What's The Difference Between 1300 and 1800 Numbers? 
How To Call A 1300 Number From Overseas
1300 numbers are one of the most popular numbers for businesses in Australia. They offer many great benefits for businesses and customers, such as toll-free numbers charged at a local rate.
However, what happens if you need to call from outside of Australia? You'll need to dial the number different from how you usually would call.
So read on to find out how to call a 1300 number overseas.
How to call a 1300 number from overseas
You need to do three things to call a 1300 number from overseas:
1.Dial your international access code, then
2.Dial the Australian country code (61), then
3.Dial the 1300 number (without the 0 in front of the 1300).
Not all countries can call a 1300 number, but dialling in this format is the correct way to try.
Step 1: Dial Your International Access Code
To start calling a 1300 number from overseas, first dial your country's international access code.
This code is your gateway to making an international call and is essential for connecting you to Australia.
Remember, this code varies from country to country, so it's essential to know yours. Without it, your call won't go through.
Here’s the correct international dial-out code for most English-speaking countries. You'll have to find the correct code if you’re in another country.
You can check out our list of country codes here. Below are some country code examples:
United States – 011
Canada – 011
United Kingdom – 00
New Zealand – 00
Ireland – 00
South Africa – 00
India – 00
Step 2: Add the Australian Country Code
After dialling your international access code, you must add '61', Australia's country code.
'61' signals to your phone service that your call's destination is within Australia.
This code guarantees that your call gets accurately routed through the Australian telecommunications network.
Step 3: Dial the 1300 Number
Now, you can dial the full 10-digit 1300 number to connect your call.
Remember to omit the first zero inbound numbers before the 1300 sequence.
Always check with your provider beforehand to avoid unexpected charges and costs.
Examples
Let's look at examples to see how this process works in practice.
UK: 00-61-1300-XXX-XXX
USA: 011-61-1300-XXX-XXX
NZ: 00-61-1300-XXX-XXX
Does calling a 1300 number work for all countries?
Due to diverse technological and network capabilities, attempting to call a 1300 number from overseas doesn't guarantee success for all countries.
While countries like the USA, UK, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Singapore usually support these calls, success rates vary widely.
You might struggle more in places like South America due to different technology and network services.
To be sure, you'll want to check with your provider, as not all countries can connect to Australian 1300 numbers.
Things to know when calling from overseas
You have to worry about more than just getting the correct number.
Make sure that you've considered these things so that your overseas call has the best chance of connecting.
Mind the time zone difference
Australia has three main time zones that all differ considerably from Europe and the Americas. Australian Western Standard Time (AWST): UTC +8:00, Australian Central Standard Time (ACST): UTC +9:30 and Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST): UTC +10:00.
You'll also have to factor in that some states use daylight saving time from October to April when the clocks move forward an hour. If in doubt, Google the current time in the location you are calling.
This makes sure that you're calling at a time when the office is going to be opening. You don't want to be spending money connecting to a call that's not going to get through to a person.
Consider public holidays
Australia has seven national public holidays a year and state-specific holidays on top of that. During these public holidays, most businesses will be closed. If your call isn't getting through, then check that you're not trying to call on a public holiday.
Know the business hours
As well as knowing the timezone you should also check the business hours. While some large companies might have a 24-hour call centre, smaller businesses will only operate during standard business hours.
Expect higher calling rates
There isn't a standard rate at which your call will be charged as each provider sets their rates. But, you should be aware that it's likely going to be higher.
There might be an international support number
While a 1300 number is normal for most businesses to use inside of Australia, it's possible that they also have a more international friendly option. It's worth searching for the company to see what other numbers are available as these might have a higher chance of connecting and cost less. You could also reach out to their support team first if time isn't of the essence.
How much does it cost?
The cost of calling a 1300 number from overseas can vary greatly depending on your location and phone service provider.
Charges are influenced by local network rates and the fees set by your provider.
Typically, calls made from mobile phones are pricier than those dialled from fixed-line telephones.
It's essential to check with providers about support for calling Australian 1300 numbers and understand any additional charges that may apply.
This way, you'll avoid any unwelcome surprises on your phone bill.
Why your call to a 1300 number might fail
Despite your efforts, your call to a 1300 number might fail due to various technology and network issues.
The success of your call isn't just about dialling the correct numbers; it's heavily influenced by the technology and network availability both in your country and Australia.
For example, if you're calling from South America, you might find it particularly challenging to connect due to lower call completion rates than calls from the UK or Europe.
This discrepancy arises because network services, call costs, and the compatibility of local exchanges with international calls play important roles.
Can you call a 1300 number without a phone?
Yes, you can reach a 1300 number without relying on a conventional phone line.
Online calling services or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) platforms offer a viable solution.
These methods allow you to take incoming calls or dial 1300 numbers using an internet connection.
Zoom and Skype are well-known VoIP options, although you would have to check that it's possible with each provider.
Looking for a reliable 1300 number?
If your business requires a 1300 number, then get in touch with Telcoworks.
We provide a range of reliable 1300 numbers to suit your business needs.
Once you've chosen your new inbound number, you can set it up in 10 minutes.
It's a simple process, so get your new 1300 number here to set your business up for success.
If you already have an existing number, we can transfer it over.
Plus, you can get a range of features, such as call tracking, to determine how many calls you’re receiving.
Frequently asked questions
What is an International Access Code?
An International Access Code is a prefix used to dial out of a country when making an international phone call. It’s the series of digits you enter before the country code of the number you’re calling.
Can I use WhatsApp or other messaging services to contact a 1300 number?
You cannot use WhatsApp or other messaging services to contact a 1300 number from overseas. These phone numbers are designed for calls within Australia and typically do not support communication through WhatsApp.
Are 1300 numbers free from outside Australia?
No, calling 1300 numbers from outside Australia is not free. International call rates set by your service provider will apply when dialling from overseas.
How do I dial a 1300 number from my mobile?
To dial a 1300 number from your mobile phone in Australia, enter the 1300 number as it appears.
From overseas, dial your country’s international access code, followed by Australia’s country code (+61), and then the 1300 number, omitting the leading ‘0’.
For example, if the 1300 number is 1300 123 456, you’d dial your international access code + 61 300 123 456.
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