Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to common questions about calling India from abroad, including codes and dialling formats.
What is the country code for India?
India's country code is +91. To call India from another country you dial your international access code, or simply the plus sign on a mobile, then 91, and then the Indian number. This code is the same for the whole country regardless of which state or city you are calling.
How do I dial an Indian mobile number from abroad?
Indian mobile numbers have ten digits, so from abroad you dial + 91 followed directly by those ten digits. On a mobile phone you can usually hold the zero key to enter the plus sign in place of an access code. Do not add any extra leading zero before the ten-digit number.
How do I call an Indian landline from another country?
For a landline, dial + 91, then the city STD code without its leading zero, then the local number. For example a Delhi landline written locally as 011 2345 6789 becomes +91 11 2345 6789 when called from abroad. The leading zero on the city code is only used for domestic calls within India.
What is the time difference between India and other countries?
India uses a single time zone, Indian Standard Time, which is UTC +5:30 throughout the year. India does not observe daylight saving time, so when countries that do move their clocks, the gap with India shifts by an hour twice a year. It helps to check the current difference before calling so you reach people at a reasonable hour.
What are cheaper ways to call India from overseas?
Internet-based calling and messaging apps over Wi-Fi are often the lowest-cost option, especially for long conversations. Many mobile operators also sell international add-on packs that lower the per-minute rate to India. Calling cards and VoIP services are other options, so it is worth comparing rates for your route before committing.