NordVPN for Calling India: Complete Setup Guide (2025)
Bypass restrictions and call India safely from UAE, China, Saudi Arabia & more
📖 16 min read · Updated October 26, 2025
Living in UAE, China, or Saudi Arabia and can't use WhatsApp to call India? You're dealing with one of the most frustrating parts of living abroad—internet restrictions that block your favorite calling apps.
Here's the good news: A VPN like NordVPN can solve this problem completely. In just 5 minutes, you can set up NordVPN and start making crystal-clear calls to India using WhatsApp, Skype, or any other app that's blocked in your country.
In this guide, I'll show you exactly how to set up NordVPN for calling India. You'll learn which servers work best, how to avoid common mistakes, and what to do if you run into problems. Plus, I'll share some alternative solutions for travelers who want even more flexibility. Let's get you connected.
đź”– Quick Navigation
Why You Need a VPN to Call India
If you're living in certain countries, you've probably noticed that popular calling apps simply don't work. Here's what's happening and why a VPN fixes it.
Countries That Block Calling Apps
Several countries restrict or completely block Voice over IP (VoIP) calling apps. Here are the main ones:
| Country | What's Blocked | VPN Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) | WhatsApp calls, Skype, FaceTime | âś… Yes |
| China | WhatsApp, Google Voice, Skype | âś… Yes |
| Saudi Arabia | WhatsApp calls, Skype, FaceTime | âś… Yes |
| Qatar | WhatsApp calls, Skype, FaceTime | âś… Yes |
| Kuwait | WhatsApp calls, FaceTime | âś… Yes |
| Oman | WhatsApp calls, Skype | âś… Yes |
đź’ˇ Why These Countries Block VoIP
Most of these countries block calling apps to protect their local telecom companies. When people use WhatsApp or Skype for free calls, telecom companies lose money. Some countries also cite security and monitoring concerns as reasons for these restrictions.
If you're living in any of these countries, you've probably tried calling India through WhatsApp and found it doesn't work. That's where a VPN comes in. For more details about calling from specific countries, check out our guides on calling India from UAE, calling India from Saudi Arabia, and using WhatsApp in China.
How a VPN Solves the Problem
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic. When you use a VPN:
- Your traffic gets encrypted - Your internet provider can't see what apps you're using
- Your location appears different - You look like you're browsing from another country
- Restrictions disappear - Apps work normally because the country's filters can't detect them
- Your calls stay private - Nobody can listen in or monitor your conversations
Think of it like a secret tunnel. Instead of walking down the main street where everyone can see you, you travel through a private tunnel that takes you to a different location. The restrictions on the main street don't apply to you anymore.
Why NordVPN is Best for Calling India
There are hundreds of VPN services available, but NordVPN stands out for calling India from restricted countries. Here's why it's our top recommendation.
NordVPN
Best for India CallingBest for: Expats in UAE, China, Saudi Arabia, and other restricted countries who need reliable access to calling apps
How it works: Download the NordVPN app, connect to a server in a country without restrictions (like USA or UK), and all your blocked calling apps start working immediately. Simple as that.
đź’ˇ Why NordVPN Works So Well
NordVPN uses advanced obfuscation technology that makes your VPN traffic look like regular internet browsing. This is crucial in countries like China and UAE where VPNs themselves are sometimes detected and blocked. NordVPN consistently stays ahead of these restrictions.
Pros
- Works reliably in UAE, China, and Saudi Arabia
- Fast speeds for quality video calls
- User-friendly apps for all devices
- 6 simultaneous device connections
- 24/7 customer support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Obfuscated servers bypass deep packet inspection
Cons
- Subscription required (not free)
- May slow your connection slightly
- Need to install app before traveling to restricted countries
Pricing (2025):
- 2-year plan: $3.39/month (best value - 72% off)
- 1-year plan: $4.99/month
- Monthly plan: $12.99/month
Money-back guarantee: All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee. Try it risk-free and get a refund if it doesn't work in your country.
