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International Calling from Mexico: Complete 2025 Guide

Living or working in Mexico and need to make international calls? Here's what actually works, what's affordable, and what to avoid in 2025.

By The NomaPhone Team
Mexicointernational callingexpatsdigital nomads

Mexico has become a massive hub for remote workers, expats, and digital nomads. Playa del Carmen, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca, Tulum - these places are full of people who need to make international calls regularly.

Whether you’re calling clients in the US, family in Canada, or business contacts in Europe, here’s your complete guide to international calling from Mexico in 2025.

The Mexico Calling Landscape

Who’s Calling From Mexico

US remote workers (largest group) Working from Mexico on tourist visas or temporary residency, calling US clients and contacts regularly.

Canadian snowbirds Spending winters in Mexico, calling home frequently.

Mexican diaspora People with family in the US calling home.

European digital nomads Increasingly common in Mexico City and Oaxaca.

Expat retirees Living full-time in Mexico, maintaining connections back home.

Common Calling Needs

US/Canada: Most frequent destination (70% of international calls from Mexico)

Europe: Growing as more Europeans work remotely from Mexico

Latin America: Business calls to other LATAM countries

Within Mexico: Local calls using Mexican mobile/landline

Mexican Carriers: What They Offer

Telcel (Largest Carrier)

Coverage: Best nationwide coverage in Mexico

International calling:

  • US/Canada: Often included in some plans
  • Other international: $8-15 pesos per minute
  • Amigo Sin Limite plan: Unlimited to US/Canada included

Reality check: Even with “unlimited US calling,” there are often restrictions:

  • Fair use policies
  • Only to certain number types
  • May exclude premium numbers

Who it’s good for: If you have a long-term Mexican plan and call mostly US/Canada

AT&T Mexico

Coverage: Good in major cities, weaker in rural areas

International calling:

  • Similar to Telcel pricing
  • Some plans include US calling
  • International packs available

Who it’s good for: AT&T US customers can sometimes use their plan in Mexico (check specifics)

Movistar

Coverage: Third largest, decent in cities

International calling:

  • $10-20 pesos per minute to US
  • Higher to other countries
  • International packs available for heavy users

Who it’s good for: Budget-conscious for local calling, not ideal for international

The Problem with All Mexican Carriers

International calling that’s not US/Canada gets expensive fast:

  • UK: $15-25 pesos per minute
  • Europe: $20-30 pesos per minute
  • Asia: $30-50 pesos per minute

At 17-20 pesos per USD, you’re paying $1-3 per minute. That’s crazy expensive.

Calling Methods Compared

Method 1: Mexican Carrier International Plans

How it works: Add international calling to your Mexican mobile plan.

Cost example - US calling:

  • Telcel Amigo Sin Limite: $300 pesos/month (~$15 USD) - unlimited US/Canada
  • Good deal if you call US frequently

Cost example - Europe calling:

  • $15-25 pesos/minute = $0.75-1.25 USD/minute
  • 30-minute call: $22.50-37.50 USD

Pros:

  • Convenient for US/Canada
  • Your Mexican number shows up
  • Works immediately

Cons:

  • Expensive for non-US/Canada destinations
  • Plan restrictions and fair use policies
  • Still paying monthly even if you don’t call much

Best for: Heavy US/Canada callers with Mexican mobile plan

Method 2: US Phone Plan with Mexico Roaming

How it works: Keep your US T-Mobile/AT&T/Verizon plan active, use roaming in Mexico.

T-Mobile:

  • Most plans include Mexico/Canada roaming
  • Calls to US free
  • Data included
  • Basically works like you’re in the US

AT&T:

  • Many plans include Mexico roaming
  • Varies by plan tier
  • Check specifics before relying on it

Verizon:

  • Some plans include Mexico
  • Others require add-ons
  • Generally less generous than T-Mobile

Cost: If included in plan: Just your normal monthly bill If not included: $5-12 per day

Pros:

  • Keep US number
  • Call US for free (usually)
  • Seamless experience

Cons:

  • Still expensive for calling outside US/Canada
  • Not everyone wants to maintain US phone bill
  • May have data speed restrictions in Mexico

Best for: Short-term stays, people maintaining US residence

Method 3: WhatsApp/FaceTime (Free but Limited)

How it works: Use WhatsApp or FaceTime over WiFi or Mexican data.

