Mexico receives more than 20 million visitors each year, who are drawn to the country either for tourism or business purposes. With beautiful coastlines stretching to the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, impressive archaeological structures, vibrant history and culture, and superb culinary traditions, Mexico has consistently ranked among the top 10 global tourism destinations, according to the UN World Tourism Organization.
When travelling to Mexico, one should not worry about cell phone accessibility. With around 83 million pre-paid and post-paid subscribers and a global ranking of 13 in mobile access, Mexico has communication infrastructures that support different type of cell phone users. There are different ways to remain in contact while in the country; you may use your local cell phone for Mexico usage, purchase a compatible SIM for an open line phone, or rent a unit.
Chichen Itza is a large pre-Columbian archaeological site.
Types of Networks in Mexico
TelCel, Movistar, and IUSACell are three of the cellular networks in Mexico with the most extensive coverage. These service providers offer national and international coverage and operate under a GSM network. TelCel, which is operated by TelMex, has network reach even in the most remote areas in Mexico. However, rates are also a little bit higher compared to its national competitors.
Movistar, operated by Telefónica Móviles is another major cell phone network in Mexico. Both Movistar and IUSACell are promoted as cheaper options to TelCel. Although their current communication infrastructure is not as extensive as TelCel, both companies are working hard to gain a stronger foothold in the cell phone subscriber market.
Cell Phone Utilization in Mexico
Before using your US or international cell phone in Mexico, always remember to check with your phone subscriber regarding roaming charges. Save yourself from the misery of paying for exorbitant amount of dollars in cell phone roaming charges, especially for data transmission usage.
Also check if your service provider offers coverage in Mexico. If the provider does not offer coverage or charges excessive fees for usage, you may want to explore using a local cell phone in Mexico. You can rent a cell phone or purchase a SIM card while staying in the country. However, be careful with purchasing any local SIM card. Make sure to check with the service provider regarding phone requirements and compatibility specifications before purchasing one. If you have a locked phone, then using another SIM is not possible.
Purchasing or renting an accessible cell phone for Mexico will work if you are planning to stay longer for a month or more and if you are afraid to take money out of your travel budget for cell phone usage. There are cell phone outlets that rent out phones for travelers going to Mexico; these outlets usually subscribe to one of the three major service providers.
Cancun - One of the most popular resorts in Mexico.
Mexico’s phone system is different from the United States. Fees for international outgoing calls include a separate charge for long distance and the actual per-minute charge. Local calls made through Mexico-based SIM cards usually cost around $0.25 per minute while international calls to the US and other destinations could go up to $1.00 or more.
When using a cell phone in Mexico to call back home or any international destination, dial 00, followed by the international code, and then finally, the number you are trying to call. It is also essential to know important numbers and save them in your cell phone. Numbers to save include the 066 emergency hotline number and contact information of your cell phone provider back home.