How to Call India from UK: Cheapest Methods & Free Options (2025)
Save up to 95% on your calls with these proven methods
📖 19 min read · Updated October 26, 2025
Missing family back in India? Those international calling charges from UK networks can be shocking—up to £1.50 per minute adds up fast. But here's the good news: you don't need to spend a fortune to stay connected.
There are actually several ways to call India from the UK for free or nearly free. From WhatsApp and FaceTime to smart eSIM solutions when you travel, you have options that'll save you hundreds of pounds every year.
In this guide, I'll show you 8 different ways to call India from the UK. You'll learn which methods are completely free, which cheap options work best, and how to avoid those expensive surprise charges on your phone bill. Let's help you stay connected without breaking the bank.
🔖 Quick Navigation
Quick Comparison: At a Glance
| Method | Cost | Best For | Call Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Everyone with WiFi | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
| FaceTime Audio | Free | iPhone users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Skype | Free to Skype | Computer users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Airalo eSIM | From £3.40 | Travelers to India | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Saily eSIM | From £3.20 | Premium travelers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Yesim eSIM | From £3.00 | Budget travelers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Skype Credit | £0.019/min | Landline calls | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| UK Mobile Direct | £0.50-1.50/min | Emergency only | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Free Calling Options from UK to India
Let's start with the best part—completely free options. If you have WiFi or mobile data, these methods cost absolutely nothing.
1. WhatsApp Calling
FreeBest for: Everyone with a smartphone and internet connection
How it works: WhatsApp uses your WiFi or mobile data to make voice and video calls. Both you and the person you're calling need WhatsApp installed. That's it—no charges, no time limits, completely free.
💡 Why WhatsApp is Perfect for UK→India Calls
WhatsApp is extremely popular in India—over 500 million people use it there. Chances are your family already has it installed, making it the easiest free option. The call quality is excellent on WiFi, and it uses very little data if you're on mobile.
Pros
- Completely free on WiFi or data
- Excellent call quality
- Everyone in India uses it
- Video calling included
- Group calls supported
- Works on any smartphone
Cons
- Both people need WhatsApp
- Can't call landlines
- Requires internet connection
- Uses mobile data if no WiFi
Data usage: WhatsApp uses about 0.5-1MB per minute for voice calls. That's extremely efficient—you can talk for an hour using only 30-60MB of data.
Our take: WhatsApp is the #1 choice for calling India from the UK. It's free, works brilliantly, and everyone already has it. Unless you need to call a landline, this should be your go-to option. For more details on how WhatsApp compares to other options, check out our complete comparison guide.
2. FaceTime Audio
FreeBest for: iPhone, iPad, and Mac users calling other Apple device owners
How it works: FaceTime Audio is Apple's voice calling feature. It's built into every iPhone, iPad, and Mac, so there's no app to download. If your family in India uses Apple devices, you can make crystal-clear calls for free.
Pros
- Completely free
- Excellent audio quality
- Built into Apple devices
- Very simple to use
- Low data usage
Cons
- Only works between Apple devices
- Can't call Android or landlines
- Both sides need Apple products
Our take: If both you and your family use iPhones, FaceTime Audio offers the best call quality of any free option. The audio is incredibly clear, and it's as simple as tapping a contact. The only limitation is that it doesn't work with Android or landlines.
3. Skype (Free)
FreeBest for: Computer users and people who want reliable free calling
How it works: Skype has been around for years and remains one of the most reliable free calling options. Download the app (available on Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android), and you can make free calls to anyone else on Skype anywhere in the world.
Pros
- Free Skype-to-Skype calls
- Works on all devices
- Good call quality
- Video calling included
- Screen sharing features
Cons
- Both people need Skype installed
- Interface feels dated
- Need to buy credit for landlines
- Can be buggy sometimes
Our take: Skype is still a solid choice, especially if you prefer calling from your computer. However, WhatsApp has largely replaced it for most people since WhatsApp is simpler and more widely used in India.
💡 Quick Tip: WiFi vs Mobile Data
All these free options work best on WiFi, but they also work fine on mobile data. If you're on a good UK mobile plan with unlimited data, you can use WhatsApp or FaceTime anywhere. A typical 30-minute call uses only 15-30MB of data—barely anything on modern plans.
eSIM Solutions: Best for Travelers to India
If you're traveling to India from the UK, eSIM plans are your best friend. They give you local Indian data rates without needing a physical SIM card, which means you can use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or any app anywhere in India.
4. Airalo eSIM
Best for India TravelBest for: UK travelers visiting India who want reliable data everywhere
How it works: Before your trip, buy an Airalo eSIM plan for India on their app. When you land in India, activate it with a few taps, and boom—you've got fast mobile data across the entire country. Use this data with WhatsApp to make free calls back to the UK or to anyone in India.
