Indian Phone Number Format

An Indian phone number primarily consists of an area code (for landlines) or a mobile prefix (for mobile numbers), followed by the subscriber's phone number. However, when contacting from abroad, the same Indian number will also include an exit code and India’s country code.

The exit code, also known as the International Dialing Prefix (IDD) or International Access Code, is the number you enter first when calling India from another country. For instance, if you are calling India from the United States, you would dial the US exit code 011 before India’s country code and the subscriber’s number.

Other countries have their own exit codes, but you can also use the “+” symbol. This automatically signals that the call is international, making it easier to connect without remembering specific country codes.

India’s country code is 91, and it helps route your call directly to the Asian nation from any other country. When dialing internationally, the country code ensures your call reaches the correct nation without confusion.

Indian area codes typically range from 2 to 8 digits long. While smaller towns and villages have longer area codes, ranging from four to eight digits, the largest metropolitan areas and major cities have the shortest codes.

Furthermore, when dialing within India, a prefix of zero (0) is required before the area code if you are calling from a region having a different area code. However, when calling from abroad, the zero is dropped.

Here are some of India’s major cities alongside their respective area codes.

In India, the first few digits of mobile numbers are known as the mobile prefix, and often begin with 9, 8, 7 or 6. Originally, these prefixes indicated the network operator (like Airtel or Vodafone) and the region where the number was issued. However, with the introduction of phone number porting, a prefix no longer reliably shows the current operator.

Nonetheless, today, some prefixes also indicate the type of call. For instance, numbers starting with 140 are often used for promotional calls, while 160-series numbers are reserved for transactional or service-related messages from banks and trusted organizations.

In India, the subscriber’s number primarily depends on the area code. For regions with a two-digit area code, such as New Delhi or Mumbai, the local number is typically 8 digits long. Areas with three-digit codes, like Jaipur or Gurugram, usually have 7-digit local numbers, while regions with four-digit or longer area codes have 6-digit local numbers.

This system ensures that the total length of any Indian phone number, combining the area code and subscriber number, remains constant at 10 digits.

In India, there are generally three types of phone numbers: landline, mobile, and toll-free numbers. While landline and mobile numbers are typically 10 digits long, toll-free numbers are an exception and can be longer.

Widely used in homes and offices, landline numbers in India are a mixture of the area code and the subscriber’s number. As stated earlier, the length of the subscriber number depends on the area code.

Mobile numbers in India are 10 digits long, and formerly, the mobile prefixes indicated the network and region.

Toll-free numbers are used by businesses to allow customers to call without being charged. In India, they typically start with 1800.

When making local calls in India, the format of the phone number depends on whether you’re calling a landline or a mobile number.

For calling a landline number in a different city or area, you must include the area code before the subscriber number, including the trunk code.

When calling a mobile number within India, you always dial the 10-digit mobile number. If you are in the same city or another city, the format remains the same; no area code is needed.

When calling India from abroad, it’s important to follow the correct Indian phone number format. Using the right format ensures your calls connect without errors, whether you are dialing a landline or a mobile number.

To dial India’s landline number from abroad, enter the international access code of the country where you are calling from, or the “+” sign, followed by India’s country code, area code, and the local number.

• Dial the International Exit Code of your country.
• Dial India’s Country Code.
• Dial the Area Code of the city without the leading zero.
• Dial the Subscriber Number.

To write an Indian mobile number in the international format, first include the exit code from where you are contacting, the country code of India, followed by the mobile number.

• Enter the International Exit Code of your country.
• Add India’s Country Code.
• Dial the 10-Digit Mobile Number (no leading zero).

It’s important to know the best time to call India before contacting the country. Well, India follows Indian Standard Time (IST), which is UTC +5:30.

To ensure your call connects properly, always check calling codes. When dialing from abroad, remember to omit the leading zero from the area code. Similarly, include the correct trunk code if calling within India. More importantly, ensure you are using the correct area code so the call is routed to the right region.

Calling India from overseas can be expensive, depending on your carrier. Some international rates are per minute, and costs can add up quickly. For instance, T-Mobile charges about $3.00 per minute for calls to India without any international calling plan.

So, you can either use calling cards or VoIP services for cost-effective communication.

Understanding the Indian phone number format is essential for seamless communication, whether you are contacting someone within India or calling from overseas. By knowing the structure of landline and mobile numbers, including area codes, mobile prefixes, and international dialing rules, you can avoid misdials and ensure your calls reach the intended recipient without hassle.

Additionally, being aware of time, correct calling codes, and understanding potential international calling costs helps you plan your communication efficiently. For businesses or frequent international callers, solutions like virtual phone numbers can make connecting easier and more cost-effective.

As there are multiple Indian virtual phone number providers, acquire one from a reliable service and call India without worrying about international charges.