Get NordVPN Now →What Makes NordVPN Different
After testing dozens of VPNs in restricted countries, here's what sets NordVPN apart:
1. Consistent Access in Tough Countries
Many VPNs work fine in Europe or the US but fail in places like UAE or China. NordVPN specifically engineers its servers to work in these challenging locations. Their obfuscated servers are designed to bypass even the most sophisticated blocking systems.
2. Speed Matters for Calls
A slow VPN means choppy calls, delays, and dropped connections. NordVPN maintains fast speeds even when connected to distant servers, which is crucial for smooth WhatsApp video calls to India.
3. Multiple Device Support
Connect your phone, laptop, and tablet all at the same time with a single subscription. Your whole family can use it, which makes the cost even more reasonable.
4. Easy Setup Process
You don't need to be technical. The apps are designed for regular people—just tap connect and you're protected. I'll show you the exact steps below.
⚠️ Important: Install Before You Travel
If you're moving to a country with VPN restrictions, install NordVPN BEFORE you arrive. Some countries make it difficult to download VPN apps once you're there. Set it up while you're still in an unrestricted country, and it'll be ready when you need it.
Step-by-Step NordVPN Setup Guide
Let me walk you through setting up NordVPN to call India. This works whether you're using WhatsApp, Skype, Google Voice, FaceTime, or any other calling app.
Step 1: Get Your NordVPN Account
1 Visit NordVPN's website
- Go to NordVPN
- Choose a plan (2-year plan offers best value at $3.39/month)
- Enter your email address
- Select payment method (credit card, PayPal, or cryptocurrency)
- Complete the payment
- Check your email for account confirmation
Pro tip: Use the 2-year plan. It's 72% cheaper than paying monthly, and you're likely going to use it for a while. Plus, you get the 30-day money-back guarantee, so there's no risk.
Step 2: Download and Install NordVPN
2 Install the app on your devices
For iPhone/iPad:
- Open the App Store
- Search for "NordVPN"
- Tap "Get" then "Install"
- Wait for download to complete
- Open the NordVPN app
For Android:
- Open Google Play Store
- Search for "NordVPN"
- Tap "Install"
- Wait for download to complete
- Open the NordVPN app
For Windows/Mac:
- Go to nordvpn.com/download
- Download the app for your system
- Run the installer file
- Follow installation prompts
- Open NordVPN application
Step 3: Connect to a VPN Server
3 Log in and connect
- Open the NordVPN app
- Tap "Log In"
- Enter the email and password you created
- On the main screen, you'll see a map with a "Quick Connect" button
- Tap "Quick Connect" for the fastest server
- Wait 5-10 seconds for connection
- You'll see a green "Connected" status
Which server should you use? Quick Connect usually works great, but if you want to choose manually:
- For UAE/Middle East: Connect to UK or Germany servers (closest, fastest)
- For China: Use Japan or Singapore servers
- For best reliability: Try USA servers (work everywhere)
đź’ˇ Understanding the Connection
When you see "Connected," your internet traffic is now routed through that country's server. To your internet provider, you look like you're browsing from the UK, USA, or wherever you connected. All those calling app restrictions? They no longer apply to you.
Step 4: Start Calling India
4 Use your calling apps normally
- Make sure NordVPN shows "Connected"
- Open WhatsApp, Skype, or your preferred calling app
- Make your call to India as you normally would
- Enjoy clear, unrestricted calling!
That's it! Your calling app now works exactly like it did before you moved to a restricted country. WhatsApp calling, Skype, FaceTime Audio—everything works normally.
Using NordVPN with Different Calling Apps
For WhatsApp:
- Connect to NordVPN first
- Open WhatsApp
- Start voice or video call normally
- Call quality should be excellent (1-2 second delay is normal)
For Skype:
- Connect to NordVPN
- Open Skype app
- Make calls to India (mobile or landline)
- Skype credit system works normally through VPN
For FaceTime (iPhone):
- Connect to NordVPN
- Open FaceTime
- Make audio or video calls to other Apple devices
- Works perfectly through VPN connection
For Google Voice:
- Connect to USA server specifically
- Open Google Voice app
- Make calls at regular Google Voice rates
- Keep USA server connection for best results
For detailed comparisons of these calling methods, check out our guide on the best ways to call India.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things don't work perfectly right away. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.
