Standard Australian Numbers: A Unique Identifier

what is a standard australian number

Australia's phone system is known for its unique numbering system, which makes calling across the country easy. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) regulates all phone numbers in the country, which are divided into four geographical areas, three of which cover more than one state or territory. Local telephone numbers have eight digits, while mobile numbers have ten digits, including the prefix. When dialling from outside Australia, the country code is 61, followed by the nine-digit national significant number.

Characteristics Values
Country Code +61
National Significant Number 9 digits
Local Telephone Numbers 8 digits
Mobile Numbers 10 digits
Mobile Numbers (International Audience) +61 4XX XXX XXX
Mobile Numbers (Within Australia) 04XX XXX XXX
Area Codes 2, 3, 7 or 8
Premium Rate Services Prefix 190x
Premium-Rate SMS Services Numbers beginning with 20
Inbound Numbers Prefix 13, 1300, 1800

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Australian landline numbers

The national significant number consists of a single-digit area code followed by the local eight-digit number, a total of nine digits. When calling a landline telephone in an area other than that of the caller, the telephone number is preceded by the Australian trunk prefix "0" and the area code. For example, when calling a landline number in New South Wales or the Australian Capital Territory, the number will start with "02".

When dialling an Australian landline number from outside Australia, the country code for Australia, which is 61, is followed by the nine-digit national significant number. For example, the international format for the Australian landline number 02 1234 5678 would be +61 2 1234 5678.

When writing Australian landline numbers for use within Australia, the two-digit area code is followed by a non-breaking space, and then the rest of the number is written in two chunks of four digits. For example, 02 5550 4321. When writing Australian landline numbers for an international audience, the international format is used, which includes the plus symbol "+" to represent the international prefix, followed by the country code "61". For example, +61 2 5550 4321.

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Australian mobile numbers

When calling an Australian mobile number from within Australia, the number is written as 04XX XXX XXX, with the trunk code 0 and the mobile indicator 4 followed by eight digits. When calling from outside Australia, the number is written as +61 4XX XXX XXX, with the international prefix symbol '+' followed by the country code 61, the mobile indicator 4, and the eight digits.

The international format for Australian mobile numbers is used when writing for an international audience or when making international calls. When calling from another country, the caller must first dial their country's international access or exit code, followed by Australia's country code 61, the mobile indicator 4, and the eight digits.

The Australian national trunk access code 0 is not used for calls originated from outside Australia. When calling a number in a different area within Australia, the trunk code 0 must be dialled first, followed by the area code and the local number.

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Country code

The country code for Australia is "61". When writing Australian phone numbers in international format, the country code is usually preceded by a plus symbol '+', which automatically provides the local network with the correct instructions to dial an international number. For example, to call an Australian landline number from outside the country, you would dial the international access code specific to your country (e.g. "011" from the US), followed by Australia's country code "61", followed by the area code and local number. So, to call the Sydney number (02) 1234 5678, you would dial 011-61-2-1234 5678 from the US.

Australian mobile numbers are written in a similar format. Mobile numbers have 10 digits, including the country code, the mobile indicator (4 or 5), and the rest of the local number. For example, to call the Australian mobile number (04)1234 5678, you would dial +61-4-1234 5678.

Australian landline numbers have no more than 10 digits, including a 2-digit area code and an 8-digit local number.

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Area codes

Australia uses 8-digit local phone numbers for all customers with a 2-digit area code. When calling within Australia, a landline telephone number in an area other than that of the caller must be prefixed by the Australian trunk code '0' and the area code. The format is therefore: 0x xxxx xxxx.

The trunk code is not used for calls originated from outside Australia. When calling from overseas, the country code for Australia, '61', must be dialled first, followed by the nine-digit national significant number. The format is therefore: 01161 or +61, followed by the 9-digit national significant number.

The Australian trunk code '0' should be left out when dialling an Australian number from abroad. The format for mobile numbers is 04XX XXX XXX within Australia, or +61 4XX XXX XXX for an international audience.

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Premium-rate numbers

In Australia, premium-rate telephone numbers are those that charge callers higher rates for select services, including information and entertainment. These services can include tech support, psychic hotlines, adult chat lines, directory enquiries, weather forecasts, competitions, and ratings televoting. Mobile premium services, which deliver news, financial data, weather information, horoscopes, mobile ringtones, adult services, games, competitions, and chat services to mobile phones, typically begin with the prefix "19". These services can be very expensive and are regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

When dialling a premium-rate number in Australia, the prefix is typically "190x", with "x" representing an additional digit. Prior to the introduction of 8-digit local numbers, the prefix was "0055". The "1900" prefix is the most common, but "1901" and "1902" have also been allocated. The prefix "1901" is specifically reserved for "restricted services", which may include services of a sexual nature. The prefix "1906" is reserved for premium-rate paging services. Other numbers beginning with "19" are generally used for premium-rate SMS services on mobile phones.

The cost structure of premium-rate numbers in Australia can vary. Some services charge a per-minute rate, limited to $5.50 per minute, while others charge a fixed rate per call, up to $38.50. Competition calls are often limited to $0.55 per call by state legislation. Premium-rate SMS services typically range from a standard SMS cost of $0.25 up to $0.55 for competition-related messages.

When calling a premium-rate number from outside Australia, the appropriate international access code must be dialled first, followed by the country code for Australia, which is "61". The nine-digit national significant number is then dialled. It is important to note that mobile premium services can be very expensive, and users have the option to cancel the service by texting "STOP" to the number.

Frequently asked questions

The country code for Australia is 61.

The Australian national trunk access code is 0. This is not used for calls originating from outside Australia.

An Australian landline number in international format would be written with a '+' followed by the country code, then the area code, and finally the local number. For example: +61 2 9456 7890.

An Australian mobile number in international format would be written with a '+', followed by the country code, then a 4, and finally the specific mobile number. For example: +61 4XX XXX XXX.

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