✅ Comparison Table: Best Apps to Call Australian Numbers from Bali (2025)
| Feature/Service | Localphone | Rebtel | TextNow | Dingtone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | AUD $0.01–0.05/min | AUD ~$10/month unlimited, or per min | Free (ads) or low-cost | Free (ads) or low-cost |
| Call Type | Pay-as-you-go | Unlimited or pay-per-call | App-to-phone (VOIP) | App-to-phone (VOIP) |
| Call Quality | High – VoIP optimized | High – app or local dial-in | Medium – varies with ads | Medium – can fluctuate |
| Supports 13/1800 | Often Yes (varies by number) | Often Yes (better on paid plan) | ❌ No | ⚠️ Inconsistent |
| Hold Time Safe? | ✅ Yes – reliable for long waits | ✅ Yes – works well | ❌ Not reliable for long calls | ❌ Not great for waiting on hold |
| App/Web | iOS, Android, Web Dialer | iOS, Android | iOS, Android, Web | iOS, Android |
| Payment | Credit top-up (as needed) | Monthly or top-up model | Free credits (watch ads) | Free credits (watch ads) |
| Recommended Use | Primary for Aussie calls | Backup or regular caller option | Backup for short calls | Backup for landlines only |
🔧 Step-by-Step Setup: Localphone
1. Go to: https://www.localphone.com
2. Sign up: Use your email + choose a username
3. Add credit:
- Start with AUD $5 or $10
- Pay via card or PayPal
4. Download app (optional):
- iOS: App Store
- Android: Google Play
- OR use the Web dialer directly
5. Call Australia:
- Use the country code +61
- Format: 13 or 1800 numbers can be tricky. Try replacing them with landline equivalents if needed
Example: Call Commonwealth Bank 13 22 21 → try +61 2 9999 2221
6. Pro Tip: Bookmark numbers with long waits so you’re not typing every time
🔧 Step-by-Step Setup: Rebtel
1. Go to: https://www.rebtel.com
2. Sign up: Fast with email or Google login
3. Choose your plan:
- Pay-as-you-go: Add credit
- Unlimited Australia Plan (optional): AUD ~$10/month
4. Download Rebtel app:
- iOS or Android
5. Call using Wi-Fi or local number bridge:
- Rebtel connects via local or internet depending on best quality
- You don’t need internet all the time if using their “local access” feature
6. Test it out: Try calling a known working landline before tackling 13/1800 services
⚡ Recommendations
- Use Localphone for most calls — cheapest + flexible
- Use Rebtel for regular or longer calls — easy, solid quality
- Use TextNow or Dingtone as emergency backups — don’t rely on them for important calls
Would you like me to export this into a printable one-pager or PDF? Or create a shortcut/cheat sheet image for your phone?
