How To Call India From Singapore
Quick Reference Summary
To call India from Singapore:
001 + 91 + Area Code (without the 0) + Local Number
Examples:
- For Delhi landline: 001 + 91 + 11 + XXXX XXXX
- For Indian mobile phone: 001 + 91 + 9X + XXX XXXXX
When it’s 12 PM (noon) in Singapore, it’s 9:30 AM in India (2.5 hours behind).
How to Call a Landline in India
Calling an Indian landline from Singapore is easy if you follow these steps:
- Dial Singapore’s international access code: 001 (or 002, 008 depending on your carrier)
- Dial India’s country code: 91
- Dial the area code (without the first 0)
- Dial the local phone number
For example, if you’re calling a Mumbai number written as (022) 2345 6789, you would dial 001 91 22 2345 6789 from Singapore.
Important: When people in India write down phone numbers, they include a 0 before the area code (e.g., 022 2345 6789). But when you call from Singapore, you need to drop this 0 and just dial the area code after the country code.
How to Call a Mobile Phone in India
Calling an Indian mobile phone follows a similar pattern:
- Dial Singapore’s international access code: 001 (or 002, 008)
- Dial India’s country code: 91
- Dial the mobile number (without the first 0 if it’s there)
- Indian mobile numbers are 10 digits long, usually starting with 6, 7, 8, or 9
For example, if the Indian mobile number is 098765 43210, you would dial 001 91 98765 43210 from Singapore.
Remember: If an Indian mobile number starts with 0, drop it when calling from Singapore. Most Indian mobile numbers are written without the 0 when shared internationally.
Different Ways to Dial Internationally from Singapore
Singapore offers several international access codes depending on which phone company you use:
- 001: SingTel
- 002: M1
- 008: StarHub
The choice of access code might affect how much your call costs. If you’re using a phone card, follow the specific instructions that came with your card.
Understanding Indian Phone Numbers
Landline Numbers
Indian landline numbers usually have:
- A 2-5 digit area code (with a 0 in front when dialed in India)
- A local number (the total, including area code, is 10-11 digits)
Mobile Numbers
Indian mobile numbers have:
- 10 digits (sometimes written with a 0 in front when dialed within India)
- Most start with 6, 7, 8, or 9
Area Codes for Major Indian Cities
Here’s a list of area codes for major cities and regions in India. Remember to drop the 0 when calling from Singapore:
| City | Area Code (drop the 0 when calling from Singapore) |
|---|---|
| Delhi | 11 |
| Mumbai | 22 |
| Kolkata | 33 |
| Chennai | 44 |
| Bangalore | 80 |
| Hyderabad | 40 |
| Ahmedabad | 79 |
| Pune | 20 |
| Jaipur | 141 |
| Lucknow | 522 |
| Kanpur | 512 |
| Nagpur | 712 |
| Visakhapatnam | 891 |
| Kochi | 484 |
| Chandigarh | 172 |
| Coimbatore | 422 |
| Indore | 731 |
| Bhopal | 755 |
| Mangalore | 824 |
| Vadodara | 265 |
Mobile Phone Networks
Indian mobile numbers are 10 digits long and typically start with specific digits based on the service provider, though number portability now allows people to keep their numbers when switching companies.
| Common Prefixes | Notes |
|---|---|
| 9XXX XXX XXX | Very common mobile prefix |
| 8XXX XXX XXX | Common mobile prefix |
| 7XXX XXX XXX | Common mobile prefix |
| 6XXX XXX XXX | Newer mobile prefix |
Time Difference
India is on Indian Standard Time (IST), which is UTC+5:30 all year round. India does not use daylight saving time.
Singapore is on Singapore Standard Time (SGT), which is UTC+8 all year round.
This means India is always 2 hours and 30 minutes behind Singapore throughout the year.
Special Numbers to Know
Service Numbers
- 1800: Toll-free numbers (usually can’t be called from outside India)
- 1860/1850: Local rate numbers (can’t be called from abroad)
Emergency Numbers
- 100: Police
- 102: Ambulance
- 101: Fire These cannot be dialed from outside India.
Calling Business Extensions
When calling a business in India that has extensions:
- Dial the full international number as usual
- Wait for the automated system to answer
- Then enter the extension number when prompted
Many larger businesses in India offer English language options in their automated systems.
Best Time to Call
Since India is 2.5 hours behind Singapore, here are some good times to make your calls:
- Best business hours to call India from Singapore: 11:30 AM – 6:30 PM Singapore time (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM India time)
- Government offices in India: Usually 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM Monday to Friday (12:00 PM – 8:00 PM Singapore time)
- Avoid early morning calls to India: Before 9:30 AM Singapore time (7:00 AM India time)
Call India For Less With Singapore Phone Cards
Calling India from Singapore can be expensive with regular phone companies, but Singapore Phone Cards offers a cheaper way to stay in touch with family, friends, or work contacts in India.
Our customers who call India often love our clear sound quality and low rates. Whether you’re calling Delhi landlines or mobile phones in Mumbai, you’ll get great service at a good price.
Calling to a landline in India? See our best international calling cards for India here.
Calling to a mobile in India? See our best international calling cards for India here.
Using our service is simple and easy:
- Dial the local access number we provide
- Enter your 10-digit PIN number
- Dial India (91 + area code without the 0 + local number)
You can use our service from any landline or mobile phone in Singapore. What makes our service special:
- Call to 200+ countries including all parts of India
- Call from landline or mobile with the same great rates
- No hidden fees or extra charges
- 100% prepaid so you’re always in control
- No reactivation fees even if you don’t use your card for a while
- Phone card details sent right away by email
- Your credit rolls over so you never lose what you’ve paid for
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