Calling India from USA doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. Whether you're staying in touch with family, managing business relationships, or planning a trip to India, understanding your options can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through the traditional dialing method, then show you modern solutions that offer better quality and lower costs. You'll learn about eSIM technology for travelers, VPN solutions for restricted countries, and free apps that work surprisingly well.
By the end, you'll know exactly which method is best for your situation - whether you need a local Indian number while traveling, want to bypass calling restrictions, or simply need the cheapest way to stay connected.
ðŸ"' Quick Navigation
Traditional Method: Dialing India from USA
First, let's cover the basic dialing format that's been around for decades. This works with any phone - cell or landline - but it's usually the most expensive option.
ðŸ"ž Traditional Dialing Format
ðŸ'¡ Examples of Traditional Dialing
Calling a Mumbai landline: 011-91-22-XXXX-XXXX
(011 = exit code, 91 = India, 22 = Mumbai STD code, XXXX-XXXX = local number)
Calling an Indian mobile: 011-91-98XXX-XXXXX
(011 = exit code, 91 = India, 98XXX-XXXXX = 10-digit mobile number)
⚠️ Important: Traditional Method Costs
Using your regular US carrier for international calls to India typically costs $1.50-$5.00 per minute depending on your plan. A 10-minute call could cost $15-$50! That's why most people use modern alternatives instead.
Modern Solutions: Better Quality, Lower Cost
Here's the good news: technology has come a long way, and there are now much better options than traditional international dialing. Let me show you what works in 2025.
Quick Comparison: Your Best Options
| Solution | Best For | Cost | Call Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 (UAE, China) | $3.39/month | âââââ |
| Free calls from USA | Free (needs WiFi/data) | ââââ | |
| Google Voice | Free/cheap calls | Free in US, $0.01/min to India | ââââ |
| FaceTime Audio | iPhone to iPhone | Free (needs WiFi/data) | âââââ |
| Skype | PC/mobile calls | Free Skype-to-Skype, $0.023/min to phones | ââââ |
Best eSIM Options for Travelers to India
If you're traveling to India, eSIM technology is a game-changer. Instead of buying a physical SIM card at the airport, you can download a virtual SIM directly to your phone before you even leave USA. You'll get a local Indian number and data plan instantly.
1. Airalo eSIM
Best for TravelersBest for: Anyone traveling to India who wants instant connectivity with a local number and reliable data.
How it works: Download the Airalo app before your trip, purchase an India eSIM plan, and activate it when you land. You'll have a local Indian number and data plan ready to use immediately - no need to find a store or wait in airport lines.
ðŸ'¡ Why Airalo is Our #1 Pick for India Travel
Airalo has the most reliable network coverage across India (connects to Airtel and Jio), offers flexible plans from 1GB to 20GB, and works in 200+ countries. You can call India using your local Indian number or use WhatsApp/other apps with your data. Perfect for short trips or extended stays.
Pros
- Get a local Indian number instantly
- Works across all major Indian cities
- Plans start at just $4.50 for 1GB
- No airport hassle or store visits needed
- Excellent customer support
- Top up anytime from the app
Cons
- Requires eSIM-compatible phone (iPhone XR+ or newer Android)
- Data-only plans (but can use WhatsApp for calls)
- Need to purchase before arrival for best experience
Pricing: India plans start at $4.50 for 1GB (7 days), $9 for 3GB (30 days), up to $37 for 20GB (30 days). Regional Asia plans also available if visiting multiple countries.
Get Airalo eSIM for India â†'2. Saily eSIM
Premium AlternativeBest for: Travelers who want premium support and security (backed by Nord Security, the makers of NordVPN).
How it works: Similar to Airalo - download the Saily app, purchase an India eSIM, and activate when you arrive. Saily includes extra security features and 24/7 premium customer support.
Pros
- Backed by trusted Nord Security
- Premium 24/7 customer support
- Enhanced security features
- Easy-to-use app interface
- Reliable connection across India
Cons
- Slightly higher pricing than alternatives
- Newer service (less user reviews)
- Requires eSIM-compatible device
Pricing: India plans start at $5.99 for 1GB (7 days), with larger plans available for extended stays.
Try Saily eSIM â†'3. Yesim eSIM
Budget OptionBest for: Budget-conscious travelers who want eSIM convenience at the lowest price.
