Phone Numbers Explained

• Area code prefixes: 02 (NSW, ACT), 03 (VIC, TAS), 07 (QLD), 08 (SA, WA, NT)
• Mobile cell phone prefixes: 04
• Toll free prefixes: 1300, 1800

Making calls

• If you're making local calls (within the same area code), you don't need to use the area code prefix (e.g. calls within Sydney do not need the 02 area code).
• If you're making long distance calls within Australia, use the area code prefix e.g. use 03.8123.4567 when calling from Sydney to Melbourne.
• If you're making international calls, start with 0011. e.g. use 0011.91.2.2123.4567 when calling India

Receiving calls

• To call a landline from outside Australia, use the country code, and area code without the leading 0. e.g. use +61.2.9123.4567 when calling Sydney
• The same applies to mobile phones. e.g. use +61.4.1234.5678 when calling a cell phone

Calling Cards

Calling cards are a popular option for making international calls. These are available from a number of places: covenience/corner stores, petrol stations, grocery stores (ask at checkout).

Bundles/Packages

Most of the service providers listed below provide mobile phone + home phone + internet bundles. I have yet to research whether these are the dollar savers they claim to be. If you know more about this, please add a comment to this page.

Mobile/Cell phone service providers

You can get a pre-paid account. Here are some providers:

• Optus
• Telstra
• Virgin

I found this option to be the quickest way to get connected. Took my cell phone to a Telstra outlet, tested with their SIM card that it would work, purchased and activated the account on the spot.

To re-charge your pre-paid account you can usually:

• pay cash at an service provider's outlet store
• pay cash at a grocery store (ask at checkout)
• use BPAY over the phone
• pay online using a credit/debit card

Or purchase a one/two year contract:

• Optus
• Telstra
• Vodafone
• 3

Landline phone service providers

• Optus
• Telstra
• AAPT

VOIP (Voice over IP) options/Making phone calls over the internet

There are a variety of VOIP options.

• Computer-to-computer is possible over most of the instant messaging networks: Microsoft 's MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, Skype, etc.
• Computer-to-phone is also possible over the IM networks: Yahoo Messenger's Phone Out, SkypeOut
  • These are low fee services. I have yet to research whether there are any free alternatives. If you know more about this, please add a comment to this page.
• Phone-to-phone:
  • IP Phones: You can purchase a IP (internet protocol) phone which is usable over a any wireless network (wifi). This enables you to have a phone number for people to call you at, as well as being able to make cheap internet calls to other phones.
  • • To be researched further, if you know more about this please add a comment to this page.
  • Phone adaptors: ATA (analogue telephone adaptors) enable you to use your existing phone to make VOIP calls.
    • To be researched further, if you know more about this please add a comment to this page.
  • Service Providers: Engin, Digium/Asterisk, Faktortel, ATP. To learn more about phone-to-phone VOIP and these service providers visit http://ozvoip.com