The country code *+91* is for *India*. When dialing to India from abroad, you need to prefix the local mobile phone number with +91 to ensure your call connects correctly.When dialing internationally, you may come across country codes that are unfamiliar to you. One such country code is +91. If you’re wondering which country this belongs to, you’re in the right place! In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the +91 country code, the country it represents, and how to dial it correctly.
Which Country Code Is +91?
The country code +91 is assigned to India. Whether you’re calling a friend, business associate, or relative, this is the dialing code you need when placing an international call to India.
Why +91 for India?
The country code +91 was assigned to India by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) under its E.164 numbering plan, which was developed in the 1960s to standardize international telephone dialing. This assignment can be explained through three key aspects: Historical Assignment by ITU, Logical Distribution, and Ease of Identification.
1. Historical Assignment by ITU: The ITU, as a global authority on telecommunications, created a structured international dialing system to prevent overlapping codes and ensure smooth global communication. During this process, India was assigned +91, recognizing its large population, growing telecommunications infrastructure, and importance in the region. The goal was to allocate shorter, more efficient codes to countries expected to have high volumes of international calls.
2. Logical Distribution: The ITU organized country codes geographically. The +9x range was primarily designated for countries in Asia and the Middle East. In this scheme, India was logically placed in the +91 slot, with neighboring countries also receiving codes within the +9 range (e.g., Pakistan +92, Afghanistan +93). This regional grouping made it easier for network providers to manage call routing efficiently.
3. Ease of Identification: A two-digit code like +91 is not only quick to dial but also easy to remember. It provides a clear and immediate identity for India in international dialing. Shorter codes were typically reserved for countries with significant international communication needs, making India’s code both functional and symbolically important.
How to Dial +91 for Calls to India
To dial a phone number in India from abroad, follow these steps:
- Dial your international access code (this varies by country – for example, it’s 011 from the US).
- Next, enter +91, which is India’s country code.
- Follow this with the area code (for landline numbers) or the mobile number.
For example, to call a mobile number in Delhi, you might dial:
+91 11 *******.
What Areas or Cities Does the +91 Code Cover?
The +91 country code covers the entire country of India. However, within India, specific cities or regions have different area codes. For instance, Delhi has the area code 11, Mumbai uses 22, and Kolkata uses 33. Mobile numbers generally begin with numbers like 7, 8, or 9, depending on the telecom provider.
Is +91 the Only Code for India?
No, +91 is India’s general country code, but specific services may have different dialing prefixes when you call from abroad. For example, calling an international toll-free number or a customer service number might require different instructions.
Common Issues When Dialing +91
- Incorrect dialing format: Make sure to include the + symbol and the country code (+91) before dialing the area code and phone number.
- Connection issues: Long-distance calls can sometimes face connectivity issues, so be sure to check the number and ensure there are no interruptions in service.
Why Knowing the +91 Code is Important for Travelers
If you’re planning to visit India or communicate with someone in India, knowing how to dial the +91 code correctly is crucial. It ensures that you can stay in touch with family, friends, and business partners without any hassles. Additionally, understanding country codes can help you avoid international calling fees and ensure clear communication.
Conclusion
In summary, the +91 country code represents India. It’s essential to understand how to use this code when dialing into India from abroad. By following the right dialing format and understanding how area codes and mobile numbers work, you’ll be able to connect with India without any confusion. Whether for business, personal, or travel reasons, knowing the +91 country code is a key piece of global communication.