International Calls from Australia: Complete Guide 2026
Learn how to make cheap international calls from Australia. Compare Telstra, Optus, Vodafone rates vs VoIP apps. Save up to 95% on overseas calls.
Need to make international calls from Australia? Whether you are ringing family in New Zealand, calling business contacts in London, or staying connected with friends across Asia, this 2026 guide covers everything you need to know -- exit codes, country codes, Australian carrier rates compared to VoIP alternatives, and practical tips to save up to 95% on overseas calls.
Quick Reference: International Calls from Australia
Australia Exit Code: 0011 (landline)
Mobile Exit Code: + (press and hold 0)
Format: 0011 + country code + number
Cheapest Option: VoIP Apps
Popular Destinations: NZ, UK, US, Asia
Average Savings: Up to 95%
Australian Exit Codes Explained
An exit code (also called an international access code or IDD prefix) is the sequence you dial before the country code to signal that you are making an international call. Australia uses different exit codes depending on how you are calling:
0011 -- Australian Landline Exit Code
Used when dialing international numbers from an Australian fixed-line (landline) phone. This is the standard IDD prefix for Australia.
0011 + country code + area code + phone number+ (Plus Sign) -- Mobile Phone Exit Code
On any mobile phone in Australia, press and hold the 0 key (or tap +) to produce the plus symbol. This universally replaces whatever exit code your country uses, so it works from any country in the world.
+ country code + area code + phone number0018 -- Alternative Carrier Exit Code
Some Australians may encounter carrier-specific exit codes like 0018 (used for override/preselect carriers). In most cases, 0011 or + is all you need.
Tip: On mobile phones, always use the + prefix. It is simpler, universally understood, and eliminates the need to remember specific exit codes when travelling internationally.
How to Dial International from Australia
Dialing Format
0011 + country code + area code + phone numberOr from a mobile phone:
+ country code + area code + phone numberImportant: When dialing internationally, drop the leading 0 from the destination number's area code. For example, a London number starting with 020 becomes just 20 after the country code 44.
Popular Destinations from Australia
Here are the top 10 countries Australians call most frequently, along with their country codes and dialing format:
| Country | Code | Dial from Australia | Typical Carrier Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | +64 | 0011 64 X XXX XXXX | $0.50-1.00/min |
| United Kingdom | +44 | 0011 44 XX XXXX XXXX | $0.80-1.50/min |
| United States | +1 | 0011 1 XXX XXX XXXX | $0.50-1.50/min |
| India | +91 | 0011 91 XX XXXX XXXX | $1.00-2.00/min |
| China | +86 | 0011 86 XX XXXX XXXX | $1.00-3.00/min |
| Philippines | +63 | 0011 63 XX XXX XXXX | $1.00-2.50/min |
| Vietnam | +84 | 0011 84 XX XXXX XXXX | $1.00-2.00/min |
| Indonesia | +62 | 0011 62 XX XXX XXXX | $1.00-2.00/min |
| South Korea | +82 | 0011 82 XX XXXX XXXX | $0.80-1.50/min |
| Canada | +1 | 0011 1 XXX XXX XXXX | $0.50-1.50/min |
Australian Carrier International Plans
All three major Australian carriers offer international calling add-ons that reduce per-minute rates compared to standard pay-as-you-go pricing. Here is a breakdown of what each carrier offers as of 2026:
Telstra International Calling
- Standard rates: $1.00-3.00/min depending on destination
- International Call Pack: $10/month for 300 minutes to Zone 1 countries (NZ, UK, US, Canada, China, India and more)
- Included on some plans: Telstra Upfront plans above $65/month include unlimited calls to 20 countries
- Connection fee: $1.00 per call on standard rates
Optus International Calling
- Standard rates: $0.50-2.50/min depending on destination
- International Extras: $5/month for 200 minutes to 20 popular countries
- Optus Choice Plus plans: Some plans include international minutes to selected countries
- Connection fee: Generally no connection fee on add-on packs
Vodafone AU International Calling
- Standard rates: $0.50-3.00/min depending on destination
- $5 International Pack: Unlimited calls to 20 countries for $5/month
- Infinite plans ($55+): Include unlimited standard international calls to selected countries
- Connection fee: No connection fee on Infinite plans
Cheapest Ways to Call International from Australia
BubblyPhone
Best for: All international calls
VoIP calling with rates up to 95% cheaper than carriers. Call any landline or mobile worldwide.
Try Free →WhatsApp / Messenger
Best for: App-to-app calls
Free unlimited calls to other app users. Requires both parties to have the app installed.
Carrier International Packs
Best for: Occasional callers
Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone offer international add-ons. Usually $5-15/month for included minutes.
Calling Cards
Best for: Budget callers
Prepaid cards available at newsagents. Rates vary by destination. Watch for hidden fees.
VoIP vs Traditional Calling from Australia
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) routes your calls over the internet instead of the traditional phone network. Here is how the two options compare for Australians making international calls:
| Feature | VoIP (BubblyPhone) | Traditional Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per minute | $0.01-0.05/min | $0.50-3.00/min |
| Monthly fee | None (pay-as-you-go) | $5-15/month for add-ons |
| Connection fee | None | $0-1.00 per call |
| Call quality | HD audio (depends on internet) | Consistently good |
| Internet required | Yes (WiFi or mobile data) | No |
| Call real phone numbers | Yes | Yes |
| Recipient needs app | No | No |
Carrier vs VoIP Rate Comparison
Standard carrier rates for international calls can be expensive. Here is a typical comparison:
| Destination | Carrier Rate | VoIP Rate | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | $0.50-1.00/min | $0.02-0.05/min | ~95% |
| UK | $0.80-1.50/min | $0.01-0.03/min | ~98% |
| India | $1.00-2.00/min | $0.01-0.02/min | ~99% |
| Philippines | $1.00-2.50/min | $0.02-0.05/min | ~97% |
| China | $1.00-3.00/min | $0.01-0.03/min | ~98% |
Save on International Calls from Australia
Join BubblyPhone and start calling overseas at the lowest rates.
Start Calling →Troubleshooting Common Issues
Call fails immediately after dialing
Make sure you included the exit code (0011 or +) before the country code. Also verify you dropped the leading 0 from the destination's area code. For example, a UK number 020 7946 0958 should be dialed as 0011 44 20 7946 0958.
Getting charged more than expected
If you do not have an international add-on, your carrier will charge standard international rates, which can be $1-3/min. Check your plan details and consider adding an international pack or switching to VoIP for regular overseas calls.
Poor call quality on VoIP
VoIP calls require a stable internet connection. For best results, use WiFi rather than mobile data. Close bandwidth-heavy apps (streaming, downloads) during calls. A minimum of 100 kbps upload/download speed is recommended.
Number not recognized or invalid
Double-check the country code and ensure the phone number has the correct number of digits for that country. Different countries have different number lengths -- for example, UK numbers are 10-11 digits while NZ numbers are 8-10 digits after the country code.