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1300 and 1800 numbers still make sense for Australian businesses that take calls from across the country. They give customers one number to remember, they aren’t tied to an address, and you can point them at any phone. An 1800 number is free for the caller, and a 1300 number costs the caller about the same as a local call. If you’re ready to get one, see our 1300 and 1800 numbers service.
In short
- 1800 numbers are free for callers. Your business pays for the whole call.
- 1300 numbers cost callers about the same as a local call. Your business pays the rest.
- Both are national numbers that can ring any phone and move with you between providers.
1300 vs 1800 Numbers: Who Pays
The main difference is who pays for the call.
| 1800 numbers | 1300 numbers | 13 numbers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to the caller | Free from landlines and mobiles | About a local call from a landline. A standard national call on most mobile plans | Same as a 1300 number |
| Cost to your business | The whole call | The rest of the call | The rest of the call |
| Digits | 10 | 10 | 6, so easier to remember and harder to get |
All three are regulated by the ACMA (the Australian Communications and Media Authority). Our 1300 vs 1800 comparison also covers when each one fits.
Why They Still Make Sense
One national number
A local number tells callers which area you’re in. A 1300 or 1800 number doesn’t belong to a postcode, so it shows customers you serve more than one area, wherever your ads and customers are.
Free calls on sales lines
People who are still deciding often weigh up whether a call is worth it. An 1800 number takes the cost out of that decision, which helps on sales and enquiry lines.
Your number moves with you
The number isn’t tied to a phone line, so it stays the same when you move office, add sites or change phone systems. 1300 and 1800 numbers can also be ported between providers.
Calls go wherever you need them
On a business phone system, the number can ring desk phones, mobiles, a call centre or a laptop on the other side of the country. Calls can also be routed by where the caller is ringing from or by time of day.
Reports show what drives calls
Call recording, reporting and voice menus show how people use the number. You might find calls spike after a particular ad runs, or at certain times of the week.
What 1300 & 1800 Numbers Cost
Your business pays a monthly fee to hold the number, plus charges for the calls you receive. Call charges depend on how long calls last and whether people ring from a landline or a mobile. An 1800 number costs more per call, because your business pays for the whole call.
We set out the number fee, call rates and term in your quote before you sign. See how 1300 number costs work.
Businesses That Benefit Most
If you rely on phone calls to win work, give service or keep customers, a 1300 or 1800 number is worth a look, especially if you want to grow beyond your local area. It may not suit every startup or niche business.
Related Guides
Get Your Business Number
We set up new 1300 and 1800 numbers, move existing ones across and route calls to your office, mobiles or cloud phone system, from our offices in Brisbane and Melbourne.
