Businesses in Australia often use special inbound phone numbers such as 13 numbers, 1300 numbers, and 1800 numbers to provide a professional contact point for customers.
While these number types look similar, they work differently in terms of call costs, availability, and business use cases.
In this guide we explain what a 13 number is, how it compares with 1300 and 1800 numbers, and when each option is best for a business.
What Is a 13 Number?
A 13 number (also called a 13 SmartNumber) is a six-digit business phone number that begins with 13.
Example format:
13 XX XX
For example:
13 12 34
When customers dial a 13 number, the call is routed through a telecommunications network to the business receiving the call.
Like 1300 and 1800 numbers, 13 numbers are virtual inbound numbers. This means they are not tied to a physical phone line and can forward calls to multiple phones or locations.
Businesses often use 13 numbers because they are short, easy to remember, and highly recognisable.
How 13 Numbers Work
When someone dials a 13 number:
- The call enters the inbound telecom network.
- Routing rules determine where the call should go.
- The call is forwarded to the business phone system, mobile phone, or call centre.
This allows businesses to manage incoming calls efficiently while maintaining a single national contact number.
Learn more about how call routing works here:
/blog/how-inbound-call-routing-works
13 vs 1300 vs 1800 Numbers
While these number types are all inbound business numbers, there are important differences.
13 Numbers
Length: 6 digits
Example: 13 12 34
Key characteristics:
- Short and easy to remember
- Premium business number
- Usually used by large national brands
- Limited availability
Because 13 numbers are shorter and highly memorable, they are often used by large enterprises and national organisations.
1300 Numbers
Length: 10 digits
Example: 1300 123 456
Key characteristics:
- National business number
- Caller pays local call rate
- Business pays inbound call charges
- Widely used by small and medium businesses
1300 numbers provide many of the benefits of 13 numbers but are more affordable and easier to obtain.
Learn more:
/blog/1300-numbers-for-small-business
1800 Numbers
Length: 10 digits
Example: 1800 123 456
Key characteristics:
- Toll-free for callers
- Business pays the full cost of the call
- Common for customer support and help lines
Because callers are not charged, 1800 numbers can encourage customers to contact a business more easily.
Learn more:
Comparison Table
| Feature | 13 Numbers | 1300 Numbers | 1800 Numbers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number Length | 6 digits | 10 digits | 10 digits |
| Caller Cost | Local call cost | Local call cost | Free for caller |
| Business Cost | Higher | Moderate | Higher |
| Availability | Limited | Widely available | Widely available |
| Typical Users | Large brands | SMEs and national businesses | Support lines and national services |
Why Businesses Use Inbound Numbers
Inbound numbers such as 13, 1300, and 1800 numbers offer several advantages over traditional phone numbers.
National Presence
Businesses can advertise one number across Australia instead of different local numbers.
Flexible Call Routing
Calls can be routed to:
- multiple staff members
- different offices
- mobile phones
- remote workers
Professional Image
Using a dedicated inbound number can make businesses appear more established and easier for customers to contact.
Scalable Communication
As businesses grow, additional staff or departments can be added to the call routing rules without changing the phone number customers call.
When Should Businesses Use a 13 Number?
13 numbers are best suited to organisations that:
- have large national advertising campaigns
- receive very high call volumes
- want a short, memorable number
- operate nationwide services
For many businesses, however, 1300 numbers offer a more affordable and flexible alternative.
Explore Virtual Phone Numbers for Your Business
Inbound numbers are part of modern virtual phone systems that allow businesses to manage calls more efficiently.
Learn more about virtual phone numbers here:
/blog/what-is-a-virtual-phone-number
You can also explore business phone number options here: