Ever tried deciphering international dialing codes while desperately needing to call a mate in Australia? Navigating the world of international calls can feel like a puzzle, especially when time zones are involved and you just want to connect. Whether it's for business, keeping in touch with family, or simply catching up with friends Down Under, making a phone call to Australia should be straightforward, not stressful.
Knowing the correct procedures, dialing codes, and potential cost-saving options is crucial for ensuring your call goes through smoothly and without breaking the bank. Incorrect dialing can lead to frustration, wasted time, and unnecessary charges. This guide will break down the process, offering clarity and practical tips to make your next call to Australia a breeze. We'll cover everything from the exit code of your country to the specific area code you need, ensuring you can confidently reach anyone across the globe.
What are the key steps to calling Australia successfully?
What's the international exit code I need to dial before the Australia country code?
The international exit code you need to dial before the Australia country code depends on the country you are calling from. In most cases, it's either 00 or 011. For example, if you're calling from the United States or Canada, you'll use 011.
Before dialing the Australian country code (61), you must first dial the international exit code for the country you are calling from. This code tells your phone network that you are making an international call. As mentioned, 011 is commonly used from North America, including the United States, Canada, and some Caribbean countries. Many European and Asian countries use 00. A less common exit code is '001'. To be absolutely sure, it's always best to quickly verify the correct international exit code for your specific location before placing the call. You can easily find this information by searching online for "international exit code from [your country]" or by checking with your local phone service provider. Incorrectly dialing the exit code will prevent your call from connecting. Once you've dialed the correct international exit code, you'll then dial the Australia country code (61), followed by the area code (without the leading zero if there is one), and finally the local phone number. For example, to call a Sydney number (area code 02) from the United States, you would dial 011-61-2-xxxxxxxx.How do I call an Australian mobile phone versus a landline?
Calling an Australian mobile phone and calling an Australian landline are very similar, differing only in the area code used. You'll need your country's exit code, the Australian country code (61), and then either the landline area code and local number or the mobile phone prefix and mobile number.
To call an Australian landline, dial your international exit code (usually 011 from North America or 00 from Europe), followed by Australia's country code (61), then the area code (e.g., 02 for Sydney, 03 for Melbourne), and finally the local landline number. Remember to drop the leading '0' from the area code when dialing internationally. So, if you're calling a Sydney landline with the number (02) 9123 4567, you would dial 011 61 2 9123 4567 (if calling from North America).
Calling an Australian mobile phone is almost identical. Again, you dial your exit code, followed by 61 (Australia's country code). Then, you dial the mobile prefix (e.g., 04 for most mobile numbers) *without* the leading '0', followed by the mobile number. For example, to call an Australian mobile number 0412 345 678, you would dial 011 61 412 345 678 (again, assuming you're calling from North America). Essentially, the only difference is that you are dialing a mobile prefix (starting with '4' after the country code) instead of a geographic area code. Double-check that you're removing the leading '0' from both area codes and mobile prefixes to ensure the call connects successfully.
What is the country code for Australia?
The country code for Australia is +61.
When calling Australia from overseas, you must dial the exit code of the country you are calling from (often 00 or 011), followed by the Australian country code (+61), then the area code (without the leading zero) and finally the subscriber number. For example, to call a Sydney number which is (02) 9123 4567 from the United States, you would dial 011 61 2 9123 4567.
It's important to remember to drop the leading zero from the Australian area code. This leading zero is only used when dialing within Australia. Mobile phone numbers in Australia do not have an area code; they begin with '04' when dialed domestically, so when calling from overseas, these numbers should be dialed as +61 4 followed by the remaining eight digits.
Are there cheaper ways to phone Australia than directly dialing?
Yes, there are significantly cheaper ways to phone Australia than directly dialing. Direct dialing typically incurs high per-minute charges from your local phone provider. Utilizing alternative methods like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, international calling cards, or mobile apps can drastically reduce costs.
Several factors contribute to the higher cost of direct dialing. Traditional phone companies often have legacy infrastructure that requires significant maintenance, and these costs are passed on to the consumer. Additionally, international calls are subject to various fees and taxes that inflate the final price. VoIP services and mobile apps, on the other hand, leverage the internet's infrastructure, bypassing the traditional phone networks and their associated costs. They operate using data, which is often bundled into existing internet or mobile plans, leading to lower per-minute charges.
