The simplest way to call Dubai from India is by using an international calling app with Wi-Fi or mobile data, or by dialling the international access code, India’s country code (91), Dubai’s area code (if applicable, though often not needed for mobile), and the Dubai mobile number. Using VoIP services often offers the most cost-effective solution.

How To Call Dubai From India: Your Simple Guide

Connecting with loved ones or business contacts in Dubai from India can feel a bit daunting, especially with all the different codes and options. Many people worry about high charges or complicated dialing procedures. But don’t worry, it’s much simpler than you think! As your trusted telecom guide in Dubai, I’m here to break down exactly how to make that call smoothly and affordably. We’ll cover the best methods, from using your phone plan to handy apps, ensuring you stay connected without any hassle. Let’s get you talking to Dubai in no time!

Understanding International Dialing Codes

Before we dive into the calling process, let’s quickly understand the essential codes you’ll need. These are like the secret keys to unlock international communication.

India’s Exit Code

When you call out of India, your phone needs to know you’re leaving the country’s network. This is done using India’s international exit code. For most mobile phones and landlines in India, this is:

• 00

Some older systems or specific providers might use a different code, but 00 is the most common and universally recognized.

UAE’s Country Code

Every country has a unique code that signals you’re calling into their network. For the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which includes Dubai, the country code is:

• 971

This code tells your telecommunication provider that the number you’re dialing is within the UAE.

Dubai Area Codes (For Landlines)

For mobile numbers in Dubai, you generally don’t need a specific area code after the country code. However, if you are calling a traditional landline in Dubai, you might need an area code. These are less common now with the prevalence of mobile phones, but for completeness, here are some older landline prefixes:

• 4 for Dubai city landlines.

Remember, for mobile numbers, you’ll just dial the country code (971) followed by the Dubai mobile number, which typically starts with 5.

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The Proven Best Ways to Call Dubai From India

Now that we’ve got the codes sorted, let’s explore the most effective and budget-friendly ways to make your calls. We’ll look at traditional methods and modern, cost-saving options.

Method 1: Using Your Indian Mobile Provider (International Roaming/IDD)

This is the most straightforward method if you’re using your existing Indian mobile number. However, it can also be the most expensive if not managed carefully.

How it works:

When you use your Indian SIM card to call Dubai, you’re essentially making an International Direct Dial (IDD) call. Your mobile provider routes the call through their international network.

Steps to Dial:

1. Ensure you have international calling enabled on your Indian mobile plan. Contact your provider (like Airtel, Jio, Vi) to confirm or activate this service.
2. Dial the Indian exit code: 00
3. Dial the UAE country code: 971
4. Dial the Dubai mobile number (which usually starts with 5): [Mobile Number]
5. So, the complete format looks like: 00 971 [Dubai Mobile Number]

Pros:

• Convenient: Use your existing number, no need for a new SIM or app.
• Direct: Connects directly without intermediaries.

Cons:

• Costly: Per-minute rates for international calls can be very high.
• Roaming Charges: If you are physically in India, standard IDD rates apply. If you were in another country, roaming charges would add significantly.

Tip:

Before making frequent calls this way, check your provider’s international call rates to Dubai. Often, they offer special international calling packs that can reduce the per-minute cost significantly. For example, some providers might have plans that offer a set number of minutes to international destinations for a fixed monthly fee.

Method 2: Using International Calling Apps (VoIP)

This is often the most popular and cost-effective method for many users today. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps allow you to make calls over the internet, bypassing traditional phone networks for significant savings.

Popular Apps and How They Work:

These apps use your smartphone’s internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) to make calls. You typically need to download the app, create an account, and often purchase credits or a subscription plan.

• WhatsApp Calls: If the person in Dubai also has WhatsApp and an internet connection, you can make free voice and video calls. This is the simplest and cheapest if both parties are on the app.
• Skype: Skype allows you to call landlines and mobiles worldwide. You can buy Skype Credit or a subscription plan for international calls.
• Google Meet/Duo: Similar to WhatsApp, these are great for calling other users of the app for free over the internet.
• Rebtel, Vonage, etc.: These are dedicated international calling services that often offer competitive rates and sometimes local access numbers to reduce data usage.

