If you are trying to identify the source of a phone call or text message starting with +91, it is critical to understand that 91 is not a North American Area Code, but an international country code.
The code +91 is the international country calling code for India. It must be dialed before the area code (for landlines) or mobile number when placing a call to India from any other country.
This comprehensive guide will provide the details on the +91 country code, explain how to correctly dial numbers in India, and offer crucial advice on dealing with suspicious calls and texts commonly associated with this region.
The +91 Country Code: India
The number 91 was assigned to India by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the agency responsible for global telecommunication standards. This code is mandatory for all international calls directed to the country.
Key Facts About +91
| Detail | Information |
| Location | India (Entire Country) |
| Status | International Country Code |
| Time Zone | Indian Standard Time (IST) – UTC+5:30 |
| Dialing Rule | Caller must dial their country’s Exit Code + 91 + Local Number |
Major Cities and Their Local Codes
When dialing an Indian landline number from abroad, you must use the country code (+91) followed by the city’s STD (Subscriber Trunk Dialing) code, which acts as the local area code. The total length of a fixed-line number (including the STD code) is typically 10 digits.
| City/Region | STD Code | Dialing Example (from US) |
| New Delhi | 11 | 011-91-11-XXXX-XXXX |
| Mumbai (Bombay) | 22 | 011-91-22-XXXX-XXXX |
| Kolkata (Calcutta) | 33 | 011-91-33-XXXX-XXXX |
| Chennai | 44 | 011-91-44-XXXX-XXXX |
| Bengaluru (Bangalore) | 80 | 011-91-80-XXXX-XXXX |
For mobile numbers in India, you do not use a city code. The mobile number is usually 10 digits long and begins immediately after the +91 country code.
How to Correctly Dial a Number in India (From the US/Canada)
To successfully place a call to India, follow the three-step international dialing process:
- Dial the Exit Code: Dial 011 (the standard exit code for the US and Canada).
- Dial the Country Code: Dial 91.
- Dial the Local Number:
- For Landlines: Dial the 2 to 8-digit STD code + local number.
- For Mobile Phones: Dial the 10-digit mobile number.
Full Example (Calling a Mobile): 011 + 91 + 99999-XXXXX
Consumer Alert: Scams Originating from +91
Numbers originating from the +91 country code are frequently used in sophisticated international phone and text message scams targeting consumers in the US, Canada, and the UK. This is primarily due to the large number of call centers and VoIP services operating within India.
Common Scams to Watch Out For:
- Tech Support Scams: The caller claims to be from a major technology company (like Microsoft, Apple, or Amazon) and states your computer or account has a virus or security issue. They attempt to gain remote access to your computer or trick you into buying expensive, unnecessary software.
- Tax/Government Impersonation: The caller pretends to be from a governmental agency (like the IRS or local police) and threatens the victim with arrest, deportation, or heavy fines unless a payment is immediately made via gift cards or wire transfer.
- Package Delivery Phishing Texts: You receive a text from a +91 number claiming there is an issue with a package delivery and asking you to click a link to update your address or pay a small fee. This is a phishing attempt designed to steal credit card details.
Actionable Safety Steps
- Never Trust the Caller ID: Scammers use spoofing technology to make their international call appear to originate from a local US area code, even if it is actually from India (+91).
- Government Agencies Do Not Call: The IRS, FBI, and other government agencies do not initiate contact via aggressive phone calls threatening arrest or demanding immediate payment via non-standard methods.
- Do Not Engage: If you suspect a scam, hang up immediately. Do not press any buttons and do not provide any personal information.
- Report Scams: Forward suspicious text messages to 7726 (SPAM), and report fraud attempts to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If my phone shows a call from a 10-digit number that starts with 91, is it guaranteed to be a scam?
Not guaranteed, but highly suspicious. A legitimate call from India will always appear with the +91 prefix and may incur international calling fees if you call back. If you are not expecting an international call, assume it is spam or a scam and do not answer or call back.
Do I need to dial the exit code (0) before the STD code inside India?
Yes. When a landline user in India calls a landline in a different STD code area, they must dial 0 before the STD code (e.g., calling Mumbai from Delhi: 0-22-XXXX-XXXX). This is the domestic long-distance prefix, similar to the 1 you use in North America.
What is the time difference between the US East Coast and India?
India (IST) is 9 hours and 30 minutes ahead of US Eastern Time (ET). For example, if it is 9:00 AM EST, it is 6:30 PM IST. This large time difference is another good indicator that an early-morning or late-night call from a +91 number is unlikely to be legitimate.
Conclusion
The 91 area code is the international identifier for the nation of India. While it is the essential prefix for legitimate communication, be hyper-vigilant of unsolicited calls or texts bearing this code, as it is a frequent source of international phone scams. Always verify a caller’s identity through official, trusted channels.
