Call India from UK: 8 Cheapest Methods (2026)
Complete guide to calling India from UK. Compare 8 methods from free to £0.01/min. Learn dialing format, UK to India calling codes, best times to call across time zones.
Looking for the cheapest way to call India from the UK? Whether you're calling family in Delhi, business contacts in Mumbai, or friends in Bangalore, this guide covers all the best methods to make affordable international calls to India in 2026.
Quick Answer: The cheapest way to call India from UK is BubblyPhone at just £0.01/minute (about 60p per hour). For free calls, use WhatsApp if both parties have the app installed.
How to Call India from UK
Dialing Format
India's country code is +91. To call India from UK:
00 91 + area code + phone numberOr use the + format:
+91 + area code + phone numberDialing Examples
5 Best Ways to Call India from UK
1. BubblyPhone
The most affordable way to call Indian landlines and mobiles from the UK. Crystal-clear quality, no contracts, works in your browser.
2. WhatsApp
Completely free voice and video calls - if both you and the person in India have WhatsApp installed. India has 500M+ WhatsApp users.
3. Skype
Established VoIP service with India calling. Slightly higher rates than BubblyPhone but widely recognised.
4. Lebara Mobile
UK mobile network with good India rates. Useful if you want a physical SIM with international calling included.
5. UK Carrier International Plans
EE, Vodafone, O2, and Three all offer international calling add-ons. Convenient but typically expensive.
Cost Comparison: Calling India from UK
| Service | Rate to India | 1 Hour Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| BubblyPhone ⭐ | £0.01/min | £0.60 | Best value |
| Free | Free | When both have app | |
| Skype | £0.017/min | £1.02 | Desktop users |
| Lebara | ~£0.03/min | £1.80 | SIM-based calling |
| EE/Vodafone/O2 | £1-2/min | £60-120 | Emergency only |
Major India Area Codes
Delhi (NCR)
+91 11
Mumbai
+91 22
Bangalore
+91 80
Chennai
+91 44
Kolkata
+91 33
Hyderabad
+91 40
Best Time to Call India from UK
🕐 Time Difference
India is 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of UK (GMT). During British Summer Time (BST), India is 4 hours 30 minutes ahead.
Morning calls (UK)
8 AM UK = 1:30 PM India
Evening calls (UK)
6 PM UK = 11:30 PM India
Best times: Call between 6-9 AM UK (11:30 AM - 2:30 PM India) or 2-5 PM UK (7:30-10:30 PM India)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to call India from UK?▼
BubblyPhone offers the cheapest rates at just £0.01/minute to call any Indian mobile or landline. That's only 60p per hour of calling. WhatsApp is free if both parties have the app.
Can I call India for free from UK?▼
Yes, using WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Skype (Skype-to-Skype). However, both you and the person in India need to have the same app installed. To call Indian phone numbers directly, you'll need a paid service like BubblyPhone.
What is India's country code?▼
India's country code is +91. From UK, dial 00 91 followed by the area code and phone number, or +91 on a mobile.
How much does EE/Vodafone charge to call India?▼
UK mobile carriers typically charge £1-2 per minute to call India without an international add-on. That's 100-200x more expensive than BubblyPhone. Even with add-ons (£5-10/month), rates are still higher.
Call India for Just £0.01/min
That's only 60p per hour. No contracts, no hidden fees.