How to Call India from the US
There are simple, free and low-cost ways to call India from the US — you just need to dial the correct area code and choose the right tool. For free calls, use apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime or Google Duo – all you need is Wi-Fi. For cheap calls to landlines or mobiles, try services like Google Voice, Rebtel or international add-ons from your mobile provider. Let’s take a look at all the options available.
1. Dialing India from the US: The Basics
To make a direct call to India from a US number, enter the number in this format:
011 (US exit code) + 91 (India’s country code) + area code + local number
For example, to call a landline in Delhi (area code 11), it would look like this:
011-91-11-XXXXXXX
For mobile numbers, you skip the area code and just enter the 10-digit number after the country code:
011-91-XXXXXXXXXX
2. How to Call India from the US Free
Want to skip the fees entirely? These free options are great as long as both you and the recipient have internet access:
- WhatsApp – Voice and video calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data
- FaceTime Audio – For iOS users only
- Google Duo / Meet – Works across Android and iPhone
- Facebook Messenger – Audio and video options
These platforms let you stay connected at zero cost — just make sure both parties have a strong internet connection.
3. Cheap Phone Calls to India
If you’re calling a mobile or landline number (where the person may not have an app), these options offer low-cost rates:
- Google Voice – About $0.01 per minute to India; great call quality
- Rebtel – Local access numbers with unlimited India calling plans
- Skype – Affordable pay-as-you-go and subscription options
- Mobile providers – Some US carriers offer international add-ons (e.g., T-Mobile’s Stateside International Talk plan)
These are great if you're calling regularly or want better reliability than app-based calls.
4. Tips for clearer calls
- Use Wi-Fi or strong mobile data for app-based calling
- Confirm the time zone – India is typically 9.5 to 10.5 hours ahead of US time zones
- If using a calling card or app, make sure your balance is topped up and access numbers are current
Summary: Free and low-cost calls to India are easy
Whether you're catching up with family, handling business, or just saying hello – you’ve got flexible ways to make the connection. Free apps are ideal for everyday chats, and low-cost calling services are perfect for landlines or mobiles. Either way, calling India from the US is easier than ever.
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If you want one app to manage everyday spending, budgeting, and travel while also handling the occasional international transfer, Revolut can be a strong fit. If your priority is sending money to someone else’s card or wallet abroad with predictable costs and minimal setup, Paysend is often the more suitable choice, because it is built specifically around international payouts rather than general personal banking. Let’s explore all the important attributes when it comes to sending money abroad.
International money transfers have changed dramatically over the past decade. Traditional banks, once the default option for sending money abroad, have increasingly been replaced by fintech platforms offering faster delivery, clearer pricing, and digital-first experiences.
Among those platforms, Paysend and Revolut are often mentioned together — but they are built for different core use cases. Choosing the best way to send money abroad depends on how you use the service and what your recipient needs.
This comparison is most relevant for people who regularly send money to someone else abroad — such as family members, dependents, or partners — rather than users mainly looking for a personal spending, travel, or budgeting app.
Revolut is widely known as a lifestyle banking app with a broad range of financial features. Paysend, by contrast, is designed as a specialized global payment network focused on international payouts. Which one fits better depends on what you actually need to do.
