India: One of history's oldest living civilisations — infinite diversity, culture, philosophy & tech leadership
📞+91Dial Code
🏛️New DelhiCapital
💰INRCurrency
🚨100Emergency
🔌230V 50Hz · Type C/D/MElectricity
The capital of India is New Delhi, and to call India from abroad you dial the country code +91. In an emergency, dial 100. Electrical outlets here use 230V 50Hz · Type C/D/M, so bring a suitable travel adapter. Nearby countries include Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan. Food lovers should try local dishes such as Dal makhani (lentil), Chicken/Mutton biryani, Paneer butter masala. The local currency is the INR · ₹ · Indian Rupee.
🛂 India passport: ranked #145 of 197 worldwide, with 55 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations.
See full passport ranking →
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in India:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial India's country code: +91
Dial +91 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.
3
Dial the city or area code
For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.
4
Dial the local phone number
Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.
💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +91 1 [number]. From mobile: + +91 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling India
How to Call Abroad from India
To call another country from India: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].
International Number Format (E.164)
The global standard format for India numbers is +91 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.
💡 Example: +91 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to India
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to India to pay local rates.
Activate an international plan from your carrier before you travel.
Use Wi-Fi Calling when available to avoid roaming charges.
Compare calling-card and VoIP providers for the lowest per-minute rate.
Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes
You dialed 00 and + together — use only one of them.
You kept the leading 0 of the area or mobile code — remove it for international calls.
You forgot the country code +91 — it must come right after the exit code.
You added a city code to a mobile number — mobile numbers don't need one.
Your line isn't enabled for international calls — check with your carrier.
Wrong time — make sure it isn't the middle of the night in India.
Common Questions About Calling India
When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +91 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in India?
For a mobile: dial +91 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +91, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to India from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +91 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call India via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +91 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call India?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +91 mean and where does it come from?
+91 is the international dialing code assigned to India by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a India number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +91 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.
📞 Complete Dialing Guide for India
Country Code
+91
Calling abroad from India? Start with
00
Mobile number length
10 digits
📱 Mobile: +91 9XXXX XXXXX
☎️ Landline: +91 11 XXXX XXXX (Delhi)
📋 Full dialing examples
From any mobile (anywhere in the world)
+91 …
From most countries (landline or mobile, starts with 00)
00 91 …
From USA or Canada (starts with 011)
011 91 …
From Australia (starts with 0011)
0011 91 …
💡 Tip: The + symbol on any mobile replaces all exit codes and works worldwide.
☎️ Major City Phone Codes
Dial after the country code +91.
Delhi · +91 11
Mumbai · +91 22
Bengaluru · +91 80
Chennai · +91 44
Kolkata · +91 33
Hyderabad · +91 40
📱 Mobile Network Operators & Prefixes
Mobile numbers in India start with these prefixes.
Operator
Prefix(es)
Jio
089, 094
Airtel
098, 070
Vi (Vodafone Idea)
097, 088
BSNL
094, 070
🔢 Phone Number Format Examples
Mobile
+91 9XXXX XXXXX
Landline
+91 11 XXXX XXXX (Delhi)
Replace X with actual digits. Always drop the leading 0 when calling from abroad.
📡 VoIP & Calling App Status in India
Live status of major calling apps when dialing to or from India.
💬 WhatsApp
Works freely
🔵 Skype
Works freely
📹 FaceTime
Works freely
📲 Viber
Works freely
💡 Calling Tips for India
All major calling apps work freely in India. Jio offers the cheapest mobile data (under $1 per GB). Buy a tourist SIM at the airport — passport registration required.
📲 How to Call India from Other Countries
To reach India, first dial your country's international exit code, then India's country code +91, then the local number without its leading 0. The table below shows the exact start of the dialing sequence from major countries.
From
Dialing sequence
🇺🇸 United States
011 91local number
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
00 91local number
🇩🇪 Germany
00 91local number
🇫🇷 France
00 91local number
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
00 91local number
🇦🇪 UAE
00 91local number
🇹🇷 Turkey
00 91local number
On a mobile phone you can replace the exit code with the + sign, then dial +91 and the number — it works worldwide.
⏰ Best Time to Call India
India uses UTC+5:30. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call India from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
07:00–12:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
07:00–17:00
🇩🇪 Germany
07:00–18:00
🇫🇷 France
07:00–18:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
07:00–19:00
🇦🇪 UAE
08:00–20:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
07:00–19:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to India
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–91–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in India
--:--
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🌐 Personalise for Your Passport
Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for India
Do I need a visa to visit India?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter India visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Use our International Visa Checker below to instantly see the rule for your specific passport.
