How to call International Numbers from India

You can call international numbers from India without paying expensive ISD rates. This page covers free app-to-app options and affordable VoIP services that connect to any phone number worldwide.

How to call International Numbers from India: Step-by-Step

  1. 1

    Go to HelloAirDial.com

    Open your browser on any device (phone, laptop, tablet) and visit helloairdial.com/tools/free-call-online. No app download needed.

  2. 2

    Enter the International Number

    Type the full number with country code. For USA: +1 followed by 10 digits. For UK: +44 followed by the number. HelloAirDial auto-formats it for you.

  3. 3

    Allow Microphone Access

    Click "Call" and allow your browser to access the microphone when prompted. This is required for voice calls.

  4. 4

    Start Talking

    The recipient receives a standard phone call on their landline or mobile. They do not need any app, internet, or smartphone.

  5. 5

    Pay Only for Minutes Used

    Your first call is free. After that, pay as you go from ₹1/min with no subscriptions, hidden fees, or ISD packs required.

Cheapest Way to Make International Calls from India

HelloAirDial (Browser-Based VoIP)

HelloAirDial is a web dialer that routes calls over the internet, bypassing expensive ISD rates charged by Indian carriers like Jio, Airtel, and Vi.

  • ✅ Call USA, UK, UAE, Canada, and 200+ countries from India at local VoIP rates.
  • ✅ No ISD activation or carrier balance required.
  • ✅ Works on any device with a browser and internet connection.
  • ✅ First call is free so you can test quality before adding balance.
Check rates to your destination or see guides for USA, UK, and UAE.

Cost Comparison: VoIP vs ISD

📱 Traditional ISD rates from India:
  • Jio: ₹15 to ₹135/min depending on destination
  • Airtel: ₹20 to ₹160/min
  • Vi: ₹20 to ₹150/min
💻 HelloAirDial VoIP rates: From ₹1/min for popular destinations like USA, UK, Canada, UAE.

A 10-minute call to USA costs ₹150-1,350 via ISD but only ₹10-30 via HelloAirDial. That is 80-90% savings.

💸 Why is ISD so expensive? Carrier ISD routes your call through traditional telephone networks that charge premium rates for international connections. Calling cards are slightly cheaper but often have hidden fees, expiring credit, and inconsistent quality. International roaming is the most expensive option, often exceeding ₹150/min.

RedditHere are a couple of Reddit threads for your reference:

Requirements for VoIP Calling

  • Any device with a web browser (phone, laptop, tablet)
  • Internet connection (WiFi or 4G/5G)
  • Microphone (built-in works fine)
You do not need ISD activation, a KYC verified SIM, or carrier balance. You can even call without a SIM card using just WiFi. See our guide on the best WiFi calling apps for more options.

With HelloAirDial, you can skip expensive international roaming plans from Airtel or Jio and make calls directly from your browser at local VoIP rates.

Free Ways to Call International Numbers from India

WhatsApp, Signal, and Viber (100% Free)

The easiest way to call international numbers from India for free is through messaging apps. WhatsApp allows free voice and video calls to anyone who has WhatsApp installed. Signal offers encrypted free calls between Signal users. Viber, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger work similarly.

Limitation: Both you and the recipient must have the same app installed with an active internet connection. These apps cannot call regular landlines or mobile numbers directly.

HelloAirDial Free Trial (Call Any Phone)

Unlike WhatsApp or Signal, HelloAirDial lets you call any phone number on your first call, including landlines and mobiles. This is useful when calling businesses, government offices, or family members without smartphones.

How to Make ISD Calls from India

How to Dial ISD from India

If you prefer using your mobile carrier, dial: 00 + country code + area code + phone number. For example, to call USA: 00-1-415-555-1234. To call UK: 00-44-20-7946-0958.

Requirements: Your SIM must have ISD enabled (many prepaid SIMs have it disabled by default). You need sufficient main balance or an active ISD pack. Rates range from ₹15-160/min depending on carrier and destination.

International Dialing Codes from India

Country Code Examples

  • USA/Canada: +1 (e.g., +1 415 555 1234)
  • UK: +44 (e.g., +44 20 7946 0958)
  • UAE: +971 (e.g., +971 4 123 4567)
  • Australia: +61 (e.g., +61 2 9876 5432)
  • Singapore: +65 (e.g., +65 6123 4567)
Always remove the leading 0 from foreign area codes when dialing from India.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting to remove the leading 0 from foreign area codes (London is 20, not 020)
  • Dialing the local number without country code
  • Using wrong number of digits (varies by country)
  • Paying roaming rates when WiFi calling is available
HelloAirDial auto-validates and formats numbers, preventing these errors before your call connects.

Why Use HelloAirDial from India

  • First Call Free: Try before you pay anything
  • No ISD Pack Required: Works independently of your carrier
  • Call Any Number: Landlines and mobiles worldwide
  • Works in Browser: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge
  • Pay As You Go: No subscriptions or minimum balance

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I call international numbers from India for free?

For completely free calls, use WhatsApp, Signal, or Viber, but the recipient must have the same app installed. To call any phone number including landlines, HelloAirDial offers a free first call.

Can I call USA from India without ISD?

Yes. HelloAirDial works over the internet and does not require ISD activation on your SIM. Just open the website, enter the US number with +1, and call. The recipient gets a normal phone call. No carrier settings or ISD packs needed.

What is the cheapest way to call internationally from India?

Browser-based VoIP services like HelloAirDial offer the lowest rates because calls route over the internet instead of traditional phone networks. If both parties have the same app, WhatsApp or Signal calls are completely free.

Do I need to install any app?

No. HelloAirDial works directly in your web browser. Just visit the website and start calling.

Does the person I am calling need internet?

No. They receive a standard phone call on their regular landline or mobile.

What if my ISD is barred or disabled?

HelloAirDial works independently of your mobile carrier. Since calls route over the internet, you can call internationally even if your carrier has ISD barred or you are using a prepaid SIM without ISD enabled.

Can I use my Indian number as caller ID?

Yes. You can verify your Indian phone number as caller ID for a one-time fee of ₹40 ($0.50). Recipients will then see your real number when you call.

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