Calling 13, 1300 and 1800 numbers

[anat0l]

I've just got myself (into month #2) of a Virgin mobile plan and fairly content with it so far. Saying that, I've noticed that for Virgin mobile, unusually, calling 13, 1300 and 1800 numbers is not included in monthly call credits. They are charged in addition and on top of existing monthly plan cost. (1800 numbers are not free and attract a connection charge and rate by the minute).

I'm sure not many people are on Virgin mobile, and for the others I'm guessing that your call credit would cover these kinds of numbers. Saying that, instead of having to pay large amounts on top of my monthly plan when I need to call such numbers, are there alternative measures?

My guesses so far are:

• For 13 or 1300 numbers, find the equivalent full phone number. Some of these can be Googled, some you can find by calling the "from overseas" number (e.g. airlines or banks). 1800 numbers I think is more difficult, and overall I can't think of how this can easily be achieved.
• Skype. At least Skype has much smaller phone charges for any kind of number. The disadvantage is that it will rely on my phone having a stable data connection (packet/3G or wifi) at all times during the call. (And in data 'blackspots', useless).

Does anyone have any experience / further advice?

 

[AdMEL]

13, 1300 & 1800 numbers being excluded is not unusual, uncommon, or limited to Virgin - Telstra and Optus were doing the same thing on many of their recent plans, though I notice they are now included in the majority of current plans. Some Optus plans still exclude these calls. It should be noted that Virgin mobile is wholly owned by Optus.

I have free calls from my home phone via VOIP through iinet Naked DSL, which does not include 13 numbers - if I can be bothered, I look uo the full nuimber. Often hard to find though!

 

[Mal]

I've heard about this site:

Non-Geographical Search

Generally I don't care (as the non-13x number is on the back of card etc, or I call from work). If you live in the UK though, it's a much bigger issue and there are a lot of websites that track their equivalent of 13x numbers.

 

[moa999]

I think TPG is the only MVNO (that I am aware of ) that includes 13, 18 and indeed international outbound calls in its cap

 

[lovestotravel]

This catches quite a few people out..........

What you have said is correct

You can find some/most standard land line numbers by google or on the companies website..

For the rest ring them up, say you are going overseas and need a normal number to call as in a (02) number.... Sometimes this will mean you call a switchboard but at least you get around paying $$$$ for the calls.