code for US and Canada)
3. Dial the 10-digit phone number

Example: To call a US number (555) 123-4567, you would dial: 00-1-555-123-4567

Calling US/Canada Toll-Free Numbers

Here's something that catches a lot of expats off guard: US and Canadian toll-free numbers (1-800, 1-888, etc.) don't work the same way from Mexico. You can still reach them, but calls are NOT toll-free - you'll be charged regular international rates.

To dial these numbers, you need to substitute the toll-free prefix:

• 1-800 becomes 001-880
• 1-844 becomes 001-885
• 1-855 becomes 001-884
• 1-866 becomes 001-883
• 1-877 becomes 001-882
• 1-888 becomes 001-881

Example: To call 1-800-555-1234 from Mexico, dial: 001-880-555-1234

Cell Phone Options in Mexico

You have a few options for staying connected:

• Keep your US/Canadian plan: Many carriers offer international roaming, but check rates carefully - it can get expensive
• Get a Mexican SIM card: If your phone is unlocked, you can buy a prepaid SIM from carriers like Telcel, AT&T Mexico, or Movistar
• Use WiFi calling: Apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Skype let you call for free over WiFi

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

• Emergency: 911
• Within Mexico: Just dial the 10-digit number
• Mexico → US/Canada: 00 + 1 + number
• US/Canada → Mexico: 011 + 52 + number (or + 52 from mobile)
• Hide caller ID: #31# + number

Final Thoughts

Once you get the hang of Mexico's dialing system, it becomes second nature. The biggest thing to remember is that 00 gets you out of Mexico, and 52 gets you into Mexico. Keep this guide handy until you've memorized the patterns!

Have questions about phone service in Mexico? Drop them in the comments!

Related Mexico Expat Guides

• Explore Puerto Morelos - Complete guide for expats
• Mexico Cell Phone Registration - New 2025 requirements
• Internet in Cancun - Getting connected in Mexico

Offer phone or telecom services in Mexico? List your business on ExpatsList to help expats get connected.