How to Call Mexico
Complete guide to dialing Mexico (country code +52)
Calling Mexico doesn't have to be complicated, whether you're connecting with family, friends, or business contacts. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to call Mexico from anywhere in the world. We'll cover step-by-step dialing instructions for landlines and mobile phones, help you avoid common mistakes that could prevent your call from going through, and share important phone etiquette tips to ensure smooth conversations. You'll also discover useful numbers for emergencies, customer service, and directory assistance. Whether you're calling Mexico for the first time or looking to troubleshoot connection issues, this guide provides clear, practical information to help you stay connected with confidence. Let's make your international calling experience simple and stress-free.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
How to Dial Mexico: Complete International Calling Guide
International Dialing Format Structure
To call Mexico from abroad, use this format: Exit Code + 52 + Area Code + Local Number
Mexico's country code is +52. The exit code varies by country (011 for USA/Canada, 00 for most others).
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
From the United States or Canada:
- Dial 011 (exit code)
- Dial 52 (Mexico country code)
- Dial the area code (2-3 digits)
- Dial the local number
From the United Kingdom and Europe:
- Dial 00 (exit code)
- Dial 52 (Mexico country code)
- Dial the area code and local number
From mobile phones internationally: Replace the exit code with +, then dial +52 followed by the area code and number.
Specific Dialing Examples
Example 1 - Mexico City Landline (area code 55):
- From USA: 011-52-55-1234-5678
- From UK: 00-52-55-1234-5678
- From mobile: +52-55-1234-5678
Example 2 - Guadalajara Landline (area code 33):
- From USA: 011-52-33-9876-5432
- From UK: 00-52-33-9876-5432
- From mobile: +52-33-9876-5432
Example 3 - Mexican Mobile Number:
- From USA: 011-52-1-55-8765-4321
- From UK: 00-52-1-55-8765-4321
- From mobile: +52-1-55-8765-4321
Note: When calling Mexican mobile phones, add 1 after the country code before the area code.
Important Tips
Mexican numbers don't use leading zeros like some countries (UK, Australia), so simply dial the area code as shown. All Mexican phone numbers contain 10 digits total after the country code (excluding the "1" for mobiles). Local area codes include: Mexico City (55), Guadalajara (33), Monterrey (81), Cancún (998), and Tijuana (664).
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Common Mistakes
When calling Mexico, even small dialing errors can prevent your call from connecting. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid:
Forgetting to drop the leading zero - Mexican phone numbers often display with a leading zero (like 01-55-1234-5678), but you must remove it when dialing internationally. From the US, dial 011-52-55-1234-5678, not 011-52-01-55-1234-5678.
Using the wrong exit code - The exit code varies by country. US and Canada use 011, while most European countries use 00. Always verify your country's international access code before dialing.
Including the "1" before Mexico's country code - Some callers mistakenly dial 011-1-52, confusing North American habits. The correct format is 011-52 (from the US).
Confusing old and new dialing formats - Mexico changed its system in 2019. Mobile numbers no longer need a "1" prefix after the country code for international calls. Simply dial 011-52 plus the 10-digit number.
Adding unnecessary spaces or hyphens - While helpful for reading, these can cause errors with some phone systems. When in doubt, dial continuously without pauses.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in Mexico, understanding local customs helps build positive relationships. Mexicans generally value warmth and politeness in telephone conversations, whether for business or personal matters.
Always begin calls with a proper greeting. "Buenos días" (good morning), "buenas tardes" (good afternoon), or "buenas noches" (good evening) is standard, followed by identifying yourself before stating your purpose. Jumping straight to business is considered abrupt and impolite.
For business calls, maintain a respectful, formal tone initially. Use "usted" (formal "you") and titles like "Señor" or "Licenciado" until invited to be more casual. Personal calls allow for immediate warmth and informality with friends and family.
