WhatsApp Mexico Guide: What to know about this essential app
WhatsApp is a messaging app that has taken over the world by storm. It is one of the most popular apps in the world and is used by billions of people.
Here in Mexico, it is absolutely essential for daily communication. I’m a travel blogger that lives in Mexico and I don’t go a single day without using WhatsApp!
But even if you don’t live in Mexico, it’s still important to download the app and use it when traveling here to communicate with locals and businesses. Trust me, using WhatsApp in Mexico will make your life a whole lot easier!
In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about using WhatsApp in Mexico, including what it is, why it’s so popular, how to use it, and more.
Read on for my WhatsApp Mexico guide to learn how to start using it today!
What is WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is a messaging app for your mobile phone that allows users to stay connected with friends and family all over the world, without spending a fortune on international text and phone calls.
With WhatsApp, you can send messages, voice messages, photos, videos, and more, for free. Messages and calls are made over wifi or data so all you need is a simple internet connection.
As opposed to standard text messaging, there are no hidden fees or extra costs, making WhatsApp one of the most affordable and popular apps used in many countries all over the world.
Can you use WhatsApp in Mexico?
You can and should use WhatsApp in Mexico! In fact, it’s essential for daily communication here.
Almost every Mexican I know uses WhatsApp every single day, and it’s a great way to stay connected and engage with locals while traveling in Mexico.
Plus, pretty much all of the local businesses in Mexico use a WhatsApp business account, which allows you to easily contact them with questions, place restaurant orders, request a taxi, or make reservations for tours, activities, and appointments.
WhatsApp is also a great tool if you don’t speak Spanish because you can communicate over text and get responses quickly from locals and businesses. Using WhatsApp is by far the fastest way to get a response!
So if you’re someone who doesn’t like to make phone calls or are nervous about speaking Spanish on the phone, WhatsApp is for you!
Whether you’re planning a trip to Mexico or already here, WhatsApp is one of the best apps you can download to make your life easier.
Why does everyone use WhatsApp in Mexico?
WhatsApp is such a popular messaging app in Mexico because it allows people to communicate easily and quickly with friends and businesses for free.
Most phone plans in Mexico include free WhatsApp messaging, which allows users to send messages and make calls to anyone around the world, without costly fees for international calls or text messages.
WhatsApp is the most-used social media platform in Mexico and so popular that it is basically part of the culture.
People use WhatsApp for everything from planning meetups with friends to ordering food deliveries, and it’s essentially the default way of communication here.
Why You Need to Download WhatsApp for Mexico
Here are 5 essential reasons why you need to download WhatsApp for Mexico:
1. Free messaging
One of the best things about WhatsApp is that it offers free text messaging and can be used over wifi so all you need is an internet connection.
WhatsApp can be used without wifi if you have cellular data, which is less expensive than making international calls and texts, which often costs more on phone plans from the United States.
This means that you can use your phone in Mexico to stay in touch without racking up expensive phone bills while traveling in Mexico.
2. Free audio and video calls
WhatsApp also allows users to make free audio and video calls over wifi, which is incredibly convenient when traveling in Mexico.
Whether you need to touch base with a loved one or catch up with friends from back home, WhatsApp makes it easy and affordable to stay connected on the go.
3. No extra fees for international messages and calls
Another reason WhatsApp is so popular here in Mexico is that there are no extra fees for international messages or calls.
This means that you can stay in touch with friends from all over the world without worrying about expensive phone bills or hidden fees.
4. It’s the easiest way to get in touch with businesses in Mexico
WhatsApp is also the best way to get in touch with businesses in Mexico, as pretty much all the local companies have WhatsApp business accounts for customers.
If you see the green Whatsapp logo next to a phone number listed on the company’s website or contact page, this means they have a WhatsApp number and can send them a message on the app.
Whether you need to request a taxi, order food at a restaurant, book an activity, or contact customer service, WhatsApp makes it easy and convenient to get things done quickly and efficiently.
5. WhatsApp groups are a great way to meet new people
Finally, WhatsApp groups are a great way to meet new people when traveling to a new destination in Mexico.
Especially if you’re a digital nomad or solo traveler in Mexico, WhatsApp is a great app to make social connections and find others who share your interests.
For example, in Playa del Carmen, there are WhatsApp groups for every interest such as salsa dancing, volleyball, and yoga, that you can join to organize or attend meetups.
What You Can Use WhatsApp for When Traveling in Mexico
More specifically, here are some of the great ways you can use WhatsApp when traveling in Mexico to make your trip easier and more convenient:
Ordering a taxi
Hailing a taxi on the street in Mexico can sometimes be a safety risk. In cities where Uber is not available, I always recommend using a taxi app through WhatsApp.
A taxi app is a number you can send a message to on WhatsApp to quickly and easily request a taxi. You simply need to tell them your location and they’ll send you a confirmed taxi number and the estimated arrival time.
This makes it much safer since you have the taxi number, a record of the communication, and the taxis are from a reliable source.
In Playa del Carmen, I recommend using Radio Taxi, which has English-speaking service so you can feel comfortable using it even if you don’t speak Spanish.
Coordinating Your Airport Pickup
If you’ve booked private airport transportation to pick you up from the airport in Mexico, WhatsApp is the easiest way to communicate with your driver once you’ve landed.
If you have any trouble finding your driver, all you need to do is send a WhatsApp message to your transfer company and they will be able to provide assistance.
This takes away any stress or confusion about when and where your ride will be waiting for you, as WhatsApp makes it easy to stay updated along the way.
🚐 Need a ride from Cancun Airport? Uber at Cancun Airport is NOT available so I recommend booking a private ride with Cancun Airport Transportation.
Placing restaurant to-go orders
Another great way to use WhatsApp when traveling in Mexico is to place restaurant to-go orders.
