Call India from the United States

Calling family or friends in India is now easier than ever, especially with the wide range of calling options and phone cards available. Just follow the simple calling instructions given below.

Steps

  1. Dial 011. 011 is the U.S. exit code and should be dialed for all international calls placed in the U.S. or Canada.
  2. Dial the country code for India: 91.
    • Note that if you are calling a cell phone, you need to add 9 after the country code (e.g. 91-9).
  3. Dial the 2 to 4 digit area code for the district you are calling. For Delhi, the area code is 11. The code for Calcutta is 33.
  4. Dial the 6 to 8 digit telephone number for the person you are trying to reach.

Tips

  • Prepaid phone cards are available online and at many local stores, and make calling the India much easier. A phone card can help you keep track of exactly how much your phone call is costing, without the nasty shock of a huge phone bill later.
  • When choosing a phone card to call India, check to see how increments are billed. Some phone cards round up to the next minute, while others can round up to every 3 minutes, making the cost of a 4 minute call and a 6 minute call the same.
  • Some phone cards require you to use a local access number. Check to see if this is the case before following the steps listed above.
  • Find out whether your phone card charge you even if the call is not connected. Some cards carry a connection fee for each call regardless of whether you actually talk to someone at the other end. Try to find a phone card that does not have a connection fee.
  • If you have problems connecting, even after following these steps, call the international operator at 00 to ask for help.

Warnings

  • Dialing internationally to India directly from your land line or cell phone may be extremely expensive, especially during business hours in the U.S. Find out what your regular long-distance carrier charges, and use a phone card if is cheaper.
  • Calling an international cell phone number in India often makes the call even more expensive, especially without a calling plan or proper phone card. If you are unsure about the cost of your call, call the telephone company or check the international rates offered by your cell phone provider first to find out charges.

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  • Call an Indian Mobile Phone

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