How to Text an Australian Number? Methods, Legality, & Best Practices

When texting Australia from overseas, consider carrier limitations, costs, and follow the correct international number format for texting. Also, keep your message within the text limit and avoid spammy content to prevent legal issues.

• Correct Number Format: Using the correct Australian phone number format ensures your message reaches the right person.
• Carrier Charges & Fees: Consider the cost with different providers to ensure you text at the most affordable price.
• Restrictions & Compatibility: Ensure your phone plan allows international texting, and check for any restrictions on your network.
• Text Message Length: Keep your messages concise, as long texts may be split into multiple messages, potentially increasing costs.
• Message Content Restrictions: Ensure your message complies with Australian regulations by avoiding spammy or inappropriate content.

To text domestically within Australia, use the Australian phone number format, including area code and local phone number. The phone number starts with a ‘04’ or ‘05 ’ prefix, followed by an 8-digit subscriber number. For domestic texting, you do not need to include a country code.

Here’s how to send a message domestically within Australia:

• Step 1: Open your messaging app.
• Step 2: Enter the recipient's 10-digit Australian phone number, starting with 04 or 05.
• Step 3: Compose your message.
• Step 4: Tap the send button.

To text Australia internationally, add the Australian country code +61 before dialing the remaining mobile number. You must also omit the initial zero of the phone number, if any. Then, you can simply compose your message and send it.

Here’s how to text an Australian number from abroad:

• Step 1: Open a messaging app on your phone.
• Step 2: Press the “+” icon to start a new message.
• Step 3: Enter the Australian phone number, starting with +61 (the country code). Omit the leading 0 from the number.
• Step 4: Write your message and hit send.
• Step 5: Click the send button to deliver the message.

Virtual phone numbers and messaging apps like WhatsApp or Viber are great alternatives to traditional SMS carriers for texting in Australia. They are often more affordable and cost-effective compared to regular carrier services.

A virtual phone number allows you to send texts over the internet through a VoIP service provider. These providers usually charge less for sending messages domestically as well as internationally.

Here’s how to text Australia using a virtual phone number:

1. Choose a VoIP service provider and set up your virtual number.
2. Open the provider’s VoIP app and access the Messaging feature.
3. On the recipient’s box, enter the Australian number.
4. Compose your message and hit send.

Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Viber allow you to send free or low-cost texts. However, both you and the recipient must be using the same app for texting.

Here’s how to text an Australian Number using a Messaging app:

1. Install the messaging app on your phone (e.g., WhatsApp).
2. Create an account or log in using your phone number.
3. Add the Australian number with the correct international format (+61).
4. Type your message and tap send.

When texting Australian numbers, businesses must comply with the Spam Act 2003 to obtain consent for sending electronic messages. They must also clearly identify themselves, avoid unauthorized address harvesting, and provide an easy opt-out mechanism for the customers.

Here are some legal considerations that you have to follow:

Each message should include your identity, such as your contact information, so the recipient can easily identify and reach you if required. For businesses, this could be their brand’s legal business name along with their Australian Business Number (ABN).

Marketers should provide an easy opt-out mechanism for any consumers. It should be simple, like hitting the unsubscribe button. They should be able to opt out without having to log in or provide additional information.

Avoid using address-harvesting tools when collecting phone numbers. These tools collect information without the user’s consent, which is illegal and can lead to fines, legal sanctions, or damage to your reputation.

You must keep accurate information about the user’s consent before sending messages. This includes the time of acquiring permission, the medium used (online form or text reply), and the phone number. Proper documentation helps to protect consumers' rights and ensures your legality if there’s a complaint or legal issue.

When sending SMS to Australian numbers, maintain proper messaging etiquette, keeping your messages clear, concise, and relevant. Avoid sending too many texts, and ensure your messages are mobile-friendly. Personalizing your texts and respecting the recipient’s time zone also make your messages effective.

• Keep it short and to the point: Your messages should be concise, clear, and relevant to the recipient.
• Avoid Over-Texting: Set the limit on the message frequency to avoid overwhelming recipients with many texts within a short period.
• Mobile Responsiveness: Ensure your messages can be easily read on mobile devices and don’t include suspicious links.
• Personal Touch: Personalize messages wherever possible to make them engaging and relevant to build a stronger connection with the recipient.
• Respect Time Zones: Text at reasonable hours, typically between 8 am and 9 pm local time, to avoid disrupting recipients.

Texting an Australian number is simple once you understand how to format numbers correctly. You can use a traditional SMS carrier, a virtual number, or a messaging app to send texts to Australia.

Using a virtual number is often the best choice because it offers flexibility, affordability, and ease of use. You can send messages from your computer, mobile, or tablet. Services like Calilio offer telephony systems with virtual numbers, including messaging at a low cost. Plus, its robust network ensures your text reaches the recipient in Australia on time without any delays. Get an Australian online phone number from Calilio today!