Calling India: your guide to India's country code (+91)

Whether you're connecting with friends and family or reaching out to a business, calling India can be more straightforward than you might think. The first step is to master the India country code, +91, which is the key to connecting your call. For anyone outside India, understanding the correct dialling format, area codes, and common mistakes is essential for a successful connection.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about dialling an Indian phone number from anywhere in the world.

What's the country calling code for India?

The country calling code for India is +91. This code is a universal identifier that tells a phone network your call is destined for India. It must be dialled at the beginning of every Indian phone number when you're calling from outside the country.

If you're calling from abroad on a mobile phone, the plus symbol (+) is a universal stand-in for your own country's international exit code, which means the +91 format will work automatically from anywhere. If you're using a traditional landline phone, however, you'll need to replace the + with the specific exit code of the country you're calling from. For example, if you're calling from Australia, you'd use the exit code 0011.

Your step-by-step guide to India's dialling code

Making a successful call to India involves combining a few key components in the correct order. By following this simple guide, you can ensure your call connects on the first try.

• For landline phones: to call an Indian landline from a landline phone in your country, you must first dial your country's international exit code, followed by India's country code (91), then the area code (without the leading 0), and finally the local number

The format: your country's exit code + 91 + area code + local number.

So, if you wanted to call a Delhi landline number, 011-5555-1234, from Australia (where the exit code is 0011), you'd dial: 0011 91 11 5555-1234.

• For mobile phones: calling from a mobile phone is often simpler. Instead of dialling a specific exit code, you can use the + symbol, which is a universal substitute. After the + symbol, you dial the India country code (91) and then the full 10-digit mobile number.

The format: +91 + 10-digit mobile number.

For example, to call an Indian mobile number like 9812-345-678, you'd dial: +91 9812-345-678.

What are Indian area codes?

An area code is a numerical prefix that routes phone calls to a specific geographical region within India. It's a crucial part of a landline number because it ensures your call reaches the right city or state. When calling an Indian landline from another country, you must include the correct area code to connect to the intended location.

Here's a breakdown of the area codes for some of India's major cities and regions:

Mobile phone numbers are different. Indian mobile numbers all start with a specific network code and are 10 digits long, no matter where the person is in India.

What to do if your call won’t connect

If you've tried to make a call to India and it's not working, it's usually due to a small dialling error. Here are a few common issues to troubleshoot:

• Forgetting the country code: it's easy to accidentally skip the +91. Always double-check that it's there.
• Using the wrong exit code: when calling from a landline, ensure you're using the correct exit code for the country you're in. Using the + symbol on a mobile phone eliminates this error.
• Time zone differences: India Standard Time (IST) is UTC+5:30. This means it's ahead of many countries, so be sure to check the local time before you call to avoid waking someone up in the middle of the night.

Staying safe: Indian emergency numbers

While you'll hopefully never need them, it's a good idea to know the emergency numbers for India in case you or someone you know needs urgent assistance while there. The main emergency number for all services (police, fire, or ambulance) is 112. This is the national emergency number and costs nothing to call from any phone in India.

For a comprehensive list of emergency and non-emergency services, you can check the official Indian government website.

Beyond traditional calls: staying connected with apps

With the rise of smartphones and the internet, many people now use data-based apps to make calls and send messages. Services like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Facebook Messenger allow you to make voice and video calls over an internet connection, normally at no extra cost beyond your data plan.

The biggest challenge with these apps is securing a reliable internet connection. You'll need access to strong WiFi or an affordable data plan. This is where a Revolut eSIM can be a game-changer. Rather than facing expensive roaming charges from your usual phone provider, an international eSIM gives you an affordable and reliable data plan without needing a physical SIM card. You simply buy the plan you need and get access to the internet on your phone.

Staying connected while abroad with Revolut

High roaming costs can make staying in touch while you travel an expensive exercise. A simple and effective way to avoid this is with a travel-friendly data solution like an eSIM from Revolut. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that allows you to get a mobile data plan without needing a physical SIM. This means you can get quick access to data in a new country and use your favourite apps to stay in contact.

We offer a range of eSIM products depending on your travel plans, including a global eSIM, a dedicated Asia Pacific eSIM, and a specific India eSIM. With an eSIM, you can avoid worrying about finding a local SIM card provider or dealing with unpredictable roaming fees, giving you one less thing to think about on your journey.

In addition to eSIMs, we offer several other features that are perfect for travellers. You can hold and exchange currencies in-app at great rates, so you're always ready to pay in the local currency. You can also use your Revolut card to spend around the world, and our budgeting tools help you keep track of your expenses in real-time. All of these features are designed to make managing your money simpler, giving you more freedom to enjoy your trip.

Frequently asked questions about the India calling code

Which country uses +91 as a calling code?

The country code +91 is used for India.

What happens if I forget the area code?

Your call to a landline won't connect properly. The area code is a mandatory part of the Indian dialling format for all landlines.

Is it possible to call India without fees?

Making no-fee calls is usually possible through internet-based apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or other Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, as long as you have a stable WiFi or mobile data connection. These calls use your data plan rather than your phone's traditional calling minutes, so you avoid per-minute charges.

Get started with Revolut

Ready to simplify your travel and stay connected on your next adventure? It all starts with a few taps:

1. Download our app: simply download the Revolut app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Get an eSIM: once you've signed up and set up your account, you can quickly get an eSIM for data access. Tap the eSIM button on the bottom menu, then choose your plan and purchase it with your account balance. Follow the simple in-app steps to install and activate your eSIM.
3. Explore other travel products: you can also explore all our other travel products, which are designed to simplify your journey and make managing your money easier.

The information provided is accurate as of 16 September 2025.

T&Cs apply.