Omari Gates
If you're trying to text Australia from the United States, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, check whether your phone plan includes international texting – if you have a prepaid plan, you may be able to add some extra money to your account to cover the cost of international texts. If you're texting from an iPhone, you may need to change your Start new Messages from setting to your email address instead of your phone number. Additionally, remember to exclude the initial 0 from Australian phone numbers, and include the country code, +61, before the number. If you're both smartphone users, you can also use a free texting app like WhatsApp or Viber to communicate internationally without incurring additional charges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Format of the Australian number | 011 61 [Australian Number] (the 011 might not be necessary) |
| Cost per text | $0.50 or $0.10 depending on the plan |
| Alternative methods | Whatsapp, Viber, iMessage, Skype, or a local SIM |
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What You'll Learn
Using iMessage to communicate between the US and Australia
IMessage is Apple's internet-based messaging service that allows users to send texts, photos, videos, and voice notes for free through a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. iMessage works internationally, enabling users in the US and Australia to communicate seamlessly. Here are some instructions and tips for using iMessage between the two countries:
Setting Up iMessage
To set up iMessage for international use, go to Settings > scroll down to Apps > Messages, and toggle on iMessage. Sign in with your Apple ID if prompted to sync iMessage across all your Apple devices. Ensure that you have enabled iMessage and connected it to your phone number in your device settings.
Formatting Phone Numbers
When sending messages between the US and Australia, it is important to format the phone numbers correctly. For US phone numbers, include the +1 country code prefix. For Australian phone numbers, use the +61 country code prefix. Additionally, remove the initial '0' from Australian mobile numbers, as it is not required when texting internationally.
Avoiding SMS Charges
To avoid unexpected charges, disable the "Send as SMS" option in your iMessage settings. This prevents your device from switching to SMS if the internet connection is lost during messaging, which could incur additional fees.
Alternative Messaging Platforms
If you encounter issues with iMessage, there are alternative messaging platforms you can use. Free messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, and Skype offer international messaging services. However, some platforms may only support sending messages and not receiving them.
By following these instructions and tips, you can effectively use iMessage to communicate between the US and Australia, taking advantage of its free messaging services over Wi-Fi or mobile data connections.
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Using a local SIM card
If you're in the United States and want to text Australia using a local SIM card, there are a few things you need to do to ensure your phone is set up correctly and to avoid incurring expensive roaming charges. Firstly, check that your phone is compatible with US networks. Both Australia and the US use GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and 3G/4G networks, so if you have a GSM phone in Australia, it may work in the US. However, it's important to ensure that your phone is unlocked and has a SIM card slot that can fit a US SIM card.
Once you've confirmed that your phone is compatible, you can purchase a prepaid US SIM card from a local carrier. This can be done online or at any major electronics or carrier store. Having a US SIM card will allow you to use your phone in the US without incurring roaming charges.
To use your Australian phone with a US SIM card, you'll need to set up your phone for US networks. This involves adjusting your phone's settings to the carrier's network and may include updating your phone's APN (Access Point Name) settings. It's recommended to use Wi-Fi whenever possible to avoid using your mobile data, and to turn off data roaming to prevent unexpected charges.
Additionally, consider using messaging apps that work over Wi-Fi, such as WhatsApp or iMessage, to send texts without using your mobile data or incurring international SMS charges. By following these steps, you can effectively use a local US SIM card to text Australia while avoiding unnecessary costs.
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Using a Skype account with credit
To text Australia from the United States using a Skype account with credit, you can follow these steps:
First, ensure that you have the Skype application installed on your device. Skype is available for download on mobile phones as a mobile app and on desktop computers. Once you have installed Skype, sign in to your account.
Next, you will need to purchase Skype credit if you don't already have it. This can be done through the Skype application or by visiting the Skype website. Click on "Calling credit" and follow the steps to add credit to your account.
When you have Skype credit, you can start texting Australia. To do this, click on the "Chat" tab in the Skype application and select the "New Message" option. Enter the contact information of the person you wish to text in Australia, including their country code and phone number. The country code for Australia is 61.
For example, if you are texting a mobile phone number in Australia, the format would typically be "+61 4XX XXX XXX" or "+61 4XX-XXX-XXX," where "4" is the mobile prefix, and the following seven digits are the subscriber's unique number.
Please note that you may need to dial an international exit code before the country code when sending your message, depending on your country. For example, the international exit code for the United States is 011, so you would dial 011-61 before the Australian phone number.
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Using a free texting app like WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a free texting app that can be used to communicate with people in Australia from the United States. It is a simple and cost-effective way to stay connected with friends and family abroad. Here is a step-by-step guide on using WhatsApp to text Australia from the United States:
Step 1: Install WhatsApp
If you don't already have WhatsApp installed on your device, you can download it from the App Store or Google Play, depending on whether you have an iPhone or an Android phone. Once installed, open the app and set up your profile by providing your name, phone number, and other required details.
Step 2: Verify your phone number
WhatsApp will send a verification code via text message to your phone number. Enter this code into the app to verify your number and complete the setup process. This ensures that you can be reached securely on WhatsApp by people who have your phone number.
Step 3: Find and add contacts
To text someone in Australia, you will need to add them as a contact on WhatsApp. If they have already provided you with their Australian phone number, simply enter that number into your contacts. If you don't have their number, you can use the app's search function to find them by name, but they must also have WhatsApp installed and set up.
Step 4: Start texting!
Once you have added your desired contact, you can start texting them directly within the WhatsApp app. Simply open the chat with that contact and type your message. You can also send images, videos, voice messages, and even make voice or video calls, all for free!
Additional tips:
- Remember that the person you are texting in Australia must also have WhatsApp installed and set up on their device.
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection. WhatsApp uses your phone's internet data to send messages, so a good WiFi or mobile data connection is necessary for the messages to go through quickly and reliably.
- Be mindful of time zone differences to ensure you don't disturb your contact with a message at an inappropriate time.
By following these steps, you can easily text your friends or family in Australia from the United States using WhatsApp, without incurring international texting charges.
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Using Viber
To text someone in Australia from the United States using Viber, you and the person you are texting must have Viber downloaded on your phones. You can download Viber on your iPhone by going to the App Store and clicking "Free". For Android, you can download Viber through the Google Play Store.
Once you and the recipient have Viber downloaded, you can text them by entering their phone number in the correct format: +Country Code – Area Code – Phone number. The country code for Australia is 61. Therefore, the number you are texting should be formatted as follows: +61 – Area Code – Phone number.
You can also text someone in Australia from the United States by selecting their contact from your existing contact list if they appear there. However, only contacts with the Viber badge can be contacted for free through the app.
Note that some users have reported issues with receiving calls and texts on Viber when their phone is locked.
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Frequently asked questions
To text an Australian phone number from the US, enter the number as: 011 61 [Australian Number]. You might not need the 011, but your phone will likely add it automatically. Remember to remove the zero from the start of the Australian number.
Yes, you can use a Skype account with credit to send texts. However, you won't be able to receive replies. Alternatively, if you both have smartphones, you can download a free texting app like WhatsApp or Viber.
The cost varies depending on your carrier and plan. For example, with T-Mobile, texts to Australia cost 10 cents each with a prepaid plan.