Cost: Free

Quality: Good on WiFi, decent on 4G/5G

Pros:

  • Completely free
  • Good quality
  • Everyone already has it

Cons:

  • Only works if other person has the app
  • Can’t call businesses, banks, landlines
  • Not professional for business calls

Best for: Personal calls to friends/family with smartphones

Method 4: Browser Calling Services

How it works: Use browser-based VoIP service over WiFi or Mexican data.

Cost examples:

  • US/Canada: $0.02-0.03/minute
  • UK: $0.03-0.06/minute
  • Europe: $0.03-0.08/minute
  • India: $0.08-0.09/minute

30-minute call costs:

  • US: $0.60-0.90
  • UK: $0.90-1.80
  • Europe: $0.90-2.40

Pros:

  • Very affordable
  • Works from any device
  • No app installation
  • Call any number worldwide
  • Professional for business

Cons:

  • Needs internet (but you have that)
  • Not free like WhatsApp (but works for all numbers)
  • Small per-minute cost

Best for: Most international calling scenarios from Mexico

Method 5: Calling Cards (Old School)

How it works: Buy prepaid calling card, dial access number + PIN + destination number.

Cost: Variable, often $0.03-0.10/minute advertised.

Hidden costs:

  • Connection fees ($0.50-1.00 per call)
  • Maintenance fees
  • Cards expire
  • Minutes round up unfavorably

Real cost: Usually 2-3x the advertised rate when you factor in fees.

Pros:

  • Available at convenience stores
  • Works from any phone

Cons:

  • Confusing to use
  • Hidden fees everywhere
  • Poor quality often
  • Not worth the hassle in 2025

Best for: Emergency backup only

Internet Quality in Mexico for Calling

Major Cities (CDMX, Guadalajara, Monterrey)

WiFi availability: Excellent in cafes, coworking spaces, most accommodations

Speed: 20-100 Mbps typical

Reliability: Generally very good

Mobile data: 4G widely available, 5G growing

Bottom line: Perfect for browser calling

Beach Towns (Playa, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta)

WiFi availability: Good in tourist areas, variable in residential

Speed: 10-50 Mbps typical

Reliability: Can be inconsistent during high season

Mobile data: 4G good in town, weaker on outskirts

Bottom line: Works well for calling, test your specific location

Colonial Cities (Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato)

WiFi availability: Good in center, variable outside

Speed: 10-30 Mbps typical

Reliability: Generally reliable

Mobile data: 4G coverage good in cities

Bottom line: No problems for calling

Rural Areas

WiFi availability: Limited

Speed: 1-10 Mbps when available

Reliability: Inconsistent

Mobile data: 3G/4G spotty

Bottom line: May have quality issues, use when connection is good

Real Cost Scenarios

Scenario 1: US Remote Worker in CDMX (3 months)

Calling needs:

  • 10 client calls per month (30 min average) to US
  • 5 team calls per month (45 min average) to US
  • Weekly family call (30 min) to US

Total monthly calling: ~580 minutes to US

Option A - Telcel unlimited US plan:

  • Cost: $300 pesos (~$15 USD) per month
  • Total: $15/month

Option B - Browser calling:

  • 580 minutes × $0.03 = $17.40
  • Total: $17.40/month

Option C - US T-Mobile (roaming):

  • If plan includes Mexico: $0 extra
  • If not: Need to maintain US plan + possible roaming fees

Best choice: Telcel if you’re in Mexico long-term, T-Mobile if keeping US plan anyway, browser calling for flexibility

Scenario 2: European in Oaxaca Calling Home

Calling needs:

