Looking for the best app to call India from USA? You've come to the right place. Whether you're a traveler needing a local Indian number, an expat calling family regularly, or someone in a country where popular apps are blocked, there's a perfect solution for you.
The days of paying $2-5 per minute for international calls are over. Today's calling apps offer crystal-clear quality, innovative features like eSIM technology, and prices that range from completely free to just pennies per minute. Some apps even give you a local Indian phone number without ever buying a physical SIM card.
In this comprehensive guide, I've tested and compared 9 of the best calling apps for Indian expats in USA. You'll learn which apps work best for travelers, which ones bypass restrictions in countries like UAE and China, and which free options deliver surprisingly good quality. By the end, you'll know exactly which app to download today.
"Smartphone displaying various calling apps to call India including eSIM, VPN, and free calling options"ðŸ"' Quick Navigation
Quick Comparison: At a Glance
Here's a quick overview of the 9 best apps to call India. Each excels in different scenarios, so scan this table to find which matches your needs best.
| App | Best For | Cost | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo eSIM | Travelers to India | $4.50+ for data/calls | âââââ |
| Saily eSIM | Premium travelers | $5.99+ for data/calls | âââââ |
| Yesim eSIM | Budget travelers | $3.99+ for data/calls | ââââ |
| NordVPN | Restricted countries | $3.39/month | âââââ |
| Free calls (USA) | Free (WiFi/data) | âââââ | |
| Google Voice | Cheap phone calls | $0.01/min to India | ââââ |
| FaceTime | iPhone users | Free (WiFi/data) | âââââ |
| Skype | PC calling | Free Skype-to-Skype | ââââ |
| Rebtel | Traditional calling | Varies by plan | âââ |
Best eSIM Apps for India Travel
eSIM technology is revolutionizing how we stay connected while traveling. Instead of buying a physical SIM card at the airport, you download a virtual SIM directly to your phone. These apps give you an Indian phone number and data plan instantly - no store visits, no waiting in lines, no fumbling with tiny SIM cards.
1. Airalo eSIM App
Best for TravelersBest for: Anyone traveling to India who wants instant connectivity with a local number and reliable coverage across the entire country.
How it works: Download the Airalo app before your trip (available on iOS and Android), purchase an India eSIM plan, and activate it when you land. You'll instantly have a local Indian number and data to use WhatsApp, make calls, and browse the internet. No airport SIM card hunting required.
ðŸ'¡ Why Airalo is Our #1 Pick for India Travel
Airalo connects to India's top networks (Airtel and Jio) ensuring excellent coverage in both cities and rural areas. The app is incredibly user-friendly, plans are flexible from 1GB to 20GB, and you can top up data anytime from anywhere. With over 5 million users worldwide, it's the most trusted eSIM platform for travelers. The best part? You get an actual Indian phone number that family and friends can call directly.
Pros
- Get local Indian number before you even leave USA
- Connects to Airtel and Jio (best networks in India)
- Plans start at just $4.50 for 1GB
- Works in 200+ countries if visiting multiple destinations
- 24/7 customer support via app chat
- Easy top-ups when you need more data
- No hidden fees or surprise charges
Cons
- Requires eSIM-compatible phone (iPhone XR+ or newer Android)
- Must purchase and install before arrival for smooth setup
- Data-only plans (but WhatsApp/calling apps work perfectly)
Pricing: India eSIM plans start at $4.50 for 1GB valid 7 days, $9 for 3GB valid 30 days, $16 for 5GB valid 30 days, up to $37 for 20GB valid 30 days. Regional Asia plans also available if visiting multiple countries.
App ratings: 4.6/5 stars on iOS App Store (250K+ reviews), 4.5/5 stars on Google Play (100K+ reviews)
Get Airalo eSIM for India â†'2. Saily eSIM App
Premium AlternativeBest for: Travelers who want premium support and enhanced security features (backed by Nord Security, the trusted makers of NordVPN).
How it works: Similar to Airalo - download the Saily app, purchase an India eSIM plan, and activate when you arrive. The difference is Saily includes built-in security features and offers premium 24/7 customer support with faster response times.
ðŸ'¡ Why Choose Saily
If you value premium support and security, Saily is worth the slight premium. Backed by Nord Security (10+ years in cybersecurity), the app includes enhanced privacy protection and their support team is known for resolving issues quickly. Perfect for business travelers or anyone who wants extra peace of mind.
Pros
- Backed by trusted Nord Security brand
- Premium 24/7 customer support (fast response)
- Enhanced security and privacy features
- Clean, modern app interface
- Reliable coverage across India
- Same-day support resolution
Cons
- Slightly higher pricing than competitors
- Newer service with fewer user reviews
- Requires eSIM-compatible device
- Limited plan options compared to Airalo
Pricing: India eSIM plans start at $5.99 for 1GB valid 7 days, with 3GB, 5GB, and 10GB options for longer stays.