Steps to Dial (General for VoIP Apps):

1. Download and install your chosen calling app on your smartphone.
2. Create an account or log in.
3. Add credit or subscribe to a plan if calling non-app users or landlines.
4. To call a Dubai number using these apps, you’ll usually enter the number in the international format: +971 [Dubai Mobile Number]. The ‘+’ symbol replaces the international exit code.

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Significantly cheaper than traditional calls, especially for long conversations.
• High Quality: Often provides clear call quality, especially over Wi-Fi.
• Convenience: Easy to use on your smartphone.
• Free Calls: Free between users of the same app (e.g., WhatsApp to WhatsApp).

Cons:

• Requires Internet: You need a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• Data Usage: Calls consume data, which can add up if you’re not on unlimited Wi-Fi.
• App Dependency: Both parties might need the same app for free calls.

Cost Comparison Example (Illustrative Rates – Subject to Change):

Let’s look at how costs can vary. These are approximate rates and can fluctuate based on provider, plan, and promotions.

Method	Estimated Cost per Minute (INR)	Notes
Indian Mobile Provider (Standard IDD)	₹15 – ₹40+	Can be very high without a plan.
Indian Mobile Provider (With International Pack)	₹5 – ₹15	Requires subscribing to a specific pack.
VoIP Apps (e.g., Skype to Dubai Mobile)	₹1.50 – ₹5	Requires app credit/subscription and internet.
VoIP Apps (e.g., WhatsApp to WhatsApp)	₹0	Free, requires both users to have WhatsApp and internet.

As you can see, VoIP apps are generally the most economical choice for regular communication.

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Method 3: Using a Local Dubai SIM Card (If You Are in Dubai)

If you are visiting Dubai or have recently moved, getting a local SIM card from a UAE provider like Etisalat or du is often the most practical and affordable way to stay connected within Dubai and make international calls.

How it works:

You purchase a prepaid or postpaid SIM card from a telecom provider in Dubai. This gives you a local UAE number and allows you to make calls at local rates or purchase international calling bundles.

Steps to Obtain a Dubai SIM:

1. Visit an official Etisalat or du store, or an authorized dealer in Dubai.
2. You will need your passport and a visa copy (if applicable) for registration. Tourists can often get a tourist SIM card.
3. Choose a prepaid or postpaid plan that suits your needs. Prepaid plans are flexible and allow you to top up as needed.
4. Activate the SIM card. This is usually done instantly at the store.

Calling Dubai from your Dubai SIM:

Once you have a Dubai SIM, calling another number within Dubai is simple:

• For mobile-to-mobile: Dial the Dubai mobile number directly (it will start with 5, e.g., 5xxxxxxxx).
• For landline-to-landline: Dial the area code (e.g., 4) followed by the landline number.

Calling India from your Dubai SIM:

If you have a Dubai SIM and need to call India:

1. Dial the UAE exit code (which is the same as the country code of the destination you are calling from, but you don’t need it when calling from within UAE): You simply dial 00 is not needed here.
2. Dial the country code of India: 91
3. Dial your Indian mobile number or the landline number (including the area code): [Indian Number]
4. So, the format is: 00 91 [Indian Number]. (Wait, this is wrong, when calling FROM UAE, you need the UAE exit code, which is 00). Let’s correct this.
5. Correct format: Dial the UAE’s international dialing prefix (which is 00), then India’s country code 91, then the Indian phone number: 00 91 [Indian Phone Number].

Correction: When calling from within the UAE using a local SIM, the exit code is 00. So, to call India from Dubai, you dial: 00 91 [Indian Phone Number].

Pros:

• Cost-Effective for Local Calls: Very cheap to call within Dubai/UAE.
• International Bundles: Etisalat and du offer competitive international calling packages to India, which can significantly reduce per-minute rates.
• Reliability: Uses the local network, offering stable connections.
• Local Number: Provides a local contact number for people in Dubai to reach you easily.

Cons:

• Requires a Local SIM: You need to go through the process of getting a SIM card.
• Initial Cost: There’s an initial purchase cost for the SIM and plan.

