How to Phone an Australian Mobile from the UK

What You’ll Need

• The full Australian mobile number, including the leading 0 (e.g., 0412 345 678).
• A phone with international calling enabled (most UK pay-as-you-go and contract plans include this, but check with your provider if unsure).
• Credit or a call allowance if you’re using a pay-as-you-go SIM.

Step-by-Step

1. Find the Australian mobile number. Australian mobiles always start with 04 and have 10 digits total, e.g., 0412 345 678. Write it down or have it ready.
2. Dial the UK exit code: 00. This tells your phone network you’re making an international call. On most UK mobiles, you can also press and hold the 0 key to insert a + instead, which works the same way.
3. Dial Australia’s country code: 61. After the exit code, punch in 61. This routes your call to Australia.
4. Drop the leading 0 and dial the rest of the number. Take the Australian mobile number (e.g., 0412 345 678), remove the first 0, and dial the remaining digits after 61. So you’d dial: 00 61 412 345 678. Press call.

Common Mistakes

• Keeping the leading 0: The most common error is dialling 00 61 0412… The 0 is only used within Australia; internationally it must be dropped.
• Using the wrong exit code: The UK exit code is 00. If you use 011 (which is the US/Canada exit code), the call won’t connect from a UK line.
• Confusing the + symbol: The + sign is a universal replacement for the exit code. If you see +61, you can dial that directly from your UK mobile—just don’t add 00 before it.
• Forgetting to check international calling: Some UK pay-as-you-go plans block international calls by default. If you hear an error tone, check your balance and settings.

Tips

• Use the + shortcut: On any UK mobile, press and hold 0 to get +, then type 61 and the number (without the leading 0). This works from any country, so it’s a good habit.
• Save the number with +61: If you’ll call Australia regularly, save the contact as +61 4xx xxx xxx. That way you can call or text without thinking about exit codes.
• Check your provider’s rates: International calls from the UK to Australia are usually charged per minute. If you have a monthly allowance, see if it includes international minutes—some plans do.
• Try WhatsApp or FaceTime for free: If the person has a smartphone and Wi-Fi, a WhatsApp call or FaceTime audio call costs nothing. Only use the phone dialler if you need to reach a landline or the person isn’t on an app.

Troubleshooting

• Call won’t connect: Double-check the number. Did you drop the leading 0? Is the exit code 00? Try using + instead of 00. If it still fails, your provider may block international calls—contact them.
• You hear a busy tone or error message: This usually means the number is wrong or the call is barred. Re-enter the number slowly, and confirm the Australian mobile number is correct with the person.
• Call connects but no one answers: That’s normal—they might be busy or in a poor signal area. Try again later or send a text (same number format works for SMS).
• You’re charged even though the call failed: If the call didn’t connect (e.g., you got an error), you shouldn’t be charged. If you were, contact your provider with the time and number you dialled.
• You’re travelling outside the UK: If you’re not in the UK, the exit code may differ. Use + instead of 00 to avoid issues—it works from any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I text an Australian mobile from the UK the same way?

Yes. Use the same format: 00 61 (or +61) followed by the mobile number without the leading 0. Text rates may differ from call rates, so check your plan.

What if the Australian number starts with 04 but has only 9 digits?

Australian mobile numbers are always 10 digits including the leading 0. If you have a 9-digit number, it’s likely a landline or you’re missing a digit. Ask the person to confirm.

Do I need to dial the area code for a mobile?

No. Australian mobiles don’t use area codes. The number itself (04xx xxx xxx) is all you need, and internationally you drop the 0 and add +61.

Is it cheaper to call from a landline or mobile?

It depends on your provider. Some UK landline plans include international minutes, while pay-as-you-go mobiles often charge a higher per-minute rate. Check your tariff or use a calling app for free calls.

What does the + sign do?

The + tells the network to use the correct international exit code for your location. On a UK mobile, +61 works exactly like 00 61. It’s the safest way to dial internationally.

Can I call an Australian mobile from the UK using a calling card?

Yes. Dial the card’s access number, then follow the prompts, entering 61 plus the mobile number without the leading 0. Calling cards often offer lower rates, but check for connection fees.

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Sources: Ofcom. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.