VoIP Options: Calling Australia from Overseas
With the shutdown of Skype, I’ve been on the hunt for VoIP alternatives, particularly for calling 1300 numbers in Australia from abroad.
Unfortunately, I haven’t had much luck. Every trial service I’ve tested so far has been inconsistent; some numbers connect, while others don’t, and I’ve experienced endless ringing without ever reaching the automated services. So far, I’ve tried Telfon, Viber, Rebtel, and Yolla.
Despite considering myself fairly tech-savvy, setting up Twilio and Telfon has been a frustrating experience with no progress made.
If any of you tech wizards have suggestions, I’m all ears! In a moment of desperation, I even tried a PC-to-PC video call with a friend and asked them to put their cellphone on speaker, but it turned into a garbled mess, and I couldn’t decipher anything on the call (which also requires identity verification).
P.S. I’m unable to subscribe to Australian-based VoIP providers because most of them are geoblocked (they even block access through obfuscated VPNs, P2P, and Onion/TOR) or typically require an existing NBN account.
P.P.S. Ideally, I’m looking for a pay-as-you-go model similar to the old Skype credit system. However, I’m open to a subscription if I can use it for a month and cancel later.
P.P.P.S. The numbers I’m trying to reach don’t have international contact options and have refused to call me because it’s considered an international call.
It sounds like you’re in a tough spot with finding a reliable VoIP service for calling 1300 numbers in Australia from overseas. Here are a few options and suggestions you might want to explore:
Local Australian SIM Card via Roaming: If you have any contacts in Australia, consider getting a prepaid SIM card for them and having it sent to you. You can then use it in a dual SIM phone. This would allow you to call 1300 numbers as if you were in Australia. Just make sure to check the roaming charges before making calls.
Google Voice: While not specifically a VoIP service for overseas calls, consider getting a Google Voice number. You can add credit to your Google Voice account and make calls to Australian numbers, including 1300 numbers. You may need to find a way to obtain a US-based Google Voice number if you don’t already have one.
Zoom for Business: If you’re doing a lot of verification or important calls, consider Zoom’s phone service. It often has more reliability and features for business calls. It’s more on the subscription side, but you’ll have better connection quality.
MightyCall: This is another VoIP service that can work internationally. They might allow you to set up an Australian number that can be dialed from overseas.
Further Tweaking with Existing Services: For the services you’ve tried already (Telfon, Viber, Rebtel, Yolla), make sure you’re using their latest versions and check any specific configurations that may aid in connecting to 1300 numbers. Sometimes dialing the number in different formats (like +61 1300 …) or through different networks (Wi-Fi vs. 4G) can make a difference.
Ask Providers for Recommendations: Since you’ve run into roadblocks, consider reaching out directly to the support teams of the VoIP services you’re interested in. They often have alternative methods or suggestions specific to calling Australian numbers.
WhatsApp or Similar Services: If the company you need to contact is amenable to it, see if they’re willing to use WhatsApp or other messaging apps that allow voice calls.
It’s frustrating when geographical boundaries and restrictions complicate matters, but hopefully, one of these solutions will work for you! Good luck!