Canberra

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Public Payphones

Availability and usage of public payphones across the city for local and international calls.

Sections

Overview of Public Payphones in Canberra

Public payphones in Canberra are operated by Telstra, Australia’s largest telecommunications provider. These payphones are strategically located across the city, including in urban centers, suburban areas, shopping precincts, and near public transport hubs. They are particularly useful for those without mobile phones, in emergencies, or for making affordable international calls.

Locations of Public Payphones

  1. City Centre (Civic):

    • Payphones are commonly found in the Canberra Central Business District (CBD), particularly near bus interchanges, shopping malls (e.g., Canberra Centre), and government buildings.
    • Example: Garema Place, a popular pedestrian area in Civic, has payphones.

  2. Suburban Areas:

    • Payphones are distributed across Canberra’s suburbs, often near local shopping centers, post offices, and community hubs.
    • Example: Woden, Belconnen, and Tuggeranong town centers have payphones near bus stations and shopping complexes.

  3. Transport Hubs:

    • Payphones are available at major bus interchanges and near train stations (e.g., Kingston Railway Station).

  4. Tourist Attractions:

    • Payphones can be found near key landmarks such as the Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia, and Parliament House.

  5. Emergency Locations:

    • Payphones are often installed in areas where mobile coverage may be limited, such as rural outskirts or nature reserves.

To locate a specific payphone, you can use Telstra’s Payphone Locator Tool on their website.

Costs of Using Public Payphones

  1. Local Calls:

    • Local calls are free of charge from Telstra payphones as of August 2021. This initiative was introduced to ensure accessibility for all Australians.

  2. National Calls:

    • Calls to Australian landlines and mobiles are also free.

  3. International Calls:

    • International calls are charged at competitive rates. Costs vary depending on the destination country and call duration. For example:
      • Calls to the USA or UK may cost around AUD 0.50 per minute.
    • You can check Telstra’s website for specific international call rates.

  4. Emergency Calls:

    • Calls to emergency services (000) are always free.

  5. Other Services:

    • Some payphones allow SMS texting, which may incur a small fee (e.g., AUD 0.25 per message).

How to Use Public Payphones

  1. Making a Call:

    • Pick up the handset.
    • Dial the number you wish to call (local, national, or international).
    • For international calls, dial the country code followed by the number.
    • If the call is free (local or national), it will connect automatically.
    • For international calls, follow the prompts to insert coins or use a phone card.

  2. Payment Methods:

    • Coins: Insert coins into the slot for international calls. Accepted denominations include AUD 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, 1.00, and 2.00.
    • Phone Cards: Prepaid phone cards can be purchased at convenience stores, post offices, or online. Follow the instructions on the card to make a call.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Some payphones accept card payments via a tap-and-go system.

  3. Ending a Call:

    • Hang up the handset to end the call. Any unused coins will be returned.

Accessibility Features

Telstra payphones are designed to be accessible to a wide range of users, including those with disabilities. Key features include:

  1. Hearing Aid Compatibility:

    • Payphones are equipped with hearing aid-compatible handsets for users with hearing impairments.

  2. Volume Control:

    • Adjustable volume settings are available to assist users with hearing difficulties.

  3. Wheelchair Accessibility:

    • Many payphones are installed at a height suitable for wheelchair users, ensuring ease of access.

  4. Braille Instructions:

    • Some payphones include Braille instructions for visually impaired users.

  5. Emergency Services:

    • The large, clearly marked "000" emergency button ensures quick access to emergency services.

Availability and Maintenance

  1. 24/7 Availability:

    • Most payphones are operational 24/7, making them a reliable option for late-night or emergency calls.

  2. Maintenance:

    • Telstra regularly maintains payphones to ensure they are functional. If you encounter a damaged or non-working payphone, you can report it to Telstra via their website or customer service hotline.

  3. Reliability:

    • Payphones are particularly useful in areas with poor mobile reception or during power outages, as they operate independently of mobile networks.

Unique Considerations for Visitors and Locals

  1. Free Local and National Calls:

    • Take advantage of the free call policy for local and national calls. This is especially helpful for tourists who may not have an Australian SIM card.

  2. Emergency Use:

    • Payphones are a critical resource in emergencies, especially in rural or remote areas where mobile coverage may be unreliable.

  3. Cultural Note:

    • Australians are generally friendly and helpful. If you’re unsure how to use a payphone, don’t hesitate to ask a passerby for assistance.

  4. International Visitors:

    • If you plan to make frequent international calls, consider purchasing a prepaid phone card for convenience and cost savings.

  5. Mobile Alternatives:

    • While payphones are available, most Australians rely on mobile phones. Visitors may want to purchase a local SIM card for broader communication options.

Conclusion

Public payphones in Canberra remain a valuable resource for communication, offering free local and national calls, affordable international rates, and accessibility features for all users. Whether you’re a visitor exploring the city or a local in need of a backup communication method, payphones provide a reliable and easy-to-use option. For specific locations or further assistance, use Telstra’s Payphone Locator Tool or contact their customer service.