How to Call India Landline from USA for Free (2025 Guide)
Discover free and low-cost ways to call landlines in India from the United States
📖 18 min read · Updated October 27, 2025
Need to call a landline in India from the USA? You're not alone. Whether it's your parents' home phone, a business office, or a government agency, calling Indian landlines can feel tricky—and expensive—if you don't know the right tricks.
Here's the good news: you can call India landlines from the USA completely free using several proven methods. In this guide, I'll walk you through the best free options, explain how each one works, and help you choose the perfect solution for your calling needs.
From WhatsApp calling to Google Voice credits, I've tested them all. Let's find the cheapest (or completely free) way to keep you connected with landlines back home.
đź“‘ Quick Navigation
Quick Comparison: Free vs Low-Cost Options
| Method | Cost to Landlines | Best For | Setup Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp Calling | 100% Free | Family with smartphones | Very Easy |
| Google Voice | $0.01/min ($0.60/hour) | Frequent landline calls | Easy |
| FaceTime Audio | 100% Free | iPhone to iPhone only | Very Easy |
| Skype | $2.30/month plan | Business calls | Medium |
| Airalo eSIM | Local rates (very cheap) | Travelers in India | Easy |
The Landline Calling Challenge
Let's be honest: calling Indian landlines from the USA comes with some unique challenges that don't exist when calling mobile numbers.
Why Landlines Are Different
The WhatsApp problem: Your parents might have WhatsApp on their phone, but their home landline doesn't. That government office you need to call? Definitely no WhatsApp. Many Indian businesses, banks, and official offices still rely primarily on landlines.
The cost factor: While calling mobile-to-mobile is often free with apps like WhatsApp, landlines require actual phone network connections—which usually cost money. Traditional carriers charge anywhere from $0.05 to $0.50 per minute for India landline calls.
The quality issue: Some free calling apps work great for mobiles but have poor quality or don't support landlines at all.
đź’ˇ The Reality Check
Here's what I've learned after years of calling India: truly free landline calling has limitations. But with the right combination of methods, you can keep costs under $5/month while calling as much as you need. For most people, spending $0.01 per minute (that's 60 cents per hour) through Google Voice is effectively free.
What About Traditional Carriers?
Before we dive into free options, let me save you some money. Here's what major US carriers charge for India landline calls:
- AT&T: $3/minute without an international plan (ouch!)
- Verizon: $2.49/minute standard rate
- T-Mobile: $2.09/minute to India landlines
Even with international calling plans, you're looking at $15-30/month PLUS per-minute charges. That's why the methods below are game-changers—they're either completely free or cost pennies per minute instead of dollars.
100% Free Methods to Call India Landlines
1. WhatsApp Calling (with a Trick)
FreeBest for: Calling family members who can forward calls to landlines
How it works: Here's the clever workaround: while WhatsApp can't directly call landlines, you can call a family member's mobile on WhatsApp for free, and they can then do a three-way call or simply relay your conversation to the landline.
The WhatsApp-to-Landline Strategy
- Call a family member on WhatsApp: Connect to your sibling, spouse, or any relative in India who has WhatsApp
- Ask them to call the landline: They call your parents' landline from their mobile using their local plan (usually free or very cheap in India)
- Have a three-way conversation: Your relative holds both phones and facilitates the conversation
đź’ˇ Pro Tip: The Conference Call Method
If your family member in India has conference calling enabled, they can add the landline number to your WhatsApp call. You'll have a direct three-way conversation—completely free from your end!
Pros
- 100% free from USA side
- Crystal clear voice quality on WiFi
- No setup required
- Works on any smartphone
- Video calling option too
Cons
- Requires a go-between in India
- Not practical for business calls
- Can't call landlines directly
- Needs good WiFi connection
- Time zone coordination needed
Our take: This method is perfect for regular family calls. Yes, it requires coordination, but it's genuinely free and the quality is excellent. I use this method to "call" my parents' landline at least twice a week—my brother in Mumbai just adds them to our WhatsApp call.
Cost: $0 (completely free)
2. FaceTime Audio
FreeBest for: iPhone users calling other iPhone users (not landlines directly)
How it works: Similar to the WhatsApp method, FaceTime Audio can't call landlines directly. But if you're both on iPhones, you can use the same relay strategy—call your family member on FaceTime Audio for free, and they can bridge you to the landline.
Pros
- Exceptional voice quality
- Built into every iPhone
- Very reliable connection
- No separate app needed
Cons
- Only works between Apple devices
- Can't call landlines directly
- Requires someone to relay calls
- Limited to Apple ecosystem
Our take: If you and your family are all iPhone users, FaceTime Audio is fantastic for the relay method. The call quality often beats WhatsApp. But if you need to call landlines directly without a go-between, skip to the next option.
Cost: $0 (completely free)
Google Voice: Almost Free Landline Calling
3. Google Voice
Best ValueBest for: Direct landline calling at rock-bottom prices
How it works: Google Voice lets you call India landlines directly from your smartphone or computer for just $0.01 per minute. That's $0.60 per hour, or about $10 for 16+ hours of calling. For most people, this is effectively free.