Many restaurants here in Mexico have WhatsApp numbers that you can send a message to and then order food for pick up.
This makes it easy to quickly order food from your hotel or hostel at any time of day, without having to go out in search of a restaurant.
This can be especially helpful if you’re trying traveling solo, want to save money on meals, or simply want to avoid the hassle and crowds of eating out in Mexico.
Booking tours and activities
Most tour operators, attractions, and activities in Mexico have WhatsApp numbers that you can send a message to for more information or to check availability.
This is an incredibly convenient way to quickly and easily make reservations for tours and activities from your phone, without having to go through the hassle of searching online or making phone calls.
🤿 When booking tours and activities in Mexico, I recommend using Viator or GetYourGuide. Both offer flexible cancellation policies and excellent support!
Booking spa or salon appointments
Many spas and salons in Mexico also have WhatsApp numbers, making it easy to book appointments from your phone.
Whether you need to schedule a massage or get your nails done, WhatsApp can be a great way to make these kinds of appointments quickly and conveniently.
Communicating with your Airbnb or vacation rental host
WhatsApp is also a great way to communicate with your Airbnb, VRBO, or vacation rental host in Mexico before you arrive and during your stay.
Whether you need some help during your stay, want to ask about local recommendations, or simply need to coordinate logistics such as check-in and check-out times, WhatsApp can be an easy and convenient way to communicate directly with your host.
Customer service issues
Finally, WhatsApp can also be a great way to quickly and easily resolve issues that may arise when traveling in Mexico.
Whether you have trouble with your rental car or run into problems with a tour operator, WhatsApp can often be the quickest and easiest way to get help from customer service.
How to Download WhatsApp
To download WhatsApp in Mexico, simply follow these steps:
- Go to the WhatsApp website by clicking here.
- Select your device type (such as iPhone or Android) and click “Download”
- Follow the instructions to install WhatsApp on your phone. You will need to have a mobile phone number to use the service.
💻 If you prefer to use WhatsApp on your computer, WhatsApp Web can also be downloaded to access the app on your Mac or PC. This makes it easy to share files or pdfs.
How to Use WhatsApp in Mexico
Here are some simple steps to using WhatsApp in Mexico:
How to add an international number to WhatsApp
To add an international number to WhatsApp, you’ll need to add a new contact directly in the app:
- In the app, tap on the “Chats” tab at the bottom of the screen, and then click the checkbox icon in the upper right corner.
- Select “New Contact” at the top of the contact list.
- Enter the First Name and Last Name.
- Select the Country which will automatically populate the country code. (The Mexican country code is +52)
- Add the mobile number including the area code and local number.
- Click Save.
- Once the number has been added, click on the blue chat bubble icon to start a new WhatsApp chat.
How to WhatsApp someone in Mexico
To send a WhatsApp message to someone in Mexico, you’ll first need to make sure the contact is added to your address book by following the steps outlined above.
Then follow these simple steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone and tap the “Chats” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Click the checkbox icon in the upper right corner.
- Search for the contact you want to WhatsApp, or select them from your contacts list.
- Click on the contact to initiate a new chat.
- Type your message, and press “Send” to start a WhatsApp conversation.
How to make a WhatsApp call in Mexico
To make a WhatsApp call in Mexico, simply follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone and tap the “Calls” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Select the contact you want to call from your contacts list, or search for them by typing their name into the search bar at the top of the screen.
- Next to the contact’s name, tap the phone icon to make an audio call or tap the video camera icon to make a video call.
Is WhatsApp free in Mexico?
Yes, WhatsApp is free to download and use in Mexico although you will need an internet connection such as wifi or cellular data to use the app.
With an internet connection, all WhatsApp features and services are completely free to use, including making audio and video calls, sending messages, voice notes, photos, videos, and files, and using WhatsApp groups.
Additionally, there are no hidden fees or extra charges for international calls or texts, making WhatsApp a convenient and affordable way to stay connected while traveling in Mexico.
Using WhatsApp in Mexico: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about using WhatsApp on mobile phones in Mexico:
Yes, WhatsApp is essential for travelers in Mexico. With WhatsApp, you can easily communicate with locals, connect with local businesses, and meet new people while traveling.
WhatsApp is preferred over texting because it is free to use for both international and local calls and texts. This makes it easy and inexpensive to stay in touch with anyone in the world, even when you are on the go.
No, in order to use WhatsApp, you must have access to an internet connection such as wifi or cellular data.
Yes, WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption by default to protect your messages, photos, and videos from being intercepted or viewed by third parties. Other social networks like Facebook Messenger and Telegram do not do this by default.
WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app in Mexico with more than 62.3 million monthly active users.
The country code for Mexico is +52. To add international numbers to WhatsApp, you must first enter the country code, followed by the phone number you want to contact.
Conclusion: WhatsApp Mexico Guide
I hope this WhatsApp Mexico guide has helped you understand why WhatsApp is such an essential tool for traveling in Mexico, as well as how to use the app effectively and stay connected while here.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Mexico or already here on vacation, WhatsApp can help make your travels more convenient, affordable, and enjoyable.
Remember if you see the green WhatsApp logo for a business or restaurant, don’t hesitate to use WhatsApp to chat with the staff or place your order – WhatsApp can help you get what you need quickly and easily while traveling in Mexico!
Related Reading:
- Will my phone work in Mexico? How to Use Your Phone in Mexico
- Is there Uber in Mexico? Where You Can Uber in Mexico + Safety Tips
- Is there Uber at Cancun Airport? Best Uber Alternatives
Traveling to Mexico soon?
These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:
🏨 Hotels: I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com. If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.
🚗 Rental Cars: I like to use Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!
🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list! Regular sunscreen is prohibited when swimming in the ocean and cenotes in Mexico, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.
