Introduction- How to call India from the USA?
Calling India from the United States is a straightforward process once you understand the Indian phone number format and the necessary dialing conventions. It’s important to know how to make these calls correctly to ensure effective communication with family, friends, business associates, or customer support services based in India.
In this blog, we’ll cover the steps to call India from the USA and provide a brief overview of the Indian phone number format to help you navigate the process seamlessly.
Structure of Indian Phone Numbers
A. Total Digits
- Mobile/Cell Phone Numbers: All mobile numbers in India have 10 digits.
- Landline/Fixed-line Numbers: Landline numbers can have 10 to 12 digits, depending on the location.
B. Area/STD Codes
- Purpose and allocation: Area codes, also known as STD (Subscriber Trunk Dialing) codes, are used to identify the geographical location of the phone number. They are allocated by the Department of Telecommunications in India.
- Length: Area codes can be 2 to 4 digits long.
- Examples of area codes for major cities:
- Delhi: 011
- Mumbai: 022
- Kolkata: 033
- Chennai: 044
- Bangalore: 080
C. Subscriber Numbers
- Mobile numbers: The remaining digits after the area code constitute the subscriber number for mobile phones. In India, mobile numbers have 10 digits, with the subscriber number being the last 8 digits.
- Landline numbers: For landline numbers, the subscriber number is the remaining digits after the area code. The length of the subscriber number can vary depending on the location.
How to call a landline number in India from the USA:
- Dial the exit code (011 for the USA)
- Dial India’s country code (91)
- Dial the area code (including the leading 0)
- Dial the subscriber number
For example, to call a landline number in Delhi from the USA, you would dial: 011 91 11 XXXXXXXX.
How to call an Indian mobile number from the USA:
- Dial the exit code (011 for the USA)
- Dial India’s country code (91)
- Dial the 10-digit mobile number
For example, to call a mobile number in India from the USA, you would dial: 011 91 XXXXXXXXXX.
Here’s a table summarizing the steps:
| Step | Landline | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dial exit code (011 for the USA) | Dial exit code (011 for the USA) |
| 2 | Dial India’s country code (91) | Dial India’s country code (91) |
| 3 | Dial the area code (including the leading 0) | Dial the 10-digit mobile number |
| 4 | Dial the subscriber number |
By following these steps, you can easily call both landline and mobile numbers in India from the United States.
Mobile/Cell Phone Number Format
A. Structure: [Prefixes] + [Subscriber Number] In India, mobile phone numbers have a 10-digit format. The first few digits represent the prefixes, which indicate the telecom circle and the mobile service provider. The remaining digits form the subscriber number.
B. Example: 9999-XXXXXX (10 digits)
- Prefixes: The first 4 digits (9999) represent the prefixes, which include the telecom circle and the mobile service provider.
- Subscriber Number: The remaining 6 digits (XXXXXX) form the unique subscriber number.
C. Prefixes and Series
- Common prefixes:
- 9: Most mobile numbers in India start with the digit 9, followed by the telecom circle code and the mobile service provider code.
- 8: Some mobile numbers may start with the digit 8, particularly those issued by Reliance Jio and Airtel.
- 7: A few mobile numbers, especially those issued by BSNL and MTNL, may start with the digit 7.
- Number series allocated to different service providers: Each mobile service provider in India is allocated a specific number series. Here are some examples:
- Airtel: 98XX, 93XX, 80XX, 81XX, 86XX
- Vodafone Idea (Vi): 99XX, 90XX, 78XX, 76XX
- Reliance Jio: 90XX, 70XX, 80XX, 86XX
- BSNL: 94XX, 95XX, 77XX
- MTNL: 99XX, 90XX
Note: The ‘X’ in the number series represents any digit from 0 to 9.
When calling a mobile number in India from the USA, you need to follow these steps:
- Dial the exit code (011 for the USA)
- Dial India’s country code (91)
- Dial the 10-digit mobile number, including the prefixes and subscriber number
For example, to call the mobile number 9999XXXXXX from the USA, you would dial: 011 91 9999XXXXXX.
By understanding the structure of Indian mobile numbers and the prefixes allocated to different service providers, you can easily identify and call mobile numbers in India from the United States.
Landline/Fixed-line Number Format
A. Structure:
[Area Code] + [Subscriber Number] Landline or fixed-line numbers in India consist of an area code followed by the subscriber number. The area code identifies the geographical location of the phone number, while the subscriber number is unique to the individual landline connection.