  • Weekly call to parents in Germany (45 min)
  • Monthly call to bank in UK (30 min)
  • Occasional business calls to Europe

Total monthly calling: ~230 minutes to Europe

Option A - Mexican carrier:

  • $20-30 pesos/minute = $1-1.50 USD/minute
  • 230 minutes = $230-345 USD per month
  • Absolutely not

Option B - WhatsApp:

  • Free to parents if they have WhatsApp
  • Doesn’t work for bank
  • Free for maybe 180 minutes, need alternative for 50 minutes

Option C - Browser calling:

  • 230 minutes × $0.05 average = $11.50
  • Total: $11.50/month

Best choice: WhatsApp for parents, browser calling for banks and business

Scenario 3: Snowbird in Puerto Vallarta Calling Canada

Calling needs:

  • Daily call to spouse still in Canada (winters only, 20 min)
  • Weekly calls to friends (30 min)

Total monthly calling: ~720 minutes to Canada

Option A - Mexican carrier unlimited:

  • Telcel: $300 pesos (~$15 USD)
  • Includes Canada
  • Total: $15/month

Option B - Browser calling:

  • 720 minutes × $0.03 = $21.60
  • Total: $21.60/month

Option C - Keep Canadian plan:

  • Depends on plan, but likely $40-80/month for calls from Mexico

Best choice: Telcel unlimited plan (saves money on high usage)

Mexico-Specific Calling Tips

Getting a Mexican SIM Card

Where: OXXO, Telcel/AT&T stores, airport

Cost: 50-150 pesos for SIM

Need: Passport for registration

Time: 10-15 minutes

Plans: Prepaid (Amigo) or postpaid (plan)

Recommendation for tourists: Prepaid for flexibility

Recommendation for residents: Postpaid plan if staying 6+ months

Best Plans for International Calling

Telcel Amigo Sin Limite:

  • $300 pesos/month
  • Unlimited Mexico, US, Canada calls
  • Includes data
  • Best value for US calling

AT&T Mexico Prepaid:

  • Similar pricing
  • Check current promos
  • Coverage weaker outside cities

WiFi in Mexico

Coworking spaces:

  • Very popular in CDMX, Playa, Oaxaca
  • Usually 50-100 Mbps
  • $150-300 pesos/day or monthly memberships
  • Excellent for calling

Cafes:

  • WiFi almost universal in tourist areas
  • Quality varies (test before important call)
  • Usually fine for calling

Airbnbs/Rentals:

  • Quality varies dramatically
  • Always test internet before booking long-term
  • Ask for speed test results
  • Important: Many places advertise WiFi but it’s terrible

Hotels:

  • Resort WiFi often overloaded
  • Business hotels usually better
  • Test before relying on it

Using Mexican Public WiFi

Security considerations:

  • Use VPN for sensitive calls
  • Don’t discuss financial details on public WiFi
  • Browser calling is encrypted, but add VPN for extra security

Good VPNs for Mexico:

  • NordVPN
  • ExpressVPN
  • Surfshark

Time Zone Considerations

Mexico has 4 time zones, but most expat areas use:

Central Time (CDMX, Playa, Cancun, Oaxaca):

  • Same as US Central Time
  • Easy for US calls

Pacific Time (Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, Tijuana):

  • Same as US Pacific Time
  • Convenient for West Coast calls

For calling Europe:

  • Mexico Central = 7 hours behind CET
  • Morning in Mexico = afternoon/evening in Europe
  • Evening in Mexico = middle of night in Europe
  • Plan calls for late afternoon Mexico time = evening Europe

Common Problems in Mexico

Problem: Carrier Blocks VoIP

Some Mexican carriers try to block or throttle VoIP services to push you toward their expensive international calling.

Solution:

  • Use VPN to bypass blocks
  • Switch to WiFi instead of mobile data
  • Use different browser calling service (some aren’t detected)
  • File complaint with carrier if severe

Problem: Inconsistent Connection

WiFi drops, calls fail mid-conversation.

