Have you ever wanted to connect with friends, family, or business associates in Mexico, only to be stumped by the complexities of international calling? Well, you're in luck! Making calls to Mexico on Verizon is easier than you might think, and this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you stay connected without a hitch.
Whether you're calling from the comfort of your home in the US or while traveling abroad, Verizon offers a variety of options to suit your needs and budget. Let's dive in and demystify international calling!
How to Make Calls to Mexico on Verizon: Your Comprehensive Guide
Connecting with Mexico via Verizon involves a few key steps, primarily revolving around understanding dialing formats and choosing the right international plan. Here's a breakdown:
 |
| How To Make Calls To Mexico On Verizon |
Step 1: Understand Your Calling Needs & Current Plan
Before you even think about dialing, let's figure out your specific situation. Are you:
-
Calling from the United States to Mexico?
-
Calling from Mexico back to the US or to another country?
-
Making frequent calls or just a one-off?
Your answers will significantly impact which Verizon international calling option is best for you. Take a moment to consider how often you plan to call and if you'll be traveling.
Sub-heading: Check Your Current Verizon Plan
Did you know that many current Verizon Unlimited plans already include unlimited talk to Mexico and Canada? This could save you a significant amount of money!
-
How to check:
-
Log in to your My Verizon account online or through the My Verizon app.
-
Navigate to your "Plans & Services" or "Account Details" section.
-
Look for details on international calling inclusions, specifically for Mexico and Canada.
-
If your plan includes it, fantastic! You're already set for basic calling to Mexico from the US. If not, don't worry, we'll explore other options.
Step 2: Choose the Right Verizon International Calling Option
Verizon offers several ways to make international calls, each with its own benefits and cost structure. Selecting the right one is crucial to avoid unexpected charges.
QuickTip: Use the post as a quick reference later.
Sub-heading: For Calls from the US to Mexico
If you're in the United States and want to call Mexico, here are your primary options:
-
Included with Many Unlimited Plans: As mentioned, many Verizon Unlimited plans now include unlimited talk to Mexico and Canada. This is often the most cost-effective and convenient option if you're a post-paid customer with an eligible plan.
-
Global Calling ($5/month per line): This is a great add-on for most Verizon plans (both prepaid and post-paid). For just $5 per month per line, you get:
-
Unlimited calls to Mexico and Canada.
-
Discounted rates for calls to over 220 other countries.
-
How to add:
-
Through the My Verizon app or My Verizon online.
-
By texting GLOBAL to 4004.
-
-
-
Global Choice ($10/month per line): If Mexico is your primary international calling destination and you anticipate needing a set number of minutes to that specific country (though Mexico is often unlimited with Global Calling), Global Choice offers:
-
Up to 300 minutes per month to a chosen country (e.g., Mexico).
-
Discounted rates to over 220 other countries.
-
How to add:
-
Through the My Verizon app or My Verizon online.
-
By texting your chosen country's keyword (e.g., "MEXICO" if there's a specific keyword for Mexico) to 4004. Note: For Mexico, Global Calling is usually sufficient due to its unlimited nature.
-
-
-
Pay As You Go Rates: If you don't add an international plan, you'll be charged per minute for calls to Mexico. These rates can be very expensive, so it's generally recommended to add a plan if you plan to call frequently. For Mexico, pay-as-you-go rates are typically around $0.99 per minute.
Sub-heading: For Calls While Traveling in Mexico (Roaming)
If you're physically in Mexico and want to use your Verizon phone, these are your options:
-
TravelPass ($6/day in Mexico and Canada): This is an incredibly popular option for short trips.
-
How it works: For a daily fee of $6, you can use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances (with a high-speed data cap of 5GB/day, then unlimited at 3G speeds).
-
You're only charged on days you use your phone in Mexico. So, if you don't use it, you don't pay!
-
How to add:
-
Through the My Verizon app or My Verizon online.
-
By texting TRAVEL to 4004.
-
-
Important: TravelPass is automatically added to lines with Unlimited Plus and Unlimited Welcome plans.
