If you need to call a friend, family member or business in Australia from overseas, you will need the correct international dialling code. The Australia country code is +61. You add it before the Australian phone number, but you must remove the first zero from the local number.

For example, an Australian mobile number written locally as 0412 345 678 becomes +61 412 345 678 when dialled from overseas.

Whether you are calling Australia from Nigeria, the UK, Canada or another country, this guide explains how the Australian phone code works, how to dial mobile and landline numbers, and what to check if your call does not connect.

Key Takeaways

• Australia's international country calling code is +61.
• Remove the leading zero from an Australian mobile number or landline area code when calling from overseas.
• Australian mobile numbers generally start with 04 domestically, while landlines use area codes such as 02, 03, 07 and 08.
• From a mobile phone, you can usually enter the number using the +61 format without manually adding your country's international exit code.

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What Is Australia's Country Code?

Australia's country calling code is +61. It identifies Australia when a telephone call is made from another country.

The plus sign represents the international access prefix used by your phone network. Depending on where you are calling from and the phone service you use, the equivalent prefix may be different.

For example, a caller using a US landline typically dials 011 before the country code, while someone using a mobile phone can usually enter the number beginning with +61.

Here is how Australia's main telephone codes differ:

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Landline area code for the central and western region, including Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory

These are different parts of the telephone number, not interchangeable codes. When calling from overseas, you use +61 and remove the initial zero from the domestic area code or mobile number.

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How to Call Australia From Overseas

To call an Australian number from another country, follow these steps.

1. Enter your international exit code if required. Some countries use a prefix such as 00 or 011 when dialling internationally. On most mobile phones, the plus sign can replace this prefix.
2. Add Australia's country code: 61.
3. Remove the first zero from the Australian number.
4. Enter the remaining digits and place the call.

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The general format is: +61 + Australian number without its leading zero

Example: Calling an Australian mobile

Suppose the local mobile number is: 0412 345 678

When calling from overseas, remove the first zero and add +61: +61 412 345 678

Example: Calling an Australian landline

Suppose the local Sydney landline is: (02) 9876 5432

From overseas, dial: +61 2 9876 5432

Notice that the area code changes from 02 to 2 after the country code is added.

If you are calling from a landline that requires an international exit code, replace the plus sign with the relevant prefix. For example, a caller in the United States would dial 011 61 2 9876 5432.

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How to Call an Australian Mobile Number

Australian mobile numbers usually have ten digits when written in domestic format and commonly begin with 04.

To call one from overseas, replace the initial 0 with +61.

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These are example numbers to illustrate the format.

You do not need to know the recipient's city to call an Australian mobile. Unlike a landline area code, a mobile prefix does not identify a particular city in the same way.

Tip: Save Australian contacts in your phone using the international format, beginning with +61. This can make it easier to call them while travelling or when using an international SIM or eSIM.

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How to Call an Australian Landline

Australian landline numbers use a two-digit geographic area code followed by an eight-digit local number.

When calling from overseas, add +61 and remove the leading zero from the area code.

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For example, if you are calling a Melbourne landline listed as (03) 9123 4567, dial +61 3 9123 4567 from overseas.

Area codes broadly correspond to geographic regions, but not every number necessarily follows the same assumptions about a city's boundaries. Always use the area code supplied with the actual number.

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How to Call Australia From Different Countries

The country code remains +61 regardless of where you are calling from. What may change is the international exit code required by your telephone provider.

1: Calling Australia from Nigeria

From a mobile phone, enter the Australian number in international format:

+61 followed by the Australian number without its first zero.

For example, an Australian mobile number written as 0412 345 678 becomes +61 412 345 678.

If your service requires an international access prefix instead of the plus sign, check with your provider for the correct dialling sequence and international call rates.

2: Calling Australia from the United Kingdom

From a mobile phone, you can generally use the +61 format directly.

For example: +61 2 9876 5432

If using a landline, follow your provider's international dialling instructions. The UK commonly uses 00 as its international exit code.

3: Calling Australia from the United States or Canada

From a mobile phone, use the +61 format. From a conventional US or Canadian landline, the international exit code is typically 011.

For example, a Sydney landline written domestically as (02) 9876 5432 would be dialled as: 011 61 2 9876 5432

When using a mobile phone, the equivalent international format is: +61 2 9876 5432

Your carrier may have specific international calling requirements or charges, so check your plan before making a lengthy call.

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How to Call an International Number From Australia

The +61 code is used when calling into Australia. If you are calling another country from Australia, you need the destination country's calling code instead.

For example, when calling Nigeria, you use Nigeria's country code, +234. When calling the United Kingdom, you use +44.