Does India offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether India currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality using our International Visa Checker below.
Is a visa on arrival available in India?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether India grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on our International Visa Checker below before relying on it.
How long can I stay in India on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport using our International Visa Checker below.
What documents are usually required to apply for a India visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for India using our International Visa Checker below.
How much does a India visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for India using our International Visa Checker below.
How long must my passport be valid to enter India?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for India on our International Visa Checker below before booking.
Indian Embassy - Washington DC 2107 Massachusetts Avenue NW ☎ +1 202 939 7000 Mon-Fri 9:00-17:00
💳 Tipping Culture
10% tip in restaurants & hotels appreciated | Drivers and guides appreciate tips
🚄 Transport
Indian Railways (world's largest employer) | Auto-rickshaws & tuk-tuks | Uber & Ola | Delhi Metro | Extensive domestic flights
✈️ Airports
453 airports | Indira Gandhi Delhi DEL | Chhatrapati Shivaji Mumbai BOM | Kempegowda Bangalore BLR | Chennai MAA
🗺️ Administrative Divisions
India is divided into 28 states.
📅 Best Time to Visit
October–March is India's cool, dry season — best for sightseeing across most regions. April–June extremely hot (45°C+). Monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain but Kerala, Goa, and northeast become lush. Festivals like Diwali (Oct/Nov) and Holi (March) offer unique experiences.
📶 SIM & Internet
Excellent connectivity. Local SIMs cheap and easy ($5–15 for 10–30GB) — buy at airport with passport. eSIM well-supported via Airalo/Holafly. 4G/5G coverage strong in cities, weaker rurally. Free Wi-Fi ubiquitous in cafés, hotels, and metro stations.
👔 Dress Code & Etiquette
Conservative dress when visiting temples and shrines — remove shoes, cover shoulders and knees. Avoid revealing clothing in rural areas. Light, breathable fabrics for tropical heat. In Japan/Korea, locals dress neatly; flip-flops only for beach. Always carry socks for temple visits in Japan.
🌍 India: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in India?
Some of the most famous foods in India include: Dal makhani (lentil), Chicken/Mutton biryani, Paneer butter masala, Samosa, Naan bread, Tandoori chicken, Mango lassi, Chaat (street snacks), Hyderabadi biryani, Jalebi (sweet).
What are the best places to visit in India?
Top places and landmarks to visit in India include: Taj Mahal Agra, Amber Fort Jaipur, Old Delhi & Red Fort, Keralan backwaters, Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Varanasi & Ganges, Goa beaches, Jim Corbett National Park, Mysore Palace, Lotus Temple Delhi.
What are the main customs and traditions in India?
Notable customs and traditions in India include: Eat with right hand — left is unclean, Head bobble means 'yes, OK' (not no), Respect cows — sacred in Hinduism, Always remove shoes at temples, 'Atithi Devo Bhava' — Guest is God.
What is India famous for?
India is well known for: Cricket (the national religion), Bollywood & cinema, Food & spices, Holi & Diwali festivals, Family & community.
Where in the world is India located?
India is located in Asia.
What countries are near India?
Countries near India include: Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, China, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldives, Oman, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan.
🚨 Emergency numbers in India
Knowing the right emergency number in India can save lives. Below are the official police, fire and ambulance numbers, free to dial from any phone within the country.
Dial these numbers free of charge from any phone inside India. They generally work only within the country, not from abroad.
These numbers are provided for guidance and verified from public emergency-services data; always confirm with local authorities. In a life-threatening situation, call the local number shown above immediately.
October–March is India's cool, dry season — best for sightseeing across most regions. April–June extremely hot (45°C+). Monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain but Kerala, Goa, and northeast become lush. Festivals like Diwali (Oct/Nov) and Holi (March) offer unique experiences.
How much does a trip to India cost per day?
Daily costs in India range from $15 (budget) to $45 (mid-range) to $130 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
How many states does India have?
India has 28 states.
What is the emergency number in India?
In India you can reach emergency services on the following numbers: General emergency: 112, Police: 101, Fire: 101, Ambulance: 102. Calls are free from any phone within the country.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType C,D,M · 230 V · 50 Hz
💵
TippingTip 10% at restaurants without service charge; ₹50-100 for hotel staff.
💧
Tap WaterBottled onlyAvoid tap water in India entirely — bottled or filtered only, no ice from unknown sources.
📊 Live Global Communication & Travel Stats
Estimated worldwide figures, updated continuously based on official annual data.
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