B. Example:
022XXXXXXXX (10 digits for Mumbai)
- Area Code: The first 3 digits (022) represent the area code for Mumbai.
- Subscriber Number: The remaining 7 digits (XXXXXXX) form the unique subscriber number.
C. Variations in Length
- 10-digit numbers for major cities:
- Most landline numbers in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore have a 10-digit format, including the area code.
- Example: 011-XXXXXXXX (Delhi)
- 11-digit numbers for smaller towns/rural areas:
- In some smaller towns and rural areas, landline numbers may have an 11-digit format, with a 3-digit or 4-digit area code followed by the subscriber number.
- Example: 0562-XXXXXXX (Agra)
- 12-digit numbers for special services:
- Some special services, such as toll-free numbers, may have a 12-digit format.
- Example: 1800-XXX-XXXX (Toll-free number)
When calling a landline number in India from the USA, follow these steps:
- Dial the exit code (011 for the USA)
- Dial India’s country code (91)
- Dial the area code (including the leading 0)
- Dial the subscriber number
For example, to call a landline number in Mumbai (022XXXXXXXX) from the USA, you would dial: 011 91 22 XXXXXXXX.
To call a landline number in a smaller town like Agra (0562-XXXXXXX) from the USA, you would dial: 011 91 562 XXXXXXX.
It’s essential to note that when calling from outside India, you need to include the leading ‘0’ in the area code. However, when dialing from within India, you should omit the ‘0’ before the area code.
By understanding the structure of Indian landline numbers and the variations in length based on the location, you can easily call landline numbers in India from the United States.
Special Number Formats
A. Toll-Free Numbers (1800/1860 prefixes)
- Toll-free numbers in India start with the prefixes 1800 or 1860.
- These numbers are free for the caller, and the cost is borne by the called party.
- Example: 1800-XXX-XXXX or 1860-XXX-XXXX
B. Premium Rate Numbers (1901/1902 prefixes)
- Premium rate numbers in India start with the prefixes 1901 or 1902.
- These numbers are used for special services, and the caller is charged a higher rate than normal calls.
- Example: 1901-XXX-XXXX or 1902-XXX-XXXX
C. Emergency Numbers
- India has several emergency numbers for different services:
- Police: 100
- Fire: 101
- Ambulance: 102
- Emergency Disaster Management: 108
- These numbers can be dialed from any phone, including landlines and mobile phones, without any prefix or area code.
International Dialing
A. Dialing from India to Other Countries
- ISD Code: Dial the International Subscriber Dialing (ISD) code, which is +91 for India.
- Country Code: Dial the country code of the country you are calling.
- Area Code: Dial the area code, if applicable, for the specific location you are calling.
- Subscriber Number: Dial the subscriber number of the person or entity you are calling.
Example: To call a number in the USA from India, you would dial: +1-XXX-XXX-XXXX (+1 is the country code for the USA, followed by the area code and subscriber number)
B. Dialing from Other Countries to India
- Exit Code: Dial the exit code (also known as the International Access Code) for the country you are calling from. This code varies by country, but common codes include:
- USA and Canada: 011
- UK: 00
- Australia: 0011
- ISD Code: Dial the ISD code for India, which is +91.
- Area Code: Dial the area code for the specific location in India you are calling, without the leading ‘0’.
- Subscriber Number: Dial the subscriber number of the person or entity you are calling.
Example: To call a mobile number in India from the USA, you would dial: 011-91-XXXXXXXXXX (011 is the exit code for the USA, 91 is the ISD code for India, followed by the 10-digit mobile number)
By understanding the special number formats and international dialing conventions, you can easily make calls to and from India, whether you are using toll-free numbers, premium rate numbers, emergency services, or making international calls.
