If you've received a phone number beginning with +91, or you're trying to call someone in India from the UK, you may be wondering what the 91 country code means and how to use it.

The +91 country code belongs to India. It is the international telephone code used when calling an Indian phone number from outside India.

For most people calling from a mobile phone, the basic format is simple: +91 + Indian phone number

For example, an Indian mobile number written locally as 98765 43210 would generally be written internationally as: +91 98765 43210

If you're calling an Indian landline, you'll need to include the relevant area code and remove its initial 0 when converting the number to international format.

This guide explains everything you need to know about the 91 country code, including how to call India from the UK, how Indian mobile and landline numbers are structured, common area codes, how to text or use WhatsApp, and what to do if your call isn't connecting.

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What Is the 91 Country Code?

The 91 country code, written internationally as +91, is the telephone country calling code assigned to India.

Country calling codes are part of the international telephone numbering system used to route calls between countries. The International Telecommunication Union's E.164 numbering plan provides the framework for international public telephone numbers.

So, when you see a number beginning with:

+91

the + indicates that the number is being written in international format, while 91 identifies India.

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Quick answer

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India's government e-Governance Standards documentation identifies 91 as India's country code and specifies the international format for calls to Indian mobile and landline numbers.

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How to Call India From the UK

If you're in the UK and want to call India, you have two common options.

Using a mobile phone

The easiest method is usually to use the + symbol.

Dial: +91 + Indian phone number

For example: +91 98765 43210

You don't need to dial the UK's international access code separately when using the +91 format on a mobile.

Using a UK landline

You can use the UK's international dialling prefix, 00.

The format is: 00 + 91 + Indian number

So an Indian mobile number could be dialled as: 00 91 98765 43210

The key point is that 00 and + perform the international access function in these formats. You should not use both together.

Which format should you use?

If you're calling from a smartphone, +91 is generally the simplest option.

Mobile: +91 98765 43210

UK landline: 00 91 98765 43210

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How to Call an Indian Mobile Number From the UK

Indian mobile numbers are generally 10 digits long when written domestically. India's government telephone-number standard describes mobile numbers as 10 digits locally and specifies that calls from outside India use the international access code, India's country code 91, and the mobile number.

For example, suppose the Indian mobile number is: 98765 43210

From the UK, you would dial: +91 98765 43210

Or from a landline using the international access prefix: 00 91 98765 43210

Important: don't add an extra 0

When converting an Indian mobile number to international format, you generally don't add a 0 after +91.

The international format is: +91 + 10-digit mobile number not: +91 0 + 10-digit mobile number

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How to Call an Indian Landline From the UK

Calling an Indian landline is slightly different because Indian landlines use geographical area codes.

The general international format is: +91 + area code without the leading 0 + local number

For example, a Delhi landline may be written domestically using the area code 011.

When calling from outside India, the initial 0 is dropped: 011 → 11

So the international format becomes: +91 11 + local number

The Indian government's telephone-number guidance specifies that international calls to Indian landlines use the country code 91, followed by the area code and landline number, while the domestic trunk prefix is 0.

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India Area Codes: Common Cities

Indian landline numbers use geographical area or STD codes.

Here are some of the major city codes:

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For example, if you were given a Chennai number beginning with: 044

you would normally use: +91 44 when calling from outside India.

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What Does +91 Mean on a Phone Number?

If you see a number such as:

+91 98765 43210

the +91 tells your phone network that the number belongs to India.

The remaining digits identify the specific Indian subscriber.

The same principle applies to landlines. For example:

+91 22 XXXXXXXX

indicates an Indian number associated with Mumbai's 22 area code.

So if someone in the UK sends you an Indian number beginning with +91, you generally don't need to work out which country it belongs to.

+91 = India.

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How Are Indian Phone Numbers Structured?

Indian telephone numbers are based on the national numbering system administered under India's telecommunications framework.

For international calls, the number includes India's country code followed by the relevant subscriber number information. India's government telephone-number standard distinguishes between mobile and landline numbers.

Indian mobile numbers

A mobile number is generally: 10 digits

Internationally: +91 + 10-digit mobile number

Example: +91 98765 43210

Indian landline numbers

A landline number consists of:

Area code + subscriber number

Internationally: +91 + area code without 0 + subscriber number

Example: +91 11 XXXXXXXX for a Delhi landline.

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How to Text an Indian Number From the UK

The same international country code is used when sending an SMS to India.

If you're sending a text to an Indian mobile number, save or enter the number in international format: +91 98765 43210

The +91 identifies India, followed by the recipient's 10-digit mobile number.

Using the international format is particularly useful when saving Indian contacts because it allows your phone to recognise the number consistently whether you're in the UK, India or another country.

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How to Use +91 on WhatsApp

If you're adding an Indian mobile number to WhatsApp from the UK, use the international format.

For example: +91 98765 43210

Do not add the Indian domestic trunk prefix 0 after +91.

If the person has a WhatsApp account associated with that Indian mobile number, the international number format allows WhatsApp to identify the account correctly.

If the contact doesn't appear, check:

1. The country code is +91.
2. The mobile number has the correct digits.
3. You haven't accidentally added an extra 0.
4. The person actually uses WhatsApp with that number.

