how to call australia from the us

How to Call Australia from the US: A Guide for SMBs and Startups

Learn how to call Australia from the US using the correct country code (+61) and simplify international calling with DialLink's AI-powered phone system.

Arina Khoziainova

Arina Khoziainova

3 minutes

3 minutes

Published: July 31, 2025

Published: July 31, 2025

You’ve just landed a promising partnership in Sydney or are working with a major client based in Brisbane. You pull up your dial pad to make the call — and pause. How exactly do you dial an Australian number from the United States?

Whether you're managing global teams, building vendor relationships, or serving customers down under, understanding how to call Australia from the US is a must for growing startups and small businesses. This quick guide walks you through everything from dialing instructions to smarter tools for international communication.

What’s the Australia Country Code?

The country code for Australia is +61. That means anytime you dial an Australian number from outside the country like from the US  you'll need to enter 61 after the US exit code. This ensures your call is routed correctly through international lines.

This code applies across the country — from major metro areas like Melbourne and Sydney to smaller towns in the Outback.

How to Call Australia from the US, Step by Step

The dialing process is similar for both landlines and mobile phones — with a few small differences.

For Australian Landlines:

  1. Dial 011 — the US exit code.
  2. Dial 61 — Australia’s country code.
  3. Dial the area code, without the leading 0.
  4. Dial the local number.

Example: To call a landline in Sydney (02 9876 5432), dial: 011-61-2-9876-5432.

For Australian Mobile Numbers:

  1. Dial 011 (or use + on a mobile phone).
  2. Dial 61.
  3. Dial the mobile number, without the starting 0.

Example: 0412 345 678 becomes 011-61-412-345-678.

Pro Tip:

On mobile phones, press and hold the 0 key to get the “+” symbol. Then you can simply dial +61-412-345-678 instead of 011-61.

Common Australia Area Codes

Area CodeRegion / City
2New South Wales (Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra Region)
3Victoria & Tasmania (Melbourne, Hobart, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Launceston)
7Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Townsville, Bundaberg, Mackay, Rockhampton, Toowoomba)
8Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory (Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Bunbury, Port Hedland)
4Mobile phones (all Australian mobile services)

Mobile numbers in Australia typically begin with 04, which becomes 4 when dialing internationally (e.g., 0412 becomes 412).

When Should SMBs Make International Calls?

Startups and small businesses often work with distributed teams, outsource services, or operate in global markets. Whether you’re having a call with outsourced developer in Perth or closing a sales lead in Melbourne, a smooth call experience builds trust and productivity. Understanding time zones is key — Australia is 14–17 hours ahead of most US time zones — so having a reliable communication platform matters more than ever.

How Much Does It Cost to Call Australia?

International rates vary by provider. Carriers may charge $0.30 to $0.70 per minute. Some services also provide the option to purchase international calling credits or add-ons that reduce the per-minute rate. It’s a good idea to check your provider’s rate chart in advance to avoid unexpected charges.

A better option? Cloud-based phone systems like DialLink that offer transparent pricing and affordable international calling rates.

Want to compare? Check our international calling rates.

Make International Calls the Easy Way with DialLink

DialLink is a cloud phone system built for startups and SMBs. You get affordable, enterprise-grade calling features — without the IT overhead.

Here’s how DialLink helps you stay global:

  • Mobile, desktop and desk phone support – Make calls from anywhere, using any device.
  • 24/7 AI voice agents – Automatically answer calls from the Philippines, even after hours.
  • Local & international numbers – Build a global presence with ease.
  • Plug-and-play setup – No IT help required.
  • Affordable, transparent rates – No hidden fees.

Whether you’re calling a partner in Sydney or checking in with a team in Brisbane, DialLink makes international calling easy, scalable, and affordable. 

FAQs

How to call Australia from the USA?

Dial 011 (US exit code) + 61 (Australia country code) + area/mobile code (omit leading 0) + number. For example: 011-61-2-9876-5432 (landline) or 011-61-412-345-678 (mobile).

What is the cheapest way to call Australia from the US?

Use a VoIP-based cloud phone system like DialLink, which offers affordable international rates, cost-effective plans, and AI-powered tools to manage calls more efficiently.

What does 61 mean at the start of a phone number?

61 is Australia’s country code. When you see it at the beginning of a number, it means the call is being routed to Australia.

How are country codes used in a phone number?

Country codes tell telecom systems where to route a call. From the US, start with 011, then the country code (e.g., 61 for Australia), followed by the local number (minus any leading 0).

Which country code is started with +61?

The +61 prefix is the official international dialing code for Australia.

How do you call an Australian number from Canada?

From Canada, the process is the same as from the US. Dial 011 (Canada’s exit code), then 61, followed by the area or mobile number (without the starting 0).

Do you need to dial a country code for mobiles?

Yes. Mobile numbers require the +61 prefix when dialed from outside Australia. For example: 0412 345 678 becomes 011

Share this post

Arina Khoziainova

Content Writer at DialLink

Arina is a content writer with over 7 years of experience in the IT industry. At DialLink, she creates clear, insightful content that helps small business and startup owners simplify communication and drive growth using modern tools. With a strong focus on practical value, Arina transforms complex topics into accessible, actionable stories.

DialLink logo

Ready to Call Australia?

Whether you’re managing a virtual team in Sydney or closing a deal in Melbourne, DialLink helps your business stay professional and connected — from anywhere in the world.

Keep Reading

what-is-conference-calls

Conference Call: What It Is, How It Works and How to Start One

Learn what conference calls are, how to set one up, and the key differences between free and paid conference call services.

Arina Khoziainova

August 08, 2025

18 minutes

what is phone system

What Is a Business Phone System? A Complete Guide for SMBs and Startups

Discover what a business phone system is, how it works, and which modern phone systems are best for small businesses and startups.

Arina Khoziainova

August 08, 2025

21 minutes

product-updates-july-2025

What’s New in DialLink: MCP Integration, Outbound AI Calls and Native Integrations

Explore the latest updates in DialLink: MCP integration, outbound AI calls, and native integrations for Salesforce, WhatsApp, and Microsoft Teams.

Arina Khoziainova

August 06, 2025

4 minutes

Understanding Model Context Protocol for AI Voice Agents

What Is MCP? Understanding Model Context Protocol for AI Voice Agents

Discover what Model Context Protocol (MCP) is, how it works, and why it’s revolutionizing AI voice agents, call automation, and integrations for SMBs and startups. Learn key benefits, detailed use cases, and future trends.

Val Rozhko

August 05, 2025

15 minutes