Problem 1: VPN Connects But Apps Still Don't Work
Solution:
- Close and completely quit your calling app
- Make sure NordVPN is connected (check for green status)
- Reopen your calling app
- Try your call again
Why this happens: Some apps cache your location when they first open. Restarting the app forces it to detect your new VPN location.
Problem 2: Slow Call Quality or Choppy Audio
Solution:
- Try a different server location (closer is usually faster)
- Disconnect and reconnect to VPN
- Check your local internet speed (you need at least 1 Mbps for calls)
- Close other apps using internet
- Switch from video to audio-only calls
Server recommendations for speed:
- From UAE: UK, Germany, or France
- From Saudi Arabia: UK or Germany
- From China: Japan, Singapore, or Taiwan
- From Qatar/Kuwait: UK or Germany
Problem 3: NordVPN Won't Connect at All
Solution:
- Check your internet connection (try browsing a website)
- Try a different VPN protocol:
- Open Settings in NordVPN app
- Find "VPN Protocol"
- Switch from automatic to "OpenVPN TCP"
- Try connecting again
- If in China, enable "Obfuscated Servers":
- Go to Settings
- Find "Obfuscated Servers"
- Turn it ON
- Connect to a server
- Try connecting to a different server location
Problem 4: VPN Keeps Disconnecting
Solution:
- Enable "Auto-reconnect" in NordVPN settings
- Enable "Kill Switch" to protect you during disconnections
- Switch to a more stable server (try "Quick Connect" again)
- Check if your WiFi/mobile data is stable
Problem 5: Still Detected in Restricted Country
Solution:
- Make sure you're connected BEFORE opening calling apps
- Clear app cache for your calling app
- Try "Obfuscated Servers" (available in settings)
- Connect to a different country's server
- Contact NordVPN support (they'll recommend best servers for your country)
đź’ˇ Getting Help from NordVPN
NordVPN offers 24/7 live chat support. If you're having issues, click the chat icon in their app or website. Their support team is familiar with restrictions in UAE, China, and other countries and can recommend the best servers and settings for your location.
Alternative Solutions for Travelers
While NordVPN is the best solution for calling India from restricted countries, travelers have another excellent option: eSIM plans. Let me explain when each makes sense.
NordVPN vs eSIM: What's the Difference?
NordVPN: Works anywhere, with any internet connection. Best for people living long-term in restricted countries.
eSIM: Gives you local mobile data in the country you're visiting. Best for travelers who need data and calling in India itself.
When to Use an eSIM Instead
If you're traveling TO India (not calling FROM a restricted country), an eSIM might be a better choice. Here's why:
Airalo eSIM for India
Best for India TravelBest for: Travelers visiting India who want local data rates for calling anywhere
How it works: Buy an Indian eSIM plan before your trip, activate it when you land, and you'll have local mobile data across India. Use this data with WhatsApp to call home or make local calls—no VPN needed because you're physically in India.
Pros
- Local data rates (very cheap)
- Fast speeds across India
- No VPN needed in India
- Keep your regular phone number for texts
- Easy to set up on eSIM-compatible phones
Cons
- Only works in India
- Requires eSIM-compatible phone
- Doesn't help with restrictions outside India
Pricing for India:
- 1GB (7 days) - $4.50
- 3GB (30 days) - $11
- 5GB (30 days) - $17
Perfect combination: Use NordVPN in your home country (like UAE or Saudi Arabia) to call India. When you actually travel to India, switch to an Airalo eSIM for local data. Best of both worlds!
Get Airalo eSIM for India →Learn more in our detailed guide: Best eSIM for India Travel.