App ratings: 4.7/5 stars on iOS App Store (15K+ reviews), 4.6/5 stars on Google Play (8K+ reviews)
Try Saily eSIM â†'3. Yesim eSIM App
Budget OptionBest for: Budget-conscious travelers who want eSIM convenience at the lowest possible price.
How it works: Download the Yesim app, choose an India data plan, and activate upon arrival. Yesim offers the most affordable eSIM plans, making it ideal for shorter trips or if you primarily use WiFi and just need backup data.
Pros
- Lowest prices of all eSIM providers
- Good coverage in major Indian cities
- Simple, straightforward app
- Quick activation process
- No subscription required
Cons
- Coverage may be limited in rural areas
- Customer support not 24/7
- Fewer plan options than Airalo
- Smaller user base means fewer reviews
Pricing: India eSIM plans start at just $3.99 for 1GB valid 7 days - the most affordable option available.
App ratings: 4.4/5 stars on iOS App Store (12K+ reviews), 4.3/5 stars on Google Play (6K+ reviews)
Get Yesim eSIM â†'⚠️ Important: Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM
Before purchasing any eSIM, verify your phone is compatible. iPhones from XR/XS onwards support eSIM. For Android, most flagship models from 2020+ support it, including Samsung Galaxy S20+, Google Pixel 3+, and newer Huawei models. Check your phone's settings under "Mobile Data" or "Cellular" to see if eSIM is available.
Best VPN Apps for Restricted Countries
Living in or traveling to UAE, China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, or other countries where calling apps are blocked? You need a VPN app to bypass these restrictions and use WhatsApp, FaceTime, and other calling services freely.
4. NordVPN App
Best for Restricted CountriesBest for: Expats in UAE, China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, or any country with internet restrictions who need reliable access to WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, and other calling apps.
How it works: Install the NordVPN app on your smartphone, connect to a server in USA or another unrestricted country, and instantly access WhatsApp, FaceTime, or any calling app. The VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through an unrestricted country, bypassing local censorship.
ðŸ'¡ Why NordVPN Works Best for Calling India
NordVPN has over 6,000 servers in 111 countries, with optimized servers specifically for bypassing restrictions in China, UAE, and Middle Eastern countries. Their "obfuscated servers" feature disguises VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it nearly impossible to detect or block. You can protect up to 6 devices with one subscription, so your whole family can call India freely. The app is incredibly user-friendly - just one tap to connect.
Pros
- Works reliably in China, UAE, Saudi Arabia (tested regularly)
- Unblocks WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype instantly
- Protects 6 devices simultaneously
- Strict no-logs policy for privacy
- 24/7 customer support via live chat
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Easy-to-use mobile app (one-tap connect)
- Fast speeds for HD calling
Cons
- Requires monthly/yearly subscription
- May slightly reduce internet speed
- Needs to be installed before arriving in restricted countries
Pricing: Plans start at $3.39/month for 2-year plan (best value), $4.99/month for 1-year plan, or $12.99/month monthly. All plans include 30-day money-back guarantee.
App ratings: 4.7/5 stars on iOS App Store (480K+ reviews), 4.4/5 stars on Google Play (320K+ reviews)
Get NordVPN Now â†'⚠️ Legal Note About VPN Apps
VPN legality varies by country. In UAE, VPNs are legal for legitimate purposes like business or privacy. In China, only government-approved VPNs are officially permitted, though many expats use international VPNs. In Saudi Arabia and Qatar, VPNs are widely used by expats. Always research your specific location's regulations and use VPNs responsibly for legitimate communication purposes.
Best Free Calling Apps
If you're based in USA with reliable WiFi or cellular data, these free apps deliver excellent call quality to India without costing a penny. They're perfect for regular family calls, catching up with friends, or staying in touch with business contacts.
5. WhatsApp
FreeBest for: Free voice and video calls when both you and your contact have WhatsApp (which is nearly everyone in India).
How it works: Download WhatsApp, verify your phone number, and you can instantly make free calls to anyone else with WhatsApp using WiFi or mobile data. With over 500 million users in India, your family and friends almost certainly have it already installed.
ðŸ'¡ Why WhatsApp is India's #1 Communication App
WhatsApp dominates in India with over 500 million active users. It's the primary way Indians communicate, making it more useful than traditional phone calls. The app supports group calls with up to 8 people, high-quality video calls, and features like voice messages and media sharing. Call quality on good WiFi rivals paid services.