From an Australian mobile phone, you can usually start with the plus sign, followed by the destination country code and the recipient's number in international format. Remove the leading domestic zero from the recipient's number where the destination country's numbering rules require it.

For calls made from a conventional Australian landline, the international access prefix is commonly 0011, although your provider and service type may affect the available dialling options.

Before making an international call, check your plan's rates. International calls can be charged separately from local calls, even if you have unlimited domestic calls included in your package.

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Why Is My Call to Australia Not Connecting?

If you have entered the Australia country code correctly but your call still fails, check the following.

1. You kept the leading zero

This is a common mistake. If the local number starts with 04, 02, 03, 07 or 08, remove the first zero when adding +61.

For example:

• Incorrect international format: +61 0412 345 678
• Correct international format: +61 412 345 678

2. You used the wrong international exit code

The exit code depends on the country and telephone service you are using. On most mobile phones, starting with +61 avoids having to remember the exit code separately.

3. You entered the wrong area code

For a landline, check that you have the correct area code. Sydney and Canberra commonly use 02, Melbourne and Hobart use 03, Brisbane uses 07, and Perth, Adelaide and Darwin generally use 08.

4. The number is incorrect or no longer active

Check the number with the person or business you are trying to reach. A number may have been entered incorrectly, disconnected or changed.

5. Your provider restricts international calls

Some plans require international calling to be enabled. Others charge additional rates or restrict certain destinations. Check your service settings, available credit and international call rates.

6. You are calling a special service number

Australian numbers beginning with prefixes such as 13, 1300 or 1800 may have different access and charging arrangements. Some are intended mainly for calls within Australia and may not work from overseas. If a business provides an alternative international number, use that number when calling from abroad.

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What Is the Difference Between +61 and 0061?

Both formats can represent an international call to Australia, depending on the dialling method and country.

• +61 is the standard international format commonly used in mobile contacts and online forms.
• 0061 means the international access prefix 00 followed by Australia's country code 61. It works where 00 is the appropriate exit code.

The plus sign is not an extra digit in Australia's country code. It stands in for the international access prefix required by the network you are using.

For this reason, saving a contact as +61 followed by the Australian number without its leading zero is often the most convenient option.

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Staying Connected With Family and Friends in Australia

If you live overseas and regularly call people in Australia, saving their numbers in international format can make contacting them easier. It is also worth checking the time difference before calling, especially if you are contacting someone in another Australian state or territory.

Australia has multiple time zones, and some states observe daylight saving while others do not. The time in Melbourne, for example, may differ from the time in Brisbane or Perth depending on the season.

If you travel frequently, an eSIM or suitable roaming plan can help you stay connected without changing your physical SIM card. Before choosing an option, check device compatibility, coverage, data allowances and whether voice calls are included. Some travel eSIMs provide data only, so ordinary cellular calls and SMS may require a separate service.

If you are also managing money between Australia and another country, keep your communications and financial arrangements separate: a phone calling code helps route a call, while a money transfer service handles the movement of funds. Always verify recipient details and transfer costs before sending money internationally.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1: What is Australia's country code?

Australia's international country calling code is +61. Add it before the Australian phone number when calling from overseas, and remove the leading zero from the domestic number.

2: How do I call an Australian number from overseas?

Dial your international exit code if required, then 61, followed by the Australian number without its initial zero. From most mobile phones, you can enter the number beginning with +61.

3: Do I remove the zero when calling Australia?

Yes. When calling from overseas, remove the leading zero from an Australian mobile number or landline area code. For example, 0412 345 678 becomes +61 412 345 678.

4: What is the country code for Australian mobile numbers?

Australian mobile numbers use the same country code as all Australian phone numbers: +61. A mobile number written locally as 04xx xxx xxx becomes +61 4xx xxx xxx when dialled internationally.

5: What is the area code for Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane?

Melbourne generally uses 03, Sydney generally uses 02, and Brisbane generally uses 07. When calling from overseas, remove the first zero and use +61 3, +61 2 or +61 7, respectively.

6: Can I call an Australian 1800 number from overseas?

Not always. Many 1800 and other special service numbers are designed primarily for domestic calls, and access from overseas may be restricted or charged differently. Ask the organisation for an international contact number if your call does not connect.

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Conclusion

The Australia country code is +61, and calling an Australian number from overseas is straightforward once you know the format. Add +61, remove the leading zero from the local number, and enter the remaining digits.

Whether you are calling an Australian mobile or landline from Nigeria, the UK, Canada or elsewhere, double-check the number and your provider's international calling requirements. Saving contacts in international format can also help you stay connected when travelling between countries.