This guide breaks down the process, covering Australia's country code, area codes, and the steps for calling both landlines and mobile phones from anywhere in the world.
Australia's International Dialing Code
The international country code for Australia is +61. All calls to Australia from another country must start with this code.
Understanding Australian Phone Number Formats
Australian phone numbers have a clear structure. After the country code, you dial an area code (for landlines) or a mobile prefix, followed by the local number. A critical step is to remove the leading zero from the area or mobile code when dialing internationally.
Landline Area Codes: A single digit representing a state or territory (e.g., "2" for New South Wales).
Mobile Phone Prefix: All Australian mobile numbers start with the digit "4".
Local Number: Typically eight digits long.
For example, a Sydney landline number written domestically as 02 1234 5678 becomes +61 2 1234 5678 for international calls. A mobile number like 0491 570 123 becomes +61 491 570 123.
How to Call Australia from a Mobile Phone
Using a mobile phone is the easiest method for international calls.
Steps for Mobile Dialing:
Enter the
+symbol in your phone's dialer.Type Australia's country code: 61.
Enter the single-digit area code or the mobile number prefix (remember to drop the "0").
Dial the eight-digit local number.
How to Call Australia from a Landline
When using a landline, you need to use your country's international exit code.
Steps for Landline Dialing:
Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 011 from the US/Canada, 00 from the UK).
Dial Australia's country code: 61.
Enter the area code or mobile prefix without the leading "0".
Dial the local number.
For instance, a caller in the US would dial a Sydney landline as 011 61 2 1234 5678.
Australian Area Codes
2: New South Wales (NSW) & Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
3: Victoria (VIC) & Tasmania (TAS)
7: Queensland (QLD)
8: Western Australia (WA), South Australia (SA) & Northern Territory (NT)
4: Used for all mobile phones across the country.
Navigating Australia's Time Zones
Australia is a large country with three main time zones:
Australian Western Standard Time (AWST): UTC+8
Australian Central Standard Time (ACST): UTC+9:30
Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST): UTC+10
Some states also observe daylight saving time, so always check the current local time before you call to avoid any inconvenience.
