How to Call Australian Landlines and Mobile Phones from the US

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Plus, we go over alternative ways to phone Australia
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Calling someone in Australia from the U.S. may seem like a challenge, but it is actually rather easy to do if you use the proper codes. If you dial carefully, you will be chatting with someone in Australia in no time.

Quick Steps

  1. Dial the exit code for the US, which is 011.
  2. Dial Australia's country code, which is 61.
  3. Dial the one-digit city code, or 4 if you're calling a mobile phone.
  4. Dial the eight-digit phone number.
Section 1 of 4:

Calling a Landline in Australia

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  1. Jot down the area code and begin your call. To start, you will need to dial the international exit code for the United States. This is a number that signals your call is going outside of the United States or Canada. The number is "011." Dial "011" to begin the call. [1]
    • If you're calling a landline from your mobile phone, you can instead dial a "+", which you can get by holding and pressing the 0 key.
  2. For international calls, each country has its own code to direct the call. The Australian country code is 61. Dial "61" to direct your call to Australia. [2]
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  3. In Australia, a "0" at the beginning of a number is known as the "trunk code." Trunk codes are codes used for national calls that must be dialed prior to dialing the number. They are unnecessary for international calls. If a phone number begins with a 0, ignore it and dial the rest of the number. [3] [4]
  4. In Australia, each city has an individual city code. You will need to dial the area code during the calling process. You should be able to locate the area online with a simple Google search. [5]
    • If you know the state the number is located in, you may be able to infer the area code from this list: [6]
      • 2: New South Wales, Canberra, parts of northern Victoria
      • 3: Tasmania, Victoria, parts of New South Wales
      • 7: Queensland
      • 8: Western and South Australia, Northern Territory, New South Wales, Cocos and Christmas Islands
  5. From here, you will dial the number you wish to reach. In Australia, phone numbers are eight digits. [7]
    • For example, if you're calling a landline phone with the number 02 1234 5678 in Sydney, you'd dial 011-61-2-12345678.
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Section 2 of 4:

Calling a Cell Phone in Australia

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  1. The process of calling a cell phone is very similar to the process of calling a landline phone. You would again start by dialing the international exit code for the US, which is 011. [8]
    • If you're calling from your mobile phone, you can instead dial a "+", which you can get by holding and pressing the 0 key.
  2. From there, dial Australia's country code. This signals the call should be directed to Australia. The country code for Australia is "61." [9]
  3. The number "4" indicates you are calling a cell phone. You need to dial a "4" if the number you're trying to reach is not a landline. [10]
  4. From here, you can dial the phone number. As with a landline, ignore the number "0" before a phone number. This is a trunk code, which is only necessary for national calls. [11]
    • For example, if you're calling a mobile phone with the number 0412 345 678, you'd dial 011-61-4-12345678.
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Section 3 of 4:

Calling Over the Internet

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  1. There are many subscription-based online calling services you can use. These services may be cheaper and easier than making international phone calls, and may be worth the money if you must frequently phone Australia. [12]
    • Many of these services require a small attachment for your computer. MagicJack, for example, comes with a small attachment that must be plugged into a laptop's USB port.
    • Sometimes, you must purchase the software for a fee. Some fees are as low as $40, while others are as high as $250. Once you purchase the software, however, rates are fairly low. Some services only have a yearly subscription fee, which can be as low as $320.
  2. With Skype, you can make international calls for a fairly low price without needing any extra equipment. You only need to download the Skype application on your phone or computer. Currently, you can get 300 minutes per month to call landlines and mobile phones in Australia for $6.99 per month. [13]
  3. There are a number of free VoIPs that can be used to make calls. These apps are free because they don't actually use a cell phone number to make calls, but use the internet (VoIP stands for voice over internet protocol). Both you and the person you're calling will need the same VoIP program, and you'll need to sign up for an account with that service.
    • Some popular VoIPs include WhatsApp and Skype. These apps can be used on your phone by downloading a mobile app, or on your computer by downloading the desktop client.
  4. Google Voice is free to use, but international calls do cost money. However, rates tend to be much cheaper than they are for international calls, and adding credit to your account is fairly simple. You just log into your Google Voice account, click "Calling credit," and add credit if necessary. [14]
    • You can make an international call by clicking "call" on your Google Voice account. You would then enter the number as you would normally enter an international number, including things like the calling code.
    • Keep time in mind, as Google Voice calls are not free. While rates are cheaper, you still have to make sure you do not let the call go on too long.
  5. With an iPhone, you can use FaceTime to make video calls to anyone in the world (as long as they also have an iPhone) for no extra cost.
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Section 4 of 4:

Managing the Cost of Calls

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  1. International calls can get expensive, especially if you have to make them frequently. You can save some money by investing in an international calling card online or from your phone provider. [15]
    • With a calling card, you prepay for the minutes. This can stop you from receiving high fees as you'll have to make sure you do not let calls run too long.
    • However, read calling card contracts closely. Some have a variety of hidden fees, and you can rack up extra fees fast. You do not want to end up spending the same amount, or more, on a calling card.
  2. If you need to make calls to Australia frequently, an international calling plan can help. Your service provider may offer a discount or specialized plan, depending on your services. [16]
    • A country specific calling plan is best. If your calling plan assures you can make calls only to Australia, it may not cost as much as a general international calling plan. If you only make calls to Australia, you will not need to pay for other services.
    • As with a calling card, be wary of hidden fees. Read any contract you sign closely and scan it for any fees that look suspicious or extravagant.
  3. If calling is getting expensive, look into alternatives. There are other ways to communicate besides over the phone.
    • Use social media to your advantage. Add international friends to social media accounts and communicate with them via things like Facebook and Twitter.
    • You can also email. You can agree to email back and forth with a friend to update him or her on your life. This can be a free way to stay in touch with a long-distance friend.
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      Tips

      • Research the costs with your service provider prior to calling to avoid a hefty bill.
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      • Be sure to calculate the time in Australia before you place your call to avoid calling at a late hour. The time zone in Australia is UTC/GMT +10 hours.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.howtocallabroad.com/australia/
      2. ↑ http://www.howtocallabroad.com/australia/
      3. ↑ http://www.howtocallabroad.com/qa/dialing-errors.html
      4. ↑ http://www.howtocallabroad.com/australia/
      5. ↑ http://www.howtocallabroad.com/australia/
      6. ↑ https://www.8x8.com/blog/how-to-call-australia-from-the-us
      7. ↑ http://www.howtocallabroad.com/australia/
      8. ↑ http://www.howtocallabroad.com/australia/
      9. ↑ http://www.howtocallabroad.com/australia/
      1. ↑ http://www.howtocallabroad.com/australia/
      2. ↑ http://www.howtocallabroad.com/australia/
      3. ↑ http://www.pcworld.com/article/205601/landline_phone_alternatives.html
      4. ↑ https://www.skype.com/en/international-calls/Australia
      5. ↑ https://support.google.com/voice/answer/141922?hl=en
      6. ↑ https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/international-long-distance-calling-made-simple-tip-sheet
      7. ↑ https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/international-long-distance-calling-made-simple-tip-sheet

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To call Australia from the USA, first dial 011, which is the international exit code for the U.S. Next, dial the country code for Australia, which is 61. Follow the exit and country codes with the city code for the area you are calling, which you can find online, or dial 4 if you are calling a cell phone. Finally, dial your party’s personal 9-digit phone number. If the person’s phone number begins with a 0, ignore this and dial the rest of the number. Read on to learn how to make your call to Australia over the internet!

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        Aug 17, 2018

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