How to Call India from Singapore: Cheapest Options (2025)
Free WhatsApp, budget eSIMs & traditional methods compared
📖 15 min read · Updated October 26, 2025
Moving to Singapore for work and worried about expensive calls to family in India? Or maybe you're visiting the Lion City and need to stay connected without breaking the bank? Good news—calling India from Singapore is actually easier and cheaper than most countries.
Unlike places like Dubai or China where calling apps are blocked, Singapore has no restrictions on VoIP services. This means WhatsApp, Skype, and FaceTime all work perfectly. Plus, with Singapore's excellent WiFi coverage and affordable mobile data, you have plenty of options to call India for free or very cheap.
In this guide, I'll show you the seven cheapest ways to call India from Singapore in 2025, ranked from absolutely free to low-cost paid options. Let's save you some money!
📑 Quick Navigation
Quick Comparison: All 7 Options
| Method | Cost | Best For | Call Quality | Video Calls? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Everyone with WiFi | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | |
| FaceTime | Free | iPhone users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes |
| Google Voice | $0.01/min | Need to call landlines | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No |
| Airalo eSIM | From $5 | Travelers, short visits | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes (via WhatsApp) |
| Skype | $0.014/min | Call landlines cheaply | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes |
| Singtel/StarHub | $0.05-0.15/min | Traditional users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No |
| IDD Codes | $0.20-0.50/min | Emergency backup | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No |
💰 Bottom Line
For 90% of people: WhatsApp on WiFi or mobile data is completely free and offers excellent call quality. This should be your primary method.
For travelers: Get an Airalo eSIM for instant data access, then use WhatsApp calling.
For calling landlines: Use Google Voice at $0.01/minute or Skype at $0.014/minute.
Free Options: WhatsApp, FaceTime & More
Let's start with the completely free options that work perfectly in Singapore. No VPN needed, no tricks—these just work.
1. WhatsApp Calling (100% Free)
Best for: Everyone—this should be your go-to calling method
How it works: WhatsApp uses your WiFi or mobile data to make voice and video calls. Since there are no restrictions in Singapore, it works exactly like it does everywhere else. Crystal clear calls, no lag, and completely free.
💡 Why WhatsApp is Perfect for Singapore→India Calls
- 100% free: No per-minute charges, no monthly fees, nothing
- Excellent coverage: WiFi everywhere in Singapore (malls, MRT, cafes)
- Great call quality: HD voice and smooth video with Singapore's fast internet
- Group calls: Video call up to 8 people at once
- Works anywhere: Use on WiFi at home or mobile data outside
- Everyone has it: Most people in India already use WhatsApp
Data Usage
- Voice calls: About 0.5 MB per minute (very light)
- Video calls: About 5-8 MB per minute
Example: A 30-minute video call uses about 150-240 MB of data. With Singapore's typical mobile plan (20GB+), that's nothing.
Pros
- Completely free on WiFi or data
- HD quality voice and video
- Works everywhere in Singapore
- No setup required
- Can send messages, photos, videos too
- Group calls supported
Cons
- Both people need WhatsApp
- Can't call landlines
- Uses data (not an issue in Singapore)
- Needs decent internet connection
Our take: WhatsApp should be your primary method for calling India from Singapore. It's free, works perfectly, and Singapore's internet infrastructure means you'll never have quality issues. I use it for 95% of my calls home.
2. FaceTime Audio & Video (Free for iPhone Users)
FaceTime
FreeBest for: Apple ecosystem users (iPhone, iPad, Mac)
How it works: If both you and your family in India have Apple devices, FaceTime offers excellent quality calls—many say it's even better than WhatsApp for video.
Pros
- Free on WiFi or cellular data
- Excellent video quality
- Built-in (no app to download)
- Group FaceTime up to 32 people
- Encrypted end-to-end
Cons
- Only works Apple-to-Apple
- Can't call Android users
- Can't call landlines
- Uses more data than WhatsApp
Our take: If everyone in your family has iPhones, FaceTime is fantastic. But WhatsApp is more universal since it works with Android too.
3. Google Voice ($0.01/minute to India)
Google Voice
Nearly FreeBest for: Calling landlines in India at rock-bottom prices
How it works: Google Voice lets you call actual phone numbers (mobiles and landlines) in India for just $0.01 per minute. That's 60 cents for an hour-long call!
Pricing:
- India mobile numbers: $0.01/minute
- India landlines: $0.01/minute
💡 Perfect for Calling Banks, Offices, or Older Relatives
Some people in India still don't use WhatsApp (elderly relatives, government offices, banks, etc.). Google Voice is perfect for calling them at incredibly low rates.
Pros
- Extremely cheap ($0.01/minute)
- Call any phone number in India
- No monthly fee (pay as you go)
- Works from computer or phone
- Good call quality
Cons
- Requires Google account and setup
- Not completely free (but very cheap)
- No video calling
- May not be available in all Singapore accounts
Our take: Google Voice is perfect as a backup when you need to call landlines or people without smartphones. At a penny per minute, it's essentially free.
