Calling India from the United States has become increasingly common in recent years due to the growing business and cultural ties between the two countries. Whether you’re reaching out to clients, connecting with friends and family, or simply exploring India’s rich history and traditions, being able to make phone calls is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to call India from the US, including area codes, costs, and tips to save money.
Dialing Codes and Formats
When calling List of Indian Phone Numbers from the US, you’ll need to use the following dialing format:
- Dial the US exit code: 011 (if using a landline) or + (if using a mobile phone or VoIP service)
- Dial the Indian country code: 91
- Dial the area code (without the leading 0)
- Dial the local phone number
For example, to call a landline number in New Delhi, you would dial: 011-91-11-XXXX-XXXX or +91-11-XXXX-XXXX.If you’re calling an Indian mobile number, the process is slightly different:
- Dial the US exit code: 011 (landline) or + (mobile/VoIP)
- Dial the Indian country code: 91
- Dial the mobile phone code: 9, 8, or 7
- Dial the local mobile number
For example, to call a mobile number in India, you would dial: 011-91-9XXX-XXXX or +91-9XXX-XXXX.
Area Codes in India
India has a wide range of area codes, each corresponding to a specific city or region. Here are some of the most common area codes:
- New Delhi: 11
- Mumbai: 22
- Kolkata: 33
- Chennai: 44
- Bangalore: 80
- Hyderabad: 40
- Ahmedabad: 79
- Pune: 20
- Surat: 261
- Kanpur: 512
- Jaipur: 141
- Lucknow: 522
- Nagpur: 712
- Indore: 731
- Bhopal: 755
- Patna: 612
It’s important to note that when calling an Indian landline number from the US, you should omit the leading 0 from the area code. For example, to call a number in New Delhi, you would dial 11 instead of 011.
Costs of Calling India from the US
The cost of calling India from the US can vary depending on your phone service provider and the type of number you’re calling (landline or mobile). On average, you can expect to pay around $3 per minute for a standard international call.However, there are several ways to reduce the cost of calling India:
- Check with your phone service provider for international calling plans or bundles. Many providers offer discounted rates or flat fees for international calls, especially if you make frequent calls to India.
- Consider using a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service like Skype, Google Voice, or WhatsApp. These services often offer lower rates for international calls and may even provide free calls between users.
- Use a calling card or prepaid international calling plan. These services allow you to make international calls at a lower rate than your regular phone service provider.
- If you’re making frequent calls to India, consider getting a local Indian phone number. Services like OpenPhone and Calilio offer virtual phone numbers in India that you can use to make and receive calls at local rates.
Tips for Making Calls to India
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when making calls to India:
- Be aware of time zone differences. India is 9 hours and 30 minutes ahead of the US East Coast and 12 hours and 30 minutes ahead of the US West Coast. Plan your calls accordingly to ensure you reach your contacts during their business hours or at a convenient time.
- Use a clear and stable connection. Poor call quality can lead to misunderstandings and frustration. If possible, use a landline or a high-quality VoIP service with a strong internet connection.
- Be mindful of cultural differences. Indians tend to be more formal in their communication style compared to Americans. Familiarize yourself with the Latest Lead Indian etiquette and customs to ensure a smooth interaction.
- Keep a list of frequently called numbers handy. Save your contacts’ numbers in your phone’s address book or a separate document, using the international dialing format (e.g., +91-11-XXXX-XXXX). This will save you time and reduce the risk of dialing errors.
- Consider using a translation app or service if you’re not fluent in Hindi or other Indian languages. This can help you communicate more effectively with your contacts and avoid misunderstandings.