Solution:

  • Have backup (mobile data ready)
  • Use services with auto-reconnect
  • Switch locations if persistent
  • Consider getting better internet (many places negotiate)

Problem: Calling US Toll-Free Numbers

800/888/877 numbers often don’t work from Mexico.

Solution:

  • Find the regular number (Google “[company] international number”)
  • Use browser calling service (these often can reach toll-free)
  • Check company website for Mexico-specific number

Problem: Quality Issues During Peak Times

Mexico internet can slow down in tourist areas during high season.

Solution:

  • Call during off-peak hours (morning better than evening)
  • Use mobile data instead of shared WiFi
  • Find less crowded locations
  • Coworking spaces usually more reliable

Expat Banking from Mexico

Special mention: Calling US banks from Mexico is common.

Most banks have Mexico toll-free numbers: Check bank websites for “calling from Mexico” numbers. Many major US banks have special Mexico access numbers.

Using browser calling: Works perfectly for reaching US bank customer service at ~$1 per call vs $10-30 with other methods.

See our detailed guide: Calling Banks from Abroad

Based on thousands of expats’ experience:

For US/Canada calling:

  • Primary: Telcel/AT&T plan with unlimited US/Canada ($15/month)
  • Backup: Browser calling
  • Free: WhatsApp for personal

For Europe/other calling:

  • Primary: Browser calling (affordable)
  • Free: WhatsApp when possible

For local Mexico:

  • Mexican SIM card (Telcel recommended)
  • Prepaid if short-term, plan if 6+ months

Hardware:

  • Smartphone with good mic
  • Headphones for better call quality
  • Laptop for work calls

Internet:

  • Verify internet speed before committing to accommodation
  • Coworking membership for important calls
  • VPN for security on public WiFi

Quick Start Guide

Week 1 in Mexico:

  1. Get Mexican SIM (Telcel preferred)
  2. Load with credit or get plan
  3. Test WhatsApp with friends/family
  4. Set up browser calling service (2 min)
  5. Add small credit ($10) as backup

First month:

  1. Track what you actually call
  2. Optimize based on usage
  3. Find reliable WiFi locations
  4. Decide on long-term carrier plan

Long-term (3+ months):

  1. Get postpaid plan if calling US frequently
  2. Optimize for your specific calling patterns
  3. Maintain backups (browser calling + WhatsApp)

Cost Comparison Summary

30-minute call to US from Mexico:

  • Mexican carrier (no plan): $150-300 pesos (~$7.50-15 USD) ❌
  • Telcel unlimited plan: Included in $300 pesos/month (~$15) ✓
  • US T-Mobile (if included): Free ✓
  • Browser calling: $0.90 ✓
  • WhatsApp: Free (if they have it) ✓

30-minute call to Europe from Mexico:

  • Mexican carrier: $300-600 pesos (~$15-30 USD) ❌
  • Browser calling: $1.50-2.40 ✓
  • WhatsApp: Free (if they have it) ✓

The Bottom Line for Mexico

Mexico is one of the best places in the world for remote workers, and staying connected internationally is easy and affordable if you set it up right.

The winning combination:

  • Mexican SIM for local (Telcel)
  • WhatsApp for friends/family with app
  • Browser calling for business/banks/anyone without WhatsApp
  • Optional: Unlimited US plan if you call US constantly

Don’t:

  • Pay Mexican carrier international rates for non-US/Canada calls
  • Rely solely on public WiFi without testing
  • Use calling cards (it’s not 2005)

Total monthly cost for typical remote worker:

  • Mexican SIM plan: $300-500 pesos ($15-25)
  • Browser calling: $5-15 depending on usage
  • Total: $20-40/month for all your calling needs

That’s very reasonable for staying connected globally while living in paradise.

Living in Mexico and need reliable international calling? NomaPhone works perfectly from anywhere in Mexico - CDMX, Playa, Tulum, Oaxaca, or anywhere else. Call the US for $0.03/minute, Europe for $0.05/minute. No app required, works in your browser. Join the waitlist for access when we launch.