How to Call India
Complete guide to dialing India (country code +91)
Whether you're planning to connect with family, reach out to business partners, or book your dream vacation, knowing how to call India properly can save you time, money, and frustration. Calling India from abroad might seem complicated at first, but it's actually straightforward once you understand the basics. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about calling India, including step-by-step dialing instructions for landlines and mobile phones, country and area codes you'll need, and the most common mistakes people make when placing international calls. We'll also cover Indian phone etiquette to help your conversations go smoothly, share cost-saving tips for affordable calling, and provide a handy list of useful numbers for emergencies, customer service, and essential services in India.
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Quick Reference
Dialing Instructions
International Dialing Format Structure
To call India from abroad, follow this standard format: Exit Code + 91 + Area Code (without leading zero) + Local Number
The exit code varies by country, while India's country code (+91) remains constant.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions
1. From the United States:
- Exit code: 011
- Format: 011 + 91 + area code + local number
- Example (mobile): To call +91 98765 43210, dial 011-91-98765-43210
- Example (landline): To call a Mumbai number +91 22 1234 5678, dial 011-91-22-1234-5678
2. From the United Kingdom:
- Exit code: 00
- Format: 00 + 91 + area code + local number
- Example (mobile): To call +91 70123 45678, dial 00-91-70123-45678
- Example (landline): To call a Delhi number +91 11 2345 6789, dial 00-91-11-2345-6789
3. From Other Countries:
- Most countries use 00 as the exit code (Australia, China, Singapore)
- Some use different codes (Japan: 010, Brazil: 00XX)
- Check your country's exit code and follow the same format
Important: Dropping the Leading Zero
Indian local numbers often display with a leading zero (like 011 for Delhi or 022 for Mumbai). Always drop this zero when dialing internationally.
Incorrect: 011-91-022-1234-5678
Correct: 011-91-22-1234-5678
Mobile vs. Landline Examples
Mobile numbers (10 digits starting with 6-9):
- From USA: 011-91-99999-12345
- From UK: 00-91-99999-12345
Landline numbers (area code + local number):
- Bangalore landline from USA: 011-91-80-2345-6789
- Kolkata landline from UK: 00-91-33-2456-7890
Using mobile apps with the + symbol? Simply enter +91 followed by the complete number without leading zeros.
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Common Mistakes
Forgetting to Drop the Leading Zero
Indian mobile and landline numbers start with 0 domestically, but this zero must be removed when calling internationally. For example, if the local number is 098765 43210, dial +91 98765 43210, not +91 098765 43210. The leading zero is only for domestic use within India.
Using the Wrong Exit Code
Many callers forget their country's exit code or use the wrong one. Instead of +91, they might dial 91 directly. The + symbol represents your country's exit code (011 from the US/Canada, 00 from most of Europe). Either dial + followed by 91, or use your specific exit code before 91.
Including Unnecessary Spaces or Dashes
While spacing helps readability, some phone systems reject improperly formatted numbers. If +91 98765 43210 doesn't work, try +919876543210 without spaces. Different carriers handle formatting differently.
Confusing Area Codes with Mobile Prefixes
India's mobile numbers don't use area codes—they start with digits like 9, 8, 7, or 6 after the country code. Landlines require city codes (like 11 for Delhi, 22 for Mumbai). Don't add area codes to mobile numbers.
Cultural Etiquette
When making phone calls in India, understanding local customs helps build stronger connections and shows respect for cultural norms.
Greetings and Formality
Indians typically begin calls with "Hello" or "Namaste." In business contexts, address people using titles like "Sir," "Madam," or "Mr./Mrs." followed by their surname. Personal calls allow for more warmth, but maintain respect with elders by using appropriate honorifics like "Uncle" or "Aunty" for older family friends.
Business vs Personal Calls
Keep business calls professional and purpose-driven. However, Indians often begin with brief personal inquiries about health and family before discussing business matters—this isn't time-wasting but relationship-building. Personal calls tend to be longer and more conversational.
Timing Considerations
Avoid calling during lunch hours (1-2 PM) or late evenings after 9 PM unless urgent. Business calls work best between 10 AM and 6 PM on weekdays. Respect religious occasions and festivals when people prefer family time.