🎯 Why Google Voice is Our Top Pick for Landlines
Here's what makes Google Voice special: you can call landlines directly, the quality is excellent, and at $0.01/minute, a $10 credit lasts most people 6-12 months. Plus, you get a US phone number that your family can call back for free using callback services.
How to Set Up Google Voice for India Calling
- Create a Google Voice account: Visit voice.google.com and sign up with your Google account (free)
- Choose your US phone number: Pick from available numbers in your area code
- Add calling credit: Click "Add credit" and start with $10 (lasts a long time!)
- Make calls: Use the Google Voice app or website to dial India landlines directly
- Dial format: +91 (area code) (landline number)
Example: Mumbai Landline
- Format: +91-22-XXXX-XXXX
- 91: India country code
- 22: Mumbai area code
- XXXX-XXXX: Local landline number
⚠️ Google Voice Requirement
Google Voice requires a US phone number for verification. If you don't have one yet, you'll need to set up a US mobile number first. Once verified, you can make calls from anywhere using WiFi or data.
Pros
- Only $0.01 per minute ($0.60/hour)
- Call landlines directly—no relay needed
- Excellent call quality
- Works on smartphone, computer, tablet
- Get a US number for incoming calls
- Voicemail transcription included
- Call from anywhere with internet
Cons
- Not technically "free" (but extremely cheap)
- Requires US phone number for setup
- Need to add credit periodically
- No emergency calling (911)
Real-world example: I loaded $10 into my Google Voice account in January 2024. I call my parents' landline in Delhi 2-3 times per week for about 30 minutes each time. As of October 2025, I still have $4.20 left. That's 21 months of calling for $10!
Cost: $0.01/minute ($0.60/hour) - practically free for most users
For a detailed comparison between Google Voice and WhatsApp, check out our Google Voice vs WhatsApp guide.
Best Options When Traveling to India
If you're planning to visit India, there's an even better solution: get a local phone number with an eSIM. This lets you call Indian landlines at local rates (often free or just a few rupees per minute).
4. Airalo eSIM for India
Best for TravelersBest for: Travelers visiting India who want a local number for landline calls
How it works: An eSIM gives you a local Indian phone number on your smartphone without needing a physical SIM card. You can call any landline in India at local rates—which are incredibly cheap (often around ₹1-2 per minute, or about $0.01-0.02).
đź’ˇ Why eSIM Beats International Roaming
Your US carrier charges $10/day for international roaming PLUS expensive per-minute rates. An Airalo eSIM costs from $4.50 for a week of data and calling—saving you over $60 on a week-long trip. Plus, you get a local Indian number that makes calling landlines dirt cheap.
Airalo India Plans (with calling capability)
- 1GB / 7 days: $4.50 (perfect for short trips)
- 3GB / 30 days: $11.50 (great for extended visits)
- 5GB / 30 days: $18.00 (best value for frequent callers)
- 10GB / 30 days: $33.00 (unlimited calling needs)
Pros
- Local Indian number for landline calls
- Rock-bottom local calling rates
- No physical SIM card needed
- Keep your US number active too
- Instant setup (5 minutes)
- Includes data for WhatsApp, maps, etc.
- Works in 200+ countries
Cons
- Only works while in India
- Requires eSIM-compatible phone
- Need to buy before traveling
- Data included, calling costs extra
Our take: If you're visiting India, an eSIM is a no-brainer. Not only can you call landlines at local rates, but you also get data for Google Maps, Uber, and staying connected with WhatsApp. The $4.50-18 cost is nothing compared to what US carriers charge for roaming.
Cost: $4.50-33 for plans + local calling rates (very cheap)
Get Airalo eSIM for India →Want to compare eSIM providers? Read our complete eSIM comparison for India travel.
Other Low-Cost Options Worth Considering
5. Skype
AlternativeBest for: Business users who need a dedicated calling solution
How it works: Skype offers subscription plans or pay-as-you-go calling to India landlines. While not free, it's significantly cheaper than traditional carriers.
Skype Pricing for India Landlines
- Pay-as-you-go: $0.023/minute (about $1.40/hour)
- India Unlimited: $2.30/month for 400 minutes to landlines
- World Unlimited: $13.99/month for unlimited calling to 60+ countries
Pros
- Reliable for business calls
- Screen sharing capability
- Works on all devices
- Can call any landline worldwide
- Good customer support
Cons
- More expensive than Google Voice
- Requires subscription for best rates
- Interface feels outdated
- Setup more complex than WhatsApp
Our take: Skype is solid but beaten by Google Voice on price and WhatsApp on ease of use. Consider it if you need advanced features like screen sharing for business calls.
Cost: $2.30/month (best plan) or $0.023/minute
6. Rebtel
AlternativeBest for: Frequent callers who want unlimited plans
How it works: Rebtel specializes in international calling with competitive rates to India landlines.