-
-
Unlimited and Select Plans with Mexico/Canada Inclusion: Some Verizon Unlimited plans and other select domestic plans already include unlimited talk, text, and data while you are in Mexico and Canada at no extra cost. Always check your specific plan details.
-
$100 International Monthly Plan: This plan is ideal for longer trips (9 days or more) and provides:
-
Unlimited data (20 GB of high-speed data, then unlimited at 3G speeds).
-
250 talk minutes.
-
Unlimited text messaging.
-
Costs $100 per month per line.
-
-
Pay As You Go Roaming: If you don't add any international travel plan, you'll be charged per minute, per text message, and per MB of data used. This is by far the most expensive option and should generally be avoided for calls, texts, and data usage. For Mexico, roaming talk rates can be around $0.99/minute, and data around $2.05/MB.
Step 3: Master the Dialing Format for Mexico
This is where many people get tripped up. The dialing format for Mexico has a slight nuance, especially for mobile numbers.
Sub-heading: Calling Mexico from the US (Your Verizon Phone)
No matter which plan you choose, the dialing format for calls from the US to Mexico is consistent:
-
For Mobile Numbers:
-
Dial the + sign (hold down the '0' key on most smartphones to get this) OR 011 (the international exit code from the US)
-
Then, enter 52 (Mexico's country code)
-
Followed by the 10-digit Mexican phone number (which includes the area code).
-
Example: To call a Mexican mobile number, you would dial: +52 XXX-XXX-XXXX OR 011 52 XXX-XXX-XXXX
-
-
For Landline Numbers:
-
Dial the + sign OR 011
-
Then, enter 52 (Mexico's country code)
-
Followed by the 10-digit Mexican phone number (which includes the area code).
-
Example: To call a Mexican landline, you would dial: +52 XXX-XXX-XXXX OR 011 52 XXX-XXX-XXXX
-
Important Note on Mexican Mobile Numbers: Previously, you might have been instructed to add a "1" after the country code "52" when calling Mexican mobile numbers. This is NO LONGER required. Simply dial the "+52" or "011 52" followed by the 10-digit number.
Sub-heading: Calling the US from Mexico (While Roaming with Verizon)
 |
If you're in Mexico using your Verizon phone with TravelPass or another international plan and want to call back to the US:
-
Dial the + sign (hold down the '0' key on most smartphones)
-
Then, enter 1 (the country code for the United States)
-
Followed by the 10-digit US phone number (area code + local number).
-
Example: To call a US number while in Mexico: +1 XXX-XXX-XXXX
Tip: Summarize each section in your own words.
Sub-heading: Calling a Local Mexican Number While in Mexico
If you're in Mexico and want to call another local Mexican number:
-
Simply dial the 10-digit local Mexican phone number (area code + local number).
-
You do not need to add "011" or "+52" when making local calls within Mexico if you are already there.
Step 4: Enable International Features & Settings
To ensure your calls go through smoothly, a few settings on your device and Verizon account might need checking.
Sub-heading: On Your Verizon Account (My Verizon)
-
Ensure "International Services Enabled" is active: For some older plans or specific scenarios, you might need this feature enabled on your line. You can usually check and add this through My Verizon or by contacting customer service.
-
Verify TravelPass or Global Calling is active: Double-check that your chosen international plan or feature (like Global Calling or TravelPass) is correctly applied to your line before you make calls.
Sub-heading: On Your Smartphone
-
Turn on Data Roaming (if using TravelPass or International Monthly Plan while in Mexico): Go to your phone's settings:
-
For iPhones: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Data Roaming (ensure it's ON).
-
For Androids: Settings > Connections (or Network & Internet) > Mobile Networks > Data Roaming (ensure it's ON).
-
-
Enable Wi-Fi Calling: Wi-Fi Calling allows you to make and receive calls over a Wi-Fi connection, even if you don't have cellular service.
-
When calling back to the US from overseas: Wi-Fi calls to US phone numbers are generally free, even when traveling internationally.
-
When calling other countries over Wi-Fi: International charges may still apply, but it can be a good way to bypass potential cellular roaming issues. You'll usually get a voice prompt warning you of potential charges.
