If you’ve ever received a call or message from a number starting with the +91 country code, you’re looking at a number from India. The country code 91 is the unique international identifier assigned exclusively to India, used to route all incoming international calls and texts to the correct country. The +91 code is your digital gateway to connecting with over a billion people.
This comprehensive guide answers every question you might have about the 91 country code. You will learn not only what the 91 dialing code is but also how to use it correctly to call any mobile or landline number in India from anywhere in the world. Crucially, we will also dive deep into the common scams associated with the +91 country prefix and provide actionable advice to keep you safe. By the end of this article, you’ll be an expert on everything related to the phone country code 91.
The Core Explanation: Understanding the 91 International Code
So, 91 is which country code? As established, 91 is the code of which country is a common question with a simple answer: India. But there’s more to it than that. This number is part of a global system managed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that ensures every country has a unique prefix. When you dial the international code 91, you are telling the global telephone network to direct your call to India.
How Indian Phone Numbers Are Structured
Indian phone numbers follow a consistent 10-digit format, which is important to know when using the 91 telephone code. This applies to both mobile numbers and fixed-line landlines.
- Mobile Numbers: An Indian mobile number is a simple 10-digit sequence. These numbers typically start with a digit from 6 to 9. When calling from abroad, you dial the country code +91 followed directly by the 10-digit mobile number. No other codes are needed.
- Landline Numbers: A landline number also has 10 digits, but it’s a combination of an area code (known as an STD code) and a local subscriber number. For example, a 2-digit area code will be paired with an 8-digit phone number.
What Is an Area Code (STD Code)?
The area code 91 is a common point of confusion; the number 91 itself is the country code, not an area code. Within India, however, different cities and regions have their own local area codes, called STD codes. You only need to use an STD code when dialing a landline number. Major cities like New Delhi (11), Mumbai (22), and Kolkata (33) have shorter area codes. When making an international call to an Indian landline, you must include this STD code after the 91 country code phone prefix.
The Deep Dive: How to Call India and Avoid Scams
Knowing what country code is 91 is the first step. Next is learning how to use it properly and how to protect yourself from the prevalent scams that unfortunately originate from numbers with the country prefix 91.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Using the 91 Calling Code
Placing a call to India is straightforward if you follow the correct sequence. The process starts with your country’s exit code.
- Step 1: Dial the International Exit Code. This code tells your phone provider you’re making an international call.
- From the USA or Canada, the exit code is 011.
- From the UK and most of Europe, the exit code is 00.
- The Universal Method: On any mobile phone, you can simply use the plus (+) symbol. This automatically acts as the correct exit code, no matter where you are calling from. This is the easiest and most recommended method.
- Step 2: Dial the 91 Country Code. After the exit code, enter 91.
- Step 3: Dial the Phone Number.
- For a mobile phone: Dial the full 10-digit mobile number.
- For a landline: Dial the STD area code (removing the leading 0 if it has one) followed by the local phone number.
Example Call to a Mumbai Mobile Number from the USA: 011 (US Exit Code) + 91 (India Country Code) + 98xxxxxxxx (10-Digit Mobile Number)
Example Call Using a Mobile Phone (Universal): +91 (Universal Prefix) + 98xxxxxxxx (10-Digit Mobile Number)
WARNING: A Guide to Scams from +91 Numbers
A call from an unknown +91 country number should be treated with caution. India is a hub for legitimate call centers, but this infrastructure is also exploited by sophisticated scammers. An unsolicited call from a 91 code country number could be a scam.
Common Scams to Watch For:
- Tech Support Scam: The caller pretends to be from Microsoft or Apple, claiming your computer is infected. They’ll ask for remote access or payment to fix a non-existent problem.
- Fake Job Offers: You receive a message, often on WhatsApp, offering a high-paying job for little work. They ask for a “registration fee” or your personal data to steal your money and identity.
- Government Impersonation: Scammers pose as police or tax officials, claiming you’ve committed a crime and must pay an immediate fine to avoid arrest. This is a scare tactic to get your money.
- Lottery or Prize Fraud: You’re told you’ve won a lottery but must first pay a fee or tax to claim your prize. The prize doesn’t exist.
How to Spot a Scam:
- Urgency and Threats: They create panic and demand immediate action.
- Requests for Personal Data: They ask for passwords, bank details, or credit card numbers.
- Unusual Payment Methods: They demand payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
- Offers That Are Too Good to Be True: If it sounds unbelievable, it probably is.
What to Do: Hang up immediately. Do not engage, do not share any information, and do not press any buttons. Block the number and report it within your phone or messaging app. If the caller claimed to be from your bank, hang up and call the bank yourself using their official number.
Clearing Up Confusion: +91 vs. 0091 vs. 091
Many people get confused by the different prefixes. Here’s a clear breakdown to answer the question, “what is 91 country code format versus others?”
- +91: This is the correct international standard. The + is a universal symbol that replaces the exit code (like 011 or 00). Using +91 is the best way to save and dial an Indian number from a mobile phone. So, if you’re wondering which country code is +91, it’s the universal format for India.
- 0091: This is not a single code. It is a combination of an exit code (00) and the country code 91. You would dial 0091 from a landline in a country that uses 00 as its exit code, like the UK. The query for country code 0091 is really asking about this combination.
- 091: This is an incorrect format for international dialing. The 0 is a “trunk prefix” used for making long-distance calls within India. When dialing from outside the country, you must always drop this leading 0. A number like 091-xxxxxxxxx will fail if dialed internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 91 is which country? The 91 phone code is for the country of India. Any number that starts with the dial code 91 originates from there.
- How do I call a +91 number from the USA? Dial 011 91 followed by the 10-digit Indian phone number. On a mobile phone, you can simply dial +91 followed by the 10-digit number.
- What is the country dialing code 91? The country dialing code 91 is the official prefix for India, used for all international telecommunications, including calls and SMS messages.
- Is a call from a +91 number always a scam? No. It could be a legitimate call from a friend, family member, or business. However, because many scams originate from the +91 which country code, you should be very cautious with unsolicited calls from numbers you don’t recognize.
- What’s the difference between a country code and an area code? A country code (like the country calling code 91) routes calls to a specific country. An area code (like the STD codes in India) routes calls to a specific city or region within that country.
Conclusion
The +91 country code is the definitive prefix for India, a key piece of information for anyone needing to connect with the country. Understanding how to use the 91 code correctly—by starting with your exit code (or +), followed by 91, and then the 10-digit number—is essential for a successful call.
However, the most critical takeaway is the need for vigilance. The high volume of spam and scams originating from +91 numbers means you should always be skeptical of unexpected calls. By recognizing the red flags of urgency, data requests, and strange payment methods, you can protect yourself. Now you know the answer to “91 is what country code” and much more.
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