Where to Get SIM Cards:

You can find official stores for:

• Etisalat: One of the largest telecom providers in the UAE. Visit their official website for store locations.
• du: The other major telecommunications provider in the UAE. Check their website for store finder.

Both providers offer tourist SIMs which are often valid for a specific period (e.g., 15, 30, or 60 days) and come with pre-loaded credit and data.

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Tips for Saving Money on Calls to Dubai

Regardless of the method you choose, there are always ways to make your calls more affordable. Here are some expert tips:

• Leverage Wi-Fi: Always prioritize using Wi-Fi for VoIP calls whenever possible. It’s free and offers the best call quality.
• Check International Packs: If you frequently call Dubai using your Indian mobile, investigate international calling bundles or plans offered by your Indian telecom provider. These can drastically cut down per-minute costs.
• Compare VoIP Rates: If using VoIP apps, compare the per-minute rates for calling landlines and mobiles in Dubai across different apps. Some might be cheaper than others.
• Buy in Bulk: Many VoIP services offer discounted rates if you purchase larger credit amounts or longer-term subscriptions.
• Use Messaging Apps for Voice: If the person you’re calling also uses WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, or similar apps, use their voice calling features. They are free over the internet.
• Schedule Calls: If you must use traditional calling, be mindful of call duration. Shorter, more focused conversations can save money.

Understanding Dubai’s Mobile Network Operators

Dubai has two primary mobile network operators. Knowing them helps when discussing SIM cards and services.

• Etisalat: The older and often perceived as more established network.
• du: The second major provider, known for competitive pricing and good coverage.

Both offer excellent coverage across Dubai and the UAE. When looking for a SIM card, you can choose either based on current offers or personal preference. You can find more information on their official websites:

• Etisalat UAE
• du UAE

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions people have when calling Dubai from India.

Q1: What is the cheapest way to call Dubai from India?

The cheapest way is typically using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Google Meet over a Wi-Fi connection. If you are calling between two users of the same app, the call is often free.

Q2: Do I need a special code to call Dubai from India?

Yes, you need India’s international exit code (usually 00), followed by the UAE’s country code (971), and then the Dubai mobile number. So, the format is 00 971 [Dubai Mobile Number]. For VoIP apps, you often use +971 [Dubai Mobile Number].

Q3: How much does it cost to call Dubai from India per minute?

This varies greatly. Standard international direct dialing (IDD) from India can cost ₹15-₹40+ per minute. Using international calling packs from Indian providers might bring it down to ₹5-₹15. VoIP apps can cost as little as ₹1.50-₹5 per minute for calls to landlines/mobiles, or be free if calling between app users.

Q4: Can I use my Indian SIM card in Dubai?

Yes, you can use your Indian SIM card in Dubai if it supports international roaming. However, be very aware of the roaming charges, as they are usually much higher than local rates or using a local SIM.

Q5: Is it better to get a local Dubai SIM card?

If you are staying in Dubai for an extended period (more than a few days) or plan to make frequent calls, getting a local SIM card from Etisalat or du is generally more cost-effective and convenient than relying on roaming or solely on VoIP apps (especially if you have limited data).

Q6: What are the best VoIP apps for calling Dubai?

Popular and reliable options include WhatsApp, Skype, Google Meet (formerly Duo), and Viber. Their cost-effectiveness depends on whether you are calling another user of the same app or a traditional phone number.

Q7: How do I call a Dubai landline from India?

The dialing format is the same as for mobile, but you might need to include the Dubai area code if calling a landline. The sequence would be: 00 971 4 [Dubai Landline Number]. However, mobile numbers are far more common now.

Conclusion

Connecting from India to Dubai has never been easier or more affordable. By understanding the simple dialing codes – India’s exit code (00), the UAE’s country code (971), and the Dubai mobile number – you’re already halfway there. For the most budget-friendly and high-quality calls, leveraging VoIP apps like WhatsApp or Skype over Wi-Fi is your best bet. If you’re in Dubai, getting a local SIM from Etisalat or du unlocks competitive rates and convenient bundles for both local and international communication. Whichever method you choose, remember to compare rates and look for special calling packages to ensure you stay connected without breaking the bank. Happy calling!