The Trick That Changes Everything: Hold Down the Zero

Let’s start with the shortcut that’ll save your sanity: when you want to make an international call, just hold down the “0” on your phone’s keypad.

That automatically gives you the “+” sign, which replaces all those confusing “00” codes we used to need.

Once you’ve got your plus sign, just add the country code:

• US/Canada = +1
• Mexico = +52
• UK = +44

Then dial the 10-digit phone number. That’s it. Really.

How to Dial Within Mexico…

Local Landline Calls

If you’re calling a landline within the same area code, all you need is the 7-digit number.

Example:
1234567

Local Cell Phone Calls

For local cell phones, you’ll need to include the area code.

Example:
998-1234567

Long-Distance Calls Within Mexico

Whether it’s a landline or a mobile number, if it’s outside your area code, always dial:

Area Code + Number

Some places like Mexico City have 2-digit area codes and 8-digit numbers.
Example:
55-12345678

Calling the US from Mexico

It’s actually easier than you think. To call a US number from Mexico, just dial:

001 (OR PRESS AND HOLD THE ZERO UNTIL IT'S A + SIGN) + Area Code + Number
Example: 001-212-555-1234 or +1- 212-555-1234

What About US Toll-Free Numbers?

Here’s the tricky part. US toll-free numbers don’t always work the same way from Mexico. You’ll need to swap the original prefix with a specific code:

• 1-800 becomes 00-1-880
• 1-888 becomes 00-1-881
• 1-877 becomes 00-1-882
• 1-866 becomes 00-1-883

So if you’re trying to reach a 1-800 number from your beach chair in Puerto Morelos, make sure you dial it correctly—or it won’t go through.

Calling Mexico from the US

To call a landline in Mexico from the US, dial:

011 + 52 + Area Code + Number

Example:
011-52-998-1234567

Calling a Mexican Cell Phone from the US

In this case, you’ll need to add a “1” after the country code:

011 + 52 + 1 + Area Code + Number
Example: 011-52-1-998-1234567

Summary: What You Need to Know

• Hold down “0” to get the “+” for international calls
• Mexico’s country code is +52
• Add 1 when calling a Mexican mobile from abroad
• Replace toll-free prefixes for US numbers when calling from Mexico
• Always include the area code, even for local cell phones

Why This Matters

If you’re living in or moving to a beachside town like Puerto Morelos, you’ll probably find yourself needing to call a local restaurant, a delivery service, a rental agent—or us. And your family would probably really like to keep in touch with you from back home.

Whether you’re full-time here or just visiting, knowing how to dial correctly will save you time, frustration, and probably a few pesos too.

And if you are considering relocating…

Whether you’re ready to buy in Puerto Morelos, just starting to explore, or feeling a little overwhelmed by the idea of purchasing property in Mexico, we’ve got you. Reach out to us anytime at hello@runawayrealty.com, and be sure to visit our website at www.runawayrealty.com to learn more.

You’re closer than you think to living your beach-town dream—and we can’t wait to help you get here.