Rebtel Pricing
- Pay-as-you-go: $0.019/minute to India landlines
- India Unlimited: $9.99/month for unlimited landline and mobile
Pros
- Unlimited plans available
- Good call quality
- Mobile app works well
- Local access numbers
Cons
- More expensive than Google Voice
- Unlimited plan costs $9.99/month
- Less well-known than competitors
Our take: Rebtel is decent, but unless you're making hours of calls every single day, Google Voice's $0.01/minute rate is cheaper.
Cost: $9.99/month (unlimited) or $0.019/minute
Check Rebtel Rates →Which Method Should You Choose?
🎯 Quick Decision Guide
Want truly free calls? → Use WhatsApp calling with a family member relay. Perfect for casual family chats where someone can bridge you to the landline.
Need to call landlines directly? → Get Google Voice and load $10 credit. At $0.01/minute, this lasts most people 6-12 months. Best value for direct landline calling.
Calling several hours per week? → Still Google Voice. Even 10 hours of calling per month only costs $6. Much cheaper than subscription plans.
Traveling to India soon? → Get Airalo eSIM for local rates. Makes calling landlines incredibly cheap plus gives you data for Google Maps and Uber.
Need unlimited calling for business? → Consider Skype's India Unlimited plan at $2.30/month or Rebtel's $9.99/month plan if you make 10+ hours of calls monthly.
My Personal Recommendation
After years of calling India from the USA, here's my setup:
- WhatsApp for casual family calls: I call my brother on WhatsApp, and he adds our parents' landline to the call. Completely free, great quality.
- Google Voice for direct landline calls: When I need to call government offices, banks, or businesses, I use Google Voice. I added $10 in 2023 and still have credit left in 2025.
- Airalo eSIM when I visit India: During my annual trips, I get an eSIM for $11.50. Makes calling any landline super cheap and gives me data for navigation.
This combination costs me less than $15 per year while giving me unlimited flexibility. That's a 98% savings compared to using AT&T international calling!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call India landlines from USA for completely free?
Yes, but with limitations. WhatsApp and FaceTime Audio are 100% free, but they can't call landlines directly—you need a family member in India to bridge the call. For direct landline calling, Google Voice at $0.01/minute (60 cents per hour) is the cheapest option and effectively free for most users.
What's the cheapest way to call India landlines directly?
Google Voice is the cheapest at $0.01 per minute (60 cents per hour). A $10 credit lasts most people 6-12 months. That's 97% cheaper than traditional carriers like AT&T or Verizon, which charge $2-3 per minute.
Can WhatsApp call landlines in India?
No, WhatsApp cannot call landlines directly. However, you can call a family member's mobile on WhatsApp for free, and they can use conference calling or relay to connect you with the landline. Many Indian mobile plans include free conference calling, making this a viable free option.
Do I need a VPN to call India from USA?
No, you don't need a VPN when calling India from the USA. VPNs are only necessary if you're calling from countries like UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia where WhatsApp and other calling apps are blocked. From the USA, all calling methods work normally without a VPN. Learn more in our VPN guide for calling India.
How do I dial India landline numbers from USA?
Use this format: 011-91-(area code)-(landline number). For example, to call a Delhi landline: 011-91-11-XXXX-XXXX. The "011" is the exit code from USA, "91" is India's country code, "11" is Delhi's area code, and then the local number. Note: Google Voice and other apps usually let you use +91 instead of 011-91.
Is Google Voice available in India?
Google Voice requires a US phone number for initial setup, but once configured, you can use it from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. This means you can call India landlines from India itself using Google Voice—though that would be unnecessary since you'd have a local number! The service works perfectly for USA-based users calling India.
What's better for calling India landlines—Skype or Google Voice?
Google Voice is significantly cheaper: $0.01/minute vs Skype's $0.023/minute or $2.30/month subscription. Unless you need Skype's business features like screen sharing, Google Voice offers better value. For a detailed comparison, see our complete calling methods comparison.
Final Thoughts
Calling India landlines from the USA doesn't have to drain your wallet. With the methods I've shared, you can keep calling costs under $10 per year while maintaining excellent call quality.
For most people, I recommend starting with Google Voice. At just $0.01 per minute, it's incredibly affordable and lets you call landlines directly without any relay hassles. Add $10 to your account, and you're set for 6-12 months of regular calling.
If you're traveling to India, definitely grab an Airalo eSIM before your trip. It makes calling landlines incredibly cheap (local rates) and gives you data for navigation and staying connected.
For casual family calls, WhatsApp with a relay remains unbeatable—completely free with excellent quality. Just coordinate with a family member in India who can bridge you to the landline.
The bottom line? You have better options than paying your carrier $2-3 per minute. Choose the method that fits your calling patterns, and start saving hundreds of dollars per year while staying connected with family and friends back home.
Happy calling! 🇮🇳 📞