💡 Why Airalo Beats UK Roaming
UK mobile operators charge £5-10 per day for roaming in India. That's £150-300 for a month! Airalo gives you an entire month of data for just £11-26 depending on how much you need. You'll save a fortune.
Pros
- Much cheaper than UK roaming
- Works everywhere in India
- Fast 4G/5G speeds
- Keep your UK number for texts
- Easy to set up
- No physical SIM card needed
Cons
- Requires eSIM-compatible phone
- Data-only (use apps for calling)
- Need to buy before arriving
Pricing for India (in GBP):
- 1GB (7 days) - £3.40
- 3GB (30 days) - £8.30
- 5GB (30 days) - £12.90
- 10GB (30 days) - £19.70
Perfect for: Using WhatsApp to make free calls while in India. The 1GB plan gives you enough data for 1,000+ minutes of calling—more than enough for most trips.
Get Airalo eSIM for India →5. Saily eSIM
Premium ChoiceBest for: UK travelers who want reliable data with excellent customer support
How it works: Saily, created by the team behind NordVPN, offers premium eSIM plans with great coverage across India. Their plans work on all major Indian networks, giving you consistent speeds wherever you travel.
Pros
- Excellent network coverage
- 24/7 English support
- User-friendly app
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than budget options
- Data-only plans
Pricing for India (in GBP):
- 1GB (7 days) - £3.20
- 3GB (30 days) - £8.00
- 5GB (30 days) - £12.00
- 20GB (30 days) - £38.40
6. Yesim eSIM
Budget OptionBest for: Budget-conscious UK travelers
How it works: Yesim offers the cheapest eSIM plans for India. Perfect if you mainly need data for WhatsApp calling and don't need premium speeds or fancy features.
Pros
- Cheapest eSIM option
- Good coverage in cities
- Simple to use
Cons
- Coverage can be spotty in rural areas
- Speeds may be slower
Pricing for India (in GBP):
- 1GB (7 days) - £3.00
- 3GB (30 days) - £7.20
- 5GB (30 days) - £10.80
⚠️ Check eSIM Compatibility
Before buying an eSIM, make sure your phone supports it. Most iPhones from XS onwards and recent Android flagships work with eSIM. Check our guides: How to Install eSIM on iPhone and How to Install eSIM on Android.
For a detailed comparison of these eSIM providers, check out our complete guide to the best eSIM for India travel.
Traditional Phone Options
Sometimes you need to call a landline in India, or the person you're calling doesn't have a smartphone. Here are your traditional calling options.
7. Skype Credit
Low CostBest for: Calling Indian landlines and mobiles at cheap rates
How it works: While Skype-to-Skype is free, you can also buy Skype credit to call regular phone numbers in India. This is perfect when you need to call someone who doesn't have a smartphone or internet.
Pros
- Very cheap rates (£0.019/minute)
- Can call any number in India
- Good call quality
- Works from computer or phone
- No monthly fees
Cons
- Need to buy credit first
- Not as cheap as free options
- Requires internet connection
Rates to India:
- Mobile: £0.019 per minute
- Landline: £0.019 per minute
Cost example: A 30-minute call costs about £0.57 (57 pence). That's £11.40 for 10 hours of calls—incredibly cheap compared to traditional phone calls.
Our take: Skype credit is perfect for calling landlines or elderly relatives without smartphones. It's 50-100 times cheaper than calling directly from your UK mobile.
8. UK Mobile Direct Dialing
Emergency OnlyBest for: Emergency calls only
How it works: You can dial India directly from your UK mobile by dialing 0091 followed by the Indian number. However, this is extremely expensive and should only be used in emergencies.
Pros
- No setup needed
- Works immediately
- Excellent call quality
- No internet required
Cons
- Very expensive
- Rates vary by operator
- Hidden connection fees
- Not practical for regular calls
Typical UK mobile rates to India:
- EE: £1.50 per minute
- O2: £1.50 per minute
- Vodafone: £1.50 per minute
- Three: £1.50 per minute
Cost reality check: A 30-minute call costs £45! For the same £45, you could buy an eSIM plan and make unlimited WhatsApp calls for an entire month while in India.
Our take: Only use this in genuine emergencies when no other option works. For regular calling, use any of the other methods in this guide—they're all dramatically cheaper.
Which Method Should You Choose?
🎯 Quick Decision Guide
Calling from UK on WiFi? → Use WhatsApp (completely free). If both sides have iPhones, FaceTime Audio works brilliantly too.
Need to call an Indian landline? → Buy Skype credit (£0.019/minute). Much cheaper than UK mobile rates.
Traveling to India soon? → Get Airalo eSIM for £3.40+ and use WhatsApp anywhere. Beats UK roaming by miles.
On a tight budget? → WhatsApp on WiFi costs nothing. If traveling, Yesim starts at £3.
Want premium reliability? → Try Saily eSIM with 24/7 support and excellent coverage.
