The number 52 is the international Country Calling Code for Mexico.
If you receive a call or see a number starting with +52, it originates from Mexico. Although Mexico shares a large border with the United States and Canada, it operates under its own international numbering system (World Zone 5, not the NANP). All calls to Mexico must begin with the international access code followed by 52.
This article provides the definitive dialing guide for Mexico, details the 2019 dialing change, and explains common scam alerts associated with the +52 country code.
Location of Country Code +52: Mexico
The +52 code covers the entire nation, spanning major metropolitan areas like Mexico City and popular tourist destinations like Cancún and Tijuana.
| Detail | Information |
| Country: | Mexico (United Mexican States) |
| Continent: | North America |
| Capital City: | Mexico City (Area Code 55) |
| National Number Length: | 10 Digits (Area Code + Local Number) |
| Time Zones: | Ranges from Pacific Time (Tijuana) to Central Time (Mexico City). |
Important Dialing Change (Post-2019 Update)
Prior to 2019, calling a mobile number in Mexico from abroad required adding an extra “1” after the +52 country code. This is no longer necessary.
Current Standard Dialing Instructions (From the US/Canada):
Mexico now uses a single, consistent 10-digit format for all national calls (fixed and mobile).
- Dial the International Exit Code: Use 011 (standard for the US/Canada) or the universal plus sign (+) on a mobile phone.
- Dial the Mexico Country Code: Enter 52.
- Dial the Full 10-Digit National Number: This includes the local 2- or 3-digit Area Code (LADA) followed by the local subscriber number.
Example (Calling Mexico City from the US):
Major Area Codes (LADA Codes)
Mexican Area Codes (LADA codes) vary in length:
| City/Region | Area Code (LADA) | Digits (Post +52) |
| Mexico City | 55 | 10 digits total |
| Guadalajara | 33 | 10 digits total |
| Monterrey | 81 | 10 digits total |
| Cancún | 998 | 10 digits total |
| Tijuana | 664 | 10 digits total |
Security Warning: Handling +52 Scam Calls
Mexico is a known source of international phone scams, and unsolicited calls displaying the +52 code should be treated with extreme caution.
- Extortion and Fraud: Scams often involve fake emergencies (“virtual kidnapping”), threats regarding police action, or fraudulent promises of prizes, designed to pressure you into sending money (often via wire transfer or gift cards).
- Collect Call Scam: The FCC warns of scams originating from Mexico where an operator tries to trick victims into accepting collect calls from a supposed family member in distress, resulting in massive fraudulent charges.
Safety Rule:
Never answer or return an unexpected phone call from the +52 country code. If you do not have business or contacts in Mexico, simply block the number. Returning the call will result in high international calling rates from your carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many digits are in a Mexican phone number?
All Mexican national phone numbers (landline and mobile) are now a standardized 10 digits long after the +52 country code.
Is +52 an area code?
No. +52 is the Country Calling Code (the highest level of the address). The numbers that follow (e.g., 55, 81, 664) are the local Area Codes (LADA codes).
Do I need a separate plan to call Mexico?
If you frequently call Mexico, you should use an international calling plan or a Voice over IP (VoIP) service to avoid high per-minute charges, as calls to +52 are billed as international by US carriers.
Conclusion
The 52 area code country is Mexico. Thanks to the 2019 update, calling Mexico is standardized: dial the international access code, followed by 52, and then the full 10-digit number. Always be vigilant regarding the time difference and never answer unsolicited calls from the +52 code to protect against potential fraud.
