Trying to contact a friend or relative in Australia? Don't worry, friend. Calling Australia from any part of the world is quick and easy if you are familiar with the international calling system. Read the instructions below for a quick explanation of how to call Australia.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Collecting the Required Numbers
Step 1. Get your country's international prefix/dialing code
This number allows you to make calls to countries other than the country you are calling from. Each country has a different code. For example, if you are calling from the United States, you will use the exit code 011; while from Argentina, you will use the dialing code 00.
You can find your country code by doing an online search with the keyword “-Your Country Name-Outgoing dialing code”
Step 2. Get the national prefix/dialing code of the country you want to call
The country code usually consists of 1-3 digits and identifies the country you are calling from. Australia's country code is 61.
Step 3. Get the area code
This number can consist of 1-3 digits and will narrow your phone's reach geographically within the country you wish to call. Australia has 5 area codes. Usually, you don't need to add a 0 before the code number. The number 0 is only written as a regional indicator.
- Code for New South Wales and the Australian capital region: 02
- Code for Victoria and Tasmania: 03
- Code for Queensland: 07
- Code for Western Australia, South Australia and Northern Australia: 08
- Code for cell phone or mobile phone (all Australia): 04
Step 4. Get a local phone number
This number is the residential, company or mobile phone number you wish to call in Australia. Australia uses an 8-digit local phone number for all customers.
Part 2 of 2: Calling
Step 1. Check the local time
Australia has three standard time zones. In an international context, this time zone is often referred to as Australian Western Standard Time (AWST), Australian Central Standard Time (ACST), and Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). All three times are 13-15 hours ahead of United States Eastern Standard Time (EST), so it's important to call at a time that's convenient for both parties.
Step 2. Call using the complete international phone number
When you have gathered the required numbers, call, and wait for the dial tone indicating a good connection. The following example shows the sequence of making a phone call to Sydney, Australia from New York, USA: (Local phone number is left blank.) 011612????????
Step 3. Consider international phone prices
International calls may be very expensive. You may want to contact your telephone service provider for information on international calling plans or use a prepaid phone card to reduce costs.
