The Australian Phone Number Prefix: What You Need To Know

Australia uses the country code +61, which is followed by a single-digit area code and eight succeeding local numbers. Each region in Australia has a unique area code. For example, the area code for New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory is 02. Mobile numbers in Australia begin with 04, the Australian national trunk code 0, plus the mobile indicator 4, followed by eight digits. This is generally written as 04XX XXX XXX within Australia, or as +61 4XX XXX XXX for an international audience.

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Australia's country code is +61

When calling Australia from overseas, you will need to dial the international access code for your country, followed by Australia's country code, +61, and then the local Australian number. For example, to call the Australian number 02 1234 5678, you would dial +61 2 1234 5678. The + symbol is used as an exit code when calling an international mobile number and is replaced with your home country's international access code when dialling from a landline.

If you are calling from a country with the international access code 00, such as the UK, you would dial 00 61 before the Australian number. For example, to call a mobile number in Sydney, Australia, from the UK, you would dial 00 61 4XX XXX XXX. If you are calling from a mobile phone, you would dial +61 instead of 00.

Within Australia, mobile phone numbers begin with 04, the Australian national trunk code 0, plus the mobile indicator 4, followed by eight digits. This is generally written as 04XX XXX XXX within Australia.

Each of the regions in Australia also has a unique area code. For example, the area code for New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory is 02.

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Australian mobile numbers begin with 04

Australia's country code is +61, and its mobile code is 04. This means that Australian mobile numbers begin with 04, followed by eight digits. This is written as 04XX XXX XXX within Australia, or as +61 4XX XXX XXX for an international audience.

When calling an Australian mobile number from outside the country, you would dial +61 4, followed by the eight-digit mobile number. The + symbol is used as an exit code when calling an international mobile number and is replaced with the caller's home country's international access code when dialing from a landline. For example, when calling an Australian mobile number from the UK, you would dial 00 61 4, followed by the eight-digit mobile number.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) regulates all phone numbers in Australia. Carriers are given phone numbers in blocks of either 1,000 or 10,000, depending on their geographical location. These numbers are then sold within the standard zones to which they are assigned.

Prior to the introduction of mobile number portability in 2001, mobile operators generally reserved number ranges in blocks of 04 xy z. Since then, there is no longer a fixed relationship between the mobile phone number and the network it uses.

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The trunk prefix for domestic calls is 0

When making a domestic call in Australia, the trunk prefix is 0. This is the Australian national trunk code. It is used for landline and mobile phone numbers.

For landline telephony, Australia is divided into four areas, three of which cover more than one state or territory. All local telephone numbers within these four areas have eight digits, consisting of a four-digit exchange code and a four-digit local line number. When calling a landline number in an area other than that of the caller, the telephone number is preceded by the trunk prefix 0 and the area code. For example, a number in Melbourne, which has the area code 03, would be dialled as 03 7010 5678.

For mobile phone numbers, the trunk prefix 0 is followed by the mobile indicator 4, and then eight digits. This is written as 04XX XXX XXX within Australia. Mobile numbers must always be dialled with all ten digits, regardless of the caller's location. The mobile indicator shows that the number is a mobile number, and the remaining eight digits are the subscriber number.

There are also other prefixes used for different services in Australia. For example, 1300 numbers are "local call numbers" that can be called from any fixed line in Australia and are charged at the cost of a local call. 1800 numbers are "free call numbers" that are of no cost to the caller and are often used for service support lines. Inbound numbers, which are "virtual numbers", begin with prefixes such as 13, 1300, and 1800. These numbers are not tied to a specific location and can be used indefinitely, even if the business moves.

The international call prefix is 00

When making an international call, it's important to remember that the procedure varies depending on the country you're calling from and the type of device you're using. If you're calling Australia from abroad, here's what you need to do:

Landline Telephony

If you're using a landline, the general rule is to dial the international call prefix or the exit code of the country you're calling from, followed by Australia's country code and the local number. The international call prefix is typically "00", but this may differ depending on your location. For example, if you're calling from the US, the exit code is "011".

So, if you're dialling a landline number in Sydney, Australia, from a landline phone in the UK, you would follow this format:

00 61 2 1234 5678

Mobile Telephony

When using a mobile phone to make an international call, you would typically replace the international call prefix "00" with a "+" symbol. This symbol acts as the exit code when calling an international mobile number.

So, if you're dialling a mobile number in Sydney, Australia, from a mobile phone in the UK, you would follow this format:

+61 4 1234 5678

Country Code and Area Codes

It's important to note that Australia's country code is "61", and this code is required when calling the country from abroad. Within Australia, mobile phone numbers begin with "04", which includes the Australian national trunk code "0" and the mobile indicator "4", followed by eight digits. When dialling from outside Australia, omit the leading "0" in the area code.

Additionally, each region in Australia has a unique area code. For example, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory have the area code "(02)".

1300 and 1800 numbers are virtual numbers

Australia's country code is +61. When calling a mobile phone from outside Australia, you would dial +61, followed by a 4 and the 8-digit mobile number. For example, to dial the number (02) 3456 7890, you would dial +61 2 3456 7890.

Now, 1300 and 1800 numbers are virtual numbers that can be assigned to any phone system, such as your existing PSTN lines, Voice Over IP, mobile, or even an Interactive Voice Menu. They are ten-digit nationwide numbers without any geographical limitations or markers. They are independent of any physical location and do not contain any area codes, freeing you from being automatically identified by your area code. This is beneficial as potential customers often prefer dealing with companies they feel are situated within their locality.

Both 1300 and 1800 numbers are identical in terms of features, functions, and configuration. They are only inbound numbers, meaning they can only be used to receive incoming calls and not to make outgoing or external calls. The only difference between them is in the way the calls are billed. Account-holders are charged for all incoming calls to both types of numbers, but 1300 numbers are charged at local call rates, whereas 1800 numbers are toll-free, with the account holder bearing the entire cost of the call. This makes 1800 numbers more suitable for large corporations or government organizations, while 1300 numbers are a good fit for small to medium-sized enterprises that want to avoid high monthly telephone bills.

These virtual numbers can be customized to spell out words or monikers that are easy for customers to remember, which can be very useful in sales and convenient for clients. They can be redirected to mobile phones, call centers, or even laptops, and they offer additional features such as call recording, analytics, and FAQs via automated voice menus. They also give a sense of professionalism and national reach to small businesses, making them more approachable to customers.

Frequently asked questions