It's not difficult to dial long distance to India provided you under stand how their system works and have the necessary calling codes. The Indian telephone number system is set up differently than in the United States. Each phone number is composed of an area code and local number, but the length of each varies.
Instructions
1. Get the number you want to call. You may already have it, but if you don't, you can look up both individual and business numbers at Bharat Sanchar NIgam (Business and Individual Phone Directory). See "Resources" below. Another way to find Indian telephone numbers is by calling Indian directory assistance. To do this, dial the US exit code, the country code for India,, and 1583 (the Indian equivalent of 411).
2. Understand Indian phone numbers. An area code can be 2 to 4 digits, with smaller cities having longer area codes. For example, the area code for Bombay is 22 while the area code for Amristar is 183. Local numbers vary from 6 to 8 digits, but the total number of digits always equals 10.
3. Dial long distance to India. To make your call, dial 011 to exit the US telephone system, 91 (the country code for India), the area code, and the local phone number. For example, to call someone in Amristar you dial 011 + 91 + 183 + the local number. Since the area code here has 3 digits, the local number will have 7 digits, bringing the total to 10.
4. Check different calling options before you dial long distance to India. Your telephone company probably has an international calling plan that will save you money. There are also discount international calling plans available, some which charge less than 5 cents per minute. Calling cards are usually very expensive. They may charge you over $10 for a three minute phone call.
