Visitor information: Phones and Electrical Appliances
Mobile/Cellular Phones
Several mobile phone companies have national networks. Two technologies are used: GSM 900/1800 and CDMA. Roaming from foreign networks may be possible, particularly for GSM.
GSM 900/1800
CDMA
Prepaid Mobile
If you already have a GSM 900/1800 phone but your carrier does not have a roaming relationship with an Australian carrier, you may be able to purchase a prepaid SIM card. For more information, try the following companies:
Hotel and public phones
Local calls in Australia are untimed; however, hotels often place significant surcharges on all phone calls.
Most public phones accept phone cards, which are available from newsagents and service stations. Some older public phones will only accept coins, in which case a minimum of 40¢ is required for local calls.
RJ-style phone connectors are now widespread throughout the country, but in some places you may find old style Australian sockets. If you do, most electronics, or department stores should be able to supply an adapter.
Numbers
- The country code for Australia is '61'.
- Brisbane's area code is 07, but if you are calling from overseas omit the '0'.
- To make an international call from Australia, dial '0011' followed by the country code.
Electrical appliances
Australian appliances run on 240V at 50Hz. It is a good idea to get a traveler's power adapter before you leave home.
The Australian power socket looks like this:
