How to Call Australia from Canada: A Step-by-Step Guide

Connecting with friends, family, or business associates across the globe is easier than ever, but international dialing can sometimes seem complicated. If you’re wondering how to make a call to Australia from Canada, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will break down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps, ensuring your call connects without a hitch. From understanding exit codes to finding the right area code, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

Mastering the process of how to call Australia from Canada simply requires knowing the correct sequence of numbers. Getting this sequence right is the key to avoiding frustrating “number not recognized” messages. Below, we’ll walk you through the four essential components of the international dialing format, turning a potentially confusing task into a straightforward one. With services like Slick.net, staying in touch across continents has never been more seamless and affordable.

The International Calling Formula: Canada to Australia

To successfully place a call to Australia, you will need to dial the numbers in a specific order. The standard international format is:

Exit Code + Country Code + Area Code + Local Phone Number

Let’s break down each part of this formula.

Step 1: Dial Canada’s Exit Code (011)

Every country has an exit code (also known as an international access code) that you must dial to signal you are making a call outside of its borders. For any call originating from Canada and going to another country, the exit code is 011.

Start by dialing 011 on your landline or mobile phone.
Note: If you are calling from a mobile device, you can often substitute the + symbol for the exit code. To get the + symbol, simply press and hold the 0 key.

Step 2: Dial Australia’s Country Code (61)

Next, you need to enter the country code for Australia, which is 61. This code tells the international network to route your call specifically to Australia. After dialing Canada’s exit code, your dialing sequence will look like this: 011+61.

Step 3: Dial the Australian Area Code

Australia is divided into different regions, each with its own area code. Australian area codes are a single digit. When you receive an Australian number, it might be written with a leading 0 before the area code (e.g., 02 for Sydney). When calling internationally, you must drop the leading zero.

For example, if the Sydney area code is listed as 02, you will only dial 2.

Here are the major Australian area codes:

2: New South Wales (Sydney), Australian Capital Territory (Canberra)
3: Victoria (Melbourne), Tasmania (Hobart)
4: Mobile Phones (this is a general prefix for all Australian mobile numbers)
7: Queensland (Brisbane)
8: Western Australia (Perth), South Australia (Adelaide), Northern Territory (Darwin)

So, if you are calling a landline in Melbourne, your dialing sequence would now be: 011+61+3.

Step 4: Dial the Local Phone Number

The final step is to dial the local Australian phone number. This is typically an 8-digit number for landlines or a 9-digit number for mobiles (following the 4).

Putting It All Together: An Example

Let’s say you want to call a landline in Sydney with the local number (02) 1234 5678.

Dial Canada’s Exit Code: 011
Dial Australia’s Country Code: 61
Dial the Area Code (dropping the ‘0’): 2
Dial the Local Number: 12345678

The complete number you would dial is: 011−61−2−1234−5678.

Consider Time Zones and Calling Costs

Before you call, remember the significant time difference between Canada and Australia. Australia is ahead of Canada by 14 to 18 hours, depending on the specific locations and daylight saving time. A quick check of the local time in Australia can prevent a call at an inconvenient hour.

International calling can also be expensive with traditional phone carriers. For frequent or lengthy calls, consider using a VoIP service like Slick.net. These services often provide high-quality calls at a fraction of the cost, helping you stay connected without worrying about a hefty phone bill.