+91: India's Country Code

Every call from outside the country starts with +91.

Replace the plus sign with your local exit code when dialling from a landline. From the US and Canada, use 011. From the UK, Australia and most of Europe, use 00. On a smartphone, hold the 0 key to get the + sign, which works from any country.

A call from the US begins 011 91. A call from the UK begins 00 91. On a mobile, just enter +91.

How to Dial an Indian Mobile Number

Indian mobile numbers are always 10 digits and always begin with 6, 7, 8, or 9. No area code exists for mobiles.

Correct format: +91 then the 10-digit mobile number.

Example: To call the Indian mobile 9876543210 from abroad, dial:

+91 9876543210

No extra digit. No trunk prefix. No area code.

Common mistake: Adding a 0 before the number. Some callers dial +91 0 9876543210. That fails. The 0 is a domestic trunk prefix used only inside India. Drop it for calls from abroad.

How to Dial an Indian Landline: Area Codes by City

Landline numbers need an area code (the STD code) after the country code. The area code runs 2 to 4 digits. Always strip the leading 0 when calling from outside India.

Correct format: +91 + (area code without the leading 0) + (local landline number).

Example: A Delhi landline with area code 011. From abroad, dial:

+91 11 followed by the local number.

The area code is 11, not 011. The leading 0 is a domestic trunk prefix, not part of the code.

Area Codes for Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai

These four codes cover India's largest cities.

City Area Code (domestic) Area Code (abroad)
Delhi 011 11
Mumbai 022 22
Bengaluru 080 80
Chennai 044 44

To call a Mumbai landline from abroad: +91 22 then the local number.

To call a Bengaluru landline from abroad: +91 80 then the local number.

What Is the Correct Format for Calling India?

  • Mobile: +91 + [10-digit number starting with 6, 7, 8, or 9]
  • Landline: +91 + [area code without leading 0] + [local number]

India uses the +91 country code. India Standard Time (IST) is UTC+5:30. India does not observe daylight saving time, so the time difference between your location and India shifts when your country changes its clocks. India stays fixed.

Use VoIP and Apps to Call India

VoIP services and calling apps use the same format: +91 then the number. Enter the full string and the app handles the rest.

WhatsApp calls, Skype, Zoom Phone and Google Voice all accept +91 followed by the number. Paste it straight into the dialer.

App-based calls show the cost before you dial. No surprises.

What It Costs to Call India

Rates vary sharply by carrier and plan.

  • Standard mobile carriers: Per-minute charges often run $0.05 to $0.50 to India. Check your plan for an international calling add-on.
  • VoIP and app-to-app calls: WhatsApp calls and FaceTime audio are free when both sides have the app. Calls to phone numbers through Skype or Google Voice cost credits or a subscription.
  • Calling cards: Prepaid cards can offer lower rates. Watch for connection fees, monthly maintenance fees and hidden per-minute surcharges.
  • Wi-Fi calling: Some carriers now offer free or low-cost calls abroad over Wi-Fi. Confirm with your carrier.

The cheapest path is usually an app-to-app call (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Telegram) with both parties on Wi-Fi or a data plan.

Why Your Call to India Fails (and How to Fix It)

  1. You added a 0 before the area code. The domestic trunk prefix 0 must be dropped. +91 011 is wrong. Use +91 11.

  2. You added an area code to a mobile number. Indian mobiles are not tied to a geographic area. +91 11 9876543210 will fail. Dial +91 9876543210.

  3. You used the wrong exit code. From the US, 00 will not connect. You need 011. From the UK, 011 will not connect. You need 00. Know your country's exit code.

  4. You ignored the time difference. India is UTC+5:30 year-round. Calling from New York in January, India is 10.5 hours ahead. In July, the gap is 9.5 hours. Dial at 9 AM Eastern in July and it is 6:30 PM in India, a good window. Dial at 9 AM Eastern in January and it is 7:30 PM, also fine. Dial at 9 PM Eastern in January and it is 7:30 AM in India, early for most calls.