Australia Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide
Explore Australia's phone number formats, area codes, and validation rules. Understand landline (02, 03, 07, 08), mobile (04XX XXX XXX), & toll-free (1800) patterns. Includes regex for validation & dialing procedures adhering to ITU-T E.164; crucial for developers.
Phone number standards3 min read
Frequently asked questions
Australian phone numbers vary in format depending on the service type, including landline, mobile, and toll-free. Generally, they consist of a country code (+61), area code (1-2 digits), and a subscriber number (8-10 digits). For example, a Sydney landline number would be 02 9876 5432.
To dial an Australian mobile number domestically, dial 04 followed by the 8-digit mobile number. For instance, if the mobile number is 0412 345 678, you would dial 0412 345 678 directly.
To call Australia from the US, dial 011 followed by Australia's country code (61), and then the local number without the leading 0. For example, to call a Sydney landline (02 9876 5432), you would dial 011 61 2 9876 5432.
Australia's country code is +61. This code is used when making international calls to Australia, and should be added before the local number without the leading zero.
The area code for Sydney, Australia is 02. This two digit code precedes the local phone number when dialing a landline in Sydney from within Australia.
In Australia, 1800 signifies a toll-free number. Calls to these numbers are free for the caller, with the cost borne by the called party. Toll-free numbers typically follow the format 1800 XXX XXX.
Numbers beginning with 190 in Australia are premium rate numbers. These numbers carry additional charges for the caller, and costs can vary depending on the service being accessed.
The ACMA is responsible for regulating Australia's telephone numbering plan. They ensure compliance with international standards, manage number allocation, and oversee any necessary updates to the telecommunications regulations.
Yes, Australia supports mobile number portability (MNP). This means you can retain your existing mobile number even when switching to a different telecommunications provider.
Australian toll-free numbers use the prefix 1800 followed by six digits, for a total of ten digits. For instance, a typical toll-free number would look like 1800 123 456.
The international prefix 0011 should be used when making calls from Australia to other countries. When calling from outside Australia, you should instead use the plus sign (+) followed by 61.
+61 is the internationally recognized country code assigned to Australia by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). It's a necessary component for routing international calls to Australia correctly.
You can validate Australian landline numbers using the regular expression ^0[2378]\d{8}$. This regex ensures the number starts with 0, followed by a valid area code (2, 3, 7, or 8), and then eight more digits.
One API. Every channel.
Contact Sales
Quick Reference Guide
Overview
Australia's telephone numbering plan is meticulously regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). This comprehensive guide delves into the structure and usage of phone numbers across Australia, covering formats for landlines, mobiles, toll-free numbers, and more, alongside dialing procedures and regulatory updates.
Number Formats
General Number Structure
Australian phone numbers are categorized by service type, including landline, mobile, and toll-free. Here's a breakdown of the key components:
Geographic (Landline) Numbers
Geographic numbers are region-specific within Australia. The format is:
0+Area Code+Subscriber Number02 9876 5432(Sydney)Mobile Numbers
Mobile numbers in Australia begin with
04and are 10 digits long.04XX XXX XXX0412 345 678Toll-Free Numbers
Toll-free numbers start with
1800and are followed by 6 digits.1800 XXX XXX1800 123 456Premium Rate Numbers
Premium rate numbers, starting with
190, are used for services with additional charges.190X XXX XXX1902 345 678Shared Cost Numbers
Shared cost numbers begin with
13or1300, sharing costs between caller and provider.13XX XXXXor1300 XXX XXX1300 654 321Validating Phone Numbers
To ensure accurate phone number validation, use these regular expressions:
Dialing Procedures
Domestic Calls
0+Area Code+Subscriber Number.02 9876 5432(Sydney)04+Mobile Number.0412 345 67804+Mobile Number.0412 345 678International Calls
0011+Country Code+National Number.0011 44 20 7946 0958.+61+Local Number(omit the leading0).011 61 2 9876 5432for a Sydney landline.Regulatory Updates
The Australian Telecommunications Numbering Plan is continuously reviewed by ACMA. The current plan is valid until 2025, with potential updates expected to accommodate technological advancements.
Number Portability
Australia supports mobile number portability (MNP), allowing users to retain their mobile numbers when switching providers, promoting competition and consumer choice.
Major Telecom Operators
ITU-T Standards
Australia adheres to the ITU-T E.164 standard, ensuring uniformity and interoperability across global telecommunications networks.
Number Allocation and Management
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) oversees the allocation and management of phone numbers in Australia, ensuring compliance with international standards.
Technical Considerations
For developers and system administrators working with Australian phone numbers, consider the following:
+61).