Call Nepal from India: 7 Cheapest Methods (2026)
Complete guide to calling Nepal from India. Compare 7 methods from free to ₹1.50/min. Learn dialing format (+977), Kathmandu area codes, time zones, and best apps.
To call Nepal from India, dial 00 977 (or +977 on a mobile), then the area code and number, such as 00 977 1 for Kathmandu, or the 10-digit mobile number starting 98. WhatsApp, Viber and IMO calls are free app-to-app; for a regular call use an Airtel/Jio/Vi ISD pack or BubblyPhone from $0.46/min.
Quick Answer: Dial 00 977 (or +977), then the area code and number, or the 10-digit mobile number. WhatsApp, Viber and IMO calls are free if both sides have the app. For a paid call to a Nepali number, BubblyPhone costs from $0.46/min from any browser.
How to Call Nepal from India
Dialing Format
The Nepal country code is +977. To call Nepal from India:
00 977 + area code + phone numberOr use the + format (recommended for mobile phones):
+977 + area code + phone numberDialing Examples
Nepal Area Codes
| City | Area Code | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu | 1 | +977 1 4XXXXXX |
| Pokhara | 61 | +977 61 XXXXXX |
| Lalitpur (Patan) | 1 | +977 1 5XXXXXX |
| Biratnagar | 21 | +977 21 XXXXXX |
| Bhaktapur | 1 | +977 1 6XXXXXX |
| Bharatpur | 56 | +977 56 XXXXXX |
| Birgunj | 51 | +977 51 XXXXXX |
7 Ways to Call Nepal from India
1. BubblyPhone
BubblyPhone lets you call any Nepal landline or mobile directly from your browser, from India or anywhere else.
- ✓Rate: from $0.46/min
- ✓No app needed: Works in any browser
- ✓HD Quality: Crystal clear calls
- ✓Call any number: Landlines and mobiles
2. WhatsApp
WhatsApp is extremely popular in Nepal. If your contact has WhatsApp, you can call for free.
Pros
- ✓ 100% free app-to-app calls
- ✓ Video calling available
- ✓ Very popular in Nepal
Cons
- ✗ Both parties need the app
- ✗ Cannot call landlines
- ✗ Requires good internet
3. Viber
Viber is the most popular messaging app in Nepal - even more than WhatsApp. Great for free calls if your contact uses it.
Pros
- ✓ #1 app in Nepal
- ✓ Free Viber-to-Viber calls
- ✓ Viber Out for landlines (paid)
Cons
- ✗ Viber Out rates higher than VoIP
- ✗ Needs app installed
- ✗ Uses mobile data
4. IMO
IMO is very popular in South Asia including Nepal, especially for video calls with family.
Pros
- ✓ Free video/voice calls
- ✓ Low data usage
- ✓ Popular with older generation
Cons
- ✗ Both need the app
- ✗ Has ads
- ✗ Cannot call phone numbers
5. International Calling Cards
Prepaid calling cards are available at shops and online for calling Nepal.
Pros
- ✓ No internet needed
- ✓ Works from any phone
- ✓ Fixed prepaid amount
Cons
- ✗ Hidden fees and taxes
- ✗ Connection fees per call
- ✗ Rates often not transparent
6. Airtel/Jio/Vi ISD Calling
Indian mobile carriers offer international calling packs for Nepal.
Pros
- ✓ Convenient - use your phone
- ✓ No app/internet needed
- ✓ ISD packs available
Cons
- ✗ Expensive: ₹5-15/min
- ✗ Pack activation required
- ✗ Validity limits
7. Google Meet
Free video calling through Google Meet if your contact has a Google account.
Pros
- ✓ Free with Google account
- ✓ High quality video
- ✓ Works in browser
Cons
- ✗ Can't call phone numbers
- ✗ Both need Google accounts
- ✗ Requires good internet
Cost Comparison: India to Nepal
| Service | Rate (per min) | Call Type | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| BubblyPhone | from $0.46 | Any number | No app, any network |
| WhatsApp/Viber | Free | App users only | If they have app |
| IMO | Free | App users only | Popular in Nepal |
| Viber Out | ₹4-5 | Any number | Higher rates |
| Calling Cards | ₹3-6 | Any number | Hidden fees |
| Airtel/Jio ISD | ₹5-15 | Any number | Expensive |
Best Time to Call Nepal from India
Time Zone Difference
Good news! Nepal is only 15 minutes ahead of India. Nepal uses Nepal Standard Time (NPT, UTC+5:45) while India uses IST (UTC+5:30).
When it's 10:00 AM in India
10:15 AM in Nepal
When it's 8:00 PM in India
8:15 PM in Nepal
Since the time difference is minimal, you can call at almost any convenient time for both parties!
Nepal Mobile Carriers
Nepal Telecom (NTC)
Government-owned, largest network coverage
- • Mobile prefix: 984, 985, 986
- • Best coverage in rural areas
- • ~55% market share
Ncell
Private carrier, strong in urban areas
- • Mobile prefix: 980, 981, 982
- • Faster data speeds
- • ~40% market share
Smart Telecom
Newer entrant, CDMA/4G network
- • Mobile prefix: 961, 962, 988
- • Limited coverage
- • Competitive pricing
Tips for Calling Nepal from India
Ask which app they prefer
Viber is more popular than WhatsApp in Nepal. Ask your contact which app they use most.
Save numbers with +977
Always save Nepal numbers in international format (+977) so apps can recognize them.
Internet quality varies
Nepal's internet can be slow in rural areas. VoIP services like BubblyPhone may be more reliable than video calls.
Power outages are common
Nepal has "load shedding" - scheduled power cuts. Your contact may lose power or internet temporarily.
Start Calling Nepal Today
Call any Nepal landline or mobile from your browser. No app download required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I dial Nepal from India?
Dial 00 (or +) followed by 977 (Nepal country code), then the area code and phone number. For mobile numbers, dial +977 followed by the 10-digit mobile number.
What is the cheapest way to call Nepal from India?
Free: Viber, WhatsApp, or IMO if your contact has the app installed. For a paid call to a Nepali phone number, an Airtel/Jio/Vi ISD pack (₹5-15/min) is usually cheapest from an Indian SIM; BubblyPhone costs from $0.46/min and works from any browser or country.
What is the time difference between India and Nepal?
Nepal is only 15 minutes ahead of India. Nepal uses NPT (UTC+5:45) while India uses IST (UTC+5:30).
Which app is most popular for calling Nepal?
Viber is the #1 messaging app in Nepal, followed by WhatsApp and IMO. Ask your contact which app they prefer.