How it works: Download Yesim app, choose an India data plan, and activate upon arrival. Best value for shorter trips or light data users.
Pros
- Most affordable eSIM option
- Good coverage in major cities
- Simple app interface
- Quick activation process
Cons
- Coverage may be limited in rural areas
- Customer support not 24/7
- Fewer plan options than competitors
Pricing: India plans start at $3.99 for 1GB (7 days), making it the most budget-friendly eSIM option.
Get Yesim eSIM â†'Best VPN for Calling India from Restricted Countries
Living in UAE, China, Saudi Arabia, or other countries where WhatsApp and calling apps are blocked? You need a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to bypass these restrictions and call India freely.
4. NordVPN
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, and other calling apps.
How it works: Install NordVPN on your phone or computer, connect to a server in USA or another unrestricted country, and then use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or any calling app normally. The VPN encrypts your connection and routes it through an unrestricted country, bypassing local restrictions.
ðŸ'¡ Why NordVPN Works Best for Calling India
NordVPN has over 6,000 servers worldwide including many in USA, UK, and Singapore that work reliably even in heavily restricted countries like China. It offers obfuscated servers specifically designed to bypass deep packet inspection. You can use it on 6 devices simultaneously, so your entire family can call India freely.
Pros
- Works reliably in China, UAE, Saudi Arabia
- Unblocks WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype instantly
- 6 simultaneous device connections
- No-logs policy protects your privacy
- 24/7 customer support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Monthly subscription cost ($3.39-$12.99/month)
- Requires installation on each device
- May slightly reduce internet speed
Pricing: Plans start at $3.39/month for 2-year plan, $4.99/month for 1-year plan, or $12.99/month monthly. All plans include 30-day money-back guarantee.
Get NordVPN Now â†'⚠️ Legal Note About VPNs
While VPNs are legal in most countries, some nations restrict their use. In UAE, VPNs are legal for legitimate purposes. In China, only government-approved VPNs are officially permitted, though many expats use international VPNs without issues. Always research your specific location's laws and use VPNs responsibly.
Free Apps for Calling India from USA
If you're based in USA with good WiFi or data, these free apps work great for calling India. They're perfect for occasional calls and don't require any subscription.
5. WhatsApp
FreeBest for: Free voice and video calls when both parties have WhatsApp installed.
How it works: Download WhatsApp on your smartphone, verify your phone number, and you can make free calls to anyone else with WhatsApp using WiFi or mobile data. Over 500 million people in India use WhatsApp, so chances are your family and friends already have it.
Pros
- Completely free (just uses data/WiFi)
- Excellent call quality on good connections
- Video calls included
- Nearly everyone in India has it
- End-to-end encryption for privacy
Cons
- Both parties must have WhatsApp
- Blocked in UAE, China, and some other countries
- Requires internet connection (WiFi or data)
- Can't call regular landline/mobile numbers
Our take: WhatsApp is the #1 free option for calling India from USA if you have good internet. The call quality rivals paid services, and since it's so popular in India, you won't have trouble finding people who use it.
6. Google Voice
Free/Low-CostBest for: Calling regular phone numbers in India at very low rates ($0.01/minute).
How it works: Sign up for a free Google Voice number (USA only), add calling credit to your account, and you can call any phone number in India for just 1 cent per minute. Calls within USA are completely free.
Pros
- Extremely cheap ($0.01/min to India)
- Can call any landline or mobile number
- Free USA number included
- Works on computer or mobile app
- No subscription required
Cons
- Only available to USA residents
- Requires Google account
- Call quality varies with internet connection
- Not truly "free" for India calls (but very cheap)
Our take: Google Voice offers the best value for calling actual phone numbers in India. At 1 cent per minute, a one-hour call costs just 60 cents - that's 95% cheaper than traditional international calling.
7. FaceTime Audio
FreeBest for: iPhone, iPad, or Mac users calling other Apple device users in India.
How it works: If you and your contact both have Apple devices, you can use FaceTime Audio (voice only) or FaceTime Video for completely free calls over WiFi or cellular data.
Pros
- Completely free
- Exceptional call quality
- Built into every Apple device
- No setup required
- Encrypted for privacy
Cons
- Only works between Apple devices
- Blocked in UAE and some other countries
- Requires internet connection
- Can't call regular phone numbers
Our take: If you're both in the Apple ecosystem, FaceTime offers the best audio quality of any free calling option. It's simple, reliable, and the call quality often exceeds paid services.
