Indian Phone Number Format: Everything You Need to Know

Are you a business looking to expand in India’s high population, or are you just a lover trying to connect with your Indian Sweetheart?

Whatever your reasons behind trying to connect to India may be, understanding the Indian phone number format is essential. And if you are not careful, there are many factors that will prevent your call from being connected.

In this blog, we will learn about the Indian Phone Number Format and talk about all the necessary things you must consider before calling India. 

Understanding Indian Phone Number Format

Understanding the Indian phone number format is extremely helpful in reaching customers and also understanding incoming calls. 

A common phone number in India comprises a 10-digit sequence divided into two parts: the area code and the subscriber number. An area code is common for 2-4 numbers, while 6-8 numbers are used for subscriber numbers.

• Mobile Numbers: A mobile number in India starts with a 9, 8, 7, or 6 and is followed by 9 other digits. A valid mobile number might appear as 9876543210.
• Landline Numbers: Landline phone numbers are similar, beginning with a 0 for national dialing and an area code based on the geographical location. A landline number in Delhi looks like 011-23456789. The code for Delhi is 011, and the mobile subscriber number can be 7 to 8 digits.

The other key aspect is that India has several telecom operators, each with a set of number prefixes. The ranges starting with 94, 95, and 97 could belong to one operator, while those starting at 78 or 79 can be associated with the other.

This format is essential to understand for making successful calls within India or overseas. The extra effort involving country codes and specific area codes is important to ensure the call, whether local or based on an international landline system, is routed properly.

Understanding the structure of Indian country code with calling formats is necessary to ensure seamless communication with India’s phone number. 

Components of Indian Phone Numbers

Dialing an Indian Number is always based on and around these four essential components. Let’s look at the detailed explanation and examples of the numbering plan of Indian phone numbers:

1. Exit Code

The exit code of any country refers to the international dialing code. You are required to dial this number when making call transcription from any other country in the world. 

The majority of countries use the 00 prefix as an exit code, meaning they have to dial that number before connecting to an international country. 

With Exit code, you are letting the phone system know that you are exiting a local system and connecting to a foreign number. 

For Example: 

• The exit code of the United States is 011
• The exit code of the United Kingdom is 00. 

2. Country Code

The country code of any country refers to a unique number assigned to that country. For India, the country code is +91. Dialing this code will make sure that the call will connect to India. 

When dialing an Indian number, the country code must follow the exit code.

Example:

• To call India from the United States: 011 + 91
• To call India from the United Kingdom: 00 + 91

3. Area Code

Indian Area codes refer to a number represented by a specific geographic region of a city. Generally, it is a 2-4 digit number that comes right after the country code in the dialing process.

•  For Example, the area code for Mumbai is 22 and for Delhi, it is 11.

Let’s see how you would dial Area Code while trying to call someone: 

• To call Delhi from the United States: 011 + 91 + 11
• To call Mumbai from the United Kingdom: 00 + 91 + 22

4. Local Number

The local number is the last thing you dial while calling in India. The local number refers to the unique subscriber number which is assigned to an individual or organization. 

Depending on the region it is based on, the local number is typically 6-8 digits long. 

For landline, this is how you would dial,

• Example: The landline number in Delhi might look like 011 +91 + 12345678

For mobile phones, the local number generally starts with specific prefixes (e.g., 7, 8, or 9) and consists of 10 digits in total.

• Example: A mobile number in India might look like +91 9876543210.

Also Read: Indian Virtual Phone Number Providers in 2024

How to Dial an Indian Phone Number?

Dialing the Indian Phone Number becomes easy once you understand the basics. Whether it is for business communications or it is an advanced call to an Indian toll-free number, there are only a few things and a handful of prefixes you need to understand, and then you are basically set to go. 

Let’s see:

How to Call an Indian Mobile Number? 

Indian Mobile Numbers are 10 digits long, and they usually begin with 9. Let’s see the steps you would need to follow while dialing an Indian Mobile Number format: 

1. How to Call an Indian Mobile Number Locally?

• Step 1: Dial the 10-digit mobile number directly.

• Example: Dial 9876543210.

• Step 2: Press the call button.

2. How to Call an Indian Mobile Number Internationally? 

• Step 1: Dial the international access code (e.g., + or 00).
• Step 2: Dial India’s country code: +91 or 00 91.
• Step 3: Dial the 10-digit mobile number.

• Example: Dial +91-9876543210.

• Step 4: Press the call button

How to Call Indian Landline Number?

1. How to Call an Indian Landline Number Locally?

• Step 1: Dial the area code (STD code) followed by the 7-digit landline number.

• Example: In Mumbai, dial 022-2345678.

• Step 2: Press the call button.

2. How to Call an Indian Landline Number Internationally?

• Step 1: Dial the international access code (e.g., + or 00).
• Step 2: Dial India’s country code: +91 or 00 91.
• Step 3: Dial the area code (STD code) and the 7-digit landline number.

