How to Use a Cell Phone in Australia

While you're experiencing the Outback and sandboarding down Little Sahara, you want to make sure you can use your cell phone in an emergency. Just follow these steps for using your cell phone in Australia.

Things You'll Need

• Plug adaptor
• Transformer

Instructions

1. Purchase the correct plug adaptor from an electronics store before you leave home so that you can charge your cell phone in Australia. Australia uses plug type "I."

2. When charging your cell phone, use a transformer that can handle 240 volts, which is the voltage used Down Under. Your cell phone likely will fry if you do not use the correct transformer.

3. Call your cell phone provider to make sure that they offer phone coverage in Australia. Ask for an upgrade to international roaming.

4. Consider renting a cell phone or SIM card to use with your personal cell phone if your cellular company does not offer coverage in Australia.

5. Learn how to dial locally within Australia. Unless your cell phone has the same area code as the number you are calling, dial "0," the area code and the phone number.

6. Learn how to call the United States from Australia. First dial "0011" (this is the international prefix to dial outside of Australia). Then dial "1" (this is the international code used to dial to the U.S.). Follow that with the area code and phone number.

Tips & Warnings

• Charge your cell phone every night.