-
How to enable: Check your phone's call settings for "Wi-Fi Calling" and ensure it's turned on. You might also need to enable it in your My Verizon account settings.
-
Step 5: Monitor Your Usage (Especially for Pay-As-You-Go)
If you're not on an unlimited international plan, keeping an eye on your usage is key to avoiding bill shock.
-
My Verizon App/Online: Regularly check your usage details in the My Verizon app or online portal. This will show you how many minutes, texts, and data you've used, especially if you're on a plan with limited allowances or pay-as-you-go rates.
-
Usage Alerts: Verizon often sends text alerts when you're nearing your plan limits or when significant pay-as-you-go charges are incurred. Pay attention to these!
Step 6: Troubleshooting & Support
Sometimes, things don't go as planned. Here's what to do if you encounter issues:
-
Double-check the dialing format: The most common error is incorrect dialing. Re-verify the +/011, country code, and the 10-digit number.
-
Restart your phone: A simple reboot can often resolve minor connectivity issues.
-
Check network signal: If you're in Mexico, ensure you have a strong cellular signal. If not, try moving to a different location or connecting to Wi-Fi.
-
Contact Verizon Customer Service:
-
From your Verizon Wireless device in the US: *611
-
From any phone in the US: 1-800-922-0204
-
While traveling internationally: Dial +1-908-559-4899 (this is a toll-free number for Verizon international support). If you're on a CDMA network, you might need to dial the exit code for the country you are in before this number.
-
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to make calls to Mexico with confidence on your Verizon device!
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to add an international calling plan to my Verizon account?
You can add an international calling plan like Global Calling or Global Choice through the My Verizon app, by logging into your My Verizon account online, or by texting the specific plan keyword (e.g., "GLOBAL" for Global Calling) to 4004.
How to use my Verizon phone in Mexico without incurring high roaming charges?
To avoid high roaming charges while in Mexico, you should add Verizon TravelPass to your line (which is $6/day in Mexico) or ensure your current unlimited plan includes talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada. Pay-as-you-go rates are very expensive for international roaming.
How to dial a Mexican mobile number from the US on Verizon?
To dial a Mexican mobile number from the US on Verizon, use the format: +52 [10-digit Mexican mobile number] or 011 52 [10-digit Mexican mobile number]. Remember, you no longer need to add a "1" after the "52".
How to dial a Mexican landline number from the US on Verizon?
To dial a Mexican landline number from the US on Verizon, use the format: +52 [10-digit Mexican landline number] or 011 52 [10-digit Mexican landline number].
How to make Wi-Fi calls to Mexico on Verizon?
Tip: Reread sections you didn’t fully grasp.
If your phone has Wi-Fi Calling enabled (check your phone and My Verizon settings), you can make calls over a Wi-Fi connection. Calls to US numbers via Wi-Fi from abroad are free. Calls to other international numbers (like Mexico) via Wi-Fi will typically incur international calling charges according to your plan.
How to check if my Verizon plan includes calls to Mexico?
Log in to your My Verizon app or online account, navigate to "Plans & Services" or "Account Details," and review the details of your current plan. Many Unlimited plans now explicitly state inclusion of calls to Mexico and Canada.
How to contact Verizon Customer Service while traveling in Mexico?
While in Mexico, you can call Verizon's International Support Team toll-free at +1-908-559-4899 from your Verizon wireless device.
How to stop TravelPass from activating every day?
TravelPass only charges you on the days you use your phone in a TravelPass country. There's no need to remove it from your line, as you're only billed when it's actively used. If you don't use your phone, you won't be charged.
How to send an international text message to Mexico on Verizon?
To send a text message to Mexico from the US, simply send it to the 10-digit Mexican phone number, just as you would a domestic text. Many Verizon plans include unlimited international texting.
How to get more high-speed data if I run out of TravelPass allowance in Mexico?
If you exceed the 5 GB high-speed data allowance with TravelPass in Mexico, you'll still have unlimited data at 3G speeds. Verizon will typically send you a text offering an additional 2 GB of high-speed data for $5 for that 24-hour session.
 |