4. Skype ($0.014/minute to India)
Skype
Very CheapBest for: International calling to multiple countries, not just India
How it works: Like Google Voice, Skype lets you call real phone numbers. It's slightly more expensive at $0.014/minute to India but offers subscription packages if you call a lot.
Pricing:
- Pay-as-you-go: $0.014/minute to India
- Monthly subscriptions: Unlimited calling plans available
Pros
- Very cheap calling rates
- Call mobiles and landlines
- Subscription options for heavy users
- Video calls to other Skype users (free)
- Works on all devices
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than Google Voice
- Requires credits purchase
- Interface not as clean as WhatsApp
Our take: Skype is solid for calling landlines, but Google Voice is cheaper. Use Skype if you already have it set up or if you call multiple countries.
Budget eSIM Options for Travelers
If you're visiting Singapore for a short trip or business, getting an eSIM is often the easiest way to get instant data access for WhatsApp calling. Here are the best options:
Airalo eSIM
Best for TravelersBest for: Travelers visiting Singapore who want instant data for WhatsApp calls
How it works: Install an Airalo eSIM before or when you arrive in Singapore, and you immediately have data to use WhatsApp, Skype, or any other calling app. No need to find a SIM card store or deal with registration.
💡 Why eSIM is Perfect for Singapore Visitors
- Instant activation: Works the moment you land
- Keep your home number: Dual SIM means you can still receive calls
- No registration hassles: Singapore requires ID for local SIM cards; eSIM avoids this
- Use WhatsApp normally: Once you have data, calling India is free via WhatsApp
Singapore Plans & Pricing:
- 1GB / 7 days - $5
- 3GB / 30 days - $13
- 5GB / 30 days - $18
- 10GB / 30 days - $32
Example math: Get the 3GB/30 days plan for $13. That's enough for 600 minutes of WhatsApp voice calls or 60 minutes of video calls—plenty for most travelers.
Pros
- Instant setup (3 minutes)
- No ID registration required
- Keep your home SIM active
- Use WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime freely
- Works in 200+ countries
Cons
- Requires eSIM-compatible phone
- More expensive than local SIM for long stays
- Limited to data you purchase
Our take: For travelers staying 1-4 weeks in Singapore, Airalo is the easiest solution. Get data instantly, use WhatsApp for free calls to India, and avoid the hassle of buying local SIM cards.
Get Airalo eSIM for Singapore →Want more eSIM options? Check our complete eSIM comparison guide or learn how to install eSIM on Android.
Traditional Phone Calls
While free options like WhatsApp are best, here's what traditional calling costs in Singapore:
Singapore Telecom Rates to India
Singtel IDD Rates:
- Standard IDD rate: $0.20-0.30 per minute to India
- With IDD007 prefix: $0.05 per minute (much cheaper)
StarHub IDD Rates:
- Standard rate: $0.25 per minute
- IDD018 prefix: $0.08 per minute
M1 IDD Rates:
- Standard rate: $0.22 per minute
- IDD021 prefix: $0.09 per minute
💡 Pro Tip: Use IDD Prefix Codes
Always dial the IDD prefix (007, 018, or 021) before the country code to get much cheaper rates. For example, instead of dialing +91 [number], dial 007-91-[number] for Singtel users.
How to Make Traditional IDD Calls
Format: [IDD Prefix] - [Country Code] - [Area Code] - [Phone Number]
Example (Singtel):
- Wrong: 011-91-22-12345678 (expensive standard rate)
- Right: 007-91-22-12345678 (cheap prefix rate)
⚠️ Traditional Calling is Expensive
Even with IDD prefixes, traditional calls cost $0.05-0.09 per minute. A 1-hour call costs $3-5.40, versus free with WhatsApp. Only use traditional calling as an emergency backup.
Which Option Should You Choose?
🎯 Quick Decision Guide
Living in Singapore long-term? → Use WhatsApp for 95% of calls (free), Google Voice for landlines ($0.01/min).
Visiting Singapore for 1-4 weeks? → Get Airalo eSIM ($13 for 3GB), then use WhatsApp calling (free).
Need to call landlines in India? → Use Google Voice ($0.01/min) or Skype ($0.014/min).
All Apple family? → Use FaceTime for the best quality (free).
Emergency backup? → Use IDD with prefix codes (007/018/021) for $0.05-0.09/min.
Cost Comparison: 10 Hours of Calling Per Month
| Method | 10 Hours/Month Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp on WiFi | $0 | $0 |
| WhatsApp on Data (with Airalo) | ~$13 | $156 |
| Google Voice | $6 | $72 |
| Skype | $8.40 | $100.80 |
| Singtel IDD (with 007 prefix) | $30 | $360 |
| Standard IDD (no prefix) | $120-180 | $1,440-2,160 |
The winner is clear: WhatsApp on WiFi is free and offers the best quality. For travelers without local WiFi, Airalo eSIM at $13/month lets you use WhatsApp anywhere in Singapore.