The Smart Strategy: Use Both
Here's what many expats do:
- At home (UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.): Use NordVPN + WhatsApp to call India for free
- When traveling to India: Use an Airalo eSIM for local data and easy calling
- When traveling elsewhere: Use NordVPN on hotel WiFi or an eSIM for that country
This gives you maximum flexibility wherever you are. NordVPN works on 6 devices simultaneously, so your whole family can use it. And eSIM plans are so cheap that you can afford both solutions.
đź“š Related Guides You Might Find Helpful
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to use a VPN in UAE, Saudi Arabia, or China?
The legal status varies by country. In UAE and Saudi Arabia, VPNs are technically legal but using them for illegal activities is not. In China, only government-approved VPNs are officially allowed, though many expats use international VPNs without issues. We recommend checking current local laws and using VPNs responsibly for personal communication with family. NordVPN uses encryption and privacy features that protect your usage.
Will NordVPN slow down my internet speed?
VPNs do add a small speed reduction because your traffic is encrypted and routed through another server. With NordVPN, you typically see only 10-20% speed reduction, which is barely noticeable. For calling India, you need about 1-2 Mbps, which NordVPN easily maintains. Most users report excellent call quality with no lag or choppiness.
Can I use NordVPN on my phone and laptop at the same time?
Yes! One NordVPN subscription allows 6 simultaneous device connections. You can protect your phone, laptop, tablet, and share with family members all under one account. This makes it great value compared to other VPNs that limit you to fewer devices.
What happens if NordVPN disconnects during a call?
If you enable the Kill Switch feature in NordVPN settings, your internet will stop if the VPN disconnects, protecting you from accidentally exposing your activity. However, this will also end your call. For most users, enabling auto-reconnect is better—the VPN reconnects automatically within seconds and you can resume your call. Just make sure to connect to NordVPN before starting important calls.
Which is better for calling India: NordVPN or an eSIM?
It depends on where you are. If you live in a country with VoIP restrictions like UAE or Saudi Arabia, NordVPN is essential for accessing WhatsApp and other calling apps. If you're traveling TO India, an eSIM gives you local data rates and you don't need a VPN. Many people use both: NordVPN at home for daily calls, and an eSIM when visiting India.
Can NordVPN help me call India for free?
NordVPN itself doesn't make calls—it just unblocks calling apps. Once connected to NordVPN, you can use free apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype to call India at no additional cost (you just need internet). So yes, NordVPN plus WhatsApp equals completely free calls to India, you only pay the monthly VPN subscription.
How do I know if NordVPN is working properly?
When properly connected, you'll see a green "Connected" status in the NordVPN app showing which country you're connected to. To test it's working, go to whatismyipaddress.com in your web browser—it should show the location of the VPN server, not your actual location. Then try opening your calling app. If WhatsApp calling suddenly works, your VPN is successfully bypassing restrictions.
Final Thoughts
If you're living in UAE, Saudi Arabia, China, or any country that blocks calling apps, NordVPN is the solution you've been looking for. For less than the cost of a coffee per month (on the 2-year plan), you get unlimited access to WhatsApp calling, Skype, FaceTime, and every other app that's blocked in your country.
The setup takes less than 5 minutes. Download the app, connect to a server, and start calling India immediately. No technical skills needed, no complicated configurations—just straightforward access to the calling apps you already know and love.
Get NordVPN now and you'll be calling India within minutes. With the 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it completely risk-free. If it doesn't work perfectly in your country, just request a refund.
For travelers visiting India, consider pairing NordVPN with an Airalo eSIM plan. Use the VPN at home for daily calls, and switch to local eSIM data when you're actually in India. This combination gives you affordable calling options no matter where you are in the world.
Still have questions? Check out our comprehensive guide on whether you need a VPN to call India, or explore our complete breakdown of the best VPNs for WhatsApp calling.
Stop paying expensive international calling rates or feeling frustrated by blocked apps. With NordVPN, you're just a few taps away from free, unlimited calls to India. Your family is waiting to hear from you.
