Australia and Oceania Travel Forum

Hello,

We're from US visiting Australia. What is the best strategy for calling US from Australia? Should we bring a phone (and which one) with us, or get one in Aus (and which one)?

Is Autralia 220v @ 60~, 220v @ 50~. Is there a travel adapter so I just plug my powersupply into it and run that way?

Thanks in advance!
MR2

If you go online in internet cafés anyway, you could make internet phone calls on Skype.

Or buy a calling card. You can use those phone cards at public and hotel phones.

I would not use my mobile phone for international phone calls, only for texting, if I do not want to spend a fortune. But the way would be to buy a local SIM card, so you are not charged for incoming calls. This, however, requires that you have a GSM mobile phone.

Check your electronic equipment (computer/ phone charger) to ensure that it is marked 110-240V. Most new electronic gear is. Electrical stuff like hair appliances probably will not be suitable unless they are dual voltage with a switch to select the voltage. (purchase dual voltage appliances if you don't have them), More info here: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/tt/a2d05/#TL

If you plug your powersupply you will smell burning something.

if you laptop it does not work already with dual voltage (my toshi does), I suggest to buy an universal powersupply for notebook, it work both 110/220 and it will work for many laptops, it could be also a spare powersupply (let see it like an investment).

For phone.. my motorola powersupply also works 100-240V check yours.

From US to Australia plugs are little different, so you need a common adapter.

Phone cards are best.

Have a wonderful holiday

Australia is 230V 50Hz (North America is 60Hz)(it really is effectively 220-240V). Most computers will be labelled 110/240 50/60Hz so just check that out. You can buy adapters here that fit our 10A sockets and will except most pin configurations -they will cost about AUD5. Get connected to Skype or similar internet phone service and use it before you leave so you know it works OK (you may need to get a combination headphone/microphone if your laptop doesn't already have them. Hotels often have internet connections if not you can use internet cafes or go to a place that has wifi access (there are plenty around). I am not sure about the mobile phone (we call cell phones mobile phones). I have heard of people having lockout which prevents them using our system hence Skype is very popular (it is free to another computer or you can pay to contact other phones)