The Difference Between 1300 and 1800 Numbers
One sentence holds the whole difference — who pays for the call. What differs, what is identical, and how to choose, on the published record.
The difference between 1300 and 1800 numbers fits in one sentence: on a 1300 the caller pays a local call rate and the business pays the remainder; on an 1800 callers pay nothing in the stated Australian 1800-number context and the business pays every call. Most explanations bury that sentence under marketing. This page gives it once, then covers what is identical — because the sameness is what makes the choice simple.
The difference, in full
That sentence is the whole published difference between the formats. It changes the caller's experience (a small local rate versus free in the Australian context) and the business's cost shape (a shared per-call cost versus carrying all of it). No other published difference exists: no capability gap, no ranking, no outcome difference.
What is identical
- The plans: both formats publish plans at $10, $15, $39, $79 and $99 per month, each with its own rate table on the pricing page.
- The word option: Phonewords exist on both bases — 6 letters on either — from $40 per month, with availability and desirability affecting the specific word.
- The connection: both connect to the answering point nominated in the signup flow, with no device claims published beyond it.
- The terms: both are governed by the same terms and conditions.
Choosing, once the difference is clear
Apply the sentence to your callers: if the call should be free to them — support and service lines — the 1800 arrangement is the fit. If a local call rate for callers is acceptable and the business prefers the smaller per-call share, the 1300 arrangement is the fit. Then check availability: the Find a Number search lists available 1300 and 1800 Phonewords, and the team confirms the exact number before connection. The 1300 vs 1800 page reads the same choice from the 1300 side.
Related reading: 1800 vs 1300, 1300 vs 1800 vs 13 numbers, or the 1800 numbers overview.
Difference questions
What is the difference between 1300 and 1800 numbers?
Who pays: on 1300 the caller pays a local call rate and the business the remainder; on 1800 callers pay nothing in the Australian context and the business pays every call.
Are 1800 numbers better than 1300?
No ranking is published anywhere. The formats differ in the caller arrangement; "better" depends on whether the call should cost the caller nothing.
Do both formats have the same plans?
Both publish plans at $10, $15, $39, $79 and $99 per month with per-plan rate tables — the cost shape differs because of who pays each call.
Can both spell a word?
Yes — Phonewords on either base carry 6 letters, from $40 per month, subject to availability and the desirability rule.
The difference, once
Learn the difference and choose with it
Compare the published plans, or search what is available on each format.