WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, with over 2 billion users. It allows you to send messages, make voice and video calls, and share photos, documents, and other media, all for free (apart from data charges). One of the key features of WhatsApp is that it uses your phone number as your ID on the app. So to use WhatsApp, you need a valid phone number.
If you are traveling to or living in Australia, you may want to get an Australian phone number for WhatsApp so that you can use the app to communicate with people locally. Here are the main options for getting an Australian number for WhatsApp when you are visiting or moving to the country:
Get an Australian SIM card
The easiest way to get an Australian number for WhatsApp is to simply get an Australian SIM card and use it in your phone. Here’s how it works:
- Purchase an Australian prepaid SIM card – These are available from phone carriers like Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, etc. You can buy them at airports, electronic stores, supermarkets, etc. Some options are:
- Telstra Pre-Paid Starter Kit – $2-$5
- Optus Prepaid SIM – $2
- Vodafone Prepaid SIM – $2
- Activate the SIM card – Follow the instructions provided with the SIM card to activate it. You’ll need to provide some personal details.
- Top up/recharge the SIM – Add credit to the SIM so you can make calls, send SMS, and use mobile data.
- Insert the SIM in your phone – Turn off your phone, remove your existing SIM, insert the Australian SIM and turn your phone back on.
Once the Australian SIM is active in your phone, you’ll have an Australian mobile number. You can use this number to create a WhatsApp account or link the number to your existing account. This allows you to use WhatsApp with your Australian number while traveling in the country.
Get an Australian virtual phone number
Another option is to get an Australian virtual phone number that can be used for WhatsApp. Here are some ways to get a virtual Australian number:
- Skype – You can purchase an Australian online Skype phone number and link it to your Skype account. This number can be used for WhatsApp verification.
- WhatsApp Business API – If you have a WhatsApp Business account, you can obtain an Australian virtual number through the WhatsApp Business API. However, this is meant for companies.
- Virtual phone services – Companies like FlyNumber, iPlum, and VirtualPhone.com provide virtual Australian phone numbers you can use to verify your WhatsApp account.
The benefit of using a virtual number is that you don’t need an Australian SIM card. However, receiving SMS on these numbers may be limited or unavailable in some cases.
Use a call forwarding service
Some call forwarding services allow you to get an Australian phone number that forwards calls and messages to your actual number. This Australian forwarding number can be used to verify WhatsApp.
For instance, companies like ForwardCall.net provide call forwarding numbers for various countries including Australia. You can choose an Australian number on their website link it to your own number, allowing you to receive SMS or calls on your primary number.
The advantages of call forwarding services are that they are quick and easy to set up and you don’t need a local SIM card. However, they usually come with a cost and may not always be reliable for SMS verification.
Ask a friend or relative in Australia
If you have a friend or family member who lives in Australia, you can ask them to lend you their Australian phone number to verify your WhatsApp account temporarily. Here is the process:
- Give your friend the 6-digit WhatsApp verification code you receive when you try to verify your number.
- They need to enter this code on their phone to link your account to their number for verification.
- Once your account is verified, they can remove your number from their WhatsApp.
This allows you to get verified using their Australian number so you can use WhatsApp. Just make sure your friend trusts you and is willing to help out.
Get a prepaid Australian travel SIM card online
Several companies allow you to order an Australian prepaid SIM card online before you travel and have it delivered to your home country. For example:
- Truphone – Australian prepaid SIM for overseas delivery
- Keepgo – Australia prepaid SIM card shipped worldwide
- SimOptions – Prepaid Australia SIM card delivered globally
The benefit of ordering online is that you save the time and hassle of buying a SIM after you arrive. The SIM will be ready for activation as soon as you reach Australia. You’ll still need to top it up once there.
Port your existing number to an Australian SIM
If you want to keep your existing phone number active on WhatsApp when traveling to Australia, some services allow you to port your number to an Australian SIM card:
- KnowRoaming – Lets you port your number to an Australian SIM and provides a global roaming SIM card.
- NumberBarn – Port your number to a virtual Australian phone number for use on WhatsApp.
This allows you to use your regular number for WhatsApp with an Australian SIM card. Useful if you want to avoid giving out a new Aussie number.
Connect with a VPN
Another simpler option is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service to connect to an Australian server and sign up for WhatsApp with an Australian number:
- Download and install a VPN service like ExpressVPN or NordVPN on your device.
- Connect to an Australian VPN server location.
- This will provide you an Australian IP address.
- Open WhatsApp and verify your account with the Australian number provided.
Using a VPN is free and easy but the number may not work reliably for calls and messages. VPNs are also banned by WhatsApp, so there is a risk your account could be blocked.
Conclusion
Getting an Australian phone number for WhatsApp when traveling or moving to Australia has several options:
- Purchase a local Australian SIM card
- Use a virtual phone number service
- Forward calls/SMS to your number with call forwarding services
- Borrow a number from an Australian friend/relative
- Order a prepaid Australian SIM card online before you travel
- Port your number to an Australian SIM
- Connect through an Australian VPN (less reliable)
The easiest and most reliable options involve getting a physical Australian SIM card in the country or ordering one online in advance. A virtual phone number, call forwarding service or VPN may also work but can have limitations.
Having an Australian number will allow you to seamlessly use WhatsApp to keep in touch with contacts locally when traveling or moving to Australia.