8. Skype
Free/PaidBest for: PC-based calling and international calls to landlines/mobiles.
How it works: Create a free Skype account and make free Skype-to-Skype calls. To call regular phone numbers in India, add Skype Credit and pay $0.023 per minute (about 2 cents per minute).
Pros
- Free Skype-to-Skype calls
- Very cheap rates to phone numbers
- Works on any device (PC, mobile, tablet)
- Reliable and established service
- Screen sharing and group calls
Cons
- Less popular than WhatsApp in India
- Interface feels dated
- Need to add credit for phone calls
- Call quality can be inconsistent
Our take: Skype is a solid option, especially if you prefer calling from your computer or need to call landline numbers frequently. The rates are competitive with Google Voice, though the platform feels less modern than newer alternatives.
Which Method Should You Choose?
Here's a quick guide to help you pick the best solution for your specific situation:
🎯 Quick Decision Guide
Traveling to India soon? â†' Get Airalo eSIM for instant local number and data. No airport hassle, works immediately upon arrival.
Living in UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia? â†' Get NordVPN to bypass calling restrictions and use WhatsApp freely.
Looking for premium eSIM with best support? â†' Try Saily eSIM backed by Nord Security for reliable service with 24/7 support.
Need budget-friendly eSIM option? â†' Choose Yesim eSIM for the most affordable data plans to India.
Calling from USA with good WiFi? â†' Use WhatsApp (free, excellent quality) or Google Voice ($0.01/minute to any phone number).
Both have iPhones? â†' Use FaceTime Audio for crystal-clear free calls.
Need to call landlines from PC? â†' Try Google Voice or Skype for cheap rates to any Indian number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exit code for calling India from USA?
The exit code for calling India from USA is 011. This tells your phone carrier you're making an international call. After dialing 011, you then dial India's country code (91) followed by the phone number.
Do I need to dial the leading 0 when calling Indian landlines?
No, you should NOT include the leading 0 when calling Indian landlines from USA. If a Mumbai number is listed as 022-XXXX-XXXX within India, you would dial 011-91-22-XXXX-XXXX from USA (dropping the leading 0 from the STD code).
What's the cheapest way to call India from USA?
The cheapest options are free apps like WhatsApp (completely free with WiFi) or Google Voice (1 cent per minute to call any phone number in India). If you're traveling to India, an eSIM like Airalo gives you a local number and works out much cheaper than international roaming.
Can I use WhatsApp to call India if I'm in UAE?
WhatsApp calling is blocked in UAE, but you can use a VPN like NordVPN to bypass this restriction. Once connected to the VPN, WhatsApp works normally and you can make free calls to India. Alternatively, use an eSIM with a different country's data plan.
What is an eSIM and do I need one for India?
An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that you download to your phone without needing a physical card. You don't need an eSIM to call India from USA, but if you're traveling to India, an eSIM gives you instant local service without buying a SIM card at the airport. It's more convenient and often cheaper than international roaming.
How much do international calls to India cost with my regular carrier?
Most US carriers charge $1.50-$5.00 per minute for international calls to India without an international plan. That's why most people use alternatives like WiFi calling apps (free), Google Voice ($0.01/minute), or eSIM services when traveling. These options are 95-100% cheaper than traditional carrier rates.
Is VPN legal in UAE for calling India?
VPNs are legal in UAE when used for legitimate purposes. Many expats and businesses use VPNs to access services that are otherwise blocked. However, using VPNs for illegal activities is prohibited. Always use VPNs responsibly and in compliance with local laws.
Final Thoughts
Calling India from USA has never been easier or more affordable. While the traditional 011-91-XXX method still works, you'll save hundreds of dollars by using modern alternatives.
If you're traveling to India, Airalo eSIM gives you instant connectivity with a local number at a fraction of the cost of international roaming. For those in restricted countries like UAE or China, NordVPN is essential for accessing WhatsApp and other calling apps.
And if you're simply calling from USA with good internet, WhatsApp or Google Voice offer excellent quality at little to no cost. The key is choosing the right tool for your situation - whether that's convenience while traveling, bypassing restrictions, or simply saving money on calls.
Start with the solution that matches your needs today, and you'll wonder why you ever paid expensive international calling rates!
