What is the Difference Between 1300 and 1800 Numbers?

Ever wondered what the difference is between 1300 and 1800 numbers, and which one would best suit your business?

Both come with exactly the same features and are set up in the same way. These numbers are a great way to attract business from anywhere in Australia, and make your business appear professional and reliable.

1300 and 1800 numbers don’t rely on your physical location so you can answer calls on any landline or mobile phone in Australia.

You can keep the same phone number for the life of your business, as it is a virtual service and can be moved when you move without the costs associated with relocations.

The differences lies in call costs, both for the caller and the holder of the 1300 or 1800 number.

Account-holders of both 1300 and 1800 numbers are charged for all incoming calls. The cost depends on where the call originates from and is charged at the respective rate. Call rates are generally lower for 1300 numbers because the call cost is shared between the caller and the account holder.

There are 3 call origins:

1. Local Calls: calls received from the local area and via a landline.
2. National Calls: calls received from outside the local area and via a landline.
3. Mobile Calls: calls received from a mobile phone, anywhere in Australia.

1300 number call costs are shared between the caller and your business.

When calling a 1300 number from any landline in Australia, the caller is charged the cost of a local call. That’s why 1300 numbers are often referred to as Local Rate Numbers. Higher call charges apply when dialing from a mobile phone. They are determined by the mobile telephone company and vary between service providers.

These call charges also apply to the holder of the 1300 number and are determined by the service provider of the 1300 number.

1800 number call costs are paid by the business that owns the 1800 number. Callers do not get charged for making the call.

When calling a 1800 number, the call is free when dialed from any landline in Australia. That’s why 1800 numbers are often referred to as Toll-Free Numbers or Free Call Numbers.

Prior to ACMA ruling that a free call should be free regardless of the mainstream communication device, calls from mobile devices to the 1800 numbers were generally charged by the mobile carriers and the caller incurred a cost. This has since been changed and all calls to 1800 numbers are free for the caller.

The holder of the 1800 number will be charged for each incoming call and the rates differ depending on the originating call. These rates are determined by the service provider of the 1800 number.