How to Send Text Messages to an Australian Number from the US?

Staying in touch with friends, family, or business partners in Australia is simple, but many people run into trouble when sending text messages across borders. A missing country code or a wrong digit can cause your message to fail.
The good news is that once you understand the correct international number format, texting Australia from the US becomes straightforward.
In this guide, we’ll learn the right way to text an Australian number from the US, understand carrier charges, and explore cheaper options like messaging apps or virtual numbers for texting at a low cost.
Key Highlights:
- To send texts from the US to Australia, use the country code +61 and remove the leading 0 from the Australian number when providing the recipient’s phone number.
- Major US carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile charge between $0.25–$0.50 per SMS.
- Alternatives like WhatsApp, iMessage, and Messenger allow free texting from the US to Australia if both parties have internet access.
- Always consider the time zone difference, keep messages short, and double-check the number format to avoid delivery issues.
What You Need to Know Before Texting an Australian Number from the US
Before texting Australia from the US, you must understand the international phone number format for Australia to ensure your text reaches the right recipient. It’s also crucial to know your carrier’s international SMS rates and confirm the recipient is using a mobile number and is SMS-enabled.
1. Correct Number Formatting for International Texts
When sending an international text message from the US to Australia, you must enter the number in the correct international format. Australian mobile numbers typically start with a “0,” but when texting from abroad, that “0” gets replaced with +61, the country code for Australia.
For example, 0412 345 678 in Australia becomes +61 412 345 678 when texting from the US.
2. Carrier Charges and International Texting Fees
Sending a text from the US to Australia is not usually included in standard phone plans. Most US carriers charge between $0.25 and $0.50 per SMS, while picture or multimedia messages (MMS) may cost even more. These charges can add up quickly if you send texts often.
Here’s the cost of sending SMS from the USA to Australia through major US carriers:
Mobile Carriers | Rate per Message | |
SMS | MMS | |
AT&T | $0.25 | $0.50 |
Verizon | $0.25 | $0.50 |
T-Mobile | $0.50 | $0.25 |
3. Potential Restrictions and Compatibility Issues
Some carriers do not support international texting at all, or they may restrict certain destinations. In some cases, your message may also fail due to number blocking or compatibility issues between networks. Also, remember, landline numbers in Australia cannot receive SMS. To avoid problems, always check your plan and confirm that the recipient’s number is mobile and SMS-enabled.
How to Text from the US to Australia?
To text from the US to Australia, open your messaging app, dial +61 (Australia’s country code), and enter the mobile number without the leading 0. Then compose your message and press send to deliver it internationally.
Here’s how to text an Australian number from the US:
- Step 1: Open your messaging app.
- Step 2: Type “+61” (Australia’s country code).
- Step 3: Enter the Australian mobile number (remove the leading 0).
- Step 4: Type your message in the text field.
- Step 5: Press send.
For example, if you are texting the Australian local number 0412 345 678 from the USA, you’d enter it as +61 412 345 678.
Affordable Alternatives to Text Australia from the US
Instead of traditional carriers, you can use messaging apps or a VoIP-based virtual number to text an Australian number from the USA.
Method 1: Using Messaging Apps
Popular apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, Facebook Messenger, and Viber allow free texting as long as both you and the recipient have an internet connection. These apps are cost-effective and easy to use, but they require both parties to be on the same platform.
Steps to text Australia from the US using messaging apps:
- Step 1: Download and install a messaging app.
- Step 2: Create an account and verify your phone number.
- Step 3: Add your Australian contact’s number (include country code +61 and remove the leading 0).
- Step 4: Open the chat window for that contact.
- Step 5: Type your message in the text box.
- Step 6: Tap Send to deliver your message instantly over the internet.
Method 2: Using Virtual Number
A virtual phone number is an online phone number that works over the internet. Providers like Calilio, RingCentral, CallHippo, and OpenPhone offer both local Australian virtual numbers and international numbers for low-cost texting.
Steps to text Australia from the US using a virtual phone number from Calilio:
- Step 1: Sign up with Calilio and choose a plan.
- Step 2: Purchase a virtual number with SMS capability.
- Step 3: Log in to your account and access the Calilio dashboard.
- Step 4: From the “Numbers” section on the left, choose the Australian number you want to text, or add a new contact by clicking the (+) icon.
- Step 5: Once the chat box opens, type your message in the text box.
- Step 6: Click Send to deliver your text to Australia.
Best Practices for Texting Australia from the US
When texting Australia from the US, always double-check the Australian number format for accurate reach and keep your messages short to avoid being split. Also, check time zones, ensure the number is SMS-compatible, and confirm internet stability if using apps or virtual numbers.
- Double-check the Number Format: To avoid formatting issues, dial the receiver’s phone number accurately. Do not forget to include +61 at the beginning and remove the leading 0.
- Keep Messages Clear and Concise: International SMS has character limits, so keep your text short to avoid it being split into multiple messages.
- Consider the Time Difference: Consider the time zone differences between Australia and the US to ensure you text at the appropriate time.
- Check Compatibility Before Sending: Make sure the recipient’s number is a mobile phone capable of receiving SMS.
- Confirm Internet Stability: If you’re using a virtual number or messaging app, make sure your connection is stable to avoid delivery issues.
Wrapping Up
Sending a text from the US to Australia is easy when you use the right number format and pick a method that suits your needs. Whether through your carrier, a messaging app, or a virtual number, you can stay connected with Australia quickly and affordably.
Among these alternatives, using a virtual number is often the smartest option as it combines flexibility, cost savings, and convenience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I text Australia from the US for free?
Yes, you can text Australia from the USA for free through internet-based apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, or Facebook Messenger. However, you must ensure both you and the recipient are using the same app and have an internet connection.
Why do I need to add +61 before the number when texting from the US to Australia?
Is texting Australia from the US cheaper with VoIP?
Can I use my US phone plan to text Australia while traveling?

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