India's vibrant culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and bustling cities make it a dream destination for many travelers.

From ancient monuments to cutting-edge technology hubs, this incredible country offers something for everyone.  Adventure awaits, but staying connected with loved ones back home is important too.

This is where understanding international calling codes comes in. Making a call to India might seem daunting at first, but it's actually quite simple once you know the key steps. 

Whether you need to make calls for personal reasons or for business, this guide will help clear up any confusion and guide you through everything you need to know about the dialing code for India. 

Talking about business, India has a rapidly evolving business landscape, and the benefits of business in the country cannot be overemphasized.

One major benefit is the economic growth that the country has experienced. Businesses play a huge part in ensuring that India’s economy is stable and grows.

Another benefit is the job opportunities that these businesses create in India. This not only improves the lives of citizens, but also helps attract foreign investors to the country.

Lastly, the presence of businesses in India allows for improved innovation and advancement in technology. These are very important benefits for India.

In this post, we'll also introduce you to OhentPay– a convenient and affordable way to spend money in India, so you can focus on exploring and stay connected without breaking the bank. 

How do I call India?

India's country code (+91)

Every country has a unique identifier in the international calling world, and India's is +91.  Just like a key unlocks a door, this code is essential for routing your call to the right destination. Remember to dial +91 before the local Indian phone number you're trying to reach.

Beyond the Country Code: Understanding Area Codes

India takes things a step further with area codes, specific to different cities and regions.  These additional digits help distinguish between locations within the country. 

Generally, larger cities have two-digit area codes (think Delhi: 11 or Mumbai: 22), while smaller towns and suburbs might use three-digit codes.

Here are some examples of common area codes to get you started:

You can find a list of India's area codes on the Prokerala website.

Putting it all together:  Dialing a sample number

Indian phone numbers typically consist of eight digits (XXXX XXXX).  Let's say you want to call someone in Mumbai (area code 22) with the local number 1234 5678. Here's how your dial would look:

From a mobile phone: Simply dial +91 22 1234 5678.

Calling India from the landline

Unlike mobile phones, landlines typically can't process the "+" symbol used in international dialing (e.g., +91 for India). This might seem like a hurdle, but there's a simple solution: international call prefixes.

Every country has a designated international call prefix, a unique sequence of numbers used specifically for landline calls abroad.  This prefix acts as a substitute for the "+" symbol, ensuring your call gets routed to the right country.

Finding your prefix:

The specific prefix for your country can usually be found on your landline provider's website or by contacting their customer service. Here are some common examples to get you started:

• UK, Nigeria: 00
• United States or Canada: 011
• Japan: 010 (Remember, there are many more prefixes depending on your location)

Putting it all together: Calling India from your landline

Now that you know your country's prefix, here's how to dial an Indian landline number:

• International call prefix: Dial your country's specific international call prefix (e.g., 011 for US/Canada).
• India's country code: Follow it with India's country code, which is +91.
• Area code: Next, dial the relevant two- or three-digit area code for the Indian city you're calling (e.g., 22 for Mumbai).
• Local phone number: Finally, dial the eight-digit local phone number you want to reach.

For example, if you're calling a friend in Mumbai (area code 22) with the local number 1234 5678 from the US (prefix 011), your dial sequence would be:

011 + 91 22 1234 5678

Why won't my call to India connect?

There could be a few reasons why your call to India isn't connecting. Here are some things to troubleshoot:

• Dialing errors: Double-check the entire number you're dialing, including the country code (+91 for India), area code, and local phone number. A single mistake can prevent the call from going through.
• International call prefix (Landline): If you're calling from a landline, ensure you dialed your country's specific international call prefix before the India country code (e.g., 011 for US/Canada).
• Blocking features: Check if your phone number or the number you're calling in India has call barring enabled. This feature might be blocking international calls. Contact your service provider or the recipient to see if this applies.
• Network issues: Sometimes, temporary network problems can disrupt calls. Try again later or switch locations to see if the signal improves.
• Insufficient funds (Mobile): If you're using a mobile phone, ensure you have enough credit or balance for international calls. Check with your service provider for call rates and top-up options.

What is the cheapest way to call India?

The cheapest way to call India depends on your calling habits and budget. Here are some options to consider:

Traditional phone carriers:

• Pros: Widely available, familiar for most users.
• Cons: Often have high per-minute rates for international calls.

Calling cards:

• Pros: Can offer lower rates than traditional phone carriers, good for occasional calls.
• Cons: Need to purchase a card and manage remaining minutes, hidden fees might apply.

VoIP Services (Voice over Internet Protocol):

• Pros: Many free or low-cost options available, good call quality with a strong internet connection.
• Cons: Reliant on internet stability, might not work well in areas with poor internet.

Here are some additional tips for finding the cheapest way to call India:

• Compare rates: Look into the per-minute rates offered by different carriers, calling card providers, and VoIP services.
• Consider calling packages: Some service providers offer international calling packages with bundled minutes at a discounted rate.
• Look for promotions: Many apps and services offer special deals or discounts for new users.
• Call during off-peak hours: Rates are often lower during evenings and weekends compared to peak business hours.

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Frequently asked questions about the dialing code for India

1. How do I call India from Nigeria?

To call India from Nigeria, get the local phone number of the person you want to call, then dial +91 alongside the local phone number of your recipient.

2. What is the WhatsApp code for India?

There is no special WhatsApp code for India. Just save +91 and the person’s local phone number, and you’ll be able to communicate with them. You can also call them on WhatsApp using this same format.

3. How do I make calls to India?

You need to dial +91 and the recipient’s local number to make calls to India from another country. You may also need to dial your country’s exit code before adding +91 and the person’s phone number before hitting “Send”

4. What is the 3 digit code for India?

The country code assigned to India by the International Telecommunication Union is +91. However, some areas like Ajmer and Cuttack- Cuttack have 3-digit codes.

5. What is the cheapest way to call India from the US?

WhatsApp is the cheapest way to call India from the US. They are cheap to make, as you only need to pay with your data. WhatsApp calls are highly cost-effective when calling India from the US.