Mexico Simplifies its Telephone Dialing Rules
On August 3rd, 2019 dialing Mexican telephone numbers will become simpler. This article explains the changes.
Service prefixes are no longer required
The fundamental change to the telephone dialing rules happening on August 3rd 2019 is the removal of service code prefixes associated with calling domestic long distance numbers (01) and calling Mexican cell phones from Mexican land lines (044, 045). Also, the confusing need to add the number ‘1’ when calling a Mexican cell phone from overseas is also being eliminated. The changes can be summed-up thus:
- When calling from within Mexico, the dialing prefixes of 01, 044, and 045 are no longer required
- When calling a Mexican cell phone from outside Mexico, the additional number ‘1’ after Mexico’s country code is no longer required
These changes greatly simplify the way that Mexican land lines and cell phones are dialed and bring Mexico’s telephone dialing rules into line with protocols used in the US and Canada.
Calling from/to Mexican land lines
Here are the rules for dialing from and to Mexican land lines as of August 3, 2019
Calling a Mexican land line from a Mexican land line in the same area: Simply dial the local number (7 or 8 digits, depending on the town/city).
Calling a Mexican land line from a Mexican land line in a different area. Dial the area code and the number. Do not dial the 01 (long distance) prefix.
Calling a Mexican land line from a Mexican cell phone: Dial the area code and the number directly from your cellphone. Do not dial the 01 (long distance) prefix.
Calling a Mexican cell phone from a Mexican land line: Dial the cell phone’s area code and number directly. Do not use 044 or 045 prefix.
Calling to/from Mexican cell phones
Here are the rules for dialing from and to Mexican cell phones as of August 3, 2019
Calling a Mexican cell phone from another Mexican cell phone while in Mexico: Dial the other cell phone’s area code and number. Do not include 044 or 045 in the code.
Calling a Mexican cell phone from overseas: Dial Mexico’s country code (+52) then the area code, and then the number. Do not include the ‘1’ in front of the +52 as was required before August 3, 2019.
Calling any number in Mexico from a Mexican cell phone overseas (roaming): Dial Mexico’s international code +52, then the area code, and then the number. Do not include the ‘1’ in front of the +52.
Calling Mexican toll-free (800) and premium toll (900) numbers
From August 3rd, 2019, whether you are calling from a Mexican land line or from a Mexican cell phone, drop the 01. Thus 01-800-123-4567 becomes 800-123-4567.
Storing numbers in your Mexican cell phone
If you roam between Mexico, the US and Canada, we recommend that you store all of your contact numbers using the international dialing format: [country code] [area code] [number]. Thus your Mexican contacts will be recorded with the +52 prefix before the area code and number, your American and Canadian contacts with the +1 prefix before the area code and number. By doing this, your calls will connect without need for you to make adjustments regardless of whether you are in Mexico or roaming in the US or Canada.
How to keep in touch when you’re in Mexico
You can learn more about how to keep in touch with friends, family, and work contacts by connecting to our comprehensive Guide to Communications in Mexico.
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