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Updated : September 12, 2025

The way we make calls is shifting. Old-school carriers are no longer the only option, and people are demanding new options like VoIP. The Australia VoIP market is projected to hit $5.1 billion by 2033, growing at a steady 10.83% CAGR.

It’s a clear signal that businesses and everyday callers want more flexible ways, like VoIP, to connect. Indeed, it is a goldmine to help you save money and future-proof the way you communicate.

In this guide, I’ll break down the full guide to calling Australia from the USA, the cost of calling Australia, and much more.

Step-by-Step Guide: How Do You Dial Australia from USA

Calling Australia isn’t complicated once you know the sequence. Here’s how it works, broken down step by step:

• US Exit Code (011): Every international call from the US starts with 011, or the call won’t connect.
• Australia Country Code (61): Dial 61 to route your call specifically to Australia.
• Area Code: Drop the trunk prefix (0) and use the one-digit code such as Sydney (2), Melbourne (3), Brisbane (7), Perth (8).
• Local or Mobile Number: Landlines use 8 digits; for mobiles, replace the 04 prefix with 61 4.

Pro-Tip

Always store your Australian contacts in the full international format (+61…) on your phone. That way, you can call or text seamlessly whether you’re in the US or traveling abroad.

Example of Calling an Australian Landline

Let’s say you want to call a Sydney landline: (02) 9876 5432.
Here’s how it looks step by step:
011 + 61 + 2 + 98765432

So from the US, you would dial:

Example of Calling an Australian Mobile Number

Now imagine you’re dialing a mobile: 0412 345 678.
Here’s the Australian phone number format when calling from the US:
011 + 61 + 412345678

So the full number would be:

What are the Australian Area Codes?

Australia calling codes vary by different regions. Here’s a quick overview:

South Wales uses the 02 city code.

• Victoria uses the 03 prefix.
• Western Australia and Northern Territory share the 08 trunk code.

Calling Major Australian Cities: Area Code Examples

The phone systems of Australia are divided into different states as well as territories, each has a one-digit area code. So, you must be sure to leave the leading 0 utilized domestically to dial Australia from the US.

Below is a reference table:

Dial Unlimited Calls to Australia!

• 1Virtual Australian number
• 2Clear audio calls
• 3Lower calling rates

Time Zone Differences Between the USA and Australia

Dialing Australia isn’t just about getting the number right; timing matters just as much. Call a client at 2:00 a.m. and you risk hampering the deal before the conversation even starts. Australia runs on three main time zones, and knowing them will save you from those awkward “wrong time” calls.

1. Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)

It includes Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, and Hobart. Standard time is UTC +10, but it shifts to UTC +11 during daylight saving. Since most business hubs fall under this zone, always double-check before dialing. A morning coffee chat for you could mean a midnight interruption for them.

2. Australian Central Standard Time (ACST)

It covers Adelaide and Darwin. Adelaide changes its clock for daylight saving, so during that period, it becomes UTC +10:30. But Darwin does not use daylight saving, so it stays at UTC +9:30 all year. That half-hour difference may sound small, but it can throw off your schedule fast if you’re not paying attention

3. Australian Western Standard Time (AWST)

This time zone includes Perth and is UTC +8, and does not observe DST (Daylight Saving).

Here’s how that translates when compared with US time zones:

Alternative Ways to Call Australia

Calling internationally doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are smarter ways to reach Australia, whether it’s business or personal.

1. VoIP Services

 A VoIP phone system is the smartest alternative for calling Australian people. You can get started by buying a virtual Australian number with VoIP providers like CallHippo, Vonage, JustCall, 8×8, OpenPhone, and GoTo Connect. It will help your brand look local in the eyes of prospects sitting in Australia. VoIP platforms take it up a notch with advanced features like call tracking, parallel dialer, sentiment analysis, AI chatbot, and many more.

2. Internet-Based Calling Apps

 Applications such as Viber, WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Voice, and Skype are the “set it and forget it” option. If you are using either a business phone line or a laptop, you can call, text, or video chat for free. You just need Wi-Fi or mobile data to run these apps.

This alternative works well for personal chats, quick check-ins, or a small business that doesn’t want to spend a hefty amount on calling Australian prospects. Some applications allow you to drop voice notes, share files, or do small group calls. In a word: free, flexible, and fast.

3. Carrier International Calling Plans 

Sometimes you just need your cell to work without Wi-Fi. Carriers still do the job. Rates of international carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Vodafone, and Telstra range from $0.10 to $3 per minute, depending on your plan.

