Making calls while roaming overseas
This support article will give you key information about making calls while roaming overseas.
How to make calls while roaming.
These are the number formats you’ll need to use when making calls while on international roaming.
How do I call locally while roaming overseas?
If you’re calling locally within the country where you're roaming, dial the number the same way you would when calling from a local phone, including the area code if needed.
For example, if you’re calling the local number ‘456 7890’ and the area code is ‘123’:
- If you’re in the same area, dial the number ‘456 7890’.
- If you’re in another part of the country, dial the number with area code ‘123 456 7890’.
How do I call another country while roaming overseas?
If you’re calling a number outside the country where you’re roaming, dial the number in international format. To dial a number in international format, you’ll need to:
- Enter the exit code ‘+’.
- Enter the country code. Check out our international call rates page for country codes.
- Enter the number and area code. If the number or area code starts with ‘0’, drop it when you dial.
For example, if you’re calling the UK number ‘07836 191 191’ while roaming in another country:
- Enter the exit code ‘+’.
- Enter the UK country code ‘44’.
- Enter the number ‘7836 191 191’, dropping the ‘0’ at the start.
Therefore, to call the number using international format, dial ‘+ 44 7836 191 191’.
How do I call Australia while roaming overseas?
If you’re calling back to Australia from the country where you’re roaming, dial the number in international format. To dial a number in international format, you’ll need to:
- Enter the exit code ‘+’.
- Enter the country code.
- Enter the number and area code. If the number or area code starts with ‘0’, drop it when you dial.
For example, if you’re calling Australian mobile number ‘0426 320 000’ while roaming in another country:
- Enter the exit code ‘+’.
- Enter the country code for Australia ‘61’.
- Enter the mobile number ‘426 320 000’, dropping the ‘0’ at the start.
Therefore, to call the Australian number using international format, dial ‘+ 61 426 320 000’.
Additional information
If you’re calling an Australian fixed line number from the country where you’re roaming, make sure to include the area code. However, you’ll need to drop the ‘0’ at the start of the area code.
For example, if you’re calling the NSW number ‘7010 0000’ while roaming in another country:
- Enter the exit code ‘+’.
- Enter the country code for Australia ‘61’.
- Enter the area code for NSW ‘2’, dropping the ‘0’ at the start.
- Enter the fixed line number ‘7010 0000’.
Therefore, to call the Australian fixed line number using international format, dial ‘+ 61 2 7010 0000’.
If you’re sending a text message to a number within the country where you’re roaming, use international format. For more information, check out our text messaging support page.
We recommend storing your contacts to your device in international format, including the '+'. International format will also work when calling or texting within Australia, as well as overseas.
If you’re calling an Australian mobile number that’s also on international roaming, dial the number in international format as if calling back to Australia.
Callers in Australia can dial your number as they normally would if you’re in Australia.
Callers outside Australia will need to enter your number in international format.
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is a feature that allows you to make calls within Australia using our 4G network. If you're on international roaming in the USA, you may be able to use VoLTE through some of their networks.
Using VoLTE when you're on international roaming may give you a better call quality with a faster call connection. You can also browse the internet or use apps at the same time.
You’ll need a compatible device with VoLTE enabled and be on an eligible plan. Find out more on our VoLTE support page.