Making international calls can be daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. However, calling the USA from Australia is surprisingly easy and affordable. Whether you need to stay connected with family and friends or conduct business, there are several convenient options available. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the most effective ways to make calls to the United States, ensuring you stay connected seamlessly and cost-effectively.
Firstly, consider using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services such as Skype, WhatsApp, or FaceTime. These services allow you to make calls over the internet, significantly reducing the cost compared to traditional phone calls. They are particularly beneficial for lengthy conversations or if you need to make video calls. To use VoIP, you will need a stable internet connection and a compatible device such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Additionally, check if your preferred VoIP provider offers a calling plan that suits your needs, as some may have limitations on call duration or specific destinations.
Alternatively, you can use traditional phone lines to call the USA. However, this method is generally more expensive than VoIP services. To make a call using a landline, you will need to dial the international access code for Australia (0011), followed by the country code for the USA (1), and then the area code and phone number. For instance, to call a number in New York City, you would dial: 0011 1 212 xxx xxxx. Keep in mind that international phone calls can incur significant charges, so it’s crucial to check with your phone service provider about their international calling rates and any available calling plans.
Getting a Local Number
When traveling to the United States from Australia, obtaining a local number can be a convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected. There are several options available for obtaining a local number, including:
1. Prepaid SIM Cards
Purchasing a prepaid SIM card from a local carrier is a simple and affordable option for obtaining a local number. These cards are available at most convenience stores and electronics retailers. Simply insert the SIM card into your phone and you’ll be assigned a local number. Prepaid SIM cards typically provide a limited amount of data and call time, which can be replenished as needed.
| Carrier | Cost | Data and Call Time |
|---|---|---|
| Telstra | AUD 30 | 5GB data, 300 minutes call time |
| Vodafone | AUD 20 | 3GB data, 200 minutes call time |
| Optus | AUD 25 | 4GB data, 250 minutes call time |
2. Rental Phones
Rental phones are available at airports and other travel hubs. These phones come preloaded with a local SIM card and can be used for a specific period, typically one to four weeks. The rental fee usually includes a certain amount of data and call time, and additional usage can be purchased if needed.
3. Virtual Phone Numbers
Virtual phone numbers allow you to receive calls and messages on an existing device, such as your smartphone or laptop. These numbers are not tied to a physical location and can be obtained through online service providers. Virtual phone numbers are generally more expensive than prepaid SIM cards or rental phones, but they offer the convenience of using your own device.
Choosing the Right Option
The best option for obtaining a local number in the United States depends on your individual needs and budget. Prepaid SIM cards are the most affordable option, but they come with limited data and call time. Rental phones are more expensive but offer greater flexibility. Virtual phone numbers are the most convenient but also the most expensive.
Using Skype
Skype is a popular VoIP service that allows you to make calls to landlines and mobiles around the world. It’s a great option for calling the US from Australia, as it’s relatively inexpensive and easy to use. To call the US using Skype, you’ll need to:
- Create a Skype account. You can do this for free at www.skype.com.
- Add funds to your account. You can do this using a credit card, PayPal, or other payment method.
- Dial the US phone number you want to call. You can do this by typing the number into the Skype dialer or by clicking on the “Contacts” tab and selecting the contact you want to call.
Once you’ve dialed the number, Skype will connect you to the call. You can then talk to the person you’re calling for as long as you like. Skype offers a variety of features to make calling the US easy and convenient, including:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Caller ID | Displays your phone number to the person you’re calling. |
| Voicemail | Allows you to leave a message if the person you’re calling doesn’t answer. |
| Call forwarding | Allows you to forward calls to another phone number. |
Employing Viber
To initiate a call to the United States from Australia using Viber, follow these instructions:
- Download and install Viber on your smartphone or computer.
- Create a Viber account or log in to an existing one.
- If the recipient is not a Viber user: Enter their phone number in the international format, including the country code (+1 for the United States).
- If the recipient is a Viber user: Search for their name or phone number in the Viber search bar.
- Tap or click on the call button (phone icon) to initiate the call. Viber will automatically connect you to the recipient in the United States.
Additional Call Options
Viber offers several additional call options for customizing your calls:
- Forward calls: Forward incoming calls to another phone number.
- Record calls: Record conversations for future reference or documentation.
- Call encryption: Protect your calls from eavesdropping with end-to-end encryption.
| Country | Dialing Code |
|---|---|
| United States | +1 |
Utilizing WhatsApp
WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that allows you to make free calls and send messages to other WhatsApp users. To call the US from Australia using WhatsApp, you will need to have the WhatsApp app installed on your phone and an internet connection.