Pros
- Completely free (just uses WiFi/data)
- Excellent call quality on good connections
- Video calls included at no extra cost
- Nearly everyone in India uses it
- End-to-end encryption for privacy
- Group calls with up to 8 people
- Works on iPhone, Android, and desktop
Cons
- Both parties must have WhatsApp installed
- Blocked in UAE, China, and some other countries (need VPN)
- Requires internet connection (WiFi or cellular data)
- Cannot call regular landline or mobile numbers
- Call quality depends on internet speed
Our take: WhatsApp is the #1 free option for calling India from USA. Since it's ubiquitous in India, you won't struggle to find contacts who use it. The call quality is excellent on good internet, video calls work flawlessly, and it's completely free forever. Just remember you'll need a VPN if you're in a country where WhatsApp is blocked.
App ratings: 4.6/5 stars on iOS App Store (6M+ reviews), 4.3/5 stars on Google Play (150M+ reviews)
6. Google Voice App
Free/Low-CostBest for: Calling actual phone numbers in India at rock-bottom rates (just $0.01 per minute) from USA.
How it works: Sign up for a free Google Voice number (USA residents only), add calling credit to your account, and call any landline or mobile number in India for 1 cent per minute. You get a real US phone number that people can call back.
Pros
- Extremely cheap ($0.01/min = 60 cents per hour)
- Can call ANY phone number in India
- Free US phone number included
- Works on mobile app and computer
- No subscription or monthly fees
- Voicemail transcription included
- Call screening features
Cons
- Only available to USA residents
- Requires Google account
- Call quality varies with internet
- Not truly "free" for India calls (but extremely cheap)
- Need to add calling credit periodically
Our take: Google Voice offers unbeatable value for calling actual phone numbers in India. At 1 cent per minute, it's 98% cheaper than traditional international calling. Perfect if you need to call landlines, business numbers, or people who don't use smartphones. The app is reliable, works on any device, and there are no surprise fees.
App ratings: 4.2/5 stars on iOS App Store (380K+ reviews), 4.1/5 stars on Google Play (1.2M+ reviews)
7. FaceTime Audio
FreeBest for: iPhone, iPad, or Mac users calling other Apple device users in India.
How it works: If you both have Apple devices, simply open FaceTime and make a voice-only call (FaceTime Audio) or video call. It's built into every Apple device and requires zero setup - just tap a contact and call.
Pros
- Completely free forever
- Exceptional audio quality (often better than phone calls)
- Built into every Apple device (no download needed)
- Zero setup required
- End-to-end encrypted
- Works seamlessly across iPhone, iPad, Mac
- Extremely reliable connection
Cons
- Only works between Apple devices
- Blocked in UAE and several Middle Eastern countries
- Requires internet connection (WiFi or data)
- Cannot call regular phone numbers
- Both parties must be in Apple ecosystem
Our take: If you're both using Apple devices, FaceTime delivers the absolute best audio quality of any free calling option. The sound is crystal clear, connections are stable, and it's effortlessly simple to use. Many users report FaceTime Audio sounds better than actual phone calls. The only limitation is both people need Apple devices.
App ratings: Built into iOS (no separate app to download)
8. Skype
Free/PaidBest for: PC-based calling, international calls to landlines, and business communications.
How it works: Create a free Skype account and make unlimited Skype-to-Skype calls for free. To call regular phone numbers in India, add Skype Credit and pay approximately $0.023 per minute (about 2 cents per minute).
Pros
- Free Skype-to-Skype calls worldwide
- Very cheap rates to phone numbers ($0.023/min)
- Works on any device (PC, Mac, mobile, tablet)
- Reliable service with 15+ years history
- Screen sharing for business calls
- Group video calls up to 50 people
- Call recording feature
Cons
- Less popular in India compared to WhatsApp
- Interface feels dated and clunky
- Need to buy credit for phone calls
- Call quality can be inconsistent
- Mobile app drains battery faster
Our take: Skype is showing its age but remains a solid option, especially for PC users or business calls. The rates to phone numbers are competitive with Google Voice, and it's established and reliable. However, the app feels less modern than alternatives, and fewer people in India actively use Skype compared to WhatsApp.
App ratings: 4.3/5 stars on iOS App Store (550K+ reviews), 4.2/5 stars on Google Play (28M+ reviews)
9. Rebtel
Traditional OptionBest for: Users who prefer traditional calling apps with local access numbers.
How it works: Download Rebtel, purchase a calling plan or credit, and make calls to India through their service. Rebtel uses local access numbers to reduce costs compared to direct international dialing.
