Which AT&T plans include free roaming in Mexico and Canada?
AT&T Prepaid monthly plans priced at $40 and higher, plus multi-month plans, include talk, text, and data in Mexico and Canada at no extra charge. That means if your plan meets this threshold, you get AT&T free roaming Mexico Canada automatically, with no add-on required. Lower-cost plans or older legacy plans may not qualify, so check your current plan details before you travel to confirm eligibility.
How to use your AT&T phone in Mexico or Canada
You don’t need to activate anything before crossing the border. When you arrive in Mexico or Canada, your AT&T phone automatically connects to a local partner network, and you use your plan’s talk, text, and data allowances exactly as you would at home. No SIM swap, no settings change, and no separate international day pass, just turn on your phone and it works. If you have a multi-month plan or a $40+ monthly plan, this seamless connection is part of the deal.
How to dial while roaming in Mexico and Canada
Dialing correctly while roaming prevents failed calls and unexpected charges. To call the U.S. or within Canada or Mexico, dial +1, then the area code and local number, this works for both mobile and landline calls. When calling a Mexican landline specifically, omit the '1' after the +52 country code; so instead of +52-1-XXX-XXX-XXXX, you dial +52-XXX-XXX-XXXX. For calls back to the U.S. from either country, the +1 format is always correct.
Coverage and usage tips
Before you leave, check AT&T’s coverage map for the specific regions of Mexico or Canada you plan to visit, coverage is not uniform everywhere, especially in rural or remote areas. While roaming, monitor your data usage through the AT&T app or by texting the appropriate code to 611; even with free roaming, your plan’s data speed may slow after a certain threshold, and overages can occur if you exceed your allowance. Some plans also have specific limits on how much of your data can be used in Mexico or Canada versus in the U.S., so review your plan’s fair-use policy to avoid surprises.
Getting help while in Mexico or Canada
If you run into issues while abroad, you have two direct support options. From your AT&T Prepaid device, dial 611 to reach customer service at no charge. For help while in Canada or Mexico, you can call 611 from your AT&T Prepaid device or +1.408.962.1025 from any phone. From any other phone, including a landline or a local Mexican or Canadian number, call +1.408.962.1025, which is AT&T’s international customer support line. Keep your account number or phone number handy when you call to speed up verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are calls and texts to the U.S. included in the free roaming benefit?
Yes, calls and texts to the U.S. are included on eligible plans. You can call or text any U.S. number from Mexico or Canada without extra charges, using your plan’s existing talk and text allowances.
What if I need extra data while roaming in Mexico or Canada?
If you exhaust your plan’s data allowance, you can purchase an international data add-on or upgrade your plan before you travel. AT&T also offers day-pass options for additional data, but these are separate from the free roaming benefit and must be added manually.
Do I need to activate anything before I travel to Mexico or Canada?
No activation is required. Free roaming is automatically enabled on eligible plans, so your phone connects to a local network as soon as you arrive.
Can I use my phone for data-heavy apps like maps and streaming while roaming?
Yes, you can use data-heavy apps just as you would at home, but be mindful that they consume your plan’s data allowance. Streaming video or using GPS navigation for long periods can quickly use up your high-speed data, after which you may experience reduced speeds depending on your plan.
What if my plan is not eligible for free roaming in Mexico and Canada?
If your plan is below the $40 monthly threshold or is a legacy plan without this benefit, you can still roam in Mexico and Canada, but you’ll pay standard pay-per-use roaming rates. To get free roaming, you would need to switch to an eligible prepaid plan or a postpaid plan that includes this feature. For those exploring options, AT&T’s international calling and plans (International Calling Plans and Roaming on Carriers) page lists all current eligible plans and add-ons.
For the wider topic, see international calling and plans.
