How to Call Australia from Canada

A step-by-step guide on calling Australia from Canada

There are many different ways to place a call to any city in Australia from Canada. You can use your own cellphone or landline with just a few pieces of information: Canada’s exit code (011), Australia’s country code (61), and the area code if you’re calling a mobile device (4). If you’re calling a landline, you’ll need to find the city’s area code. You can also use different apps on your phone or purchase an international calling card to place your call.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Calling Australia from a Landline or Cellphone

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1
Dial "011" from a landline or cell phone to enter Canada’s exit code. Country exit codes tell your phone provider that you are placing an international call. Canada’s exit code is 011, and it should be the first 3 numbers you dial when making your call.^{[1]XResearch source}
- The start of your call to Australia will look like: 011-xx-x-xxxx-xxxx.
2
Input "61" to direct your call to Australia. For international calls, each country has its own code to direct the call. After you input Canada’s exit code, enter “61.” This code directs your call to Australia.^{[2]XResearch source}
- At this point, the phone number should look like 011-61-x-xxxx-xxxx.
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3
Enter the city code if you’re calling a landline. Each city in Australia has a city code that you’ll need to know if you’re calling a landline. The number will be 2, 3, 7, or 8, depending on the region the city is located.^{[3]XResearch source}
- For example, Melbourne’s city code is 3. Sydney’s city code is 2. If you’re calling someone in Sydney, Australia, your number will look like this: 011-61-2-xxxx-xxxx
4
Select the number “4” instead of the city code if you’re calling a cell phone. If you’re calling a cell phone number, you do not need the city code. Instead, dial the number 4, which is for mobile telephones in any part of Australia.^{[4]XResearch source}
- If you’re dialing a mobile number, it should look like this so far: 011-61-4-xxxx-xxxx.
5
Enter the local telephone number. Australia’s telephone numbers are 8 digits long, excluding the city codes. In total, your phone number will be 14 digits long, including Canada’s exit code, Australia’s country code, and the city code.^{[5]XResearch source}
- A correctly dialed Australian cell phone number will look like this: 011-61-4-1234-5678.
- To call a landline in Sydney, Australia, you would dial “011-61-2” followed by the number.
- Do not include the trunk code “0” when dialing the number. The trunk number is only used for domestic calls within the country, and not necessary for international calls.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Exploring Alternatives

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1
Purchase a calling card if your phone plan doesn’t include international calls. With an international calling card, you pre-pay for the minutes. Visit your local convenience store or shop online to find a calling card. Depending on your cellphone or landline service, it may be much less expensive to use a calling card.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Read reviews and stick with big name companies, and make sure to check the fine print of any calling card you buy. Some companies round up your minutes used in large increments, while others may have connecting fees or service fees in addition to the per-minute charges.
2
Download smartphone apps to make video and voice calls to Australia. WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, Viber, Google Voice and Rebtel all have apps specifically for international communication, and a lot of times, the service is free.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Keep in mind that person you’re calling needs to have the same app on their phone in order to communicate with you.
- A lot of these apps also allow you to text internationally for free, too.
3
Use your computer to place calls for free. Use Facebook Messenger, Skype, or Google Hangout from your laptop or tablet to place free international calls without using a phone.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Make sure you’re connected to WiFi and that the person you are calling has access to the same program.

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Tips

Before placing a call to Australia, check your phone plan’s international calling rates. Many plans automatically include international coverage, but some companies also have per-minute fees that can quickly add up.
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When using apps to place phone calls, be aware of your data usage if you aren’t hooked up to WiFi. Overage charges can accumulate quickly!
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Determine the time in Australia before making your call. You can look online for the time zone in the city you’re calling. Make sure that the time there is a time that you would be comfortable receiving a phone call before dialing.
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