You have got friends in Sydney. Or maybe family in Melbourne. Or a business call to Brisbane. Whatever it is, you are in the US and you need to call someone in Australia. But it is international, and international calling can feel like you are cracking a code.
The good news is that it is not that hard once you know what numbers go where.
Let’s walk through it together. Without any weird tech-speak. Just simple steps, some handy tips, and a few ways to make it cheaper, too.
First, Understand The Time Difference
Do not skip this part. Before you even grab your phone, check the time in Australia. They are ahead of the US way ahead. Depending on where you are, the time difference can range from 14 to 17 hours.
For example:
- If it is 8 PM in New York, it is already 10 AM the next day in Sydney.
- If it is 5 PM in Los Angeles, it is around 10 AM in Melbourne (next day).
No one likes getting a call at 3 AM. Be kind, check a time converter, or just Google “current time in [city] where you want to make a call.”
Steps To Make Calls Australia From the US
Step 1: Dial the US Exit Code
This is how you tell your phone, “Hey, I am calling outside the country.”
Always remember that the exit code for the US is 011. That never changes.
So, start your call with:
011
Step 2: Dial Australia’s Country Code
After you hit 011, now you need to point your call at Australia. The country code is 61 Easy to remember. Australia = 61.
Now you have got:
011 + 61
Step 3: Drop the Leading Zero from the Aussie Number
This part trips people up.
In Australia, phone numbers often start with a 0. Like:
- Mobile: 0412 345 678
- Landline: 02 9876 5432
But that 0 is for calls within Australia. If you are calling from the US, ditch the 0.
So:
- 0412 345 678 → becomes → 412 345 678
- 02 9876 5432 → becomes → 2 9876 5432
Now your string looks like this:
011 + 61 + phone number (no 0)
Step 4: Put it all Together
Let’s do a full example.
Say you are in Chicago and want to call a friend in Perth. Their number is 08 9123 4567.
Here is how you dial it:
011 61 8 9123 4567
Quick cheat sheet
| Type | Format in Australia | What YOU dial from US |
| Landline | 02 9876 5432 | 011 61 2 9876 5432 |
| Mobile | 0412 345 678 | 011 61 412 345 678 |
| Business Fax | 03 9999 8888 | 011 61 3 9999 8888 |
Do not wanna dial all that? Use + instead
If you are using a mobile phone or VoIP service, you can replace 011 with +.
That means you do not need to remember exit codes. Just hold down the 0 key on most phones, and it will turn into +.
So:
- +61 2 9876 5432
- +61 412 345 678
It still works and connects you with the right person.
What’s up with the Area Codes?
It is a good question. Australia has different area codes based on region. Here is a quick rundown:
| Area | State/Region | Code |
| NSW | New South Wales | 2 |
| VIC | Victoria | 3 |
| QLD | Queensland | 7 |
| WA | Western Australia | 8 |
| SA | South Australia | 8 |
| TAS | Tasmania | 3 |
| ACT | Canberra | 2 |
| NT | Northern Territory | 8 |
So if your friend is in Brisbane, that is Queensland, then you will dial:
011 61 7…
What About Calling Mobiles?
Most Aussie mobile numbers start with 04. When dialing from the US, drop the 0. That gives you:
011 61 4…
So if the number is 0413 999 888, you dial:
011 61 413 999 888
Ways to Call Australia
International calling can burn through cash. But it does not have to. Here is how to keep it cheap or even free:
1. Use a Phone Card (Calling Card)
If you are using an old-school phone system, it still works. Buy one online or at a convenience store. Dial their access number, then enter the Aussie number.
2. Use a VoIP Service
Apps like:
- Skype
- Google Voice
- Rebtel
- Viber
Some are free if you are both using the same app. Others charge pennies per minute.
3. Cell Plan Add-ons
Most US carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) offer international calling plans. It is worth checking if you call often. It can save you a ton.
4. Wi-Fi Calling
If your phone supports Wi-Fi calling, use it when possible. With WiFi calling you can enjoy clear calls and sometimes
5. Messaging Apps with Voice Calls
There are many messaging apps that allow voice or video calls such as:
- WhatsApp
- Facebook Messenger
- FaceTime Audio (for iPhone users)
These are not “calls” in the old-fashioned sense, but they get the job done and they are free.
Can They Call You Back?
Yes. Australians can call the US easily too. They just dial:
0011 + 1 + your area code + your number
So if you are in Texas and your number is 214-555-7890, they would dial:
0011 1 214 555 7890
If they are using a mobile, they can use the + sign too.
What if the Call Does Not Go Through?
If your call is not connecting, here is what to check:
- Did you drop the leading 0? That is the usual culprit.
- Is your phone plan blocking international calls? Call your provider.
- Weak signal or Wi-Fi? Try a different location.
- Using an app? Make sure both sides have it updated.
- Dialed the right number? Slow down. Double-check every digit.
If it still does not work, try another method. Sometimes one app or service just works better.
Small tips that make a big difference
- Add the number to your contacts with +61. Makes future calls easy.
- Avoid peak hours. Evening for you might be morning rush in Australia.
- Watch out for daylight saving time. Not every Aussie state uses it.
- Landline calls are cheaper. Mobile calls can cost more per minute.
- Speak clearly. There can be a slight delay.
Is there a Best Time to Call?
Here is a rough idea based on US Eastern Time:
| Time in US (ET) | Time in Sydney (AET) |
| 5 PM | 7 AM next day |
| 8 PM | 10 AM next day |
| 10 PM | 12 PM next day |
| 12 AM | 2 PM next day |
If you are on the West Coast, subtract 3 hours from the US side.
Basically, your evening time means it will be morning or afternoon there.
Do Not Panic if Calls Are Not Answered
International calls can feel weird at first. There is that slight lag. Sometimes, they hear you before you hear them. Sometimes, the ring pattern is different; it is longer in Australia.
If they do not pick up, don’t sweat it. Text them or email to set a better time.
Final Words – Call Australia from the US
Calling Australia from the US does not have to feel like launching a rocket. Once you have dialed a few times, it will become easier. Just remember the basics: start with 011, add 61, drop that Aussie zero, and you are good to go.
Keep time zones in mind, check your signal or Wi-Fi, and do not stress if they do not answer right away. It is a long-distance call, not a life-or-death mission. Whether it is for family, friends, or a business thing, you have got this.
And if all those numbers are too much, just save the contact with +61. Done.
Read More : VoIP Call Recording: How It Works & Best Software Tools to Use?
