International calls are not as scary as they may seem. In this guide, you’ll learn the Indian country code, the area code of India and some tips on dialing from abroad. Stay connected to family, friends and colleagues even from afar.
Indian phone numbers
Indian country code
How to send money to India
Area code of Indian cities
How to dial India from abroad
What can go wrong
FAQ — International calling code India
Indian phone numbers
To understand the logic of international calls and the Indian code number, let’s break down the local phone number format first.
Landline numbers
These are primarily used in some homes and business offices. It’s a traditional calling method, which connects to the network with physical cables. It consists of:
- STD code or an area code of Indian cities/regions that represents the geographical location. It’s like a map that shows a mobile operator where to direct your call.
- Landline number itself. A 7/8-digit unique identifier. Type it carefully so as not to accidentally call an old Indian lady instead of your business partner.
How to call an Indian landline? Type a number like in this example: 022 12345678, where 022 is an area code for Mumbai.
This is the format for local calls; when dialing from abroad, one should add an Indian code number to the sequence. We’ll cover it later.
Mobile numbers
Indians use it the most nowadays, since mobile phones are replacing landlines. Here, the structure is a little bit different:
- First digit: 6, 7, 8, or 9. Back in the days, they were assigned to mobile providers separately, but now it’s more of a random allocation.
- Subscriber number. The remaining nine digits are the user's unique identifier.
Example: 9-123456789. Again, this is what you should dial when you’re making calls within India. For international ones, an Indian phone number code is added.
Now, let’s explore the mobile country code of India.
After finishing your important call using a proper India mobile code, check these helpful articles:
What is the country code of India?
The Indian code number is +91. You should add this mobile country code of India to the original phone number whenever you’re calling from abroad. Otherwise, the connection will not be achieved. Let’s imagine you want to share exciting news about your new job in the UK with your family back home, then type their mobile number as follows: +91-9123456789.
Don’t replace the first digit (6,7,8,9), simply add the Indian country code (+91) in front of it.
If you forget to enter the India country code number, your mobile operator will think that you’re trying to call someone in your current location. Obviously, it won’t find a user with a similar number, so the call will be cancelled. So knowing the Indian phone number code is essential.
How to send money to India
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Area code of Indian cities
The India dialing code is easy to remember — it’s just two digits. However, area codes are more complicated, since each city has its own number. They are used to help operators understand where to direct a call on a regional level. Here are some examples:
| City | Area code |
|---|---|
| New Delhi | 11 |
| Mumbai | 22 |
| Kolkata | 33 |
| Chennai | 44 |
| Pune | 20 |
You’ll need it when calling landlines. Insert the correct area code after the India dialing code, and you’re good to go.
Remember, this is not a replacement for the Indian dialing code but a separate entity.
How to dial India from abroad
We’ve already mastered the Indian country code, so we’re ready to cover the steps to call India.
Step 1: Know your exit code
The Indian code number is not enough to route your call. You should inform the operator that you’re about to make an international call. The only thing needed is the exit code. Some examples:
- United States and Canada: 011
- United Kingdom and most of Europe: 00
- Australia: 0011
- The UAE: 00
Typing the exit code correctly ensures your call will go smoothly.
Step 2: Dial the Indian code number.
It’s always 91 — really hard to mess up. If you accidentally type ‘90’, you call Turkey, so carefully review what you’re entering.
Step 3: Dial the area code for landlines
Add the area code after the India country code number. Skip this step if you’re calling on a mobile phone.
Step 4: Remaining digits
After the India mobile code goes the subscriber number. Make sure it’s written correctly and start a call to make someone’s day better.
The final format:
Mobile: 00 91 xxxxxxxxxx
Landline: 00 91 22 xxxxxxxx
Where:
00 — exit code (may change)
91 — India dialing code (always the same)
22 — area code (may change)
xxxxxxxx — subscriber number
What can go wrong
Sometimes you're trying to make a call to India, but the line just won’t connect. It can be frustrating — but don’t worry. A few quick checks might help you solve the problem and get your call through. Maybe the problem is in the Indian code number? Or the operator?
Here are some common reasons your call to India isn’t going through — and how to fix them:
The phone is turned off or out of range
Maybe, the person you're trying to reach is in the woods, on a plane or driving in a remote, low-signal area. If the call doesn’t seem to be working, wait for a couple of minutes and try again. You can also send a message via WhatsApp, Telegram, or another app. They’ll see it and call you back once the signal quality improves.
Incorrect dial format
Always follow the structure we discussed:
Exit code - 91 (Indian country code) - subscriber number
For example, if you're calling from Europe: 00 91 9876543210
Make sure you don’t add any extra zeros or dashes before or after the number.
Wrong or missing exit code
Every country has its own exit code to start an international call.
- From the US/Canada, it's 011
- From most of Europe, it's 00
- Or just use +
So, a full number might look like: +91 9876543210 or 0091 9876543210
FAQ — International calling code India
What is the country code of India?
The Indian country code is 91.
What is the 3-digit code for India?
The India dialing code has only two digits: 91. You can also add ‘+’ before the Indian country code to replace the exit code of your location.
What is the city code of India?
Each city in India has its own code. They differ from the Indian phone number code and are used when dialing landlines.
Some examples:
- New Delhi — 11
- Mumbai — 22
- Kolkata — 33
- Chennai — 44
- Pune — 20
How do I dial to India?
To call someone in India using your mobile phone you have to know:
- Exit code of your country
- International calling code India (91)
- Subscriber number of the person you want to reach.
- Enter them in this order, check for correctness and start a call.
How do I type an Indian number?
+91 9123456789, where 91 is the mobile country code of India and the rest is the subscriber number.
How to send money to India?
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- Register.
- Enter the transfer details such as amount, recipient and payment method.
- Confirm.
