
If you're an Australian business owner, getting a 1300 number is a great way to establish a professional image and make it easy for customers to get in touch with you. This type of number is also known as a national number.
1300 numbers are free to call from landlines, which can be a major draw for customers who are on a budget. Plus, they can be redirected to any phone number, including mobiles and VoIP services.
In Australia, 1300 numbers are managed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), which ensures that they are used fairly and responsibly.
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What Are 1300 Numbers?
1300 numbers are inbound virtual numbers that businesses use to receive incoming calls, giving you flexibility over the management of incoming calls through answerpoints.
You can assign an answerpoint, such as an office phone, a mobile phone, a landline, or an answering service, to determine where, when, and how calls are answered.
Assigning an answerpoint allows you to project a national presence and streamline your call handling, which is why many businesses choose to apply for a 1300 number.
Inbound numbers, including 1300 numbers, are virtual business phone numbers used to receive calls and are not tied to a fixed landline.
Features and Benefits
1300 numbers come equipped with many features that make them a preferred choice among Australian businesses. With these numbers, subscribers can easily set up advanced features like voicemail, IVR, advanced routing, and call recording.
Subscribers also give access to call activity reports to see how many calls were received in a given time period and where the calls originated.
A 1300 number can improve customer service of your company, boost reach and credibility, work with your branding as well as stimulate performance and promote business growth.
Here are some key features and benefits of 1300 numbers:
- Increased Volume of Calls: A 1300 number that is more memorable will make it easier for customers to call you and increase the number of inbound calls.
- Reduced Call Costs: 1300 numbers offer a solution that is more cost-effective for you as well as your customers.
- Improved Call Management: Route calls based on time or location so customers always reach the right place.
- Availability: Stay accessible after hours by diverting calls or using voicemail and custom messages.
- Unlimited Calls: Plans with unlimited monthly calls are available, making it easier to manage your business communications.
With a 1300 number, customers can reach you at the same cost all over the country, giving them the certainty that your service or product is available to them wherever they are.
Are Toll Free?
1300 numbers are not considered toll free, unlike 1800 numbers which are toll free for callers. The cost of a call to a 1300 number is shared between the business and the caller.
Customers calling from a mobile or landline will incur some charges based on their phone service provider's rates. This can vary depending on the caller's location and phone service provider.
The cost difference between 1300 and 1800 numbers is narrowing due to competition between inbound number carriers and the increased availability of 1800 numbers. This has made 1800 numbers more affordable, with minimal difference in cost compared to 1300 numbers.
Here are the key differences in call costs for 1300 and 1800 numbers:
- Local Calls: 1300 numbers have lower call rates compared to 1800 numbers.
- National Calls: 1800 numbers have lower call rates compared to 1300 numbers.
- Mobile Calls: Both 1300 and 1800 numbers have similar call rates for mobile calls.
What Are the Types?
There are two types of 1300 numbers: standard and smartnumbers. Standard 1300 numbers are widely available from various telco providers.
Smartnumbers, on the other hand, must be purchased directly from the ACMA website. They are easier to recall than standard numbers since they either spell a word when dialled on the phone or include repetitive digits.
For example, 1300 FLOWER or 1300 50 10 50 are smartnumbers that are easy to remember. Some organisations choose to register a 1300 number that reflects their brand or services to make it easier for customers to remember.
Benefits

A 1300 number can greatly benefit your business in many ways. It's a preferred choice among Australian businesses due to its advanced features, such as voicemail, IVR, advanced routing, and call recording.
One of the main benefits of having a 1300 number is that it can improve customer service. With a 1300 number, customers can reach you at a local call rate from anywhere in Australia, making it easier for them to contact you.
Having a 1300 number can also boost your reach and credibility. It's a sign that your business is committed to national service and helps grow a loyal, country-wide customer base.
A 1300 number can also be more memorable for customers, making it easier for them to recall and call you. You can choose a number combination that is easier to remember or stands for a word that relates to your business or industry.
Here are some benefits of having a 1300 number:
- Increased volume of calls
- More memorable for customers
- Nationwide reach
- Improved call management
- Marketing flexibility
- Availability 24/7
- Reduced call costs
With a 1300 number, you can choose a number that is more cost-effective for both you and your customers. You'll only pay a flat rate per minute, regardless of where the call is coming from or whether it's a landline or mobile phone.

A 1300 number can also be more accessible to customers, especially those who are outside your geographical location. With a 1300 number, customers can reach you at a local call rate from anywhere in Australia, making it easier for them to contact you.
Overall, having a 1300 number can greatly benefit your business in many ways, from improving customer service to boosting your reach and credibility.
Cost and Pricing
A 1300 number can cost anywhere from $10 to $40 or more per month, depending on your chosen telco provider and the features you need.
Some providers offer different pricing categories based on the memorability of the number, and you'll always need to pay a setup fee when purchasing a number plan.
You can choose from different pricing plans based on call volume and routing preferences, which can affect the overall cost of your 1300 number.
The cost of a 1300 number plan can vary greatly, but it's generally around $20 AUD per month plus setup costs.
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Calls to a 1300 number from a landline start at 7.5 cents per minute, and the cost is split between the caller and the number owner.
However, with a 1300 number, the caller only pays for the cost of a local call, which is usually much cheaper than a long-distance call.
Here's a breakdown of the costs associated with 1300 numbers from different providers:
Keep in mind that these costs are subject to change and may not reflect the current prices offered by these providers.
Ultimately, the cost of a 1300 number will depend on your specific needs and the features you require, so be sure to shop around and compare prices before making a decision.
How to Get a 1300 Number
Getting a 1300 number is easier than you think. Telco providers have a list of available numbers.