Pros
- No internet required (uses local access numbers)
- Can call any phone number in India
- Subscription plans available
- Works with any mobile carrier
Cons
- More expensive than eSIM or free options
- Call quality varies
- Confusing pricing structure
- Customer service issues reported
- Hidden fees possible
Our take: Rebtel is a traditional calling service that works, but it's been surpassed by better options. With eSIM apps offering local numbers and free apps delivering excellent quality, Rebtel's value proposition isn't as strong in 2025. Consider it only if you specifically need calling without internet and don't mind paying more.
App ratings: 3.8/5 stars on iOS App Store (45K+ reviews), 3.9/5 stars on Google Play (185K+ reviews)
Check Rebtel Rates â†'Which App Should You Choose?
With 9 excellent options, which app is right for you? Use this decision guide to quickly identify your best choice:
🎯 Quick Decision Guide
Planning to travel to India? â†' Download Airalo app now and get your eSIM before departure. You'll have a local Indian number and data the moment you land.
Living in UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia? â†' Install NordVPN app to unblock WhatsApp and other calling apps. Essential for expats in restricted countries.
Want premium eSIM with best support? â†' Get Saily app backed by Nord Security for reliable service with 24/7 premium support.
Need budget-friendly eSIM? â†' Download Yesim app for the most affordable India eSIM plans starting at $3.99.
Calling from USA with WiFi? â†' Use WhatsApp app (free, excellent quality) if both parties have it installed. Nearly everyone in India uses WhatsApp.
Need to call landlines or people without smartphones? â†' Download Google Voice app and pay just $0.01/minute to any Indian phone number.
Both using iPhones? â†' Use FaceTime app (built-in) for crystal-clear free calls. No additional app needed.
Prefer calling from computer? â†' Use Skype app for free Skype-to-Skype calls or cheap rates to phone numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best free app to call India from USA?
WhatsApp is the best free app for calling India from USA. It offers excellent call quality, supports video calls, and over 500 million people in India use it. Other great free options include FaceTime Audio (for iPhone users) and Skype (for Skype-to-Skype calls). Google Voice is technically free but charges $0.01 per minute to call phone numbers in India.
Do I need an eSIM app to call India?
You don't need an eSIM app if you're calling from USA - free apps like WhatsApp work great. However, if you're traveling to India, an eSIM app like Airalo gives you a local Indian number and data plan instantly without buying a physical SIM card at the airport. It's more convenient and often cheaper than international roaming, making it ideal for travelers.
Which app works best for calling India from UAE?
Since WhatsApp and FaceTime are blocked in UAE, the best solution is to install NordVPN app first. Once connected to the VPN, you can use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or any calling app normally. Alternatively, if traveling to UAE, get an eSIM from Airalo or Saily with a non-UAE data plan that isn't subject to local restrictions.
Can I get a local Indian phone number from USA?
Yes, with eSIM apps like Airalo, Saily, or Yesim. Download the app, purchase an India eSIM plan, and you'll receive a local Indian phone number that activates when you arrive in India. Family and friends in India can call you at local rates, and you can use data for WhatsApp and other apps. No physical SIM card required.
How much data do calling apps use?
WhatsApp voice calls use approximately 0.5-1 MB per minute, so a 10-minute call uses about 5-10 MB. Video calls use more - roughly 5-15 MB per minute depending on quality. With a 1GB eSIM data plan, you could make around 1,000 minutes (16+ hours) of WhatsApp voice calls, or about 100 minutes of video calls. FaceTime and Skype use similar amounts.
Are calling apps safe for international calls?
Yes, reputable calling apps are safe. WhatsApp and FaceTime use end-to-end encryption, meaning only you and the recipient can hear the call - not even the app company can listen. Google Voice, Skype, and VPN services like NordVPN also use strong encryption. eSIM apps (Airalo, Saily, Yesim) are also secure as they provide standard cellular service through established networks.
Do calling apps work in China?
Most calling apps (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Voice, Skype) are blocked in China without a VPN. To use these apps in China, you must install NordVPN or another reliable VPN before arriving. The VPN bypasses China's Great Firewall. Alternatively, some eSIM apps like Airalo offer Hong Kong or international plans that aren't subject to mainland China's restrictions.
Final Thoughts
The right calling app can save you hundreds of dollars per year while delivering better quality than traditional international calls. Whether you choose an eSIM app for travel convenience, a VPN app to bypass restrictions, or a free calling app for everyday use, each option offers significant advantages over old-school international calling.
For travelers to India, Airalo remains our top recommendation - it's affordable, reliable, and gives you a local Indian number instantly. Expats in restricted countries should prioritize NordVPN to ensure uninterrupted access to calling apps.
And if you're simply calling from USA with good WiFi, WhatsApp delivers outstanding quality for free - making expensive international calling plans a thing of the past.
Download the app that matches your situation today, and start enjoying affordable, high-quality calls to India!
