Calling friends or family in Mexico from the United States can seem complicated at first. However, with the right tools and information, it's how to make call to mexico from us. In this complete guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about calling Mexico from the US.
There are a few different options for calling Mexican phone numbers from the US:
The best option will depend on your specific needs and who you are trying to call. Below we'll go into detail on how each method works.
For most major US cell phone carriers, calling Mexico is considered an international call. That means high per-minute rates that can really add up for anything more than a brief call.
For example, AT&T charges $2.39/min to call Mexico. Verizon's rate is $2.42/min and T-Mobile charges $1.59/min. With rates like that, a 1-hour call would cost around $140!
These cell plan rates do come down a bit if you enroll in an international calling package, but those usually only include a limited number of minutes. Once you use up the minute's allotment, you go back to paying the standard high rates.
The bottom line is that using your regular cell plan is only a sensible option for very short calls to Mexico lasting just a few minutes. For longer conversations, you'll want to use one of the other options below when making calls to Mexico from the US.
Calling cards are a popular method for making inexpensive calls to Mexico from the US. Here's how they work:
Calling cards let you get around the high rates charged by cell providers. The main downside is you have to dial an access number and enter account info each time, which can be tedious.
Popular calling cards to call Mexico include:
No matter which calling card you choose, be sure to look out for hidden fees, connection charges, and maintenance fees which can drive up the cost.
VoIP, which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, is the most modern way to make international calls. With VoIP, your voice call is converted into data packets and routed over the internet, bypassing traditional telephone networks.
There are two main ways to call mexican number from us
VoIP, which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, is the most modern way to make international calls. With VoIP, your voice call is converted into data packets and routed over the internet, bypassing traditional telephone networks.
There are two main ways to use VoIP for cheap calls to Mexico:
VoIP calls to Mexico are very affordable, and reliable, and provide excellent call quality. For a full guide on how to call the US from Mexico using VoIP technology, check out: how to call us from mexico.
Skype deserves special mention as one of the original tools for cheap international calling. Here's a quick rundown of how to use Skype to call Mexico:
Skype allows both calling and video chatting with Mexico for pennies per minute. The catch is that both parties need to have Skype accounts and internet access. But if both sides are able to use Skype, it's an excellent free option for video calls.
In addition to VoIP apps, there are some other helpful mobile apps that let you call Mexico on the cheap using WiFi:
The benefit of apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger is that calls between users are completely free. A limitation is that both sides need to have the app downloaded to connect a call.
To summarize the different options covered so far:
For most people, using a VoIP service will be the best mix of low cost, convenience, and call quality. Apps like WhatsApp are great for video chatting with family who already have the app. Calling cards can serve as a backup option if you can't use VoIP.
Choose the method that makes the most sense for who you are trying to call in Mexico and how often you call. With the right solution, you can enjoy long talks with friends and family in Mexico without breaking the bank.
Once you've chosen the best option for calling Mexico, follow these tips for the clearest connection:
With a few small tweaks, you can maximize voice quality for every call to Mexico. Taking the time to get a good connection makes longer conversations much more enjoyable.
In some situations, you may want to have a phone number with a Mexican area code rather than calling Mexico from your US number.
There are a couple of options for getting a Mexican number:
When traveling to Mexico, you can purchase a Mexican SIM card for your unlocked cell phone. Insert the SIM card and you'll have a Mexican number as well as a local Mexican plan while you're there.
You can buy SIM cards from providers like Telcel, Movistar, or AT&T Mexico once you arrive in the country. However, this option only works for short trips. The service gets disconnected if you don't regularly top up the account from a Mexican bank.
Virtual phone numbers based in Mexico are ideal if you need a longer-term Mexican phone presence. With a virtual Mexican number:
Services like Flynumber offer virtual Mexican numbers starting around $3/month. Forward the number to your US mobile, landline, or VoIP app.
Having a virtual Mexican number makes it easy and affordable to establish a Mexican presence for longer than just a short trip.
In many cases, sending a text message can be easier than trying to connect a phone call.
Mexican mobile numbers have the same format as US numbers - a +52 country code followed by a 10-digit mobile number.
To text a Mexican number:
Texting uses minimal network data, so costs are negligible compared to calling. Verizon and AT&T charge a $.25 international SMS fee for texts to Mexico.
Whether you call, text, or video chat, connecting with loved ones in Mexico is convenient and affordable. With so many choices, you can stay in regular contact without language or distance getting in the way.
From quick check-ins by text messaging to long Sunday night conversations, all the options outlined above make calling and communication smooth and easy.
Staying part of each others' lives, even from across borders, has never been simpler. Give a few of these options a try to bring your US-Mexico connections even closer.
One concern when calling Mexico is ensuring a reliable connection and good call quality. Here are some factors that can affect calls to Mexico and tips to improve quality:
Cellular networks - Mexico has an extensive mobile network, but coverage can still be spotty in rural areas. Using landlines provides more consistently clear calls.
Time of day - Call congestion is lowest late at night and early morning when fewer people are using the phone networks. Avoid peak evening call times if possible.
Weather - Heavy rain or wind can sometimes interfere with signal transmission and degrade call quality temporarily.
VoIP connection - For VoIP calls over the internet, higher broadband speeds provide clearer quality. WiFi is preferable to mobile data.
Remove background noise - Finding a quiet place to talk improves sound isolation and reduces ambient noise. Use headphones if necessary.
Speak clearly and slowly - Enunciate words fully and avoid mumbling which can make understanding difficult. Pausing between sentences helps too.
Be patient - Repeat any phrases that get garbled in transmission. Stay patient if connectivity is spotty.
With a few small efforts - choosing landlines, optimal call times, and vigilance over call quality - you can achieve great connection reliability to Mexico for productive and enjoyable conversations.
To wrap up, here is a quick review of some of the best practices covered for keeping calling costs low and maximizing call quality:
Follow these tips and you'll be calling Mexico like a pro. But most importantly, remember the purpose is meaningful connection. Don't let small call frustrations get in the way of the conversation!
We hope this guide provides everything you need to call Mexico cheaply and clearly. With rates as low as 1 cent per minute using services like Callmama, staying connected with friends and family in Mexico is very affordable.
No matter whether they are just across the border in Tijuana or all the way down in Cancun, you'll be able to call without worrying about huge phone bills.
What method do you find works best for calling Mexico? Let us know in the comments below!