Making Phone Calls in Mexico

If you visit Mexico often or you reside there, you are certainly familiar with Mexican telecommunications and the hassle of acquiring reliable services and successfully dialing within Mexico. You’ve also dealt with the frequent changes to the country’s area codes. Mexican telecommunications are generally more costly than in the United States and Canada and inherently come with plenty of down time. Below we offer recommendations to save money and time according to each type of visitor.

For Temporary Visitors

Unless it is an emergency, it is not advised to make phone calls from your hotel room. An exorbitant hotel phone bill can leave a blemish on even the most pleasant of vacations. A 5 minute phone call can cost you US$25.

Pre-paid phone cards: If you are a temporary visitor your best option is to purchase a pre-paid Telmex phone card. For your convenience MedToGo sells $5, $10, and $20 Telmex cards at our online store for the same price you would pay in Mexico at any convenience store. You will save yourself the hassle of exchanging your money and hunting down a store that sells cards by pre-ordering your cards prior to departure.

Internet Telephone Calls: Skype has one of the most reliable and affordable internet telephone services available. Visit the Skype website, set up an account, and purchase a comfortable head set. While you’re abroad you can plug your headset into most any computer and make calls anywhere in the world. Skype lets you make free calls to other Skype users through an internet connection and very cheap calls to traditional telephones. It’s free to download and you can add on voice mail for a small fee.

For Frequent Visitors and Business Travelers

Depending upon how often you travel to Mexico there are several options available to you.

Mexico Cell phones (contract not required): Sanborn’s (a chain restaurant/convenience store locted in every major city) sells affordable cell phone units that do not require you to sign a contract with any companies. Phone time must however be uploaded to the units by purchasing Telcel phone cards. Though the cards are not as economical as the pre-paid Telmex phone cards, having a cell phone where you can receive calls is possibly a necessary convenience. This is ideal if most of your calls are to Mexican phone numbers.

Global Cell phones: There are several global cell phone plans to choose from that will allow you to make and receive phone calls using one telephone number. Verizon offers a North America specific plan that allows you to receive and make phone calls using one unique phone number. If you are from New York, for example, you keep your 917 cell phone area code with you while you travel. People phoning you while you are in Mexico will dial your number as if you were in NY. When you call the US or Canada you add the country code , 001, to the 10 digit number. Though you use “001” the call will only cost you the minutes you speak. Ironically, the plan is more affordable than most Mexican domestic cell phone plans. The one drawback with the North America plan is that if you phone Mexico at any time from Mexico, the US, or Canada you will be charged international rates.

Mexico Residents and Expatriates

Internet: Telmex Prodigy Infinitum (349 pesos/month) is the best choice for internet connectivity. There are other companies, such as Cablevision, but none are as reliable and offer as speedy of a connection as Telmex. The one drawback is that you must first contract a basic local telephone line (194 pesos/month) to have this service.

Mexico Cell phones: There are several to choose from (Movistar, Telcel, Unefon), but if you will be making several international phone calls your best choice is a iusacell phone. They offer international plans, reliable service, bi-lingual customer service, and a live operator to take your calls when you are not available.