Right, so you need to call someone in the States from your Aussie mobile. It might seem a bit confusing at first with all the different codes, but once you get the hang of it, it's actually pretty straightforward.
The key is to dial the numbers in the right sequence: Australia's exit code (0011), the USA's country code (1), the area code for the city you're calling, and then the local phone number. Nail this sequence, and you'll connect every time.
Your Quick Guide to Calling the USA from Australia
Figuring out how to ring the US from your mobile here in Australia doesn't have to be a headache. There's a simple, reliable formula that works whether you're trying to reach a landline in Los Angeles or a mobile in Miami. It’s all about putting the right numbers together in the correct order.
This whole process is based on international dialling standards. First, you need to tell your network you're making an overseas call. You do that by dialling 0011, which is Australia's international exit code.
Straight after that, you punch in 1, which is the country code for the USA. This is then followed by the three-digit area code for the specific city or region, and finally, the person's seven-digit local number. So, if you were calling a number in New York City, it would look something like this: 0011-1-212-555-1234.
To make it even clearer, here's a simple breakdown of what each part means.
International Dialling Code Breakdown
| Dialling Component | Code | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Exit Code | 0011 | This signals to your mobile carrier that the call is going outside of Australia. |
| USA Country Code | 1 | This directs your call to the United States telephone network. |
| Area Code | (e.g., 212) | A 3-digit code that narrows the call down to a specific city or region. |
| Local Phone Number | (e.g., 555-1234) | The final 7-digit number of the person or business you're trying to reach. |
Putting it all together is the secret to a successful connection.
The Complete Dialling Sequence
This image neatly sums up the three main parts you'll need to dial any US number from your Australian mobile.
As you can see, it's just a matter of combining the exit code, country code, and the full 10-digit US number. Do that, and your call should go straight through.
One common trip-up is trying to include the '0' that you often see at the start of Australian mobile numbers. That's a trunk code for domestic calls only and needs to be dropped when you're dialling overseas.
Before you start dialling away, it’s a really good idea to check that your mobile plan is actually set up for international calls. Some plans don't include it as standard, and you don't want to be hit with a nasty surprise on your next bill.
For a bit more help on what to look for, our handy SIM card selection checklist can walk you through making sure you've got everything you need.
Cracking the Code: How to Dial the US from Australia
Dialling a long string of numbers can feel a bit like you're tapping in a secret code. But once you know what each part does, calling the US from your Aussie mobile becomes second nature. Each number in that sequence has a specific job, and getting them in the right order is the key.
First up, you need Australia’s exit code: 0011.
Think of this as your phone's passport. It tells your local network, "Hey, this call isn't for down the road—it's heading overseas." If you skip it, your phone will think you're trying to dial a local number and the call will go nowhere.
Right after the exit code, you’ll dial 1, which is the country code for the United States. This is the big one that tells the global phone network to route your call across the Pacific. It's part of the North American Numbering Plan, so it also covers places like Canada and some Caribbean islands.
Don't Forget the Area Code
After the country code comes the three-digit area code. This is what narrows your call down from an entire country to a specific city or region. The US is a massive place with hundreds of area codes, so getting this right is crucial. Forgetting it or dialling the wrong one is probably the most common reason calls don't connect.
Just to give you an idea, here are a few of the big ones:
- New York City: 212, 646, or 917
- Los Angeles: 213 or 323
- Chicago: 312 or 773
- Houston: 713 or 281
- San Francisco: 415 or 628
So, the whole sequence is: Exit Code (0011) + Country Code (1) + Area Code (e.g., 212) + the local 7-digit number. Simple as that.
The single most overlooked step? Checking the time difference. The US has multiple time zones, some up to 19 hours behind parts of Australia. It's shockingly easy to accidentally call a client or friend at 3 AM their time. A quick Google search before you dial can save you from a very awkward conversation.
How to Avoid Those Nasty International Calling Bills
Let’s be honest: dialling the US directly from your Aussie mobile with your regular plan is a recipe for bill shock. The major carriers here can charge some eye-watering per-minute rates for international calls. A quick chat can easily turn into a surprisingly hefty charge when your next bill rolls around.
Before you even think about dialling, it's a smart move to look up your provider's international rates. You might be horrified to find that a call to the States costs several dollars per minute. That’s the number you’re trying to beat, and thankfully, it’s not hard to do.
There are much savvier—and cheaper—ways to connect.
Smarter Ways to Call the US
Instead of just accepting your default mobile plan's high rates, you can use options built specifically for staying in touch internationally. These can slash your costs, letting you talk for as long as you want without one eye on the clock.
Here are a couple of the best approaches:
- USA Travel SIMs and eSIMs: This is the gold standard for travellers and frequent callers. You're essentially getting a prepaid US plan with local rates, which often means unlimited calls and texts to any US number. No nasty surprises, just reliable service.
- VoIP Services (Voice over Internet Protocol): Think apps like Skype, WhatsApp, and FaceTime Audio. These use your internet connection to make calls. If you’ve got good Wi-Fi, you can call other app users for free or pay a tiny per-minute rate to ring actual phone numbers.
So, what's the catch? It really comes down to reliability versus cost. VoIP is brilliant when you're sitting on a strong internet connection, but a dedicated travel SIM works wherever you have mobile reception—a huge plus when you're on the move.
For a quick, one-off call from your home with great Wi-Fi, a VoIP app will probably do the trick. But for regular calls or if you're actually heading to the States, a dedicated USA travel SIM from SimCorner offers a seamless, stress-free experience with costs you can predict.
Why a Travel eSIM Is Your New Best Friend
If convenience is what you're after, the eSIM (or embedded SIM) is a total game-changer. It's a digital SIM that you can download and activate on your phone without fumbling around with tiny plastic cards.
