How to Use Directory Assistance in Australia

There are some things that you just cannot be expected to know when traveling abroad. One such example would be for a traveler to pay high fees for calling directory assistance in a foreign country, when they could have made the call for free. This happens every day in Australia, where government regulations force Telstra to provide free directory assistance; yet tourists still call the premium pay numbers that cost a lot for the same service. Here is how to use directory assistance in Australia and to do so without paying for the call.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Determine the name of the business or individual that you would like to know the telephone number for. Directory Assistance operators are abrupt and to-the-point in their conversations, so it pays to be prepared.
2. With your pen and paper ready, dial 1223. Most telephones will prompt your to dial 1234 or other numbers for directory assistance. Do not fall for this gimmick. These are premium service numbers for “human assisted search,” and will cost you money. Dialing 1223 is a free number to dial from any Telstra land line or pay phone. Note that your mobile carrier may bill you for the call if made from a cellular phone.
3. When prompted, clearly state the name of the business or individual you require a telephone number for. If your search is for a popular number, the computer will already have the result to give you. Otherwise, you will be transferred to an operator for a human assisted search.
4. If an operator is required, she (or he) will come onto the line, verify the information on the telephone number you are looking for, and then provide you with the relevant information. Have your pen and paper ready to write down this number quickly, as Australian operators have a tendency to rush the call and will hang up the line the very second that they feel they have completed their task.

Tips & Warnings

• If you require more than one telephone number and do not want to make multiple telephone calls, be sure to make the operator aware of this when they come to the line.
• Never dial 1234 or other telephone numbers for directory assistance in Australia. If it is a Telstra phone, dial 1223 and the call will always be free.