The three most common types of inbound numbers in Australia are 1800 numbers, 1300 numbers and 13 numbers. All of them are virtual numbers used exclusively for managing incoming calls. The main difference, apart from their prefixes, is in how call costs are divided between the caller and the business.
13 numbers are further distinguished by being only six digits long. This makes them easier to remember, though they are more expensive due to an annual government surcharge.
Digits
Callers
Account holder
1800 XXX XXX
Get free calls from any fixed line phone anywhere in Australia. Callers using mobile phones may still pay a rate determined by their service provider.
Pays all call costs. There is no free talk time component for 1800 numbers. Call cost is typically charged at a per-second rate.
Digits
Callers
Account holder
1300 XXX XXX
Pay the cost of a local call from any fixed line phone in Australia. Mobile calls are billed at a rate determined by their service provider.
Pays costs determined by their 1300 number carrier.
Call plans may include a set number of minutes covered by a monthly cost, with excess call times billed by the second at a given rate.
Digits
Callers
Account holder
13 XX XX
Pay the cost of a local call from any fixed line phone in Australia. Mobile calls are billed at a rate determined by their service provider.
Pays costs determined by their 13 number carrier. Plans may provide include a set number of minutes covered by a monthly cost, with excess call times billed by the second at a given rate. Also pays an annual surcharge to the government.
| Inbound number | Digits | Routing options |
Inbound call report |
IVR compatibility |
Toll-free for callers |
Goverment surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1300 numbers | 1300 XXX XXX |  |
|
|
 |
|
| 1800 numbers | 1800 XXX XXX | |
|
|
|
|
| 13 numbers | 13 XX XX | |
|
|
|
Annual charge $7980 + GST |
Digits
1300 XXX XXX
Routing options
Inbound call report
IVR compatibility
Toll-free for callers
Goverment surcharge
Digits
1800 XXX XXX
Routing options
Inbound call report
IVR compatibility
Toll-free for callers
Goverment surcharge
Digits
13 XXX XXX
Routing options
Inbound call report
IVR compatibility
Toll-free for callers
Goverment surcharge
Annual charge $7980 + GST
*Included minutes or free talk-times are available on our Basic and Standard 1800 plans. Terms and conditions may apply.
Please read our Critical Information Summary for full details.
All inbound numbers provide the benefits of a unified, portable, versatile point of contact. Choosing the right inbound number for your business depends on your business’s objectives.