Voice Messages and Missed Calls
Leaving clear voice messages is appreciated in professional settings. Interestingly, "missed calls" are common—deliberately calling and disconnecting signals the other person should call back, saving the first caller's phone credit.
Cultural Nuances
Indians value politeness and may avoid direct "no" responses. Speak clearly, as English accents vary regionally. Background noise during calls is generally tolerated, reflecting India's bustling environment. Patience and courtesy go far in telephone communication.
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Emergency Numbers
Police: 100
Ambulance: 102
Fire Department: 101
National Emergency Number: 112 (connects to police, ambulance, and fire services)
Women's Helpline: 1091
Child Helpline: 1098
Disaster Management: 108
Railway Helpline: 139
All emergency numbers are toll-free and accessible from both landlines and mobile phones across India. The unified emergency number 112 works even without network coverage or SIM card balance, automatically connecting to the nearest emergency service center.
Services operate 24/7 with operators available in English, Hindi, and regional languages depending on location. Emergency SMS facility is also available for hearing or speech-impaired individuals. When calling 112, your location is automatically tracked for faster response. Keep your phone charged and unlocked for emergencies.
Useful Numbers
Directory Enquiry: Dial 197 for local telephone number information and directory assistance across India.
International Operator: Call 186 to connect with an operator for international calling assistance and queries.
Tourist Helpline: Reach 1363 or 1800-111-363 for 24/7 multilingual tourist assistance, information, and complaints.
Railway Enquiry: Dial 139 for Indian Railways information, reservations, and train schedules.
Senior Citizen Helpline: Call 14567 for assistance and support services for elderly citizens.
Child Helpline: Dial 1098 for child protection and emergency services for children in distress.
Women's Helpline: Contact 181 for women facing violence, harassment, or requiring support services.
Consumer Complaints: Call 1800-11-4000 for national consumer helpline assistance.
Foreign Embassy Contacts: Major embassies are located in New Delhi; contact numbers vary by country and are available through www.mea.gov.in.
Tips for Calling India
When calling India, timing is crucial for successful connections. India operates on Indian Standard Time (UTC+5:30) year-round, with no daylight saving changes. For international callers, early mornings or late evenings in your time zone typically align with India's business day.
Standard business hours run Monday through Friday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with Saturday being a half-day for many organizations. Always schedule business calls in advance, confirming the time in both zones to avoid confusion.
Avoid calling during major holidays like Diwali, Holi, Republic Day (January 26), and Independence Day (August 15), when offices close. Regional festivals vary by state, so verify local observances beforehand.
For cost savings, check your provider's peak and off-peak rates—typically, off-peak hours offer better value for personal calls. Consider using VoIP services like WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice for clearer, cheaper connections.
Communication tips: speak clearly and slightly slower than usual, as accents vary. Confirm important details via email afterward. Mobile networks generally provide better call quality than landlines. For urgent business matters, mornings (10 AM-12 PM IST) usually yield the quickest responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
The country code for India is +91. You need to dial this code before the local phone number when making international calls to India from any country. It identifies India within the global telephone numbering system.
To dial India from your cell phone, start with + (or 011 in the US), then dial 91 (India's country code), followed by the local number without the leading zero. For example: +91 XXXX XXXXXX.
Yes, you must drop the leading zero from Indian phone numbers when calling internationally. If a local number starts with 0, remove it and dial only the remaining digits after entering +91.
The cheapest way to call India is using ZippCall, which offers affordable pay-as-you-go international calling rates. With ZippCall, you can call from your web browser, iPhone, or Android device with no contracts, no subscriptions, and no hidden fees—just transparent, low-cost rates for calling India.
In India, dial 112 for general emergencies (unified emergency number), 100 for police, 101 for fire services, and 102 for ambulance services. These numbers can be dialed free from any phone, including mobile phones.
Yes, you can call India directly from your web browser using ZippCall. Simply visit the ZippCall website, enter the Indian phone number you wish to call, and connect instantly without downloading any software or apps.
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