Calling the USA from India: A Comprehensive Guide with Detailed Steps

Staying connected with friends, family, or business contacts in the United States is essential for many Indians. However, the process of making international calls can sometimes seem complex and confusing. This comprehensive guide breaks down the steps, options, and considerations for calling the US from India, ensuring you can connect smoothly and affordably.

Understanding the Basics: Dialing Codes

Before diving into the specifics, let’s understand the essential dialing codes involved in making international calls:

• India’s International Exit Code: + (or 00) – This code indicates that you’re making an international call.
• United States Country Code: 1 – This is the country code for the USA.
• Area Code: A three-digit code that identifies a specific region within the US. Examples include 212 (New York City), 310 (Los Angeles), 415 (San Francisco), etc.
• Subscriber Number: The seven-digit local phone number of the person you’re trying to reach.

Therefore, the general format for calling the US from India is: +1 (Area Code) (Subscriber Number) or 001 (Area Code) (Subscriber Number)

Step-by-Step Instructions: Landline to Landline

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to call a US landline from an Indian landline:

1. Lift the Receiver: Pick up your telephone handset.
2. Dial the International Exit Code: Dial either ‘+’ or ’00’. Many Indian landlines use ’00’, but the ‘+’ symbol should also work on modern systems.
3. Dial the US Country Code: Enter ‘1’.
4. Dial the US Area Code: Enter the three-digit area code of the US region you’re trying to reach. For example, if you’re calling New York City, you’d dial ‘212’. If you are unsure of the area code use online search engine to search the area code of the city.
5. Dial the US Subscriber Number: Enter the seven-digit phone number of the person you wish to speak with.
6. Wait for Connection: You’ll typically hear a ringing tone or a connecting sound. Once the call is answered, you can start your conversation.

Example: Let’s say you’re calling a friend in New York City with the phone number 555-1234. The complete dialing sequence would be: +1 212 5551234 or 001 212 5551234.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Landline to Mobile Phone

The process for calling a US mobile phone from an Indian landline is almost identical to calling a landline, with one key distinction: mobile numbers in the US also have a ten-digit dialing sequence including the area code. The steps are as follows:

1. Lift the Receiver: Pick up your telephone handset.
2. Dial the International Exit Code: Dial either ‘+’ or ’00’.
3. Dial the US Country Code: Enter ‘1’.
4. Dial the US Area Code: Enter the three-digit area code of the US mobile phone you’re trying to reach.
5. Dial the US Subscriber Number: Enter the seven-digit phone number of the mobile phone.
6. Wait for Connection: You’ll typically hear a ringing tone or a connecting sound.

Example: Let’s say you want to call a mobile phone in Los Angeles with the number 310-555-6789. You will dial: +1 310 5556789 or 001 310 5556789.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Mobile Phone to Landline

Here’s how to call a US landline from your Indian mobile phone:

1. Open Your Phone’s Dialer: Launch the phone app on your smartphone.
2. Dial the International Exit Code: Dial ‘+’ or ’00’.
3. Dial the US Country Code: Enter ‘1’.
4. Dial the US Area Code: Enter the three-digit area code of the US landline number you are calling.
5. Dial the US Subscriber Number: Enter the seven-digit phone number.
6. Tap the Call Button: Press the call button, usually a phone icon, to initiate the call.

The example is same as before: To call 212-555-1234, from your mobile dial: +1 212 5551234 or 001 212 5551234, and tap the call button.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Mobile Phone to Mobile Phone

Calling a US mobile phone from an Indian mobile phone follows a similar process to calling a landline, except this is the most common method in modern use:

1. Open Your Phone’s Dialer: Launch your phone’s dialer app.
2. Dial the International Exit Code: Enter ‘+’ or ’00’.
3. Dial the US Country Code: Enter ‘1’.
4. Dial the US Area Code: Enter the three-digit area code of the US mobile phone number you are calling.
5. Dial the US Subscriber Number: Enter the seven-digit phone number.
6. Tap the Call Button: Press the call button.

Using the previous mobile number example, if you were calling 310-555-6789 from your Indian mobile phone, you’d dial: +1 310 5556789 or 001 310 5556789.

Cost Considerations and Alternatives

Making international calls can be expensive, especially if using traditional landline or mobile networks. Here are some cost-saving alternatives:

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Services

VoIP services use the internet to make and receive calls, often at significantly lower rates than traditional phone calls. Popular VoIP options include:

• Skype: A widely used platform for voice and video calls.
• Google Voice: Offers cheap international calling rates and other features.
• WhatsApp Calling: If both parties use WhatsApp, calls are free over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• Viber: Another popular app with international calling capabilities.
• Facebook Messenger: Like WhatsApp, this enables free calls over the internet.

Advantages of VoIP:

• Lower Costs: Typically much cheaper than traditional international calls.
• Flexibility: You can make calls from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
• Additional Features: Many VoIP apps offer video calling, messaging, and other features.

Disadvantages of VoIP:

• Internet Dependence: Requires a stable internet connection.
• Quality Variations: Call quality can vary depending on internet speed and stability.

International Calling Cards

Physical or digital calling cards provide a prepaid service with a set number of minutes for international calls. You can purchase these cards online or from local vendors. Though less prevalent with advent of VoIP, they can still be an option in areas where data is not reliable. These usually require following a process of dialing a card access number then a PIN and then the US number.

Advantages of Calling Cards:

• Prepaid: You control how much you spend.
• No Internet Required: You can make calls through traditional phone lines with a calling card if your internet is out.

Disadvantages of Calling Cards:

• Complicated Dialing: Typically requires multiple steps.
• Hidden Fees: Check for connection or maintenance fees.

Mobile Carrier International Calling Plans

Many Indian mobile providers offer specific international calling plans. These can be cost-effective if you make frequent international calls. Check your provider’s website or app for the latest plans and pricing. Examples include offers from Airtel, Jio, Vodafone Idea.

Advantages of Carrier Plans:

• Simplicity: Billed directly by your mobile provider.
• Convenience: No need for additional apps or equipment.

Disadvantages of Carrier Plans:

• Potentially Expensive: Can be more costly than VoIP if used infrequently.
• Limited Data: Some plans have call time limits.

Tips for Making Successful International Calls

• Confirm the US Number: Ensure that you have the correct ten-digit phone number, including the area code.
• Check Time Zones: Be mindful of the time difference between India and the US, especially the specific state you’re calling. Different areas in the US may be 9.5 to 13.5 hours behind India depending on daylight savings.
• Use a Calling App: If possible, opt for VoIP services to save on costs.
• Check Call Quality: If using VoIP or a new method, do a test call to ensure the connection is clear.
• Be Patient: International calls can sometimes take longer to connect.
• Consider Peak Times: Calling during off-peak hours may save you money with some calling plans.
• Maintain Good Internet Connection: If using VoIP, a strong and stable internet connection is crucial.

Conclusion

Calling the US from India doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding the basic dialing codes, following the step-by-step instructions, and exploring cost-effective alternatives like VoIP services, you can easily connect with your loved ones or conduct business in the United States. Whether you choose a landline, mobile, or internet-based calling method, this guide equips you with the knowledge to make successful and affordable international calls.

Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and frequency of international calls. Happy Calling!