October 26, 2015
In the wake of Hurricane Patricia, Verizon is offering its customers free calls to Mexico from now through October 30.
While the hurricane avoided major population centers and caused less damage than feared, it still packed a wallop with winds of up to 165 miles per hour.
Related story: Mexico averts catastrophe as Patricia downgraded to tropical depression
In order to "help customers connect with family and friends in Mexico following the landfall of Hurricane Patricia," Verizon said in a statement, the company will not charge wireless or landline customers for texts or calls to Mexico from the U.S. (though applicable taxes and surcharges will still apply).
Phone users can also help relief efforts in Mexico by texting "MEXICO" to the number 80108. With each text, $10 will go to the mGive Foundation, a company that organizes phone-based charitable donations.
