How to Call India from the US? Landline, Mobile, and Toll-Free

To call from the US to India, dial the US’s international prefix, the country code of India, the area code of the specific Indian city where you want to reach, and the local number.
 

However, the process differs for landline, mobile, or toll-free numbers. 

To call India's landline number from the US, follow the format: US exit code (011) + India’s country code (91) + area code of specific city + landline number.
 

1. Dial the US exit code “011”.
    
2. Then dial the country code for India, “91”.
    
3. Dial the specific city’s area code (2 to 4 digits). For example, to call Mumbia, enter “22.”
    
4. Now, dial the India landline number, which is a 10-digit unique number for landlines in India.
    

For example, to call Mumbai from the US, the final format would be 011-91-22-XXXX-XXXX.

Popular Cities and Their Area Codes in Indian

To reach an Indian mobile number, simply dial the US exit code (011) + India’s country code (91) + 10-digit mobile number.
 

1. Dial the US international prefix. From a landline, enter “011,” and from a mobile, “+.”
    
2. Then, dial the country code for India, “91”.
    
3. Finally, dial the 10-digit mobile number.

The complete format would be 011-91-XXXXX-XXXXX. 

To call India's toll-free number from the US, dial the US exit code (011) followed by India’s country code (91), toll-free prefix, and 7-digit local number.
 

1. Dial the exit code for the US, “011”.
    
2. After the exit code, dial India’s country code. “91”.
    
3. Then, dial the toll-free prefix. The standard Indian toll-free prefix is “1800”.
    
4. Now, dial the 7-digit toll-free number.

The toll-free number format when calling India from the US is 011-91-1800-XX-XXXXX

The best time to call India from the US is between 9 AM and 4 PM (Indian office hours).
 

Being opposite each other, India follows a single time zone, “Indian Standard Time (IST),”. On the other hand, the US follows six different time zones. This is why there’s a significant time difference between these two countries, ranging from 10 to 15 hours. For example, if it’s 12:00 PM (Noon) in New York (EST), it is 10:30 PM on the same day in India (IST).
 

Note that, in India, companies are typically closed on public holidays. So avoid calling business calls during these times. 
 

Note: During the US daylight saving time, time will vary by one to two hours.

The cost of calling from the US to India can range from $0.01 to $5.00 per minute. The cost varies depending on your carrier.
 

Consider using VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) services or internet-based apps for affordable international calls. Or, if you decide to go with the other telecommunication carriers, subscribe to their international calling plans. 
 

• VoIP Services: As an alternative option, you can choose a VoIP service provider for the virtual numbers. These services provide a virtual phone number that allows you to make a call via the Internet, typically at a lower cost than traditional phone numbers. Also, you can get and use Indian virtual numbers from the US and call India at local rates.
• Alternative methods: If you’re just looking to make normal calls with your friends or family, you can use apps like Messenger, Whatsapp, or Viber. They allow you to call for free. However, both parties should be using the same app for calls.
• International Calling Plans: Check the special offers and data packs provided by US mobile carriers to save money on regular calls. The telecommunication carrier can offer different packages for cheap international calls.

Calling India from the US is easy and simple. It only involves a few steps. However, you must remember the country code of India, i.e., ‘91’, which is required to initiate the call. Also, ensure to use the correct area code, otherwise, your call may reach the unintended person. 
 

There’re multiple ways to call India from the US through traditional carriers or using the VoIP service. VoIP is generally a more affordable option.

You can use internet-based apps like WhatsApp, Viber, and Telegram to call India for free.

You don’t always need to dial 011 to call India. 011 is the exit code of the US. If you are calling India from the USA, then you’ll need to dial 011 before the Indian country code and local number.