• An example of an Indian number would be +91-022-2345678 for Mumbai.

• Step 4: Press the call button.

Popular Indian Area Codes

With the growing Indian market across the world, understanding area code is one of the key components to succeed. India has an extensive list of area codes, which vary by state and city. Here’s a table of some popular Indian area codes for major cities and regions. Note that you need to dial the area code before dialing the landline numbers.

Examples of Dialing Indian Numbers

Here is a table showing how you would dial Indian Numbers whether you are from within the country or from outside it: 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dialing an Indian Phone Number

Dialing an Indian phone number might seem like an easy task to you, but as it is a largely diverse country, there are a lot of factors you need to consider before calling the South Asian country. Let’s look at some of the things that will help you:

1. Ignoring Call Rates and Costs

If you are not aware, the cost of international calling to India can pile up and become astronomically high. People often make the same mistake of dialing the call, only to later find out that the cost of the call has amounted to a surprisingly large amount. 

India provides varying rates based on whether you are calling a mobile number or a landline. So, make sure to check all the international calling plans before you reach your friend or your client in India. 

If you are not willing to pay high amounts for your calls, you can switch to VOIP calling with reliable providers like Dialaxy. 

Call monitoring and call management are key components for businesses using virtual phone numbers to track customer interactions.

2. Forgetting About Time Zones

India follows a single time zone, Indian Standard Time (IST), which is UTC +5:30. So, don’t just consider your time zones; make sure to study the time in India. 

India doesn’t have daylight savings, and calls made at inconvenient times from Europe or other places will have a lower chance of connection. 

For example, call during business hours from North America. It might already be late in India, and it might be disturbing to the recipient to receive a business call during off-hours. 

3. Dialing Without Country code

Many people also make the mistake of not dialing the country code when dialing the Indian phone number. 

The country code for India is +91, and if this is missed, your call may not connect. 

When calling India, you will first have to dial the international dialing prefix (which is usually 00 or +), then add the country code for India (91), and finally include a local phone number. 

A global call requires you to include the correct country code of India (+91) before the area code.

For example, to call New Delhi, you would dial +91 11 XXXXXXX. If you miss any part of this format, your call will not connect.

4. Not Considering Local Holidays or Festivals

India is known for its diversity in culture and boasts national and regional holidays and festivals almost throughout the year. 

The most common mistake when dialing an Indian phone Number is not thinking if the called person will be available. 

For instance, during the festivals of Diwali, Holi, and Durga Puja or regional holidays like Onam or Pongal, businesses do tend to close down. So, the best thing to do is plan and check if someone is likely not contactable during a specific Indian holiday season.

5. Not Preparing for Language Barriers

India is a country that specializes in multilingualism; there are different dialects present in every region. 

Although Hindi and English are common, other local languages include Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and many more. 

One of the most frequent mistakes that people make when they need their Indian phone number dialed from abroad is that just because they can speak English will not mean there is no language barrier. 

Use a language support service or have someone fluent in the local language help you during the call.

Setting up an auto attendant can help route calls efficiently while ensuring that you don’t miss any important inquiries from global customers.

Conclusion

Whether you are a company looking to expand your business in India or connect with global customers, learning the country code of India or dialing the area code when necessary can make a big difference. 

To effectively establish a presence in India, you can use call routing solutions and call management systems. Furthermore, tools like auto attendant, call monitoring, and phone number porting will further enhance your communication effectiveness. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the country code for India?

The country code of India is +91. You need to know about the country code if you are trying to call a relative in India or if you are trying to set up a business in the country. 

Can I use my existing Indian phone numbers with SIP Trunking?

Yes, you can use your existing phone numbers with SIP trunking. You will need to link them to your SIP provider if you want to continue using it. 

As businesses expand, it’s important to consider phone number porting options for keeping your current contact number.

How can I call India for free?

Calling in India normally costs a lot, as international calling is very expensive. But you can call India for free by using internet-based services like WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Voice. 

For you to be able to call using these services, both parties need to have access to a strong internet connection. 

You can also get Indian virtual phone numbers to seamlessly connect to people from that country. 

What are STD codes, and how are they used?

STD (Subscriber Trunk Dialing) codes are like area codes used when dialing landline numbers within India. You need to be aware of these codes before calling landlines in different cities or regions. 

For Example, The STD code for Mumbai is 022

How do I dial a landline number from a mobile in India?

To dial a landline number from a mobile in India, follow these steps:

• Dial the STD code (area code) for the region you are calling. For example, 022 for Mumbai.
• Dial the 7-digit local landline number. For instance, 2345678 for a Mumbai landline.
• Press the call button to connect the call.

Example

To call a landline in Mumbai from your mobile:

• Dial: 022-2345678

Then, press the call button to connect.