Mexico's Phone Number System
All Mexican phone numbers follow a uniform 10-digit format:
- Area code (LADA): 2–3 digits — e.g., 612 for La Paz, 55 for Mexico City
- Subscriber number: 7–8 digits
The area code is always required when dialing, even for local calls — it's now part of every complete Mexican phone number. A La Paz number always appears as: 612-XXX-XXXX.
How to Dial — All Scenarios
Calling within La Paz
Dial the full 10-digit number: 612-123-4567
7-digit local dialing still technically works on some landlines, but 10 digits is universal and recommended for all callers on any device.
Calling anywhere in Mexico
Dial the full 10-digit number: area code + 7-digit number. Example — calling Cabo San Lucas from La Paz: 624-XXX-XXXX
Do NOT use the old “01” prefix — it was eliminated August 3, 2019. All domestic calls are now simply 10 digits, no prefix of any kind.
Calling the US or Canada from Mexico
Dial: 00 + 1 + area code + number
Example: 00-1-555-123-4567. From a Mexican mobile, you can also use + notation: +1-555-123-4567.
Calling La Paz from the US or Canada
From a US/Canadian landline: 011 + 52 + 612 + 7-digit number
Example: 011-52-612-123-4567
From a US/Canadian mobile: +52-612-XXX-XXXX
Calling La Paz from any country
+52 612 XXX-XXXX — the + format works from any international mobile worldwide.
Toll-Free Numbers in Mexico
Mexican 800 and 888 numbers are toll-free when dialed from Mexican phones (landline or mobile) — simply dial the full 10-digit number: 800-XXX-XXXX.
US/Canadian phones roaming in Mexico: Mexican toll-free numbers may not be toll-free for you — your carrier may charge international rates. Check with your carrier before assuming a Mexican 800 number is free to call on your foreign SIM.
US/Canadian toll-free numbers from Mexico:American 800 numbers often don't connect from Mexican phones. If you need to call a US 800 number from Mexico, use WhatsApp, Skype, or a VoIP service instead.
Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| All emergencies (police, fire, medical) | 911 |
911 is Mexico's unified national emergency number, operational statewide throughout Baja California Sur. Dial from any phone — landline, Mexican mobile, or foreign phone roaming in Mexico.
BCS Area Codes (LADA)
| City | LADA |
|---|---|
| La Paz | 612 |
| Los Cabos (SJC / Cabo San Lucas) | 624 |
| Loreto | 613 |
| Ciudad Constitución | 613 |
| Santa Rosalía | 615 |
| Tijuana | 664 |
| Mexico City | 55 |
| Guadalajara | 33 |
| Monterrey | 81 |
US and Canadian Phones in Mexico
Most major US and Canadian carriers offer Mexico roaming. Common options:
- Pay-per-use: $1–2/min for calls; data charges apply
- Mexico/Canada day pass: ~$10/day unlimited (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile — options vary)
- Included Mexico coverage: T-Mobile and some AT&T plans include Mexico at no extra charge — verify your specific plan before departing
T-Mobile extended stay note:T-Mobile may restrict or suspend Mexico roaming service after approximately 30 days of continuous use abroad. If you're staying longer than a month, a Mexican SIM is the better option.
Dialing from a US/Canadian phone while roaming in Mexico
- To call Mexican numbers: dial +52 612 XXX-XXXX (use + format for reliability)
- To call US/Canadian numbers: dial normally with area code, or use +1
- Drop all old prefixes (01, 044, 045) — they were eliminated in 2019
Getting a Mexican SIM Card
For stays beyond a week or two, a Mexican prepaid SIM is almost always more economical than roaming. Available at airports, OXXO stores, carrier stores, and kiosks throughout La Paz.
Recommended carriers:
- Telcel — best BCS coverage, widest rural reach
- AT&T México — good urban and highway coverage
- Movistar — decent urban coverage, weaker in rural BCS
Bring your passport. Most locations accept foreigners with passport only; some require a CURP or INE — ask before assuming.
eSIM Options
Many current Mexican carriers and international MVNOs support eSIM for compatible devices. Google Fi and several US-based eSIM providers offer plans that work in Mexico. Check your phone's eSIM compatibility and your carrier's current Mexico policies before departing.
WhatsApp in Mexico
WhatsApp is the dominant communication platform in Mexico for both personal and business use. Most local businesses — restaurants, tour operators, real estate agents, government offices, and marinas — use WhatsApp as their primary contact channel, often in preference to phone calls or email.
- Save Mexican numbers in international format (+52 612 XXX-XXXX) for WhatsApp to recognize them correctly
- When a La Paz business lists a phone number, assume WhatsApp is available on it — it almost always is
- WhatsApp calls over WiFi are free and widely used for international communication from Mexico