Calling Blighty from the Land Down Under: A Guide for the Bewildered Aussie
So, your mate Nigel finally got around to returning that boomerang he "borrowed" ten years ago (allegedly for boomerang-fu lessons), and now you need to chat. But hold on, Nigel lives in the land of crumpets and queuing, otherwise known as London. Fear not, fair dinkum Aussie battler! Calling London from Australia is a doddle, easier than wrangling a particularly wily wombat. This here guide will have you chatting with your pommy mate in no time.
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| How Do I Call London From Australia |
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
- Your trusty phone. No need for a fancy didgeridoo phone, a regular smartphone or landline will do.
- A pen and paper (optional, but helpful for those whose memories are as short as a quokka's attention span).
- Nigel's phone number. Make sure it's the right one; otherwise, you might end up talking to a bloke named Keith who's terribly confused about why someone from Australia wants to discuss boomerangs.
Step 2: Dialing Like a Champion
Here's the tricky bit, but don't worry, it's not as complex as untangling fairy lights after a Christmas barbie.
- For mobile phone users: You can usually ditch the whole dialing code song and dance by simply hitting the "+" symbol before Nigel's number. Fancy phones, hey?
- For landline legends: You'll need the Australian exit code, which is 0011 (like a double barbie snag on a hot day). Then, whack in the UK country code, which is 44 (because apparently, they like things in fours over there). Finally, add Nigel's number, but ditch the leading zero if it's a landline number (confusing, we know).
For the forgetful: Here's the whole shebang for a London landline number (020) 7981 6543:
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
- Mobile: +44 (020) 7981 6543
- Landline: 0011 44 (020) 7981 6543
Top Tip: If Nigel doesn't pick up, don't be a galah and leave a message sounding like a lost budgie. Try again later or send a cheeky text asking if he's been nicked by the Queen's guards for trying to sneak a koala into Buckingham Palace.
Step 3: Brace Yourself for Time Travel
Remember, London is a fair whack away, so there's a time difference. You might be enjoying a barbie in the sunshine while Nigel is shivering in a queue for lukewarm tea. Be prepared to adjust your conversation accordingly.
Tip: Avoid distractions — stay in the post.
Conversation Starter: "Hey Nigel, how's the future? Did flying cars become a thing yet?"
Step 4: Embrace the Lingo
There's a chance Nigel might throw some confusing words your way. Here's a quick cheat sheet:
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
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- "Crisps" = Potato chips, the superior snack (don't tell Nigel we said that).
- "Flat" = Apartment, not a tyre situation (unless Nigel's having a shocker of a day).
- "Brilliant" = Good, excellent, or just a general exclamation (it's not actually that brilliant, but go with it).
Bonus Round: Avoiding the "Crikey, That Was Expensive" Moment
- Calling plans: Look into international calling plans offered by your phone provider. They can save you a bucketload of bucks compared to standard rates.
- Calling apps: There are heaps of apps like WhatsApp that let you call for free over wifi. Ideal if you have dodgy reception in the outback.
Frequent Flyer Questions:
How to sound fancy when calling London? A posh British accent wouldn't hurt, but a friendly "G'day Nigel" will do just fine.
How to avoid awkward silences? Talk about the weather. Everyone loves complaining about the weather, no matter where they are.
QuickTip: Slowing down makes content clearer.
How to comfort Nigel about missing Australia? Promise to send him a care package full of Tim Tams and Vegemite.
How to end the call like a true blue Aussie? A simple "Catch ya later, mate" will suffice. Bonus points for throwing in a "fair suck of the sav" if the conversation wasn't going your way.
How to celebrate a successful call? Crack open a cold beer and chuck another snag on the barbie. You just conquered international calling!
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