Finding a reasonably priced calling plan for India can be tricky with so many options available.  With varying rates, prices, terms and conditions it really is a minefield out there. Fortunately technology is constantly making it easier and cheaper to stay in touch with relatives back home. 

Firstly, let’s look at a couple of the more traditional ways to stay in touch.

Landline Operators

You can always make calls to India via a traditional operator, using your landline provider and taking advantage of an international calling plan. Many companies provide specialized packages for certain locations so if this is your preference then you should check out which package is available to you from your current location.

Mobile Carriers

You can also use your mobile phone carrier, which also provide certain packages to differing destinations. Premium fees may be applied by the local telecom companies and rates here tend to be among the highest in the market.

Generation differences

You need to consider who it is that you are wishing to contact.  For example, your friendship circles in Europe may be used to entirely different ways of communicating than your relatives back in India.  Let’s think about generation differences for a moment.  Do great aunties and uncles, grandmas and grandpas back in India have access to a smartphone or tablet?  If not then you may think that you need to contact their landline or mobile/cell phone from your landline or mobile/cell phone, but in fact there are many ways of communicating from smartphone (you) to normal mobile/cell phone or landline (your relatives) while keeping costs really low.

Smartphone Apps

Indeed, as the number of smartphones and tablets has grown rapidly over the last few years, so has the number of companies who are developing apps for them. Of course, communications technology is at the heart of both devices, so it is perhaps unsurprising that there are so many choices available.  It’s worthwhile shopping around to find the best option for you, but we’ve done some of the work for you with a couple of the market gems below.

Skype

Skype is a popular online calling service that allows you to call India via your computer or other internet connected device (smartphone or tablet). You can either purchase open credit for use to call at will or specific bundle packages for India.  Rates and deals vary seasonally but are competitive and favourable over landline and mobile/cell phone operators.

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