How to Call Internationally from 🇦🇺 Australia
This guide covers everything you need to know about making international calls from Australia. You will find the correct dialing format, exit codes, information about carrier rates, and links to detailed guides for specific destinations.
Quick Reference
Exit Code
0011
Dialing Format
exit code (0011 or +) + country code + area or mobile code (no leading 0) + local number
Example
0011 1 415 555 2671 (Australia to US mobile)
How to Dial International Numbers from Australia
To place an international call from Australia, you need to dial the exit code followed by the destination country code and then the local number. The exit code for Australia is 0011. If you are using a mobile phone, you can also use the plus symbol (+) instead of the exit code, and your phone will automatically convert it.
Drop the destinations leading 0 trunk prefix when dialing from Australia, unless the country uses it as part of the fixed numbering plan.
Dialing Examples
- Mobile: 0011 1 415 555 2671 (Australia to US mobile)
- Landline: 0011 44 20 7946 0958 (Australia to UK landline)
Toll-free numbers: Foreign toll free numbers (e.g. 800, 888) often do not work from Australia or may be charged as international.
Before You Call
There are a few things to check before making international calls from Australia to ensure your call connects successfully and you understand the costs involved.
- •Ensure your mobile or landline plan includes international calling or IDD; many prepaid plans block it by default.
- •Dial 0011 or use the + sign before the destination country code when calling overseas.
- •For mobiles, enable international roaming if you plan to use your Australian SIM outside Australia.
- •Some providers require sufficient prepaid credit or an international add on before allowing IDD calls.
- •Business lines may have international barring; request your telecom admin or provider to lift it if needed.
Carrier International Rates
If you dial internationally using your mobile carrier in Australia, you will typically pay per-minute rates that vary by destination. These rates can be significantly higher than internet-based calling options. The table below shows approximate rate ranges for major carriers.
| Carrier | Rate Range (USD/min) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra | $0.30-2.50 | IDD rates vary by destination and plan; some bundles reduce per minute costs significantly. |
| Optus | $0.20-2.00 | Offers international add ons and packs that lower rates to popular destinations. |
| Vodafone Australia | $0.20-1.80 | Often includes selected countries in capped IDD or bundle offers; check inclusions before calling. |
Rates are approximate and may vary. Check with your carrier for current pricing.
Cost Considerations
Ways to Call Internationally from Australia
There are several methods available for making international calls from Australia. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks in terms of cost, convenience, and call quality.
Carrier IDD from Australia
Dial 0011 or +, then country code, area or mobile code, and local number from your Australian line.
Drawbacks: Higher per minute rates and possible connection fees compared with VOIP or special packs.
International calling cards
Buy a prepaid card, dial its access number, enter PIN, then dial the overseas number.
Drawbacks: Access numbers may not be free; advertised minutes can be reduced by fees and surcharges.
Roaming with Australian SIM overseas
Enable roaming and use your Australian number abroad to call internationally.
Drawbacks: Can be very expensive without a roaming pack; incoming calls may also incur charges.
Destination Guides
Select a destination below to see detailed instructions for calling that country from Australia, including the exact dialing sequence, current rates, and tips specific to that route.
Call Bangladesh
+880
Call Canada
+1
Call China
+86
Call India
+91
Call Nepal
+977
Call Pakistan
+92
Call Philippines
+63
Call South Africa
+27
Call Spain
+34
Call United Arab Emirates
+971
Call United Kingdom
+44
Call United States
+1
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I dial an international number from Australia?
Dial 0011 or use +, then the country code, then the area or mobile code without its leading 0, then the local number.
Should I use roaming or Wi Fi or VOIP when overseas with an Australian SIM?
Roaming is convenient but often costly; using Wi Fi and apps like WhatsApp or Skype is usually cheaper, especially for long calls.
How much do international calls from Australia cost?
Rates vary by carrier, plan and destination, roughly from USD 0.20 to over 2.00 per minute; check your providers IDD or pack rates before calling.
Will my caller ID show when I call Australia from overseas apps?
On normal phone calls, your number usually displays if supported; on apps like WhatsApp, your app profile appears instead of your phone caller ID.
Calling from Another Country?
We have similar guides for making international calls from other locations:
Related Resources
Need to call abroad from Australia?
HelloAirDial lets you make international calls directly from your web browser. Check the rates for your destination or try a call to see how it works.