In the age of interconnectedness, making international calls has become a necessity for both personal and professional communication. With the advent of technology, numerous options are available to make calls from India to the United States. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various methods and provide step-by-step instructions to help you make calls effortlessly.
One of the most cost-effective ways to call the US from India is through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. VoIP utilizes the internet to transmit voice data, eliminating the need for traditional phone lines. Popular VoIP providers such as Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber offer free or low-cost calling plans, allowing users to make international calls with ease. To use VoIP, simply download the respective app on your smartphone or computer, register for an account, and add the desired contacts. Once connected to the internet, you can initiate calls to US numbers at significantly reduced rates compared to traditional phone carriers.
Another convenient option for making calls to the US is through international calling cards. These cards are available at various retail outlets and online platforms. To use a calling card, purchase the card with the desired value, dial the access number provided on the card, enter the PIN, and follow the instructions to connect to the desired US number. International calling cards typically offer per-minute rates that are lower than standard international calling charges, making them a budget-friendly option for occasional callers.
Dialing the International Prefix
To initiate an international call from India to the United States, it is essential to dial the international prefix. This code, typically represented by the symbol “+,” signals to the telephone network that you are attempting to connect to a number outside of India.
Table 1: International Prefixes
| Country | International Prefix |
|---|---|
| United States | +1 |
Once you have dialed the international prefix, you can proceed with dialing the area code and the telephone number of the recipient in the United States. It’s imperative to ensure that you include all the necessary digits, excluding any leading zeros or special characters.
For instance, if you wish to call a number in New York City, you would dial +1 (212) 555-1212. The +1 represents the international prefix for the United States, 212 is the area code for New York City, and 555-1212 is the local telephone number.
By following these steps and carefully dialing the international prefix, you can establish a successful connection and communicate with individuals in the United States from India.
Adding the Area Code
When dialing an international number, it’s essential to include the appropriate area code. This three-digit code identifies the specific geographic region within the dialed country.
How to Find the Area Code
- Use an online directory: Numerous websites, such as AreaCodeLookup.com, provide a comprehensive database of area codes worldwide. Simply search for the city or region you wish to call.
- Check the country’s official website: Most countries have official websites that list their area codes in detail. For example, the United States’ area code information can be found on the website of the North American Numbering Plan Administrator.
- Refer to a telephone directory: If you have access to a local telephone directory, you can look up the area code for a specific city or region.
Dialing Syntax
To dial a number in the USA from India, follow this syntax:
011 + (1) + (Area Code) + (Local Number)
For instance, to call a number in New York City (area code 212), the dialing syntax would be:
011 + (1) + (212) + (Local Number)
Dialing Table
For your convenience, here’s a table of some common USA area codes and their corresponding cities:
| Area Code | City |
|---|---|
| 212 | New York City |
| 312 | Chicago |
| 415 | San Francisco |
| 617 | Boston |
| 714 | Orange County |
By following these steps and using the appropriate area code, you can ensure that your calls to the USA from India are routed successfully.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
8. Use the Right Dialing Format
Dialing a phone number to the United States from India can be tricky if you don’t know the correct format. To avoid confusion and ensure your call connects successfully, follow these steps:
- Dial the exit code: Start by dialing the exit code for India, which is “00” or “+”
- Add the country code: Next, dial the country code for the United States, which is “1”
- Drop the leading “0”: The following step is to remove the leading “0” from the area code of the US phone number you’re calling
- Dial the area code: Enter the area code of the US phone number, which is a 3-digit number
- Dial the phone number: Finally, dial the remaining 7 digits of the US phone number
Here’s an example to clarify the dialing process:
| Country | Exit Code | Country Code | Area Code | Phone Number | Full Dialing Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 00 | 1 | 022 | 1234567 | 00 1 22 1234567 |
How to Make a Call to the USA from India
Making a call from India to the United States is a simple process that can be completed in a few easy steps. Here’s how you can do it:
- Dial the exit code for India: The exit code for India is 00.
- Dial the country code for the United States: The country code for the United States is 1.
- Dial the area code: The area code is a three-digit number that identifies the specific region within the United States. For example, the area code for New York City is 212.
- Dial the phone number: This is the seven-digit phone number of the person you’re calling.
For example, if you’re calling a friend in New York City, you would dial the following sequence of numbers: 00 1 212 555-1212.
Note: If you’re using a landline, you may need to dial an additional digit (usually 0) before the exit code. Check with your service provider for specific instructions.
People Also Ask
How much does it cost to call the USA from India?
The cost of calling the USA from India varies depending on the service provider and the type of call (landline or mobile). However, the average cost is around Rs. 1.50 per minute for landline calls and Rs. 2.50 per minute for mobile calls.
What is the best time to call the USA from India?
The best time to call the USA from India is during the evening or night hours (between 8pm and 10pm IST), as this is when call rates are typically lower.
Can I use my Indian SIM card to call the USA?
Using a Local SIM Card
Yes, you can use your Indian SIM card to call the USA, but you will need to purchase an international calling plan from your service provider. This will allow you to make calls to the USA at a reduced rate.
Using a Roaming SIM Card
If you’re using a roaming SIM card in India, you will likely be charged higher rates for calling the USA. It’s best to check with your service provider for specific pricing information before making any calls.
