How to convert time zones for travel and international calls
Short answer: to convert a time zone, subtract the starting place's UTC offset to get UTC, then add the other place's offset, and check for daylight saving time. Orbitika's free Timezone tool does the conversion for you.
What Orbitika's Timezone tool does
The Timezone tool converts time across the world. It is one of Orbitika's free everyday tools, useful for calls, travel and anything that happens at a set time in another country.
How to convert a time zone by hand
- Find each place's offset from UTC (Coordinated Universal Time).
- Convert the time you know to UTC by subtracting that place's offset.
- Add the other place's offset to get their local time.
- Check whether either place is on daylight saving time, and whether the date changes.
Example: 9:00 am in India is UTC+5:30, so it is 3:30 am UTC. In Germany in summer (UTC+2) that is 5:30 am, and in winter (UTC+1) it is 4:30 am.
Offsets that catch people out
- India is UTC+5:30 all year, with no daylight saving time. Nepal is UTC+5:45.
- New Zealand is UTC+12 in winter and UTC+13 during daylight saving time. That makes it 6.5 hours ahead of India for part of the year and 7.5 hours ahead for the rest.
- Central Europe is UTC+1 in winter and UTC+2 in summer.
- The US and Europe change their clocks on different dates, so for a few weeks each year the time gap between them is an hour different from usual.
- Half-hour and 45-minute zones exist, so do not assume whole hours.
When it is useful
- Calling family or friends in another country.
- Remote work and meetings across regions.
- Planning a trip and checking jet lag.
- Live events, sports, launches and online games that start at one set time.
Tips
- Use the 24-hour clock when scheduling, to avoid am and pm mistakes.
- Include the date and time zone when you invite someone, for example "Friday 14:00 UTC".
- Check the date, because a late evening in one country is already the next day in another.
- Double-check near clock changes, the weeks when daylight saving starts or ends.
Try Orbitika
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert time zones?
Convert the known time to UTC by subtracting its offset, then add the other place's offset. Check for daylight saving time and for a date change.
Does India have daylight saving time?
No. India uses UTC+5:30 all year.
What is the time difference between New Zealand and India?
New Zealand is 6.5 hours ahead of India during standard time and 7.5 hours ahead during New Zealand's daylight saving time.
Does Orbitika have a timezone converter?
Yes. The Timezone tool converts time across the world and is one of Orbitika's free everyday tools.