This gives you incredible flexibility, letting you get connected and start making calls the moment you land in the US. If you're new to the concept, our guide explains what an eSIM is and how it works in more detail.
Choosing the Right Travel SIM for Your US Trip
Relying on your everyday Aussie mobile plan when you head Stateside is a surefire way to come home to a nasty bill. Those per-minute international rates can stack up ridiculously fast, turning a quick chat into a surprisingly expensive ordeal. For both your wallet and your peace of mind, a dedicated USA travel SIM or eSIM is really the only way to go.
The biggest game-changer? Getting a proper US phone number before you even wheel your suitcase out the door. Just think about it – you can sort out your airport shuttle or text your Airbnb host with a local number while you’re still sitting on your couch in Sydney. It just smooths out all those little arrival-day wrinkles before they even have a chance to form.
Experience a Seamless Arrival
Let's paint a picture of two very different airport arrivals.
- Scenario A: You touch down at LAX, knackered from the 14-hour flight, and now the great SIM card hunt begins. You’re trying to find a kiosk, decipher confusing local plans, and then pray the activation process doesn’t turn into a whole drama.
- Scenario B: You land, flick your phone off flight mode, and you’re connected. Instantly. Your pre-activated SimCorner USA SIM is already good to go with unlimited local calls and texts, so you can book your Uber or let Mum know you’ve landed safely without a second thought.
That immediate connectivity is worth its weight in gold. No more desperately searching for airport Wi-Fi or accidentally racking up huge roaming charges from your Aussie provider just to make one essential call.
A dedicated travel SIM transforms your arrival from a stressful scramble into a seamless experience. It’s one smart purchase that sorts out all your communication needs from the moment you land, letting you focus on the trip itself, not a looming phone bill.
By sorting this out beforehand, you’ve ticked off a major travel headache before your holiday even starts. If you're new to the world of travel SIMs, checking out our guide on how to choose the best international travel SIM card is a great next step to find the perfect plan for your trip.
Common Dialling Mistakes and How to Fix Them
It’s one of the most frustrating travel moments: you’ve got an important call to make, but it just won't connect. You dial again, and still nothing. Sound familiar?
Nine times out of ten, the problem is a tiny, easy-to-fix slip-up right at the start of the number. Getting these first few digits right is the secret to a successful call every single time you dial the USA from your mobile.
One of the most frequent mistakes is forgetting to pop Australia’s international exit code, 0011, at the beginning. Without it, your phone assumes you’re making a local call and has no idea you're trying to reach halfway across the world.
Another classic slip-up? Leaving in the '0' that you often see at the start of Aussie mobile numbers. That's a domestic code and needs to be dropped for any international call you make.
The Most Common Errors
To make sure your call goes through without a hitch, just double-check you're not making one of these classic mistakes:
- Forgetting the Exit Code: You have to start with 0011. A much easier way is to just use the + symbol on your mobile's keypad.
- Keeping the Aussie '0': If a number is saved in your contacts with a leading zero, it’s not going to work for an international call. You'll need to edit it out.
- Incomplete US Number: You always need the full 10 digits – that’s the 3-digit area code followed by the 7-digit local number. No exceptions!
Here's a pro-tip I use all the time: on any mobile phone, just press and hold the '0' key. The + symbol will pop up, automatically acting as the correct international exit code for whatever country you're in. Dialling
+1 (area code) (number)is hands-down the easiest method.
Given Australia's massive mobile usage—around 139 subscriptions for every 100 people—it's no surprise that many of these international calls are made while we're out and about. It speaks to the huge amount of travel and communication between our two countries, with a whopping 72,090 short-term visitors arriving from the USA in January 2025 alone. You can dig into more of these travel trends over at the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Your Top Questions Answered
Got a few lingering questions? You're not the only one. Let's clear up some of the most common queries people have when calling the States from Australia.
Can I Just Use the '+' Symbol Instead of 0011?
You sure can. On any mobile phone, holding down the '0' key will bring up a '+' symbol. Think of it as a universal shortcut for international calls.
Using +1 followed by the area code and number is often much easier than remembering the exit code for every country you’re in. It works globally, so it's a fantastic habit to get into for any international travel.
How Much Does It Really Cost to Call the US?
This is where things can get tricky, as the costs vary wildly depending on how you call. If you just dial direct using your regular Aussie mobile plan, you could be looking at several dollars per minute. Ouch. A much savvier move is to add an international calling pack through your provider.
For the best value, a dedicated USA travel SIM or a VoIP service like Skype will slash your costs right down, often to just a few cents per minute. Many prepaid travel SIMs even include unlimited calls in the bundle.
What's the Absolute Cheapest Way to Make the Call?
For a call that costs you absolutely nothing, using a Wi-Fi-based app like WhatsApp Audio or FaceTime Audio is your best bet, provided the person you're calling also uses the app. It's completely free.
However, when you need to call a proper US phone number (like a hotel or a landline), a prepaid USA travel SIM with unlimited US calls is hands-down the most cost-effective way to go for any traveller.
Do I Always Need to Dial the '1' for US Numbers?
Yep, always. The number '1' is the country code for the United States. It’s essential.
It’s all part of the North American Numbering Plan (which also includes Canada and a few other places). You must dial it after the Australian exit code (0011 or +) but before the local US area code and number. Skip it, and the call simply won't connect.
Heading to the States soon? Don't let eye-watering phone bills ruin your trip. SimCorner has a great range of prepaid USA SIM and eSIM cards designed to keep you connected without the nasty surprises.
Check out our USA SIM card options and travel a whole lot smarter.
