Business phone numbers review: 13 vs 1300 vs 1800 Numbers

Business phone numbers are not just tools to get calls from your clients. These numbers are packed with features that help make you more efficient and make work easier. So how do you know which fits your needs the best?

13, 1300, and 1800 numbers all work as a single point of contact for businesses. As inbound numbers, these can only be used to receive calls and direct them to existing phone services. Virtual phone numbers can also be paired with add-on services and routing schemes.

What is the difference between 13, 1300, and 1800 business phone numbers?

The difference between 13 numbers, 1300 numbers, and 1800 numbers can be split into two: cost and memorability. Let’s take a look at how these three types of virtual phone numbers differ to help you with your business phone number search.

Local Call 1300 Numbers

1300 numbers are local call numbers that allow you to share call costs with your customers. Callers from a fixed line anywhere in Australia can call your 1300 phone number for the cost of a local call. Your business pays for each call at a rate based on your call plan.

These begin with the prefix 1300, and are trailed by six digits. Random numbers are free, while premium 1300 numbers are available from telcos for a small cost. These also come as 1300 Smartnumbers that spell out words when dialed on a keypad. The rights of use to these can be bought directly from the Alltel Shop or from ACMA (prices start at $250).

Free Call 1800 numbers

1800 numbers are Free Call numbers that your customers can call at no cost to them. Your business covers the cost of 1800 numbers, while callers from any fixed line in Australia can call you for free.

These business phone numbers start with the prefix 1800, followed by six digits. Like 1300 numbers, you can get free and premium numbers straight from your carrier. 1800 phone words are a great alternative if the Smartnumber you want is not available as a 1300 number.

Memorable 13 numbers

13 numbers are Local Call numbers that allow you to share the cost of calls with your callers. Callers from all over Australia can call your 13 business phone number for the cost of a local call. But unlike 1300 and 1800 numbers, it comes with a government surcharge of $7,980 per annum excluding GST.

These numbers start with the prefix 13, with only 4 trailing digits. Having less numbers makes it easier to recall. These work best for businesses that need a short virtual phone number to stand out from competition.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions while shopping around for a business number. Find a business number that works as hard as you do with the help of an inbound number specialist like Alltel. Just give us a call at 1300 ALLTEL or visit ALLTEL to have your number set up in as little as one business day!