Triple Zero (000) is Australia's emergency number for police, fire and ambulance in life-threatening or time-critical situations. Calls are free, from a landline, a mobile, a payphone or a satellite phone.
The numbers
- 000 — police, fire, ambulance
- 112 — works from mobile phones only and connects to the same 000 service. It has no priority over 000
- 131 444 — Police Assistance Line, for non-urgent police matters
- 132 500 — State Emergency Service, for flood, storm and tsunami help that is not life-threatening
- Do not dial 911 — calls to 911 are not redirected to 000
If you do not speak English
Call 000, say "police", "fire" or "ambulance", and stay on the line. A translator will be arranged.
Mobile phones and coverage
- If your network has no signal, your phone automatically uses another available network to reach 000 — even without a SIM card
- If there is no coverage on any network, you cannot reach 000 by mobile. Large parts of outback Australia have none
- 000 cannot be contacted by text message
- If a call does not connect within about 5 seconds, hang up and try again
Australia's 3G networks have been switched off. 3G phones and some older 4G phones — especially phones bought overseas — may be unable to call 000. The regulator advises not to test this by calling 000; ask the mobile provider instead.
Source: Department of Infrastructure — Triple Zero (000)
Source: ACMA — 3G network switch-off
Common questions
Does 911 work in Australia?
No. Calls to 911 are not redirected. Dial 000, or 112 from a mobile phone.
Can I call 000 without an Australian SIM card?
Yes, as long as there is coverage on some mobile network. Your phone connects to any available network for 000, even without an active SIM.
Can I text 000?
No. 000 cannot be contacted by SMS.
More on the eVisitor
Healthcare
Visitors from 11 countries, including Italy, the Netherlands and the UK, get some public care. Germany, France, Spain, Korea, China and Taiwan are not covered.
Phones and SIM cards
Activating an Australian prepaid SIM requires an ID check — a passport in your name is accepted. Check your phone works on Australian 4G/5G first.
Driving
Each state sets its own rules: NSW allows up to 6 months on an overseas licence, the NT 3. Non-English licences need a translation or an IDP.
Plugs and voltage
Australia uses a plug with two flat pins in an inverted V (Type I) and 230 V, 50 Hz. Check your charger's label before you plug in.
Public holidays
Each state and territory sets its own public holidays. The dates that apply everywhere, the ones that differ, and what it means for your trip.
What is the eVisitor
The eVisitor is a full visitor visa granted electronically to holders of eligible European passports. What it covers and how it differs from the ETA.