Owais Crawford
If your parents are Airtel customers travelling from the USA and want to call an Airtel number in India, they will need to activate an International Roaming (IR) pack. This can be done by calling 121 from India or +91-99100-99100 (toll-free) from outside India, or by sending an SMS with the text IRSTART to 121. Additionally, they can download the Airtel Thanks app to keep track of their daily usage and balance to avoid unexpected charges. To call an Indian number from the USA, they will need to enter '+' on their phone keypad as an exit code.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Call from the USA to India | Enter '+' on the phone keypad before the Indian number |
| Airtel International Roaming | Available in 175 countries |
| Airtel International Roaming Activation | Call 121 from India or +91-99100-99100 from outside India |
| Airtel International Roaming Cost | 133 INR/day |
| Airtel ISD Roaming | Enabled by default for all prepaid and postpaid connections |
| Airtel ISD Roaming Activation | Visit an Airtel shop or call 121 |
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What You'll Learn
Calling from the USA to India with Airtel
If your parents are in the USA and want to call India using Airtel, they have several options.
Firstly, they should ensure that they have activated Airtel's International Roaming (IR) service. This can be done by calling 121 if they are in India, or +91-99100-99100 (toll-free) if they are outside of India. Alternatively, they can send a text or a WhatsApp message to the number 9910099100 for details related to IR packs, or SMS IRSTART to 121 for activation. It is important to note that prepaid customers need to maintain a sufficient balance while using IR services. They can do this by purchasing an IR pack or a talk time recharge. Additionally, they should ensure that international roaming is switched on in their phone's settings.
Airtel offers various international calling plans that your parents can choose from. For example, the Rs. 1199 plan is a one-month basic international plan that covers calls to the USA, among other countries. There is also a Rs. 4,999 plan that allows users to call India for up to 10 days, and a Rs. 5,999 plan valid for up to three months. These plans also include benefits such as messaging and data services.
If your parents are looking for more inexpensive options, they can consider using calling apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, or Google Duo. These apps offer free or low-cost international calling and messaging services. Skype, for example, is known for its high-quality audio and video calling and is available across multiple devices.
Lastly, your parents can also consider purchasing an international calling card, which can be useful when travelling. They will need to inform their phone carrier that they will be placing an international call by dialling the exit code, which is '+' when calling from the USA to a country outside North America.
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Using an international calling card
International calling cards are a great way to stay connected with your loved ones back home when travelling abroad. They can be used on both cell phones and landlines and are a cheaper alternative to direct international calling.
Step 1: Purchase an international calling card
Before buying a calling card, do some research to ensure you are getting what you pay for. Compare rates as they vary depending on the destination and the type of card. Some cards are intended for a specific region, while others are for general international calls. Some cards are only good for one phone call, while others allow multiple calls. Check the packaging or the company website for international rates by country. Also, check the calling card policy of your destination as some countries restrict the use of calling cards.
Step 2: Dial the access number
On the back of the calling card, there is a local access number that you need to dial to enter the calling card service. This number is either toll-free or a local number.
Step 3: Enter your PIN
After dialling the access number, you will be asked to enter the Personal Identification Number (PIN) provided on the front or back of the card. Keep this number confidential to prevent unauthorised use.
Step 4: Dial the international destination number
Once your PIN is verified, dial the international destination number, including the country code and the recipient's phone number.
Step 5: Follow any prompts
You may encounter prompts or instructions from the calling card service during the phone call. Follow them as needed. Some phone cards also allow for additional features, such as conference calls and call recording.
Step 6: Track your balance
Most calling cards track your remaining balance after each call. Keep track of your balance and expiration date to avoid unexpected interruptions or losing unused minutes.
Some additional things to keep in mind:
- If using a cell phone, manually dial the full number, including the international dialling code. Do not use the number from your phone's contacts app, as this will disconnect from the calling card and result in higher fees.
- Calling cards can be expensive on cell phones due to high rates and hidden fees. It might be cheaper to add international calling to your cell phone plan if you make international calls frequently.
