Baja Safari NOW Archives

Mexico

* The rules are different when calling a cell phone number. If you are calling a cell phone number locally , the format is the following: 044 + area code + cell phone number. So, to call a Mexico City cell phone from within Mexico City, dial: 044 + (55) + cell phone number. To place a long distance call to a cell phone, the format is similar to that for long-distance calls to fixed lines: 01 + area code + cell phone number. So, to call a Mexico City cell phone from outside Mexico City, dial: 01 + (55) + cell phone number.

Selected Area Codes
Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey have two-digit area codes and eight-digit subscriber numbers, while all other cities and regions have three-digit  area codes and seven-digit subscriber numbers.

1. Area code + subscriber number in Mexico always totals ten digits.
2. Area codes in Mexico contain two or three digits. Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey have two digit area codes; all other area codes are three digits.
3. Subscriber numbers in Mexico contain seven or eight digits. Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey have eight digit numbers; the rest of the country uses seven digit local numbers.
4. When calling between cities within Mexico, dial the Domestic Access Code ‘01′ before the area code. Do not dial this access code when calling from another country.
5. Cell phone numbers are seven to eight digits in length. Mexico has unique rules for dialing a cell phone in the country. Please refer to Cell Phones in Mexico for further information on using your cell phone in Mexico.
6. Toll-free numbers start with the prefix ‘01-800′.
7. The Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) has a special emergency help number (24 hours a day) for tourists in trouble: (55) 250-8359.

1. Mexico has a special format for making local calls to cell phone numbers: 044 + area code + cell phone number. So, to call a Mexico City cell phone from within Mexico City, dial: 044 + (55) + cell phone number. To place a long-distance call to a cell phone, dial the DAC (’01′) + area code + cell phone number.
2. The authorities have reserved a very wide range of prefixes for cell phone numbers, which are too numerous to list. (These prefixes form part of the seven- to eight-digit cell phone number and are not to be confused with the ‘044′ local cell phone access code).
3. Mexico’s cellular networks offer older analog AMPS 800 service and digital CDMA and GSM 1900 technologies. Travelers from GSM 900/1800 countries who are interested in a roaming agreement with a GSM 1900 carrier should make sure their phone is “tri-band” (900/1800/1900) if they wish to bring it with them.

Due to the dynamic nature of the cellular communications industry, this information changes rapidly. Always confirm service with your provider prior to departure.

Renting a Cell Phone
Travelers wishing to rent a cell phone may choose one of two options:

1. Before departure: Rent a locally compatible phone (short-term rental) before departure and have the advantage of cell service immediately upon arrival.
2. After arrival: Ask at your hotel for a local cellular phone rental service.

Click for a comprehensive listing of Cellular Rental Services Worldwide.

Setting Up a Local Account
Another option for cellular phone service is signing up with a local provider in Mexico. This may be the most cost effective option if you intend to stay for an extended period.

The authorities have reserved a very wide range of prefixes for cell phone numbers, which are too numerous to list.

Illustration © Copyright 2001 by World Trade Press.

Telephone / modem plug adapters are available through iGo Corporation and other suppliers. Please visit the supplier’s list found in the sidebar of the Mobile Connectivity Problems and Solutions section of the Global Road Warrior. 

Because public telephones are often broken, it is much easier–although also more expensive–to make local calls from your hotel room or lobby. You can also use phones in telephone company offices and in certain shops (usually those with a telephone symbol in the window or on a sign).  Tell the attendant the number you wish to call; the attendant will give you the rate and dial the number.  The rates vary and you may or may not be able to place a collect call.

Only 20 percent of the public telephones in Mexico are coin phones. In Mexico’s larger urban areas, as in most Central and South American countries, the coin-operated telephone has been replaced by prepaid card phones. 

One of the public phones has two slots, one for Ladatel cards and one for credit cards.  There is a display screen on this phone to keep you tuned in to how long you have talked and the corresponding balance.  

Card Telephone Instructions Lift receiver Insert card Dial number Upon completion, replace receiver and retrieve card

Card Telephone Instructions Lift receiver Insert card Dial number Upon completion, replace receiver and retrieve card

Coin Telephone Instructions Lift receiver Listen for dial tone Insert coins Dial number Upon completion, replace receiver and retrieve any unused coins

While you are abroad, a callback company connects you to your home country telephone network to take advantage of rates at home, which are often cheaper. 

Travelers must designate a specific location (such as a hotel phone number) prior to departure. While abroad, users phone the callback service office, which will call you back at your location. It will then connect you to the telephone network in your home country and you can dial any number you wish to reach. 

The process helps you to take advantage of telephone rates at home. Fees for call back services vary widely, depending on the company and the type of service required. Always check rates first; it may, in fact, be cheaper to call direct and have your associates or family call you back at a designated number.

Frequently Asked Questions
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Call Back Services Worldwide
Click for a select listing of Call Back Services.