The Indian City Codes
| City | Area Code | City | Area Code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agra | 0562 | Kochi | 0484 | |
| Ahmedabad | 079 | Kolkata | 033 | |
| Bangalore | 080 | Lucknow | 0522 | |
| Bhopal | 0755 | Ludhiana | 0161 | |
| Chandigarh | 0172 | Mumbai | 022 | |
| Chennai | 044 | Nagpur | 0712 | |
| Coimbatore | 0422 | Noida | 0120 | |
| Delhi | 011 | Patna | 0612 | |
| Goa | 0832 | Pune | 020 | |
| Gurgaon | 0124 | Raipur | 0771 | |
| Guwahati | 0361 | Ranchi | 0651 | |
| Hyderabad | 040 | Surat | 0261 | |
| Indore | 0731 | Thiruvananthapuram | 0471 | |
| Jaipur | 0141 | Vadodara | 0265 | |
| Jamshedpur | 0657 | Varanasi | 0542 | |
| Kanpur | 0512 | Visakhapatnam | 0891 |
To call a landline number in any of these cities from the USA, use this format: 011 (US exit code) + 91 (India country code) + City Area Code (without the leading ‘0’) + Subscriber Number
To call a mobile number in India from the USA, dial: 011-91-XXXXXXXXXX (the 10-digit mobile number)
Remember to check the current time in India before calling to avoid disturbing someone at an inconvenient hour, as India is between 10.5 and 13.5 hours ahead of the USA, depending on your location and daylight saving time.
Calling India from Different Devices
- Cell phones
- Mention Wi-Fi calling: If the user has a good Wi-Fi connection, many apps offer free or very cheap calls to India.
- Data vs. Minutes: Clarify if an app uses your cell plan’s minutes, or just your data, as this impacts cost.
- Landlines
- “Pricey” but reliable: Note that landline options are often the most expensive, but can have better call quality if your internet is unreliable.
- Calling Cards Specific to Landlines: Explain that these exist, and while old-school, can be the easiest option for some users.
Time Zones and When to Call India
When calling India from the United States, it’s essential to consider the time difference to ensure you’re calling at an appropriate hour. India follows a single time zone, Indian Standard Time (IST), which is UTC+5:30. However, the United States has multiple time zones, which means the time difference between the two countries varies depending on your location.
A. Time Difference Between India and the USA
The following table shows the time difference between IST and the major time zones in the United States:
| US Time Zone | Time Difference (Hours behind IST) |
|---|---|
| Eastern Time (ET) | 10.5 hours |
| Central Time (CT) | 11.5 hours |
| Mountain Time (MT) | 12.5 hours |
| Pacific Time (PT) | 13.5 hours |
| Alaska Time (AKT) | 14.5 hours |
| Hawaii-Aleutian Time (HAT) | 15.5 hours |
Note: During Daylight Saving Time (DST), which is observed in most of the United States from March to November, the time difference is reduced by one hour. For example, when it is 12:00 PM (noon) in India, it is 1:30 AM EST or 10:30 PM PST (previous day) in the USA during DST.
B. Best Times to Call India from the USA
Considering the time difference and usual business hours, the best times to call India from the United States are:
- From the East Coast (ET): 8:30 PM to 10:30 AM ET
- From the West Coast (PT): 5:30 PM to 7:30 AM PT
These times correspond to 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM IST, which are generally considered acceptable hours to make phone calls in India.
C. Tips for Scheduling Calls
- If possible, schedule calls in advance to ensure both parties are available and prepared for the conversation.
- Be mindful of weekends and holidays in both countries, as business hours may vary.
- When scheduling a call, always confirm the time zone and clarify whether it is AM or PM to avoid confusion.
- If you are unsure about the best time to call, consider sending an email or message first to establish a mutually convenient time.
By understanding the time difference between India and the United States and being mindful of appropriate calling hours, you can ensure smooth communication and avoid any inconvenience when making international calls
Conclusion
In this comprehensive guide, we have covered the essential aspects of calling India from the United States, including the Indian phone number format, area codes, and international dialing conventions. Understanding these elements is crucial for effective communication with family, friends, colleagues, and businesses in India.
To summarize the key points:
- Indian phone numbers have a specific format consisting of area codes and subscriber numbers, with mobile numbers typically having 10 digits and landline numbers having 10 to 12 digits.
- When calling India from the USA, you need to dial the exit code (011), followed by India’s country code (91), the area code (without the leading ‘0’), and the subscriber number.
- India has special number formats for toll-free numbers (1800/1860), premium rate numbers (1901/1902), and emergency services (100, 101, 102, 108).
- When making international calls, it’s essential to consider the time difference between India and the United States, which varies depending on your location and daylight saving time. The best times to call India from the USA are generally between 8:30 PM and 10:30 AM ET (East Coast) or 5:30 PM and 7:30 AM PT (West Coast).
By familiarizing yourself with the information provided in this guide, you will be well-equipped to make efficient and effective calls to India from the United States. Whether you are staying connected with loved ones, conducting business, or reaching out for support, understanding the Indian phone number format and dialing conventions will ensure a smooth communication experience.
