Making international calls
Making calls from Australia to overseas can quickly become expensive if you’re not aware of your provider’s international call rates, or if you don’t have a SIM only or prepaid plan that includes a set number of call minutes. On this page, we explain how you can call internationally and which charges you should look out for. You’ll also learn the difference between calling abroad from home and making calls to another country while you’re travelling.
How much does it cost to make international calls from Australia?
The cost of making international calls from Australia varies depending on the country you are calling and which provider you use. Standard rates to popular destinations like New Zealand, the UK, or the USA can range from $1.50 to over $4.00 per minute if they aren’t included in your plan. It’s also worth noting that it’s generally more expensive to call a mobile number than a landline.
However, most modern SIM only and prepaid plans now include a certain number of international call minutes as standard. Many providers also offer “International Packs” or “Add-ons” which provide unlimited or fixed minutes to selected countries for a flat monthly fee.
Whatever your setup, these add-ons are usually the most cost-effective solution if you make regular international calls.
How do you make international calls from Australia?
When calling from an Australian landline to another country, first dial 0011 (the Australian international access code), followed by the country code, the area code (dropping the initial zero), and finally the phone number.
On your mobile, you can simply use the “+” symbol instead of “0011” by holding down the “0” key.
How much does it cost to call an Australian number that is currently abroad?
You pay the same rate as making a local call within Australia – in other words, there are no extra charges for you. It is actually the recipient who may have to pay to receive the call via international roaming. If your plan includes “standard national calls,” you can call them for free from your end regardless of where in the world they are. However, the person you are calling may be charged a rate per minute by their provider to receive that call.
Can I make international calls without paying call charges?
Yes, by using apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Messenger, you use your home Wi-Fi or mobile data instead of the cellular calling network. Remember that if you aren’t on Wi-Fi, these calls will use your mobile data allowance.
Please note! Both parties usually need to have the same app installed.
Roaming charges may apply if you are abroad
If you are overseas and want to use a calling app to contact someone back home or in another country, ensure your provider offers affordable roaming. Many Aussie providers now offer $5, $7 or $12 daily roaming packs that let you use your local plan’s data and minutes while abroad, but checking this before you fly is essential to avoid “bill shock.”
How do I make calls when travelling?
How you make calls while overseas depends on your provider’s roaming terms. You cannot always assume your Australian SIM will work the same way it does at home without extra costs.
Tip! Check our Roaming Guide to find out how to enable or disable roaming on your device and for tips on keeping costs low while on holiday.
How to call Australia from abroad
If you are using your Australian mobile to call back home while you are overseas, you generally dial the number as you normally would. However, if you are using a foreign SIM card or a local landline, you will need to use the Australian country code: +61.
An example: To call the Australian number 0412 345 678 from a foreign number, you would dial +61 412 345 678 (remember to drop the first ‘0’).
Try this if you can’t make calls overseas
- Restart your mobile. Often, a quick reboot is all it takes to re-register your phone on the network.
- Check your signal. If you have no bars or it says “SOS only,” you aren’t connected to a network. Try moving to a different spot or checking if there is a local network outage.
- Ensure your plan isn’t “international barred.” Some providers place a block on international dialling by default to prevent accidental charges. You can usually toggle this on or off via your provider’s app or by logging into My Account on their website.
- Check your Wi-Fi calling settings. If you have a weak cellular signal but are on Wi-Fi, enabling ‘Wi-Fi Calling’ can often help you make and receive calls as if you were back in Australia
