Maintaining connections with friends, family, and business partners in Australia is essential for fostering strong relationships and supporting personal and professional growth. With its diverse landscape, vibrant culture, and unique wildlife, Australia offers plenty of opportunities for memorable experiences and lasting connections. 

In this guide, we will provide you with all the necessary information to make seamless phone calls to Australia, ensuring smooth communication with your Australian contacts. 

Australia's Diverse Landscape, Culture, and Wildlife 

Australia has a ton to offer for anyone looking to visit. Australia is known for its stunning landscapes, ranging from pristine beaches and lush rainforests to the arid Outback and rugged mountain ranges. This diverse terrain is home to an array of unique wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and the elusive platypus. 

The country's rich cultural heritage blends Indigenous traditions and influences from European, Asian, and other international settlers. Australia's thriving arts scene, world-class sporting events, and innovative culinary creations all contribute to the country's unique identity.

Australia's diverse population is reflected in its cities as well, each offering its own distinct character and attractions. Adventure from the bustling metropolis of Sydney to the artistic hub of Melbourne. Then, relax at the sunny beaches of Brisbane. Discover the thriving industry of Perth and the charming elegance of Adelaide. Basically, Australia is a land of contrasts and endless possibilities.

4 Essential Steps for Dialing Australia

To successfully call Australia from the USA or Canada, you’ll need to be familiar with a few essential dialing codes. These international codes include the:

• US exit code
• Australia's country code
• Area codes
• Local numbers

Step One: Enter the US Exit Code (011)

When making an international call, you must first dial the US exit code (011) to signal that you are dialing outside the country. Canada has the same exit code, so it’s the same if you’re living in the Great White North.

Step Two: Enter Australia's country code (61)

Next, dial the Australian country code (61) to connect to the Australian phone system.

Step Three: Enter the Australian Area Code

Australian area codes are typically one or two digits and correspond to specific regions or states. Here's a list of some of the most common area codes:

• New South Wales (including Sydney): 2
• Victoria (including Melbourne): 3
• Queensland (including Brisbane): 7
• South Australia (including Adelaide): 8
• Western Australia (including Perth): 8
• Tasmania (including Hobart): 3
• Northern Territory (including Darwin): 8
• Australian Capital Territory (including Canberra): 2

Step Four: Enter the Local Phone Number

Finally, dial the local Australian phone number for your desired contact. Both Australian landlines and Australian mobiles typically feature numbers that are eight digits long. 

Preparing for Your Calls: 3 Essential Tips 

Calling someone that lives in Australia isn’t going to be the same as calling someone who lives in a different state. There are a few things to keep in mind when calling “Down Under” so you can get the most out of your call:

Time Zone Differences

Australia is a vast country with multiple time zones, so it's essential to consider the time difference when planning your calls. The east coast of Australia, including cities like Sydney and Melbourne, is generally 14 to 16 hours ahead of the US, depending on daylight saving time. Keep this time difference in mind and schedule your calls during mutually convenient hours to avoid disturbing your Australian contacts during their nighttime or early morning hours.

A Different Version of English

While English is the primary language spoken in Australia, it's important to remember that Australian English has its own unique vocabulary and expressions. For example, you’ll probably hear more “g’day mates” as opposed to “hellos.” 

Familiarizing yourself with common Australian phrases and slang can help improve communication and show your contacts that you are making an effort to understand their culture. Here are some tips for adapting to Australian communication styles:

• Be friendly and open: Australians tend to be informal and appreciate a friendly, genuine approach. Begin your conversations with small talk and personal anecdotes to establish rapport.
• Speak clearly and concisely: Remember that the English used in Australia isn’t exactly the same as the English that you’re used to in the US. It will be just as difficult for them to understand you as it may be for you to understand them. Be mindful of cultural differences and avoid using slang or colloquial expressions that your Australian contacts may not understand.
• Ask questions if you’re unsure: Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if you don't understand something. You want to avoid interrupting them, but it’s better to ensure mutual understanding than to make assumptions that could lead to miscommunication. 

Try To Achieve Maximum Clarity

To maintain clear communication during your calls to Australia, consider the following tips:

• Use a high-quality headset or speakerphone to minimize background noise and improve audio clarity.
• Choose a quiet environment for your call to avoid distractions and make it easier for both parties to hear each other.
• Speak at a moderate pace and enunciate your words, as accents and regional dialects can sometimes make it challenging to understand each other.
• Use a reliable and high-speed internet connection if you're using VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, or Viber.
• Check your signal strength if you're using a mobile phone, and move to a location with better reception if necessary.

How To Save Money While Calling Australia

It should come as no surprise that calling Australia can get expensive in a hurry. All international calls will be more expensive than domestic calls, regardless of distance. Even calling Mexico from the US will run you additional charges. You can probably imagine how pricey a call that covers more than 10,000 miles will be. 