Here are the steps on how to make a call to the US using WhatsApp:
- Open the WhatsApp app on your phone.
- Tap on the “Calls” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap on the “New Call” icon in the top right corner.
- Enter the phone number of the person you want to call in the following format:
For landlines: +1 (area code) (phone number)
For mobile phones: +1 (mobile number) - Tap on the “Video Call” or “Voice Call” button to start the call.
- Voicemail: You can set up voicemail to receive messages when you’re unavailable.
- Call forwarding: You can forward calls to another phone number, such as your Australian mobile phone.
- Text messaging: You can send and receive text messages from your Google Voice number.
- Open the FaceTime app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Enter the phone number or Apple ID of the person you want to call in the search bar.
- Tap the audio icon (phone receiver) to initiate an audio call.
- Wait for the call to connect.
- Speak clearly into the microphone and listen through your speakers or headphones.
- Check your internet connection. FaceTime Audio requires a stable Wi-Fi or cellular data connection.
- Ensure that both you and the recipient have an Apple ID. If you or the recipient do not have an Apple ID, you can create one for free.
- Check if FaceTime Audio is enabled. On your Apple device, go to Settings > FaceTime and make sure that FaceTime Audio is turned on.
- Restart your device. Sometimes, restarting your device can resolve connection issues.
- Contact Apple Support. If none of the above troubleshooting steps resolve your issue, contact Apple Support for additional assistance.
- Buy a calling card from a reputable source.
- Dial the access number provided on the card.
- Enter your PIN or other security code.
- Dial the international number you want to call.
- Dial the exit code for Australia, which is 0011.
- Next, dial the country code for the United States, which is 1.
- Finally, dial the phone number you wish to call.
- When dialing a mobile number in the United States, you do not need to include the area code.
- You can use a calling card or VoIP service to save money on international calls.
- Be aware of the time difference between Australia and the United States, as this can affect the cost of your call.
Note that you will need to have a stable internet connection in order to make a WhatsApp call. If you have a weak internet connection, your call may be dropped.
Taking Advantage of Google Voice
Google Voice is a free service that provides a U.S. phone number and other features such as voicemail, call forwarding, and text messaging. It’s an excellent option for making calls to the U.S. from Australia because it offers competitive rates and a user-friendly interface.
To use Google Voice, you’ll need a Google account. Once you’ve created an account, you can sign up for Google Voice. You’ll need to provide your Australian phone number to receive a verification code. Once you’ve verified your number, you’ll be able to choose a U.S. phone number. You can use this number to make calls to the U.S. from Australia.
The cost of making calls with Google Voice varies depending on the country you’re calling. To the U.S., the rate is 1 cent per minute. You can find more information about Google Voice rates on their website.
Google Voice also offers a number of other features that can be helpful for making calls to the U.S. from Australia. These features include:
Google Voice is a convenient and affordable way to make calls to the U.S. from Australia. It offers a variety of features that can make it even easier to stay connected with friends and family in the U.S.
Google Voice Rates
| Country | Rate |
|---|---|
| United States | 1 cent per minute |
| Canada | 2 cents per minute |
| United Kingdom | 2 cents per minute |
| Australia | 3 cents per minute |
Utilizing FaceTime Audio
FaceTime Audio is a feature exclusive to Apple devices, allowing users to make high-quality audio calls over Wi-Fi or cellular data. To use FaceTime Audio, both callers must have an Apple ID and be signed into their Apple accounts.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues while using FaceTime Audio, try the following troubleshooting steps:
Using a Calling Card
Calling cards offer a convenient and cost-effective way to make international calls from Australia to the US. Here are the steps to use a calling card:
1. Purchase a calling card: You can purchase calling cards from local convenience stores, pharmacies, or online retailers.
2. Dial the access number: Dial the access number provided on the calling card from your landline or mobile phone.
3. Enter the calling card number: Follow the prompts to enter the calling card number and PIN.
4. Dial the US number: Enter the 10-digit US phone number you want to call.
5. Speak clearly: Hold the phone close to your mouth and speak clearly to ensure good call quality.
6. Monitor usage: Some calling cards may have limited minutes or expiration dates. Keep track of your usage to avoid additional charges.
