You’re in the US and need to call someone in Australia—a friend, family member, or client. No stress. Here’s a practical guide that walks you through the number format, dialing steps, time-zone tips, cost traps, and how to save money using internet-based calling tools like Dingtone.
Understanding Australian Phone Number Formats
Getting the number format right is step one.
- Australia’s country code is +61.
- Landlines include an area code, such as “02” for Sydney. When calling internationally, drop the leading “0.”
- Mobile numbers typically start with “04.” For international dialing, it becomes
+61 4X XXXXXX(again—drop the “0”). - Example: Calling a Sydney landline (02) 9876-5432 from the US becomes
011-61-2-9876-5432. - For a mobile like 0412-345-678, it becomes
011-61-412-345-678.
How to Dial Australia from the US
- Dial the US exit code
Start with011to place an international call. - Add Australia’s country code
That’s61. - Dial the area code or mobile prefix
- Landlines: Use the area code without the leading “0.”
- Mobiles: All Australian mobiles begin with “4” once the zero is removed.
- Enter the local number
Then dial the rest of the digits.
The full format looks like this:
011 + 61 + (area code without 0) + local number
Or, if dialing from a mobile:
+61 + area/mobile code (no leading 0) + local number
Time Zones: Avoid the Midnight Surprise
Time difference matters—a lot. Australia is huge, and its time zones vary widely.
- The gap between the US East Coast (EST) and Australia’s East Coast (AEST) is roughly 14–17 hours.
- South Australia and the Northern Territory (ACST) run half an hour behind AEST.
- Western Australia (AWST) can be 12–16 hours ahead of various US time zones.
Tip: Check a world clock app before dialing. It’s polite—and avoids waking someone up at 3 a.m.
Cost Breakdown & Smart Ways to Save
Calling with traditional carriers
- US carriers often charge steep international rates: $0.15 to $3 per minute, depending on your provider.
- Even with international add-on packages, long calls can get pricey fast.
A cheaper alternative: VoIP / internet calling
This is where Dingtone comes into play. By calling through the internet, your cost per minute is usually far lower.
- Dingtone gives you a second phone number and lets you call Australia at low rates.
- VoIP calls can cost just a few cents per minute depending on your plan and destination.
- No SIM card, no carrier contract—just internet access and flexibility.
If you routinely call Australia, using a VoIP service like Dingtone is one of the easiest ways to cut your phone bill.
Common Dialing Mistakes & Things to Watch Out For
- Many people forget to remove the “0” in Australian numbers and dial
011-61-02-...instead of011-61-2-.... - Save numbers in international format (+61) to ensure correct dialing wherever you go.
- Make sure your US carrier allows international calls—some plans block them by default.
- When using a VoIP app, check your Wi-Fi or data quality to avoid choppy audio.
Why Dingtone Works Especially Well for US-to-Australia Calls
- Privacy protection: Dingtone gives you a second number, so your personal number stays private when calling overseas.
- High-quality audio: Internet-based calling often sounds clearer than traditional long-distance lines.
- Flexible payment: Pay as you go by topping up calling credits—no long contracts.
- SMS & verification codes: Dingtone can send and receive text messages, including verification codes for services like Facebook, Google, and Tinder.
- Global coverage: It supports calling 200+ countries and regions, including Australia, making cross-border communication easy.
Final Thoughts
Calling Australia from the US isn’t hard at all. Just remember 011 + 61 + area code without 0 + number. The bigger question is cost—traditional carriers can be shockingly expensive, while VoIP options like Dingtone keep things affordable, flexible, and private. Whether you’re calling to chat, to verify an account, or to handle business, Dingtone can easily become your go-to tool for international communication.