To get a 1300 number, you'll need to contact the government's official website for 1300 smartnumbers. Once you've selected a number, you can contact your preferred telco provider for activation.
You can have more than one 1300 number, depending on your business needs. Larger companies often apply for a 1300 number for each business division to improve caller experience.
If you need to expand your business, you can allocate additional inbound 1300 numbers to your business.
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International and Overseas Calls
You can call a 1300 number from overseas, but there's no guarantee the call will go through due to various factors.
To call a 1300 number from overseas, dial 001 + 61 and the 1300 number.
Australia's country code is +61, and you need to enter this before making the call.
You'll need to have international dialing enabled on your phone to make the call.
The caller will be charged international tariffs for making the call.
For the most part, 1300 numbers are accessible internationally, but there are some exceptions.
You just need to enter Australia's country code (+61) before making the call, followed by the subscriber number.
For your interest: How to Call Out of Country Numbers
Plans
Picking the right 1300 number plan can be a bit overwhelming, but don't worry, I've got you covered. There are several factors to consider when choosing a plan.
The cost of subscribing to a 1300 number can vary depending on the provider. In general, you can expect to pay a monthly recurring cost.
Global Call Forwarding, Alltel, Zintel, Koala Calling, and Arrow Voice & Data are some of the best 1300 number providers in Australia. These providers offer a range of plans to suit different needs.
For a basic 1300 number plan, you can expect to pay around $10/monthly. This is a relatively low cost, considering the benefits you'll get from having a 1300 number.
The cost of per-minute charges for inbound calls can vary depending on the source. Some providers charge as low as 5-10c/min.
If you're interested in getting a vanity number, also known as a Smartnumber, you can expect to pay the same as a regular 1300 number.
If you're considering a 1800 number instead of a 1300 number, you should know that 1800 numbers cost only $5/monthly more than 1300 numbers.
Call Management and Tracking
A 1300 number gives you the flexibility to route calls based on time or location, so customers always reach the right place.
This means you can stay responsive after hours with custom messages, voicemail, or redirection to other channels, like mentioned in Example 3.
You can track where your calls come from and measure the success of marketing campaigns, making it easier to optimise future strategies and understand what customers want, as noted in Example 4.
By using a 1300 number, you can divert calls after business hours, keeping customer service running even when your team is offline, which is especially useful during the COVID crisis where staff can work from home.
With a 1300 number, calls always go through, and you can route them to multiple locations, intelligently reaching call staff members according to their availability and location, as mentioned in Example 1.
This also means you can cover a flat rate per minute for the call, regardless of where it's coming from or whether it's coming from a landline or mobile phone, making it a cost-effective solution for your business, as stated in Example 2.
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Why Choose a 1300 Number
Choosing a 1300 number can give your business a professional image and make it easier for customers to contact you. This is because 1300 numbers are nationwide and fully portable, meaning they can be used from anywhere.
With a 1300 number, you can also gain better control over incoming calls by routing them to your preferred answerpoint. This can make your business more responsive and efficient.
Having a 1300 number provider with call routing options can also help you scale your business operations as needed. This is because you can add features like call forwarding or voice-to-email without needing to change your number.
Why Choose Teleca?
Choosing a 1300 number provider can be a daunting task, but Teleca stands out from the rest. With no setup fees or lock-in contracts, you have the flexibility to choose what's right for your business.
Teleca's streamlined processes allow you to set up your 1300 number in under 5 minutes. This means you can get started with your business quickly and easily.
A 1300 number from Teleca gives your business a credible and professional image, making it easier for customers to contact you. This is especially important for businesses that want to establish a strong online presence.
Teleca's call routing options give you better control over incoming calls, allowing you to route calls to your preferred answerpoint. This makes your business more responsive and efficient.
As your business expands, your 1300 number scales with you, thanks to features like call forwarding and voice-to-email. This means you can add new features without needing to change your number.
Teleca's plan includes access to exclusive call features that can track and analyse key customer metrics. This helps small businesses to effectively market to their audience and scale operations as needed.
Why to Buy vs Lease?
Buying a 1300 number gives you complete control over it. This is a crucial aspect to consider when making a decision.
Leasing a 1300 number, on the other hand, locks you into a contract with a third-party provider. This can lead to limited use of the number.
It's highly advised to buy an inbound number, as it provides you with the freedom to use it as you see fit.
National Portability When Moving
You can take your 1300 number with you wherever you go, whether you move offices or work remotely.
Whether you're relocating to a new city or just moving to a new office, your 1300 number stays the same.
1300 numbers are fully portable, meaning they're not restricted to any particular telephone exchange or geographical area.
This means you won't have to worry about changing your phone number every time you move.
Australia-Specific Information
In Australia, 1300 numbers provide a reliable communication channel for customers, potential leads, and business associates.
Having a 1300 number can be particularly beneficial for businesses with multiple locations, as it allows customers to call a single number and be redirected to the nearest office.
Using a 1300 number can help businesses appear more professional and established, which can be especially important for new or small businesses.
In Australia, 1300 numbers offer a cost-effective solution for businesses, as the caller only pays for the call, not the recipient.
Use Cases
Having a 1300 number can be a game-changer for your business. You can use it as a main business number, perfect for Australian businesses looking to establish a professional image.
As a local contact number, a 1300 number allows you to connect with Australian clients on a more personal level. This can be especially helpful for businesses that rely on local customers.
You can also use a 1300 number to track various marketing campaigns. This makes it easy to see which campaigns are driving the most calls and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Here are some common use cases for a 1300 number:
- As a main business number
- As a local contact number for Australian clients
- As a dedicated phone number to track various marketing campaigns
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the 1300 area code?
A 1300 number does not have a specific geographic location, as it's a national toll-free number in Australia. It can be used from anywhere in the country, making it a flexible option for businesses.
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