7. Additional tips for using calling cards:
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Compare rates | Compare rates from different calling card providers to find the best deal. |
| Check expiration dates | Pay attention to expiration dates to avoid losing unused minutes. |
| Use a landline | Landline calls often have better call quality than mobile calls. |
| Call during off-peak hours | Call rates may be lower during off-peak hours like evenings and weekends. |
| Disable call waiting | Disable call waiting on your line to prevent interruptions during your call. |
| Keep a record | Keep a written record of your calling card details, including the access number, card number, and PIN. |
Dialing Directly
To make a direct call to the United States from Australia, follow these steps:
1. Dial the international access code: 0011
2. Dial the country code for the United States: 1
3. Dial the area code for the city you are calling.
4. Dial the local phone number.
Example
To call the White House in Washington, D.C., you would dial:
| Step | Number |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0011 |
| 2 | 1 |
| 3 | 202 |
| 4 | 456-1111 |
So, the complete dialing sequence would be: 0011 1 202 456-1111.
Tips
• If you are calling from a mobile phone, you may need to dial the “+” symbol before the international access code.
• You can use a calling card or a VoIP service to save money on international calls.
• Check with your service provider for specific rates and calling plans.
Avoiding Scams
When making international calls, it’s important to be aware of potential scams. Here are some tips to avoid being a victim:
1. Use a reputable phone service
Choose a well-known and trusted phone service provider that offers clear pricing and transparent fees.
2. Be cautious of unsolicited calls
If you receive an unexpected call from a number you don’t recognize, be suspicious. Scammers often use spoofing technology to make their calls appear legitimate.
3. Don’t provide personal information
Never give out your personal information, such as your credit card number or Social Security number, over the phone, especially to someone you don’t know.
4. Be aware of callback scams
Scammers sometimes call pretending to be from a reputable company and then ask you to call them back at a different number. If you do call back, you may be charged exorbitant fees.
5. Use a VPN
To protect your privacy and security, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) when making international calls.
6. Report scams
If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, report it to your phone service provider and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
7. Check reviews
Before using any phone service, read online reviews to see what other customers have said about their experience.
8. Be aware of hidden fees
Some phone services may hide fees in their terms and conditions. Make sure you understand all the costs involved before signing up.
9. Use a calling card
Calling cards can be a good option for making international calls, as they often offer lower rates than traditional phone services. Here are some tips for using a calling card:
Maximizing Call Quality
1. Choose the right time to call: Avoid peak calling hours (10 AM – 3 PM) for better call quality and lower costs.
2. Use a wired landline or fiber-optic internet: Wired connections offer the most reliable and stable call quality.
3. Enable Wi-Fi calling: If wired connections are unavailable, consider using Wi-Fi calling for enhanced call quality and range.
4. Use a high-quality headset or microphone: Invest in a good headset or microphone to improve audio clarity and reduce background noise.
5. Reduce background noise: Find a quiet place to make calls and minimize surrounding noise that can interfere with the call.
6. Check your internet speed: Ensure you have a strong and stable internet connection for smooth video calls.
7. Close unnecessary programs: Shut down any unnecessary applications or programs that may consume bandwidth and affect call quality.
8. Update your software and firmware: Keep your phone, router, and other devices updated with the latest software and firmware for optimal performance.
Additional Tips for Enhanced Call Quality
| Suggestion | Impact |
|---|---|
| Use a call optimization app: Apps like Signal or FaceTime optimize call quality by reducing data usage and improving signal strength. | Enhanced call clarity and reduced dropouts. |
| Consider using a VoIP service: VoIP services like Skype or Google Hangouts provide high-quality calls over the internet with low latency and echo cancellation. | Clear and stable calls even in areas with poor cellular coverage. |
| Use a VPN: A VPN encrypts your internet connection and can help improve call quality by routing your traffic through a more stable server. | Increased privacy and protection against signal interference. |
How to Call USA From Australia
To call the United States from Australia, you’ll need to follow these steps:
For example, to call a phone number in New York City, you would dial: 0011 1 212-555-1212.
Here are some additional tips for calling the United States from Australia:
People Also Ask About How to Call USA From Australia
What is the cheapest way to call the US from Australia?
There are a few different ways to save money on international calls from Australia to the US. One option is to use a calling card. Calling cards can be purchased at most convenience stores and newsstands. Another option is to use a VoIP service. VoIP services allow you to make calls over the internet, which can be much cheaper than using a traditional phone line.
What is the exit code for Australia?
The exit code for Australia is 0011.
What is the country code for the United States?
The country code for the United States is 1.
