How to call Mexico | In-depth guide with examples

Connecting with Mexico from the United States is crucial for a wide range of reasons, encompassing both business and personal aspects.

Mexico, known for its vibrant sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture, as well as its rich cultural heritage and cuisine, presents numerous opportunities for international business and personal relationships.

Grasping the intricacies of interacting with this lively North American nation is essential for fostering these connections.

Understanding Mexico’s calling codes

To call Mexico, it's important to understand the structure of international phone numbers.

Mexico's country code is +52. The method for dialing mobile numbers is distinct from that for landlines.

Mobile numbers typically start with a '1' after the country code, followed by the ten-digit number. In contrast, landline numbers include an area code followed by the local number.

Guide to calling Mexico

Before dialing, ensure you're aware of the rates charged by your carrier for international calls to Mexico.

You should also make sure your connection is reliable to avoid any issues caused by latency or choppy voice transmission.

1. Check the time in Mexico

When making a call to Mexico, it’s crucial to understand the time difference.

Mexico spans multiple time zones, from the Pacific Time Zone (PT) to the Eastern Time Zone (ET), with variations including Central and Mountain Time.

This can place Mexico up to 3 hours behind the U.S. depending on the specific region. It's advisable to verify the local time in the part of Mexico you're calling at a convenient time.

2. Dial the exit code

For international calls from the U.S., you need to dial 011, the exit code signaling an international call.

3. Enter Mexico's country code

Next, dial Mexico's country code, +52, to direct your call to Mexico.

4. Dial the area code and local number

Start with 011, followed by Mexico's country code, 52.

The next steps vary based on whether you're calling a Mexican landline or a mobile phone:

For a landline

Input the area code for the specific region in Mexico you're calling. Mexican area codes are typically two to three digits. Then, dial the local landline number, which is usually seven or eight digits long.

For example, to call a landline in Mexico City with the area code 55 and the local number 12345678, you would dial 011-52-55-12345678.

For a mobile phone

When calling a mobile phone in Mexico, you must add the digit '1' after Mexico's country code and before the area code. This is followed by the ten-digit mobile number.

For instance, to call a Mexican mobile number like 044-55-1234-5678, the correct sequence would be 011-52-1-55-1234-5678.

5. Tips for a successful call

Before placing a call to Mexico, ensure you have a strong connection to avoid dropped calls.

Have a backup plan for any technical issues, such as who will call back if the call is disconnected.

Understanding Mexican business culture and etiquette can also enhance communication. Important aspects include:

• Start the call with a formal greeting. Use titles such as "Señor" (Mr.), "Señora" (Mrs.), or "Señorita" (Miss) followed by the surname until invited to use first names.
• Since Spanish is the official language, it's appreciated to use it. However, be clear about your level of fluency.
• Respect for hierarchy is significant. Ensure you're speaking with the right level of authority for the conversation at hand.

Finally, as with calling any country, it’s important to be patient and flexible, as the pace of business might differ from what you're used to in the U.S.

Considerations for Mexico

Calls to Mexico, like any international destination, can be influenced by various factors. Here's an overview of the key elements that could affect your calls, including language, time differences, and other considerations:

Language and culture

Mexico boasts a rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural diversity. However, Spanish is the dominant language spoken across the nation. Common Spanish greetings used throughout Mexico include:

• Hola—A universal greeting widely recognized across the country.
• Buenos días/tardes/noches—Time-specific greetings for morning, afternoon, and evening.
• Cómo estás?—A polite way to start a conversation, asking "How are you?"

Besides Spanish, Mexico is home to a variety of indigenous languages. Languages such as Nahuatl, Maya, and Mixtec are spoken by communities throughout the country, each bringing its own unique greetings and expressions.

Nahuatl, for example, uses "Pialli" as a casual greeting, akin to "Hello," and "Quenin tica?" which means "How are you?" These indigenous languages, along with Spanish, illustrate the complex linguistic landscape of Mexico, reflecting its deep historical roots and rich cultural heritage.

Time zones

Accounting for time differences is crucial when making international calls. Mexico spans four time zones, including Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific. These time zones are the same as the contiguous United States. Before making a call to Mexico, make sure you know which time zone you’re placing a call to. Here's a guide to the time difference:

How much does it cost to call Mexico?

Call charges to Mexico can vary based on your carrier, the duration of the call, and the time of day. Check with your service provider for detailed rates.

Carrier rates are crucial here because different service providers have varied pricing for international calls.

These prices can change depending on whether you're on a standard rate plan or have chosen a specific international calling package.

Some providers may offer lower rates for calls to Mexico during non-peak hours or as part of a package that includes a certain number of international minutes.

It's wise to carefully examine your carrier's rate plans and any special packages for international calls to ensure you're getting the most cost-effective option for your needs.

The duration of the call also significantly influences the total cost, with longer calls leading to higher charges.

This factor is particularly important to consider if your plan charges by the minute.

Additionally, the time you choose to call can affect the cost, as rates may vary between peak and off-peak hours.

Calls during peak times tend to be more expensive than those made during off-peak periods, like late evenings or weekends, depending on your service provider's rate structure.

Paying attention to these details and strategically planning your calls can assist in controlling communication costs while maintaining connections with people in Mexico.

Make affordable calls to Mexico with Telnyx

With these tips and recommendations, you're ready to call Mexico with confidence.

If you’re looking for more guidance on global calling, Telnyx’s team of experts can help you navigate the complexities of international communication.

Telnyx is a next-gen communications platform that offers a global private IP network, multi-cloud redundancy, and carrier-grade services.

Our elastic SIP trunking services make it easy to call nearly every country in the world. We also offer support and guidance to help you grow and scale your business.

With competitive pricing and a wide variety of local phone numbers in over 140 countries, Telnyx provides cost-effective calling solutions with unmatched expertise.