How to Call 1300 Numbers: Australian Caller Guide
Calling 1300 Numbers from Australian Phones
Calling Instructions
- Dial the full 10-digit 1300 number (1300 xxx xxx)
- Works from any Australian phone (landline or mobile)
- Charged at local call rates from landlines
- Costs vary from mobiles depending on your plan
- Cannot be called from overseas without special arrangements
How to Call a 1300 Number
Calling a 1300 number from Australia is simple: dial the complete 10-digit number starting with 1300. From any Australian landline or mobile phone, simply enter all ten digits and press call—there’s no area code to add and no special dialing procedures required. The call connects within seconds just like any other phone call.
For example, to call 1300 123 456, you would dial exactly that: 1-3-0-0-1-2-3-4-5-6. Don’t add a leading 0, don’t add area codes, and don’t add country codes when calling from within Australia. The 1300 prefix tells the telephone network how to route the call automatically.
For business owners wanting to understand how these numbers operate from the business side, see our guide on how 1300 numbers work.
Calling from Australian Landlines
When calling 1300 numbers from an Australian landline, you’re charged at your standard local call rate. This is the same rate you’d pay to call any local number in your area—typically around 25-40 cents per call for untimed calls, or charged per minute if your plan uses timed local calls.
The call rate is the same regardless of where the business you’re calling is located. Calling a 1300 number from Sydney to a business in Perth costs you the same local call rate as calling a local Sydney business. This geographic neutrality is one of the main benefits of 1300 numbers—you never pay long-distance charges even when calling businesses across the country.
Most landline plans include unlimited local calls, meaning 1300 calls are effectively free if they’re covered by your plan. Check with your phone provider to understand how 1300 calls are treated under your specific plan.
Calling 1300 numbers from Australian mobile phones typically costs between 25-40 cents per call, or the call is counted against your plan’s standard included call allowance. The exact cost depends on your mobile carrier and plan type. Some newer mobile plans include 1300 calls in their unlimited call packages, while others charge them separately.
Prepaid mobile users typically pay 25-40 cents per 1300 call from their credit balance. Post-paid plan users usually have 1300 calls counted as standard calls, meaning they consume your included call minutes rather than costing extra. If you’ve exhausted your plan’s included minutes, 1300 calls are charged at your plan’s standard excess rate.
It’s worth noting that 1300 numbers are not toll-free for callers—you do pay to call them. If you’re calling a business that offers both 1300 and 1800 numbers, the 1800 number is toll-free (costs you nothing) while the 1300 number costs your standard call rate. For understanding the difference, read about what 1300 numbers are and how they compare to 1800 alternatives.
Standard 1300 numbers cannot be called from overseas using regular international dialing. These numbers only work within Australia’s domestic telephone network. If you’re traveling internationally and need to call an Australian 1300 number, you have a few options.
First, ask the business if they have an alternative geographic number (like a standard landline) that accepts international calls. Many businesses list their 1300 number prominently for local marketing but also have a standard number for international customers. Second, use a VoIP service that provides an Australian phone number—services like Skype or similar can give you an Australian number that can dial 1300 numbers. Third, some businesses configure their 1300 numbers to accept international calls, though this is uncommon.
If you’re a business owner wanting to ensure international customers can reach you, consider adding a standard geographic number or 1800 number that accepts international calls alongside your 1300 number. This ensures all customers can contact you regardless of where they’re calling from.
What Happens When You Call a 1300 Number
When you dial a 1300 number, your call is routed through Australia’s telephone network to the business’s virtual exchange. This exchange reads the business’s routing rules and forwards your call to wherever they’ve specified—usually a mobile, landline, or office phone system. This all happens in milliseconds, so you experience no noticeable delay.
You might hear standard ringing, or you might hear a custom greeting or IVR menu (like ‘Press 1 for Sales, Press 2 for Support’). If the business is outside operating hours or all lines are busy, you might be sent to voicemail. The experience depends entirely on how the business has configured their 1300 number settings.
From your perspective as a caller, it works just like any other phone call. The clever routing and forwarding happens behind the scenes without affecting your calling experience. The only difference is the cost structure—you’re paying local call rates instead of potentially expensive long-distance charges if the business is located far from you.
Troubleshooting 1300 Number Calls
If you’re having trouble calling a 1300 number, first verify you’re dialing the complete 10-digit number including the 1300 prefix. A common mistake is leaving off digits or adding extra zeros. The number should be exactly 10 digits starting with 1300.
If the call doesn’t connect, ensure you’re calling from an Australian phone within Australia. 1300 numbers don’t work from overseas unless the business has specifically configured international access. If you’re calling from Australia and still can’t connect, the issue might be with the business’s phone system—they may have configured their number incorrectly or run out of account credit.
Some mobile carriers have network issues with 1300 numbers, though this is rare with major carriers. If you consistently can’t call 1300 numbers from your mobile, contact your carrier to ensure the service is activated on your account. For businesses experiencing issues with customers not being able to reach their 1300 number, see our troubleshooting guide or contact support. To learn about getting a 1300 number for your business, visit our guide on how to get a 1300 number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Calling 1300 Numbers
Do I need to dial an area code before a 1300 number?
No, dial the complete 10-digit 1300 number exactly as shown. There’s no area code to add—the 1300 prefix acts as the routing information.
Are 1300 numbers free to call?
No, 1300 numbers are not free. Callers pay their standard local call rate from landlines (typically 25-40¢) or the call counts against mobile plan allowances. 1800 numbers are toll-free—1300 numbers are not.
Can I call 1300 numbers from overseas?
Generally no—1300 numbers only work within Australia’s domestic network. Ask the business for an alternative number that accepts international calls, or use a VoIP service with an Australian number.
Why won’t a 1300 number connect for me?
Verify you’re dialing all 10 digits correctly. Ensure you’re calling from within Australia. If the issue persists, the problem might be with the business’s phone system setup rather than your phone. Try calling from a different phone to rule out device issues.
Establishing a professional national presence is crucial for Australian businesses, and 1300 number international format solutions from Simple1300Numbers can help. Our flexible, cost-effective phone call tracking system allows you to manage customer communications efficiently, while the differences between 1300 number vs 1800 can help you choose the right option for your needs. If you’re wondering why can’t I call 1800 numbers, our team is here to provide the answers and guide you towards the best virtual phone number solution for your business.
