Cheapest Way to Call India from the UK (2026 Guide)
Calling India from the UK can quickly become expensive if you rely on standard mobile networks. Many providers still charge high per-minute rates, especially when calling Indian mobile numbers.
Fortunately, there are much cheaper and more practical ways to stay in touch with friends, family, or business contacts in India.
Average Cost of Calling India from the UK
International call pricing varies depending on how you make the call.
Typical costs include:
- UK mobile networks: often £1 to £3 per minute
- Landlines: slightly cheaper, but still expensive over time
- Hotel phones and roaming: usually the highest cost option
Even occasional calls can add up quickly.
Cheapest Ways to Call India Compared
| Method | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile network | High | Simple | Very expensive |
| WhatsApp / VoIP | Low | Free or cheap | Needs strong internet |
| Calling cards | Medium | Available | Can be confusing |
| Dial-around with WowTel | From 5p per minute | No app, reliable | Dial access number first |
Why WowTel Is One of the Cheapest Ways to Call India
WowTel uses a dial-around system that avoids expensive international routing.
Instead of calling India directly, you simply dial a UK access number first, then enter the Indian number you want to reach. Your call is routed via lower-cost international carriers, helping you save money without needing an app or internet connection.
The WowTel access number is 0845 222 2777.
Calls to this number cost just 5p per minute.
However, if your UK mobile or landline plan includes calls to 0845 numbers, your call to India can effectively be free.
This makes WowTel one of the most cost-effective options available, especially for people who call India regularly.
How to Call India Using WowTel
- Dial 0845 222 2777
- Enter the Indian number, including the country code +91
- Start your call
No apps, no internet, and no SIM changes are required.
Example Cost Comparison
To illustrate the difference:
- 10-minute call via mobile network: £15 to £25
- 10-minute call via VoIP apps: free to a few pounds, depending on data usage
- 10-minute call via WowTel: 50p total at 5p per minute
- 10-minute call via WowTel with inclusive 0845 calls: effectively free
Over time, the savings can be significant.
When to Use Each Method
- Use WhatsApp or similar apps if both people have strong internet
- Use WowTel if you want reliable, low-cost calls without relying on data
- Avoid direct mobile calls unless necessary
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to call India from the UK?
Using a dial-around service like WowTel is often the cheapest option, especially if your phone plan includes 0845 calls.
Can I call India for free?
Yes. If your mobile or landline plan includes calls to 0845 numbers, calls made through WowTel can effectively cost nothing.
Do I need internet to use WowTel?
No. WowTel works from any mobile or landline phone.
What is India’s country code?
India’s country code is +91.
Start Making Cheaper Calls to India
If you regularly call India from the UK, switching to WowTel can dramatically reduce your costs.
With rates from just 5p per minute, and the possibility of calling for free with inclusive plans, it is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay connected.
Dial 0845 222 2777 and start saving today.
Please check with your phone provider whether calls to 0845 numbers are included in your plan as calls to non-geographic numbers often attract a phone provider’s access charge.