To avoid a colossal phone bill, here are a few alternative options that can save you some money:

VoIP Services

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services like Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber allow you to make international calls at a fraction of the cost of traditional phone calls. These platforms use your internet connection to transmit voice data, making them an affordable option for calling Australia.

The main advantage of VoIP services is their cost-effectiveness. However, call quality can sometimes be affected by your internet connection's speed and stability. To ensure the best call quality, use a stable Wi-Fi connection and close any unnecessary applications or devices that may be consuming bandwidth.

International Calling Cards

International calling cards can be a convenient option for making calls to Australia. When choosing a prepaid calling card, look for one with low fees, competitive calling rates, and good customer reviews. Be cautious of cards with hidden fees or poor call quality. Researching various calling cards and comparing their features will help you find the best option for your needs.

Carrier-based International Calling Plans

Many mobile and landline carriers offer international calling plans that include discounted rates for calls to Australia. To determine if a carrier-based plan is right for you, consider the following:

• Assess the cost of the plan and compare it with other options like VoIP services or calling cards.
• Check if the plan includes any additional features, such as unlimited calling or texting to Australian numbers.
• Verify the call quality and coverage provided by the carrier.

Solutions to Common Problems

As mentioned earlier, you’re going to be paying more for your calls to the Oceania region of the world. As such, you’ll want to avoid issues when possible so you aren’t wasting your money. 

Here are a few solutions to common problems that might arise during your calls:

Subpar Call Quality

If you experience subpar call quality when calling Australia, try the following solutions:

• Look at your service bars and ask your contact to look at theirs. Even a slight dip can affect a call made so far apart. 
• Check your internet connection speed and stability if you're using VoIP services.
• Use a headset or speakerphone with noise-cancellation features to minimize background noise.
• Adjust the volume settings on your device to ensure optimal audio levels.

Problems Connecting to the Intended Number

If you're having trouble connecting to the intended Australian number, double-check the following:

• Confirm that you've correctly dialed the US exit code (011), Australia's country code (61), the area code, and the mobile number or landline number. Remember that Australian numbers are eight digits long.
• Ensure that your phone plan allows for international calls. There are some plans that don’t enable users to make international calls. If you’re dialing the correct numbers and still not being put through, you may want to talk to your carrier. 

Other Ways To Stay in Contact

Cell phones might be the most efficient communication in the history of the world, but they’re not always the best option. These are a few ways that you can stay in touch with your Australian contacts that are more cost-effective than frequently making phone calls:

Email and Messaging Apps

Consider using email and messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or iMessage to stay connected with your Australian contacts. These platforms allow for asynchronous communication, providing flexibility when dealing with time differences. Just make sure that the messaging app that you use doesn't charge extra for international texts. 

Video Calls

Video calling recently exploded in popularity thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, it’s never been easier to use video calls and web conferencing services like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet. In fact, these platforms enable face-to-face communication, making it easier to build rapport and foster relationships than a mere phone call.

Social Media

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn were specifically designed to help people stay connected. By following, liking, and commenting on their posts, you can maintain an active presence in their lives and stay informed about important events and updates. Social media also makes it much easier to coordinate potential phone calls or video calls in the future. 

How To Stay Safe and Secure While Calling Internationally 

When calling internationally, be mindful of protecting your privacy and personal information. Avoid sharing sensitive details, such as your social security number or financial information, during phone calls or online communication.

Be aware of potential scams, such as unsolicited calls requesting personal information or payment. Verify the identity of the caller and exercise caution when providing any information. 

It’s always a good idea to take steps to ensure the security of your online communication by using encrypted messaging apps, setting strong passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication on your accounts.

Conclusion

Calling Australia isn’t too hard, but it does involve remembering the proper calling codes, understanding the correct dialing process, and preparing for time differences. It’s also a good idea to consider various cost-effective solutions to maintain communication with your Australian contacts. By expanding your communication channels and being mindful of safety and security, you can effectively nurture relationships with friends, family, and business partners in Australia.

As always, you should take as many steps as possible to keep your personal information private. Unfortunately, Burner doesn’t yet support international calls. However, it does offer numerous benefits for protecting your privacy and managing your calls/texts within the United States. 

We strongly encourage you to explore Burner's features and consider using it for domestic communication needs. Be sure to keep an eye on future updates, as international calling capabilities may become available in the future!

Sources

Travel to Australia | Australian Tourism Information

Telephone Country and Area Codes | Australian Government

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) | Federal Communications Commission

Time in Sydney and New York | Time.is

Prepaid Phone Cards: What Consumers Should Know | Federal Communications Commission

Which Country is Known As the Great White North? | WorldAtlas