Calling Blighty from the Land Down Under: A Guide for the Bewildered Aussie
So, your mate Nigel won a bet and you owe him a barbie (though between us, who bets in pavlova? That's just un-Australian). Or maybe Nan's decided to finally spill the tea on why she has a picture of the Queen with a budgie on her head. Whatever the reason, you need to get in touch with someone in England from the comfort of your own sunburnt backyard.
Fear not, fair dinkum cobber! Calling England from Australia is a doddle, easier than chucking a shrimp on the barbie (though that's pretty easy too). Here's your ultimate guide to international dialling without the drama.
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How To Call England From Australia |
Dialling Like a Drongo: Avoiding Embarrassing Blunders
First things first, let's ditch the idea of calling on a kookaburra. Those beaks were not built for international calls (and frankly, Nigel wouldn't be impressed). You'll need a phone with a bit more tech – a mobile or landline will do the trick.
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Now, the key ingredient: the magic numbers. Here's what to punch in:
Tip: Don’t just scroll to the end — the middle counts too.
- Exit code: This is your escape hatch from Oz. On a mobile, it's usually the "+" symbol (hold down the zero). On a landline, it's 0011.
- Country code: England's like the cool kid at the international school – everyone knows their code is 44.
- Area code: This is like their nickname – it tells you where in England you're calling. London is a big one, and its code is 20 (but there are heaps more!).
- Phone number: This is Nigel's actual digits, minus the leading zero (e.g., don't dial 020 7912 3456, just dial 20 7912 3456).
For example, to call Nigel in London:
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
- Mobile: +44 20 7912 3456
- Landline: 0011 44 20 7912 3456
Easy, right? Now, all that's left is to hope Nigel picks up and doesn't blame the whole barbie bet on your dodgy internet.
Avoiding the Royal Bill Shock: Keeping Your Calls Cricket
There's nothing worse than a good chinwag being ruined by a phone bill that looks like it could buy the Crown Jewels. Here's how to keep those costs down:
- Check your plan: Many Aussie phone providers offer international call bundles or discounts.
- Use calling apps: There are heaps of apps like Whatsapp that let you call over the internet for free (depending on your data plan).
- Call during off-peak hours: Phoning England when everyone's asleep Down Under can be much cheaper. Just be prepared for Nigel to sound a bit grumpy.
Remember: International calls can be pricey, so a little planning goes a long way.
FAQ: Calling England Like a Champion
- How to find the area code for a specific English city? A quick Google search will do the trick!
- Can I call England with a prepaid phone? Yep, but check your credit balance first – international calls can drain it faster than a magpie at a sausage sizzle.
- What if I get an error message? Sometimes the phone gods don't cooperate. Check the number or try again later.
- How long does it take to call England? Not long at all – usually just a few seconds (although catching Nigel mid-scone might cause a slight delay).
- What if I accidentally call the Queen? Don't panic! Just apologise profusely, offer to send a Tim Tam and explain you were trying to reach Nigel about a barbie. She'll understand (probably).
There you have it, folks! Calling England from Australia is a breeze with a little know-how. Now go forth and conquer those international calls, and remember – a good dose of Aussie charm goes a long way, even over the phone.