- Prepaid calling cards can be used domestically or internationally and are available at most airports.
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Activating Airtel IR services
International Roaming (IR) services allow users to use their SIM cards to make and receive calls, send SMS, and use data services while travelling outside their home country. Airtel offers IR services in over 175 countries worldwide, including the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe, and the Gulf.
- Ensure that you have an active Airtel SIM card with a sufficient balance or recharge. Prepaid customers need to maintain a sufficient balance to use International Roaming, and they can purchase an IR pack or a talk time recharge to keep their SIM active abroad.
- Contact Airtel to activate IR services. If you are in India, call 121. If you are outside India, call +91-99100-99100 (toll-free). You can also send a text via WhatsApp to +91-99100-99100 for assistance with IR activation and details about IR packs.
- Activate IR services by sending an SMS to 121 with the text IRSTART.
- Switch on international roaming for your phone. This can typically be found in the settings app of your device.
- Explore Airtel's IR packs to find the best option for your needs and duration of travel. IR packs are available for both prepaid and postpaid customers, offering seamless calling, SMS, and data benefits while abroad.
By following these steps, you can easily activate Airtel IR services and stay connected while travelling internationally.
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Airtel ISD roaming
International roaming is inactive on Airtel SIM cards by default. To stay connected with your parents when they are travelling abroad, they will need to activate the IR service. This will allow them to make and receive calls, send SMS, and use data services while outside of their home country.
If your parents are Airtel prepaid customers, they will need to ensure they have enough balance on their SIM cards before leaving India. They can do this by buying a separate IR pack or a talk time recharge. Postpaid customers will only be charged for using Airtel's services when abroad.
To activate IR services, your parents can call 121 if they are still in India, or +91-99100-99100 (toll-free) if they are already outside of India. They can also send a text to the WhatsApp number 9910099100 or SMS IRSTART to 121.
Airtel offers a variety of IR packs to suit different travel needs, including daily, weekly, and monthly options. These packs are available in 175 countries worldwide and can be purchased through the Airtel Thanks app. The app also allows users to keep track of their data usage and balance, helping them to avoid unexpected charges.
To make an international call from the USA, your parents will need to enter '+' on their phone keypad before entering the number.
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Airtel International Roaming Packs
International roaming is inactive by default on Airtel smartphone SIM cards. Therefore, to make use of seamless calling, SMS, and data benefits when travelling abroad, it is essential to activate an Airtel International Roaming pack. Airtel offers comprehensive international roaming packs that are both budget-friendly and reliable.
Airtel has partnerships with over 600 networks across 200 countries, ensuring that you’re always connected, no matter where you travel. Airtel offers a variety of affordable roaming packs to suit different travel needs. You can choose from daily packs for short trips to long-term packs for longer stays. These packs include benefits like ample data allowance, easy management of the plan via the Airtel Thanks app, and much more.
To activate your Airtel SIM card for international roaming, you can call 121 if you are in India or +91-99100-99100 (toll-free) if you are outside India. You can also send a text to the WhatsApp number +91-99100-99100 or SMS IRSTART to 121 to activate the IR service. Additionally, you can download the Airtel Thanks app to your smartphone to keep track of your daily usage and manage your international roaming pack.
With Airtel's international roaming, you can enjoy seamless connectivity and clear billing without any hidden costs. Their 24/7 customer support is always available to assist you with any queries or issues you may have.
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Frequently asked questions
Your parents can call you from a USA airport with Airtel by activating an International Roaming (IR) pack. They can do this by calling 121 from India or +91-99100-99100 (toll-free) from outside India. They can also send an SMS with the text IRSTART to 121 or download the Airtel Thanks app to activate the IR service.
The new International Roaming pack costs 133 INR per day.
If your parents do not wish to use the IR pack, they can purchase a local SIM card upon arrival in the USA. This will allow them to benefit from local rates and avoid high data roaming charges.
It is important to keep track of data usage and balance to avoid unexpected charges. Additionally, make sure that international dialling and roaming settings are enabled on the device.
