The Cheapest Way to Call Mexico from the US: Your Complete Guide

Are you looking for the cheapest way to call Mexico from the US? With the growing number of expatriates, travelers, and families wanting to connect, understanding how to make affordable international calls is essential. This guide will explore various options to help you save money while staying in touch with loved ones across the border.

Understanding International Calls

Before we dive into the cheapest options for calling Mexico, let's briefly understand how international calls work. When making a call from the US to Mexico, you need to consider several factors including:

• Country Code for Mexico: The country code for Mexico is +52. Make sure to include this when dialing.
• Calling Format: The general format for calling a Mexican phone number from the US is 011 + 52 + Area Code + Phone Number. Remember this format as it ensures your call goes through without a hitch.
• International Calling Rates Explained: Rates may vary based on your provider, plan, and whether you are calling a landline or mobile phone. For a comprehensive breakdown, check out our detailed post on international calling rates explained.

Options for Affordable International Calling

Here are various methods to call Mexico affordably:

1. VoIP Services

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has revolutionized international calling. Some of the best VoIP services to consider include:

• Skype: Offers competitive rates for calling mobile and landline numbers in Mexico. Depending on your plan, it can be as low as a few cents per minute. For a head-to-head examination, see our comparison of Zencall vs. Skype: What’s Better for International Calls.
• Google Voice: Provides free calls to Mexico when calling from the US, using your Google account. It's an efficient option, and you can learn more about its features in our post on using Google Voice internationally.
• WhatsApp and Viber: These messaging apps allow free voice and video calls over Wi-Fi or data, making them a popular choice for those with internet access. WhatsApp, in particular, is widely used.

2. International Calling Plans

Many telecom providers offer international calling plans that can significantly reduce your costs:

• Verizon: Offers international calling plans starting as low as $5 per month, providing competitive per-minute rates to Mexico. This could be your best bet if you call regularly.
• AT&T: Customers can add the International Calling feature, which often includes affordable calling options to Mexico. It’s good to check their latest offerings.
• T-Mobile: Allows unlimited calling to Mexico with their Simple Choice plan, perfect for frequent callers. If you have a T-Mobile plan, this can save you a lot on calls.

3. Calling Cards

International calling cards are another economical choice, especially good for sporadic international calls:

• Prepaid Calling Cards: Available at many retail locations, these cards allow you to dial Mexico at a reduced rate. They come with straightforward instructions for use.
• Online Providers: Websites like Rebtel and NobelCom offer competitive prepaid calling options specifically to Mexico and other countries. You might find pricing and rates to be surprisingly low.

4. Mobile Apps

There are numerous apps specifically designed for cheap international calls. Some recommended ones include:

• Rebtel: Allows you to call Mexico for free if the person you're calling has the app installed. It’s a win-win situation for users on both ends.
• Dingtone: Offers free calling minutes through a unique system, ideal for making regular calls.
• FreeConferenceCall.com: While primarily for group conferencing, it also allows individual calls to Mexico at low rates. It’s an important tool for business communications.

5. Alternatives: Phoning the US from Abroad

If you're a Mexican citizen or traveler phoning the US, remember to:

• Dial the exit code for Mexico, which is 001, followed by the area code and phone number. Familiarizing yourself with this process can save you time and money.
• Consider using similar VoIP services and apps discussed above to manage costs effectively. Apps like WhatsApp and Skype continue to offer fantastic rates to the US.

Tips for Reducing Costs Further

• Time Your Calls: Calling during off-peak hours can reduce the rates on many providers. Always be aware of the local time zone in Mexico when you call.
• Wi-Fi Calling: If you have access to a good Wi-Fi connection, using Wi-Fi calling options can save you from additional cellular charges. You can learn more about the benefits of Wi-Fi calling by reading about why browser-based calling beats phone cards.
• Check Your Plan: Regularly review your current phone plan to see if it offers perks for international calls. Sometimes, calling to Mexico is covered in your plan without you even realizing it.

Conclusion

Staying connected with friends and family in Mexico doesn’t have to break the bank. By using VoIP apps, international calling plans, calling cards, or mobile apps, you can easily find the cheapest way to call Mexico from the US. For more detailed insights on calling rates, check our post on Zencall pricing which emphasizes call rates as low as 2 cents per minute.

Making your connection simple and affordable is just a phone call away!

Now that you know how to call Mexico affordably, what’s stopping you? Choose your preferred method today and stay in touch!