Australia country code: your guide to Australian phone numbers (+61)

Have you ever tried to make a phone call to Australia, only to be met with a confusing dial tone or a "number not found" message? It's a common frustration for travellers and anyone with friends and family living in Australia. The world of phone networks has its own rules, and understanding them is the key to connecting without a hitch.

This guide walks you through the essential steps and tips for a successful call, starting with the Australia country code +61, the first piece of the puzzle.

What's the calling code for Australia?

The country calling code for Australia is +61. This is the unique digital identifier that tells a phone network your call is destined for Australia. It must be dialled at the beginning of every Australian phone number when you're calling from outside the country.

If you're calling from abroad on a mobile phone, the plus symbol (+) is a universal stand-in for your own country's exit code, which means the +61 format will work automatically from anywhere. If you're using a traditional landline phone, however, you'll need to replace the + with the specific exit code of the country you're calling from.

Australian landline area codes

An area code is a numerical prefix that routes phone calls to a specific geographical region within a country. It's a crucial part of a landline number because it ensures your call reaches the right city, state, or territory. When calling from outside of Australia, you must include the correct area code to connect to a landline in a specific region.

To help you ensure your call reaches the right part of the country, here's a breakdown of the main area codes for Australia's landline numbers.

Your step-by-step guide to Australia's dialling code

Making a successful phone call to Australia from abroad involves combining three main components in the correct order. By following this simple format, you can ensure your call is routed correctly and connects on the first try.

• For landline phones: to call an Australian landline from a landline phone abroad, you must first dial your country's exit code, followed by Australia's country code (61), and then the local Australian number

The format: your country's exit code + 61 + area code + 8-digit local number.

For example, if you wanted to call a business in Sydney with the landline number 02 1234 5678 from the United Kingdom (where the exit code is 00), you'd dial: 00 61 2 1234 5678.

• For mobile phones: calling from a mobile phone is often simpler. Instead of dialling a specific exit code, you can use the + symbol, which is a universal substitute. After the + symbol, you dial the Australia country code (61) and then the local Australian number.

The format: +61 + mobile code + 8-digit mobile number.

For example, to call a mobile number like 0412 345 678, you'd dial: +61 412 345 678.

+61 country code: dropping the leading 0

This is a point that causes many failed calls. All Australian domestic phone numbers, whether for a landline or a mobile, begin with a 0 (known as a trunk code). This 0 is essential for calls made within Australia, but it must be completely removed when you're dialling from outside the country. The +61 country code effectively takes its place.

Correct: +61 2 1234 5678

Incorrect: +61 02 1234 5678

Forgetting to remove this leading 0 will almost certainly cause your call to fail or to be routed incorrectly.

What to do if your call won’t connect

If you've tried to make a call and it isn't working, don't panic. This is usually due to a small error in the dialling sequence. Here are a few common issues to troubleshoot:

• Forgetting the country code: it's easy to accidentally skip the 61 after the exit code. Always double-check that it's there.
• Including the leading 0: as we've covered, this is the most common reason for failed calls. Make sure you've removed it from the Australian number.
• Using the wrong exit code: when calling from a landline, ensure you're using the correct exit code for the country you're in. Using + on a mobile phone eliminates this error.
• Not having international calling enabled: some phone providers require you to activate calls to other countries on your plan. It's worth checking with your provider if you're unable to connect to any number outside your home country.

Staying safe: Australian emergency numbers

While hopefully you won't need them, it's a good idea to know the emergency numbers for Australia in case you or someone you know needs urgent assistance while there. The main emergency number for police, fire, or ambulance is Triple Zero (000). This number ‌costs nothing to call from any mobile or landline phone in Australia.

For non-urgent police matters, the number is 131 444. You can learn more about Australia's emergency services by visiting the official Australian Government website. It's a reliable resource for important public information.

Checking for the right time to call

Australia's size means it spans 3 different time zones. Calling at the wrong time can be frustrating for the person you're trying to reach.

• Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST): covers New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, and the ACT.
• Australian Central Standard Time (ACST): covers South Australia and the Northern Territory, and is 30 minutes behind AEST.
• Australian Western Standard Time (AWST): covers Western Australia and is 2 hours behind AEST.

A quick online search for the time in the city you're calling will give you a real-time update and help you avoid waking someone up in the middle of the night.

Beyond traditional calling codes: staying connected with apps

With the rise of smartphones and the internet, many people now use data-based apps to make calls and send messages. Services like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Facebook Messenger allow you to make voice and video calls over an internet connection, normally at no extra cost beyond your data plan.

The biggest challenge with these apps is securing a reliable internet connection. You'll need access to a strong WiFi connection or an affordable data plan. This is where a Revolut eSIM can be a game-changer. Rather than facing expensive roaming or international calls charges from your usual phone provider, an international eSIM gives you an affordable and reliable data plan without needing a physical SIM card. You simply buy the plan you need and get quick access to the internet on your phone.

Staying connected while abroad with Revolut

High roaming costs can make it expensive to stay in touch while you're travelling. A simple and effective way to avoid this is with a travel-friendly data solution like an eSIM from Revolut. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that allows you to get a mobile data plan without needing a physical SIM. This means you can get quick access to data in a new country and use your favourite apps to stay in contact.

We offer a range of eSIM products, including a global eSIM and a dedicated Asia Pacific eSIM. With an eSIM, you can avoid worrying about finding a local SIM card provider or dealing with unpredictable roaming fees, giving you one less thing to think about on your journey.

In addition to eSIMs, we also offer several other features that are perfect for travellers. You can hold and exchange currencies in-app at great rates, so you're always ready to pay in the local currency. You can also use your Revolut card to spend around the world, and our budgeting tools help you keep track of your expenses in real-time. All of these features are designed to make managing your money simpler, giving you more freedom to enjoy your trip.

Frequently asked questions about the Australia calling code

Which country uses +61 as a country code?

The country code +61 is used for Australia. It's the primary country code for the Australian mainland and its external territories, including Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

What's the difference between +61 and 0061?

Both +61 and 0061 are used as the Australia country code. The main difference is that +61 is a universal format used on mobile phones, where the + automatically translates to the correct exit code for your location. The 0061 format is more specific to landlines, where 00 is the exit code for most of Europe.

Can I send a text message using the mobile phone code for Australia?

Yes, text messages follow the same format. You must start with +61 and then the mobile number, without the leading 0.

Are there different rules for calling Australian territories?

The country code for Australia also covers its external territories, such as Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The same rules apply when dialling numbers in these locations. For Australian Antarctic Territory and Norfolk Island, the code is +672, which is different from the +61 used for the mainland.

Is it possible to call Australia without fees?

Making no-fee calls is usually possible through internet-based apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or other Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, as long as you have a stable WiFi or mobile data connection. These calls use your data plan rather than your phone's traditional calling minutes, so you avoid per-minute charges.

Get started with Revolut

Ready to simplify your travel and stay connected on your next adventure? It all starts with a few simple taps:

1. Download our app: simply download the Revolut app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Get an eSIM: once you've signed up and set up your account, you can quickly get an eSIM for data access. Tap the eSIM button on the bottom menu, then choose your plan and purchase it with your account balance. Follow the simple in-app steps to install and activate your eSIM.
3. Explore other travel products: you can also explore all our other travel products, which are designed to simplify your journey and make managing your money easier.

The information provided is accurate as of 15 September 2025.

T&Cs apply.