Pro Tips for Best Call Quality
Get the Best WhatsApp Call Quality
- Use WiFi when possible: Singapore has excellent public WiFi (malls, MRT, libraries)
- Check your connection: Need at least 1 Mbps for voice, 2+ Mbps for video
- Close other apps: Free up bandwidth for better quality
- Use headphones: Reduces echo and improves clarity
- Find quiet spots: Singapore's malls can be noisy—find a quiet corner
Data Management Tips
If you're using mobile data instead of WiFi:
- Voice calls use very little: 0.5 MB/min = 20 hours per 1GB
- Video calls use more: 5-8 MB/min = 2-3 hours per 1GB
- Download WhatsApp updates on WiFi: Save your mobile data for calls
- Use Low Data Mode: WhatsApp settings → Storage and Data → Low Data Usage
Singapore's Best WiFi Spots for Calling
- Shopping malls: Orchard Road, Marina Bay Sands, VivoCity (all have free WiFi)
- MRT stations: Free Wireless@SGx WiFi throughout the system
- Public libraries: Excellent WiFi, quiet environment
- Changi Airport: Free WiFi throughout (great for calling before/after flights)
- Cafes: Starbucks, Coffee Bean, Ya Kun all offer WiFi
Want more calling tips? Check out our complete guide to calling India for universal advice that works anywhere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is WhatsApp calling free in Singapore?
Yes, WhatsApp calling is completely free in Singapore when using WiFi. If you use mobile data, you'll use about 0.5 MB per minute for voice calls or 5-8 MB per minute for video calls, but there are no additional calling charges. Singapore has no restrictions on WhatsApp or other VoIP services, so it works exactly like it does anywhere else.
What is the cheapest way to call India from Singapore?
The cheapest way to call India from Singapore is using WhatsApp on WiFi, which is completely free. For calling landlines or people without smartphones, Google Voice at $0.01 per minute is the cheapest paid option. If you're a traveler, getting an Airalo eSIM for data and then using WhatsApp costs about $13 for a month of unlimited calls.
Do I need a VPN to call India from Singapore?
No, you do not need a VPN to call India from Singapore. Unlike countries like UAE or China, Singapore has no restrictions on VoIP services. WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, and all other calling apps work normally without any VPN.
How much data does a WhatsApp call use?
WhatsApp voice calls use about 0.5 MB per minute, which means one hour uses about 30 MB. Video calls use about 5-8 MB per minute, or 300-480 MB per hour. With typical Singapore mobile plans offering 20GB or more, data usage is not a concern for WhatsApp calling.
Can I use my Singapore number to call India?
Yes, you can use your Singapore mobile number to make traditional IDD calls to India. However, this is expensive at $0.05-0.30 per minute depending on your carrier and whether you use IDD prefix codes. It's much cheaper to use WhatsApp, Google Voice, or Skype instead.
What is the IDD code for calling India from Singapore?
To call India from Singapore using traditional phone calls, dial: IDD prefix (007 for Singtel, 018 for StarHub, or 021 for M1), then 91 (India country code), then the area code and phone number. Example with Singtel: 007-91-22-12345678. Using the IDD prefix gives you much cheaper rates than standard dialing.
Is it better to get a Singapore SIM card or use eSIM for calling India?
For short visits (1-4 weeks), an eSIM like Airalo is easier since it requires no registration and activates instantly. For long-term stays (3+ months), a local Singapore SIM card from Singtel, StarHub, or M1 is cheaper and offers better data packages. Either way, use WhatsApp for the actual calls to India—it's free regardless of which SIM/eSIM you use.
Final Thoughts
Calling India from Singapore is refreshingly simple compared to most countries. With no VoIP restrictions, excellent internet infrastructure, and widespread WiFi coverage, you have plenty of free and cheap options.
For 95% of people, WhatsApp on WiFi should be your primary method. It's completely free, offers excellent quality, and Singapore's infrastructure means you'll rarely have connectivity issues. I use it for almost all my calls home and have never had problems.
If you're visiting Singapore and need instant data access, get an Airalo eSIM for $13 (3GB/30 days), which gives you enough data for hours of WhatsApp calls plus all your other internet needs. It's simpler than buying a local SIM card and works immediately upon arrival.
For the rare times you need to call landlines in India (banks, government offices, older relatives), use Google Voice at just $0.01 per minute. That's essentially free compared to traditional IDD rates of $0.05-0.30 per minute.
The key takeaway? Living in Singapore means you have access to some of the world's best internet infrastructure at affordable prices. Take advantage of it with WhatsApp calling, and you'll never pay for international calls to India again.