Many carriers offer add-ons for frequent calls, but if you’re dialing often, VoIP or apps are always cheaper. Before relying solely on your carrier abroad, it’s smart to understand the rules and potential charges for using your mobile internationally. For official guidance, check ACMA’s tips on using your mobile overseas.

Cost of Calling Australia from the USA

The cost of calling Australia from the USA depends entirely on how you choose to connect. We have covered majorly 3 alternatives here:

1. Standard Carrier Rates

Carrier rates are usually the most expensive way to call Australia. For instance, T-Mobile charges up to $3 per minute for international calls, which can quickly add up for families or businesses making frequent calls.

2. International Calling Packages and Add-Ons

Most carriers, like AT&T and Verizon, offer discounted bundles where you pay a flat monthly fee for reduced per-minute rates. If you’re calling Australia often but prefer sticking with your existing carrier, this is an option to consider.

3. Free or Low-Cost Alternatives 

Here are the top 3 completely free low-cost alternatives:

• Wi-Fi Calling: If your cell phone supports it, you can make international calls over Wi-Fi without extra charges.
• VoIP Numbers: VoIP providers like CallHippo grant you toll-free or local Australian numbers to help you cut costs and build trust with customers.
• Apps: WhatsApp, Skype, and Viber make international calling free as long as both users are online.

Quick Tip:

• Before relying only on free apps, test call quality during peak hours. A low-cost VoIP plan often guarantees better stability, which matters if you’re calling clients or handling business conversations.

Tips to Save Money When You Dial Australia from the USA

International calling can be a costly trap if you’re not careful. Most people don’t even realize they’re overpaying on outdated carrier rates. A few changes, like Wi-Fi calling, bundled plans, and virtual australian cell phone numbers, can drop your costs to pennies without sacrificing call quality.

1. Use Wi-Fi Calling Whenever Possible

If your phone supports it, switch to Wi-Fi. Calls go through the internet instead of the cellular network. And you still get crystal-clear audio, without the “international surcharge”.

2. Take Advantage of Carrier Bundles

Even if you like dialing the old-fashioned way, check your carrier for international bundles or add-ons. A small monthly fee can minimize your per-minute rate by half. It’s one of the small moves that make a big difference.

3. Consider Virtual or Cloud Phone Numbers

If you call Australia regularly for work, get a virtual number. VoIP providers like CallHippo give your calls a local feel. Therefore, Australian clients will pick up your calls more as they will appear local. As a result, your phone bill will go down and your outreach will work better.

Quick Tip:

• Use a variety of approaches. Use VoIP for business calls, use apps for personal calls, and restrict carrier bundles (only in case of no other IP option). The above mix keeps you connected and costs down.

The Final Take

Calling Australia from the USA does not have to be complicated or expensive. After figuring out the dialing sequence 011 + 61 + area code + local number, the major decision is the method to use for calling.

For quick personal calls, use WhatsApp or Skype; they will achieve the aim. For business, VoIP services such as CallHippo will provide you with local presence, add-value features, and exceptional savings. Select the most appropriate combination and remain connected without hampering your profit.

FAQs

1. How do you call Australia from the US on a mobile phone?

Dial 011 + 61 + area code (omit the 0) + local number. For mobiles, you substitute the “04” prefix with +61 04.

2. Can I send a text to Australia from the USA?

Yes. US carriers process and facilitate international texting. Although international texting increases costs to your carrier bill, alternatively, there are apps like WhatsApp or Skype that allow you to send texts at free of cost.

3. Do I need to dial +61 for each call?

Yes, the country code +61 must be dialed when calling Australia from the USA.

4. What is the cheapest way to call Australia?

In general, VoIP services and internet Apps are the cheapest option for business communications; they may also be FREE.

5. Do I need to dial 011 to call Australia?

Yes, 011 is the US exit code, required before the Australian country code.

6. Is Australia +61 or 04?

Australia’s international country code is +61. The “04” prefix is used domestically for mobiles but converts to +61 4 when dialing from abroad.

7. Is Sydney 02 or 03?

Sydney uses the 02 city code locally, which becomes +61 2 when dialed from outside Australia.

Published : September 11, 2025

Juhi is a senior content writer with over 4 years of experience in the B2B SaaS industry. A passionate storyteller at heart, she transforms complex ideas into compelling narratives with an adaptive and audience-first writing style. Juhi has helped multiple brands strengthen their voice, connect with their audience, and drive measurable growth through content. When she is away from the screen, she enjoys winding down with a well-written book!

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