Avoid calling during siesta time, typically between 2:00 and 4:00 PM, or too early in the morning before 9:00 AM. Evening calls before 9:00 PM are generally acceptable. Lunch breaks are sacred, so business calls during this period may be unwelcome.
When leaving voice messages, keep them brief but friendly. State your name, reason for calling, and contact information clearly. Many Mexicans prefer speaking directly rather than through messages, so expect potential callbacks instead of voicemail replies.
Patience is essential—conversations often include small talk about family or well-being before addressing main topics. This relationship-building isn't time-wasting; it's an important cultural practice showing respect and genuine interest in the other person.
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Emergency Numbers
911 - Universal Emergency Number
Mexico's primary emergency number connects you to police, ambulance, and fire services. Available 24/7 with operators who may speak English, though Spanish is predominant.
066 - Alternative Emergency Number
Still functional in some areas, though being phased out in favor of 911.
078 - Tourist Assistance Hotline (SECTUR)
Multilingual support for tourists needing help, available 24/7 nationwide.
089 - Federal Police
Direct line to Mexico's federal police force.
065 - Red Cross Ambulance
Emergency medical services throughout Mexico.
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible from mobile phones, landlines, and public phones without requiring coins or credit. While 911 operators increasingly offer English support, learning basic Spanish emergency phrases is highly recommended. Response times vary significantly between urban and rural areas.
Useful Numbers
Directory Assistance & Information Services
- 040: National directory assistance for finding phone numbers across Mexico
- 090: International operator for assistance with calls abroad
Tourist Services
- 078: Tourist helpline (Ángeles Verdes) offering roadside assistance and travel information in English
- 55-5080-2000: Mexico City Tourism Office for visitor information
Embassy Contacts
Contact your embassy through their local number, typically found in major cities. U.S. Embassy (Mexico City): 55-5080-2000; Canadian Embassy: 55-5724-7900; U.K. Embassy: 55-1670-3200.
Additional Services
- 071: Reporting corruption or government issues
- *264: Roadside assistance from major highways
- 01-800-112-6200: Federal Consumer Protection hotline
Keep these numbers saved for non-emergency situations requiring assistance during your stay.
Tips for Calling Mexico
When calling Mexico, timing is crucial for successful connections. Mexico operates across four time zones, ranging from UTC-6 to UTC-8, with most of the country in Central Time (UTC-6). To avoid early morning or late evening disruptions, call between 9 AM and 6 PM local Mexican time.
For business calls, always schedule appointments in advance. Mexican business hours typically run from 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, with extended lunch breaks common between 2-4 PM. Avoid calling during this midday window when possible.
Peak calling times (9-11 AM and 4-6 PM) may result in better connection rates but busier lines. Off-peak hours often mean clearer lines and more availability for longer conversations.
Major holidays to avoid include Independence Day (September 16), Revolution Day (November 20), Christmas through New Year's, and Holy Week before Easter. Many businesses close entirely during these periods.
For clearer communication, speak slowly and confirm important details. If calling from a mobile phone, ensure you have strong signal strength. Consider using VoIP services for better quality international connections at reduced costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for Mexico is +52. You'll need to dial this before the local phone number when making international calls to Mexico from anywhere in the world. This prefix identifies Mexico within the global telephone numbering system.
To call Mexico from your cell phone, dial + (or 011 from the US/Canada), then 52 (Mexico's country code), followed by the area code and local number. For example: +52-55-1234-5678 for a Mexico City number.
Yes, if the Mexican phone number starts with a zero, you should drop it when dialing internationally. After dialing +52, enter the area code and local number without any leading zero. The zero is only used for domestic calls within Mexico.
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The main emergency number in Mexico is 911, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. This number works throughout the country. For tourist assistance specifically, you can also dial 078 to reach Mexico's tourist help line.
Yes, you can call Mexico directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the Mexican phone number you want to call, and connect instantly—no downloads or special software required. It's convenient and works on any device.
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