How to Call India from Singapore Cheaply in 2026
Singapore has one of the world's largest Indian diaspora communities as a proportion of its population — roughly 9% of residents, or around 350,000 people of Indian origin, plus tens of thousands of Indian professionals on work passes. Staying connected with family in India is a weekly necessity. This guide covers every option for calling India from Singapore in 2026.
Quick Answer
The cheapest way to call India from Singapore is Voizly at $0.04/min (~SGD 0.054). Singtel and StarHub charge SGD 0.20/min — nearly 4x more. Voizly works over Wi-Fi with no Singaporean SIM required and credits never expire.
Singapore to India Calling: Cost Comparison 2026
| Method | SGD/min | USD/min | No SIM | Credits Expire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voizly (★ Recommended) | SGD 0.054 | $0.04 | ✅ Yes | ❌ Never |
| Singtel | SGD 0.20 | $0.15 | ❌ No | N/A |
| StarHub | SGD 0.20 | $0.15 | ❌ No | N/A |
| M1 | SGD 0.18 | $0.13 | ❌ No | N/A |
| WhatsApp / FaceTime | Free | Free | ✅ Yes | App-to-app only |
| Calling Card | SGD 0.04–0.08 | $0.03–0.06 | ✅ Yes | 30–90 days |
Sources: Singtel international calling rates. Rates checked May 2026.
1. VoIP Apps — Cheapest Way to Call India from Singapore
VoIP apps route your call over the internet, bypassing expensive international carrier routing. This is why they can offer rates that are 4x cheaper than Singtel or StarHub standard plans — and significantly more than that compared to some carrier add-on packs.
Voizly charges $0.04/min (~SGD 0.054/min) to any Indian mobile (+91) or landline. Credits are bought upfront and never expire — use them for a weekly call to parents or a monthly video-call with siblings. No Singaporean SIM or monthly commitment required.
Why Voizly Works for Singapore's Indian Community
- ✓Calls go directly to the Indian phone number — no app required on the other end
- ✓Works on any phone or tablet over Wi-Fi or mobile data in Singapore
- ✓Credits never expire — buy once, use anytime including festival seasons
- ✓No Singaporean SIM required — works for new arrivals, visitors, and EP holders
- ✓Connects to Indian landlines and mobiles — BSNL, Airtel, Jio, Vi
- ✓iOS and Android apps
Credits never expire · No subscription
2. Singtel, StarHub, M1 — Standard Rates to India
Singapore's three major carriers all charge substantially higher rates to India than VoIP alternatives:
- Singtel:SGD 0.20/min to India on standard IDD/ISD calls
- StarHub:SGD 0.20/min to India on standard international calling
- M1:SGD 0.18/min to India on standard international rates
All carriers offer international calling packs that may reduce rates for frequent callers. However, even with add-on packs, carrier rates typically remain significantly higher than VoIP options for calls to India.
Source: Singtel international calling rates. Rates checked May 2026.
3. WhatsApp and FaceTime — Free but App-Only
Free internet calling apps are the easiest option when both parties are online and have the same app installed. WhatsApp is the dominant choice for Indian families and is widely used across India.
- —WhatsApp: Most widely used in India. Free voice and video calls. Works on Android and iOS.
- —FaceTime: Free for Apple-to-Apple calls. The person in India needs an iPhone or Mac.
- —Google Meet / Duo: Works well for video. Both parties need Google accounts.
The key limitation of free apps is that the person in India must be online and have the same app. For calling Indian landlines, business numbers, or elderly relatives without smartphones, a VoIP service like Voizly is the better option — it works like a standard phone call on their end.
How to Dial India from Singapore
To call an Indian number directly from a Singaporean phone or SIM, use this format:
- →001 is Singapore's IDD prefix (international exit code)
- →91 is India's country code
- →Follow with the 10-digit Indian mobile number
Example: To call +91 98765 43210 from Singapore:
001 91 98765 43210
- →Alternative IDD: StarHub users can also use 019 instead of 001 for potentially cheaper carrier rates
- →On mobile with +: Dial +91 98765 43210 — the + replaces the IDD prefix and works on all networks
- →For Indian landlines: Dial 001 91 [STD code without leading 0] [local number], e.g. 001 91 44 XXXX XXXX for Chennai
Note: Singapore's IDD prefix is 001. StarHub customers can use 019 for potentially cheaper carrier rates. Using + on mobile works on all networks without needing to remember the IDD prefix.
Singapore–India Time Difference 2026
Singapore uses SGT (Singapore Standard Time, UTC+8). India uses IST (UTC+5:30). Neither country observes daylight saving time, so the difference is fixed year-round at exactly 2.5 hours — Singapore is always ahead of India.
Best time to call India from Singapore
Singapore is 2.5 hours ahead of India year-round — neither country observes daylight saving time.
- —Call in the morning (8–10 AM SGT) = 5:30–7:30 AM IST (early India, may not suit elderly parents)
- ★Best: Call around 4–7 PM SGT = 1:30–4:30 PM IST (afternoon India, business hours)
Monthly Savings by Switching to Voizly
Singtel charges SGD 0.20/min. Voizly charges ~SGD 0.054/min. Here is what that means for your monthly bill:
Call India from Singapore — $0.04/min, Credits Never Expire
4x cheaper than Singtel and StarHub. No monthly subscription. No SIM required.
Buy Credits — Starting at $4.99Credits never expire · Works on any device
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to call India from Singapore?
How do I dial an Indian number from Singapore?
Can I call India from Singapore without a Singaporean SIM?
What is the time difference between Singapore and India?
Does Voizly call Indian landlines from Singapore?
Is it safe to use VoIP apps in Singapore?
Related Guides
Call India from Singapore — $0.04/min, Credits Never Expire
4x cheaper than Singtel and StarHub. Works over any Wi-Fi. No Singaporean SIM needed.
Buy Credits — Starting at $4.99Credits never expire · Works on any device