Cheapest Way to Call Mexico from the USA (2026)
With over 37 million Mexican Americans in the US and constant cross-border communication, finding the cheapest calling method matters. We compare 6 services with real rates, hidden fees exposed, and a clear winner.
Rate Comparison Table
Rates current as of June 2026. Per-minute rates rounded to nearest cent.
| Service | Mobile Rate | Landline Rate | Subscription? | Credits Expire? | Connection Fee? | App Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ PhoneTheWorld | 8¢/min | 3¢/min | No | Never | No | No |
| Skype | ~10¢/min | ~5¢/min | Optional | 180 days | Yes | Yes |
| Google Voice | ~10¢/min | ~4¢/min | No | N/A | No | Yes |
| Rebtel | ~$8/mo unlimited | Varies | Yes | N/A | No | Yes |
| Viber Out | ~12¢/min | ~6¢/min | No | 6 months | No | Yes |
| MyTello | ~5¢/min | ~2¢/min | No | 90 days | Yes | No |
The Winner: PhoneTheWorld
For most callers, PhoneTheWorld is the cheapest way to call Mexico from the USA. Here's why:
3¢/min to Mexico Landline
One of the lowest landline rates available. Mobile from 8¢/min. No subscription needed.
Credits Never Expire
Buy $5 worth of credits and use them over months or years. No pressure to use them up.
No App Required
Call from any browser — computer, tablet, or phone. No download needed.
No Hidden Fees
No connection fees, no subscription fees, no maintenance charges. The rate you see is what you pay.
HD WebRTC Audio
Crystal-clear call quality using modern WebRTC technology. Better than traditional phone lines.
Call Any Number
Reach any mobile or landline in Mexico. No restrictions on which numbers you can call.
How to Dial Mexico from the USA
Dial 011 to exit the US phone system.
Dial 52 to connect to Mexico's phone network.
Dial the 10-digit Mexican phone number (area code + local number).
With PhoneTheWorld: Just enter +52 55 1234 5678 and click call. No access codes needed — we handle it all.
Detailed Service Breakdown
★ PhoneTheWorld
Pay-as-you-go, browser-based, transparent rates shown before each call. Landline rates from just 3¢/min.
Skype
Shutting down. Subscription plans available but credits expire. Connection fees apply per call.
Google Voice
US-only service. Mexico rates are competitive for landlines but mobile rates are higher than dedicated services.
Rebtel
Subscription-based unlimited calling to Mexico mobile. Good for heavy callers, expensive for occasional use.
Viber Out
Higher rates than dedicated services. Credits expire in 6 months. App required.
MyTello
Low per-minute rate but connection fees add up. Credits expire after 90 days.
Pay-As-You-Go vs Subscription: Which Is Cheaper?
The answer depends on how much you call Mexico:
Pay-As-You-Go (PhoneTheWorld)
Best for: Occasional to moderate callers (up to ~17 hours/month on mobile)
- 8¢/min to Mexico mobile
- 3¢/min to Mexico landline
- Only pay for what you use
- Credits never expire
- 100 minutes mobile = $8.00
- 100 minutes landline = $3.00
Subscription (Rebtel)
Best for: Heavy callers (50+ hours/month to one country)
- ~$8/month for unlimited Mexico mobile
- Pay even when you don't call
- Limited to one destination country
- 100 minutes = $8.00 (if you use them all)
- 500 minutes = $8.00 (but only if all in one month)
Bottom line: If you call Mexico less than ~100 minutes per month on mobile, PhoneTheWorld's pay-as-you-go is cheaper than an $8/month subscription. For landline calls at 3¢/min, you'd need to call over 267 minutes/month before a subscription becomes cheaper. Most people call family for 30-60 minutes per week, making pay-as-you-go the clear winner.
Best Times to Call Mexico from the USA
Mexico spans multiple time zones, but most of the country is close to US time zones. Here are the overlap windows:
| US Timezone | Mexico City Time Diff | Best Call Window (US Time) | Mexico City Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern (EST) | -1 hour | 9 AM - 9 PM | 8 AM - 8 PM |
| Central (CST) | Same time | 8 AM - 9 PM | 8 AM - 9 PM |
| Mountain (MST) | +1 hour | 8 AM - 9 PM | 9 AM - 10 PM |
| Pacific (PST) | +2 hours | 8 AM - 8 PM | 10 AM - 10 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to call Mexico from the USA?
PhoneTheWorld offers calls to Mexico mobile from 8¢/min and landline from just 3¢/min with no subscription, no connection fees, and credits that never expire. For occasional callers, this is the most cost-effective option. For very heavy callers (50+ hours/month), a subscription service like Rebtel may be cheaper, but most users save more with pay-as-you-go.
How do I dial Mexico from the USA?
To call Mexico from the USA, dial 011 (US international access code), then 52 (Mexico country code), followed by the 10-digit Mexican phone number. For example: 011 52 55 1234 5678. With PhoneTheWorld, simply enter +52 55 1234 5678 and click call — no access codes needed.
Can I call Mexico from my computer?
Yes. PhoneTheWorld works entirely in your browser — no app download required. Just sign up, add credits, enter the Mexican phone number (including +52), and click call. You need a microphone and internet connection. This works from any computer, tablet, or smartphone browser.
Do I need a subscription to call Mexico?
No. PhoneTheWorld uses a pay-as-you-go model — you only pay for the minutes you use. Credits never expire, so you can buy $5 worth and use it over months or years. Subscription services like Rebtel charge monthly even if you don't make calls, which is more expensive for most users.
What is the time difference between the USA and Mexico?
Mexico spans multiple time zones. Most of Mexico is 1-2 hours ahead of US time zones. Mexico City is in CST (UTC-6), which is the same as US Central Time during winter. The best times to call Mexico from the USA are during normal waking hours, as the time difference is minimal compared to other international destinations.
Are there hidden fees when calling Mexico?
With PhoneTheWorld, no — the rate you see is the rate you pay. No connection fees, no subscription fees, no maintenance fees. Some services like Skype and MyTello charge connection fees per call, which can add 5-10¢ to each call. Always check for connection fees when comparing rates.
Can I call Mexican mobile numbers from the USA?
Yes. PhoneTheWorld supports calling both mobile and landline numbers in Mexico. Mobile rates start from 8¢/min and landline rates from just 3¢/min. Mexican mobile numbers start with +52 followed by 10 digits (e.g., +52 55 1234 5678).
Start Calling Mexico Today
Join thousands of people saving money on calls to Mexico. No subscription, no app, no hidden fees — just 8¢/min to mobile and 3¢/min to landline.