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Why Does India Have the Country Code +91?

The 91 code is part of the international telephone numbering system administered through the ITU's numbering framework.

Country codes allow international telephone networks to identify the destination country before routing a call.

India was assigned the country code 91, which is why international Indian numbers appear with +91.

The important thing for everyday users isn't the historical assignment of the code but how it works:

+91 tells the international telephone network that the destination is India.

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What Time Is It in India When Calling From the UK?

Time zones are easy to overlook when making international calls.

India uses Indian Standard Time (IST), which is UTC+5:30.

The UK changes between Greenwich Mean Time and British Summer Time, so the difference between the UK and India isn't always the same throughout the year.

During UK winter time

When the UK is on GMT, India is: 5 hours 30 minutes ahead

During UK summer time

When the UK is on BST, India is: 4 hours 30 minutes ahead

For example, during British Summer Time: 10:00 AM in London = 2:30 PM in India

This is worth checking before calling friends, family or businesses in India, particularly if you're calling early in the morning or late at night.

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Why Is My Call to India Not Connecting?

If you've entered a number beginning with +91 but the call isn't connecting, check the number format first.

1. Check the country code

Make sure you're using: +91 rather than another country code.

2. Check the mobile number

Indian mobile numbers are generally 10 digits. Make sure you haven't accidentally removed or added a digit.

3. Check the landline area code

If you're calling an Indian landline, make sure you've included the appropriate area code.

Remember to remove the domestic leading 0.

For example: Delhi: 011 → +91 11 not: +91 011

4. Check your international calling service

Some mobile and landline providers require international calling to be enabled.

If the number format is correct but the call still fails, check whether your provider allows international calls to India and what rates apply.

5. Check the recipient's number

The person may have changed numbers, cancelled the service or provided an incorrect number.

6. Check the time

The person you're calling may simply be unavailable because of the time difference.

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How Much Does It Cost to Call India From the UK?

The cost depends on how you're making the call.

Traditional mobile and landline providers can charge different rates for international calls to India. Your price may also depend on your mobile plan, whether you have an international calling package and whether you're calling a mobile or landline.

Before making a long international call, check your provider's current India calling rate.

You can also consider internet-based calling services.

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Sending Money to India From the UK? Consider Pesa

If you're living in the UK and regularly send money to family, friends or loved ones in India, choosing the right international money transfer service can make a difference.

Pesa is a preferred choice for sending money to India, giving indians living outside the country a simple way to send money home without paying high transfer cost.

Instead of navigating complicated international bank payments, you can use Pesa to send money to India through a dedicated money transfer service.

Why use Pesa to send money to India?

With Pesa, you can:

• Send money to India from the UK without needing to make a traditional international bank transfer.
• Track your transfer and see the progress of your payment.
• Send money internationally while managing your transfers through one app.

This can be particularly useful if you're an Indian immigrant living in the UK and regularly support family back home, pay for expenses in India or send money for important occasions.

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Can You Call India for Free?

Potentially, yes but "free" usually means that the call doesn't incur a separate international per-minute charge.

Apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime and other internet-based calling services can make voice or video calls using Wi-Fi or mobile data. For example, if you and the person you're calling both have WhatsApp, you can make a WhatsApp voice or video call over an internet connection.

However, this isn't exactly the same as a traditional phone call.

You need:

• An internet connection
• A compatible app
• The recipient to use the same service

If you're calling an Indian landline or someone who doesn't use an internet calling app, a traditional international calling service may be necessary.

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Calling India From the UK: +91 vs 0091

You may see Indian numbers written in two different ways: +91 98765 43210 or 0091 98765 43210

These represent the same basic international destination.

The + is used as a convenient international prefix on mobile phones, while 00 is the international access code used in many countries, including the UK.

So from a UK landline, you may use: 00 91 + Indian number

On a mobile phone, you can generally use: +91 + Indian number

The important thing is not to combine them.

Don't dial: 00 +91 as though both were required prefixes.

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Common Mistakes When Dialling India

Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid.

Adding an extra 0

Incorrect: +91 0 98765 43210

Correct: +91 98765 43210

Keeping the leading 0 on a landline area code

If a Delhi number is written domestically as: 011 XXXXXXXX

the international format uses: +91 11 XXXXXXXX

Forgetting +91

If you're calling India from another country, the international country code needs to be included.

Using the wrong country code

India is: +91

Other countries have completely different codes.

Assuming all Indian numbers are landlines

Indian mobile numbers and landlines use different numbering structures. Check which type of number you're calling before deciding how to format it.

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91 Country Code vs Other South Asian Country Codes

India isn't the only country in South Asia with a two- or three-digit international calling code.

Some nearby country codes include:

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This is why entering the correct country code matters. For example, +91 is India, while +92 is Pakistan.

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What Is the Difference Between +91 and 91?

There is no difference in the country code itself. 91 is the numeric country code. +91 is the way the code is normally written in an international phone number.

The plus sign represents the international access prefix used by the device or telephone network.

So: +91 98765 43210 means International prefix + India's country code + the Indian phone number

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