Formatting Australian Mobile Numbers
The format of Australian mobile phone numbers can vary slightly depending on whether you’re dialing locally or internationally.
Local Format
Within Australia, mobile numbers are typically written in the format:
- 04xx xxx xxx
For instance, a mobile number might appear as 0412 345 678. The “04” prefix indicates it’s a mobile number, and the rest of the digits are the subscriber number.
International Format
When dialing an Australian mobile number from overseas, the number must be prefixed with the country code and formatted without the leading zero. The international format is:
- +61 4xx xxx xxx
For example, the number 0412 345 678 would be dialed from abroad as +61 412 345 678.
Special Cases and Variations
While the standard format covers most scenarios, there are a few variations and special cases to be aware of.
Toll-Free and Premium Numbers
In addition to standard mobile numbers, Australia also has toll-free and premium-rate numbers. These are not typically included in the standard mobile number format:
- Toll-Free Numbers: Begin with 1800 or 1300. These numbers are used for businesses and allow callers to contact them at no cost.
- Premium Rate Numbers: Often start with 19, and these numbers are used for services that incur a higher charge.
