How to Call Overseas from Australia: A Simple Guide

Calling another country isn't quite the same as making a local call. You need to add a few extra numbers before the phone number you're trying to reach. 

When calling overseas from Australia, the standard international dialling format is: 

0011 + Country Code + Area Code + Local Phone Number 

Each part has a specific purpose: 

• 0011 (International access code): This tells the phone network that you're making an international call from Australia. 

• Country code: This identifies the country you're calling. 

• Area code: This identifies a particular city or region, where applicable. 

• Local phone number: This is the actual number of the person or business you're contacting. 

If you're calling from a mobile phone, you can generally use the plus (+) symbol instead of the Australian international access code (0011). Simply enter the plus sign before the country code. 

For example, you can use either format when calling overseas: 

• 0011 + Country Code + Phone Number 

• Country Code + Phone Number 

Both formats help route your call to the correct international destination. 

Every country has its own international dialling code. You'll need to include this code before the overseas phone number, so your call reaches the right destination. 

Here are some commonly used country codes:

For example, if you're calling a mobile number in the Philippines, you'll need to add +63 before the local number.

Once you have the correct country code and phone number, making an overseas call is straightforward.

Let's look at an example.

Example 1: Calling a Mobile Number in the Philippines

Suppose the mobile number you're trying to reach is 0917 123 4567.

To call it from Australia:

1. Start with Australia's international access code (0011) or use the plus (+) symbol on your mobile.

2. Add the Philippines' country code (+63).

3. Remove the first zero from the mobile number.

4. Enter the remaining digits.

Your completed number should look like this: +63 917 123 4567

Example 2: Calling a Mobile Number in the United Kingdom 

Suppose the UK mobile number is 07123 456789.

To call it from Australia:

1. Start with 0011 or the plus (+) symbol.

2. Add the UK's country code (+44).

3. Remove the first zero from the mobile number.

4. Enter the remaining digits.

Your completed number should look like this: +44 7123 456789

Example 3: Calling a Mobile Number in the United States

Suppose the US mobile number is (202) 555-0123.

To call it from Australia:

1. Start with 0011 or the plus (+) symbol.

2. Add the United States' country code (+1).

3. Enter the area code and remaining phone number.

Your completed number should look like this: +1 202 555 0123

Unlike the previous examples, US numbers do not require you to remove a leading zero from the mobile number.

Example 4: Calling a Mobile Number in New Zealand

Suppose the New Zealand mobile number is 021 123 4567.

To call it from Australia:

1. Start with 0011 or the plus (+) symbol.

2. Add New Zealand's country code (+64).

3. Remove the first zero from the mobile number.

4. Enter the remaining digits.

Your completed number should look like this: +64 21 123 4567

Example 5: Calling a Mobile Number in India

Suppose the Indian mobile number is 098765 43210.

To call it from Australia:

1. Start with 0011 or the plus (+) symbol.

2. Add India's country code (+91).

3. Remove the first zero from the mobile number, if present.

4. Enter the remaining digits.

Your completed number should look like this: +91 98765 43210

The same principle applies when calling other countries. Start with the correct international access code or plus symbol, add the country code and enter the phone number in its international format.

Before making an overseas call, it's a good idea to check how much it will cost. International call rates aren't the same for every destination. The price can vary depending on the country you're calling and your mobile provider. 

Some providers charge a per-minute rate, while others include international call allowances as part of their mobile plans. 

Here are a few things to check before calling: 

• Destination: Make sure the country you're calling is included in your provider's international calling destinations. 

• Per-minute rate: Check how much you'll be charged for each minute of the call. 

• Included allowance: Find out whether your plan comes with international call credit or a set number of minutes. 

• Additional charges: Check whether connection fees, flagfall or other charges apply. 

• Billing increments: Some providers charge for whole minutes, even if your call lasts only a few seconds beyond the previous minute. 

Checking these details beforehand can help you avoid unexpected charges and make your international calls more confidence. 

Some Australian mobile plans include international calls as part of their standard inclusions. However, it's important to understand what the allowance actually covers.

An international call allowance may come as a set number of minutes or a dollar amount of call credit. These work differently.

International call minutes

Some plans provide a specific number of minutes to selected countries. For example, a plan might include 100 minutes of international calls to eligible destinations.

International call credit

Other plans provide a dollar amount that you can use towards international calls. The number of minutes you get depends on the rate for the country you're calling.

For example, if your plan includes $50 in international call credit:

• At $0.20 per minute, you could make approximately 250 minutes of calls.

• At $0.50 per minute, you could make approximately 100 minutes of calls.

• At $1.00 per minute, you could make approximately 50 minutes of calls.

These examples show why it's important to check the destination's rate rather than assuming your allowance covers the same number of minutes for every country.

Also, check whether your allowance renews with your plan, which destinations are eligible and what happens when your included credit runs out.

If you're a Yomojo customer, you can check international calling costs through the Yomojo website. The international call rates page provides a list of destinations and their applicable per-minute rates.

You can use the online rate checker to:

• Search for the country you want to call.

• Check the applicable per-minute calling rate.

• Compare calling costs between different destinations.

• View the full list of international calling rates.

Yomojo's published international call rates include GST and have no flagfall. Calls are billed in 60-second increments.

Before making an international call, check the applicable rate so you know how much it may cost.

A little preparation can make overseas calling much simpler. Keep these tips in mind before making your next international call:

• Save numbers in international format: Add the country code when saving overseas contacts so you don't have to look it up every time.

• Double-check the phone number: Make sure you've entered the correct country code and removed any unnecessary leading zeros.

• Check the time difference: Consider the local time at your destination before calling, especially if you're contacting friends or family.

• Compare call rates: Check the cost of calling different destinations before choosing a mobile plan.

• Keep track of your allowance: Monitor your remaining international call minutes or credit to avoid running out unexpectedly.

• Consider internet-based calling: If both people have access to a reliable internet connection, messaging apps with voice and video calling can be another option.

Making international calls from Australia doesn't have to be complicated. Once you understand how international dialling codes work, finding the right country code and checking your call rates becomes much easier. 

Before making your next overseas call, take a moment to check your mobile plan's international call inclusions and the rates for your chosen destination. This helps you understand how much credit you'll need and avoid unexpected costs. 

Whether you're catching up with family, chatting with friends or contacting someone for work, knowing how international calling works can make staying connected easier. 

Want to check the cost of calling overseas? Visit the Yomojo International Call Rates page to find your destination and see the applicable per-minute rate.