By Situation
Regular calls from UK home:
- Best: WhatsApp on home WiFi (free)
- Alternative: FaceTime if both have iPhones (free)
- For landlines: Skype credit (£0.019/min)
- Total cost: £0 for most calls
Week-long holiday in India:
- Best: Airalo 1GB eSIM (£3.40) + WhatsApp
- Budget: Yesim 1GB (£3.00) + WhatsApp
- Total cost: £3-3.40 for unlimited calling
Month-long India trip:
- Best: Airalo 10GB (£19.70) + WhatsApp
- Alternative: Saily 5GB (£12) + WhatsApp
- Total cost: £12-20 for unlimited calling + data
Business calls (need landline access):
- Best: Skype credit
- Cost: £0.019/minute (£1.14 per hour)
- Total cost: Pay as you go
Cost Comparison Over One Month
Let's say you make 5 hours (300 minutes) of calls to India per month from the UK:
| Method | Monthly Cost | Savings vs Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| WhatsApp on WiFi | £0 | Save £450 |
| FaceTime Audio | £0 | Save £450 |
| Skype Credit | £5.70 | Save £444.30 |
| Airalo eSIM (in India) | £8.30-19.70 | Save £430-441 |
| UK Mobile Direct | £450 | - |
The savings are massive! Even using Skype credit for landline calls saves you over £400 per month compared to calling directly from your UK mobile. Learn more about saving money in our guide to the cheapest ways to call India.
📚 Related Guides You Might Find Helpful
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to call India from UK?
The cheapest way is WhatsApp calling on WiFi, which is completely free. Both you and the person in India need WhatsApp installed and an internet connection. For calling landlines, Skype credit at £0.019 per minute is the cheapest option. If you're traveling to India, an eSIM plan starting at £3 gives you unlimited WhatsApp calling for a week.
Can I call India for free from UK?
Yes! You have several free options including WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio (for iPhone users), and Skype (for Skype-to-Skype calls). All of these work over WiFi or mobile data and don't cost anything. The only requirement is that both you and the person you're calling have internet access and the same app installed.
How much does it cost to call India from a UK mobile?
Calling India directly from your UK mobile (using 0091 + number) costs around £1.50 per minute with most UK operators including EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three. A 30-minute call would cost £45. This is extremely expensive—we strongly recommend using WhatsApp, Skype, or an eSIM instead to save hundreds of pounds.
Do I need a VPN to call India from UK?
No, you don't need a VPN to call India from the UK. Unlike some countries that block calling apps, the UK has no restrictions on WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, or other calling services. All these apps work normally on any UK internet connection. VPNs are only needed in countries like UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia where VoIP calling is restricted.
What is the best eSIM for calling India from UK?
Airalo is the best eSIM for UK travelers visiting India. For £3.40, you get 1GB of data (enough for 1,000+ minutes of WhatsApp calls) that works anywhere in India for 7 days. If you're staying longer, their 3GB monthly plan costs £8.30. This is much cheaper than UK roaming, which typically costs £5-10 per day.
How do I dial India from UK mobile?
To call India directly from a UK mobile, dial 0091 (or +91), then the area code and phone number. However, this is very expensive at £1.50 per minute. Instead, we recommend using WhatsApp on WiFi (free) or buying an eSIM if you're in India. These options save you hundreds of pounds and work just as well.
Does WhatsApp work in India?
Yes, WhatsApp works perfectly in India and is extremely popular there with over 500 million users. If you're traveling to India from the UK, buy an eSIM plan for local data and you can use WhatsApp anywhere to call back to the UK or within India for free. No restrictions, excellent call quality, and completely free once you have data.
Final Thoughts
Calling India from the UK doesn't have to be expensive. With WhatsApp and WiFi, most people can make completely free calls whenever they want. The days of paying £1.50 per minute are over—there's simply no reason to use traditional phone calls anymore.
For regular calls from home, stick with WhatsApp on your home WiFi. It's free, the quality is excellent, and everyone in India already uses it. If you need to call landlines occasionally, buy some Skype credit at £0.019 per minute—still incredibly cheap.
Planning a trip to India? Don't pay for expensive UK roaming. Get an Airalo eSIM for as little as £3.40 and use WhatsApp anywhere in the country. You'll save hundreds of pounds compared to your UK operator's daily roaming charges.
Budget travelers should check out Yesim's affordable eSIM plans starting at £3, while those wanting premium reliability will appreciate Saily's excellent coverage and 24/7 support.
The bottom line? You can stay connected with family in India for free or nearly free. Save those hundreds of pounds for something more enjoyable than phone bills. Whether you're calling from London or traveling through India, you now have all the tools to stay connected affordably.
For more money-saving strategies, check out our comprehensive guide covering all the best ways to call India or learn about how to avoid international calling charges completely.