Calling cards offer a prepaid option where you purchase a certain amount of call time. While convenient, carefully compare rates and hidden fees, as some cards can have connection fees or charges for unused balances. Mobile apps like WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, and others allow free calls to other users of the same app, provided both parties have an internet connection. For calling Australian landlines or mobile numbers that aren't on the same app, these apps typically offer significantly lower per-minute rates than direct dialing.
- **VoIP Services:** Services like Google Voice, Vonage, and MagicJack.
- **Mobile Apps:** WhatsApp, Skype, Viber, Facebook Messenger.
- **International Calling Cards:** Available online and in retail stores (research fees).
What time is it in Australia now relative to where I am?
Determining the current time in Australia relative to your location requires knowing your current time zone and the specific region in Australia you wish to contact, as Australia spans multiple time zones. You'll need to calculate the time difference between your time zone and the Australian time zone (Australian Western Standard Time (AWST), Australian Central Standard Time (ACST), or Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)). Use a time zone converter website or app to perform the conversion accurately.
Australia has three main time zones: AWST (UTC+8), ACST (UTC+9:30), and AEST (UTC+10). However, during daylight saving time (DST), which most states except Queensland, Western Australia, and Northern Territory observe, these time zones shift forward by an hour. This means that from late October/early November to late March/early April, AEST becomes Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) at UTC+11, and ACST becomes Australian Central Daylight Time (ACDT) at UTC+10:30. Understanding whether the specific Australian location is observing DST is crucial for an accurate time calculation. To accurately determine the time difference and avoid inconveniently calling at odd hours, use online time zone converters. These tools allow you to input your current location and the specific Australian city or region you want to call, factoring in DST where applicable. Keep in mind that the date in Australia might also be different from your current date, especially if you're calling from a location with a significant time difference.Do I need to drop the leading zero from the area code when calling Australia?
Yes, when calling Australia from overseas, you need to drop the leading zero from the area code. The leading zero is only used for domestic calls within Australia.
For example, if a phone number in Sydney is (02) 9123 4567 within Australia, when calling from another country you would dial +61 2 9123 4567. Notice that the "0" in the area code "02" is omitted after the international country code "+61". This rule applies to all Australian area codes, including those for mobile numbers which begin with '04'.
Failing to drop the leading zero will likely result in your call not connecting. The international dialing system uses the country code (+61 for Australia) to route the call correctly. Including the leading zero confuses the system, as it is only intended for use within the Australian phone network.
Will my mobile phone work in Australia if I travel there?
Generally, yes, your mobile phone *should* work in Australia, but there are several factors to consider to ensure optimal connectivity and avoid unexpected charges. These factors include network compatibility (GSM vs. CDMA), frequency band support, whether your phone is unlocked, and your roaming plan or alternative options like purchasing an Australian SIM card.
The first thing to check is whether your phone is GSM compatible. Australia uses the GSM network standard, so if your phone is a CDMA-only device (common in some parts of the US), it won't work. Secondly, even if your phone is GSM, it needs to support the specific frequency bands used in Australia. These bands are primarily 900MHz and 1800MHz for 2G, 850MHz, 900MHz, and 2100MHz for 3G, and various LTE bands, including 700MHz, 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 2100MHz, 2300MHz, and 2600MHz. You can usually find this information in your phone's specifications online or in its manual. If your phone supports these bands, you're in good shape. Finally, your phone must be unlocked, meaning it's not tied to a specific carrier. If it is locked, contact your carrier to unlock it before you travel.
Once you've confirmed compatibility, you have a few options for staying connected. The simplest is to use your existing phone plan's international roaming feature. However, this can be expensive. Contact your provider to inquire about their international roaming rates and data packages for Australia. A often cheaper alternative is to purchase an Australian SIM card upon arrival. Major Australian carriers like Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone offer prepaid SIM cards with various data, call, and text options. This allows you to get local rates and avoid hefty roaming charges. You can usually purchase these SIM cards at airports, convenience stores, and carrier retail stores.
Well, there you have it! You're now armed with everything you need to give your mates Down Under a call. Thanks for reading, and we hope you have a great chat! Come back soon for more helpful tips and tricks.