What is a 1300 Number? Complete Australian Business Guide
Understanding 1300 Numbers for Australian Businesses
1300 Number Basics
- Virtual phone numbers starting with 1300 prefix
- Provide national presence for any business
- Share call costs between business and customer
- Route calls to any phone anywhere in Australia
- Include professional features like IVR and call routing
What Are 1300 Numbers?
A 1300 number is a virtual phone number that begins with the 1300 prefix and provides Australian businesses with a professional national presence. Unlike standard geographic phone numbers tied to specific locations or area codes, 1300 numbers work anywhere in Australia and can route calls to any phone—mobile, landline, or VoIP.
These numbers operate on a cost-sharing model: customers pay their standard local call rate (typically 25-40¢ per call from landlines, or included in mobile plan allowances), while businesses pay connection and routing costs (12-18¢ per minute). This makes them more affordable than 1800 toll-free numbers while still providing a professional image.
For complete operational details, see our comprehensive guide on how 1300 numbers work in Australia.
How 1300 Numbers Differ from Regular Phone Numbers
Standard geographic phone numbers like (02) 9xxx xxxx or (03) 9xxx xxxx are tied to specific locations and telephone exchanges. When you call these numbers from outside the local area, you pay higher STD (long-distance) charges. When businesses move locations or expand to new areas, these numbers become problematic—customers associate them with old locations.
1300 numbers eliminate these limitations. They’re not tied to any physical location or telephone exchange. A business in Brisbane can use the same 1300 number when expanding to Sydney. Customers anywhere in Australia pay the same local call rate regardless of where the business is physically located. This geographic flexibility makes 1300 numbers ideal for businesses serving regional or national markets.
Traditional phone numbers also require physical phone lines and hardware. Moving office means coordinating with telecommunications providers for disconnection and reconnection. With 1300 numbers, you simply update your routing destination in the online portal—takes 30 seconds and requires no technician visits. This makes them particularly valuable for remote teams, businesses with multiple locations, or companies that frequently relocate.
For pricing information to help you budget for a 1300 number, visit our guide on 1300 numbers cost and pricing.
When you get a 1300 number, you receive far more than just a phone number. Modern 1300 services include comprehensive business phone features: call routing to multiple destinations, time-based scheduling (route calls to different numbers based on time of day), geographic routing (route based on caller location), call recording, voicemail-to-email, IVR menus, failover routing, and detailed call reporting.
All these features are included in standard monthly plans at no extra charge. You manage everything through a web-based portal that requires no technical expertise. Update settings instantly from any device with internet access. Add new routing rules, change greetings, access call recordings, or review reports—all without calling support or waiting for technical changes.
This feature set would typically cost hundreds or thousands of dollars per month from traditional business phone system providers. With modern 1300 services, it’s included in plans starting at $10 per month.
Who Uses 1300 Numbers and Why
Businesses of all sizes use 1300 numbers, from sole traders to large corporations. Sole traders use them to separate business and personal calls, presenting a professional image without giving out their personal mobile number. Small businesses use them to appear larger and more established than they are. Medium businesses use them to unify multiple locations under one contact number. Large enterprises use them for customer service and sales lines.
Common use cases include: customer service lines, sales enquiry numbers, appointment booking lines, support desks, franchise networks (one national number routing to local franchisees), real estate agencies, medical practices, tradies and contractors, professional services, and e-commerce businesses.
The professional image a 1300 number provides helps businesses compete with larger competitors. Customers perceive 1300 numbers as indicating an established, professional business with national reach—even if you’re actually a home-based sole trader. Learn more about the advantages in our 1300 numbers benefits guide.
1300 vs 1800 Numbers: What's the Difference?
The key difference between 1300 and 1800 numbers is who pays for calls. With 1300 numbers, customers pay their standard local call rate and businesses pay 12-18¢ per minute for routing. With 1800 numbers, customers call for free and businesses pay 22-35¢ per minute for the entire call cost.
1300 numbers cost businesses less per minute (typically 40-50% cheaper) because costs are shared with callers. This makes them ideal for general enquiry lines, sales calls, and appointment bookings. 1800 numbers cost more but remove all barriers to customer calling, making them better for customer service lines, support desks, and complaint handling where you want to maximize accessibility.
Many businesses use both: a 1300 number for sales and general enquiries, and an 1800 number for customer support. This provides cost-effective inbound calling while still offering toll-free support when customers need help. If you’re ready to get started, learn about how to get a 1300 number for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About 1300 Numbers
What does a 1300 number cost callers?
Callers pay their standard local call rate—typically 25-40¢ per call from landlines, or included in their mobile plan’s standard call allowance. It’s the same cost as calling any local number.
Can 1300 numbers receive SMS?
1300 numbers are primarily for voice calls. SMS capability is available as an add-on feature for businesses wanting to receive text messages at their 1300 number.
Are 1300 numbers only for large businesses?
No, 1300 numbers suit businesses of all sizes. Many sole traders and small businesses use them to establish a professional presence. Plans start at $10/month, making them accessible to any business.
Can I keep my 1300 number if I switch providers?
Yes, 1300 numbers are portable. You can transfer your existing 1300 number to a new provider through a process called number porting, which typically takes 1-2 business days.
