Free calls to Ukraine from Telstra, Optus + more
You won't need to worry about running up your bill as you try to stay connected with loved ones in Ukraine and surrounding areas.
With the events unfolding in Ukraine, if you have family, friends or loved ones living there right now, it's never been more important to keep in touch.
Both major and smaller Australian telcos are offering ways to help you stay in contact.
Which Australian telcos are providing support?
As of July 1, the following mobile providers are still offering free calls to Ukraine:
Keep the following in mind:
- Calls to Ukraine might not go through immediately, so you might need to try a couple of times.
- If you see charges on your bill, or you have any questions about these policies, please contact your provider using the official contact information on their website.
Telstra - Free calls to Ukraine and surrounding areas
Telstra is making it free for people on Telstra home phone and Telstra postpaid plans to call not just Ukraine, but also surrounding countries in line with refugee movement.
Telstra customers in Australia can continue to call the following countries for free:
- Ukraine
- Poland
- Hungary
- Moldova
- Slovakia
- Romania
From July 1, free international roaming is no longer being offered as part of their response.
TPG/Vodafone - Free calls to Ukraine
The TPG/Vodafone family of brands (including iiNet, Internode, Lebara, felix, Westnet and Kogan) have made calls to Ukraine free from 4 March for postpaid and currently active prepaid customers.
The company has said that some customers may end up seeing charges on their bill and encourages those people to contact customer support to get them removed.
Woolworths Mobile - Free calls and texts to Ukraine and surrounding areas
Until August 31, all active Woolworths Mobile customers will continue to be able to call and SMS the following countries for free:
- Ukraine
- Hungary
- Moldova
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovakia
mate - Free calls to Ukraine and surrounds
mate mobile customers will be granted free calls to Ukraine, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.
Exetel - Free calls, texts and MMS to Ukraine and surrounds
Until further notice, Exetel customers will receive free international calls, SMS and MMS to Ukraine and the following surrounding countries:
- Hungary
- Moldova
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovakia
This includes international roaming in all the aforementioned countries, except Moldova.
TeleChoice - Free calls and texts to Ukraine
Until August 31, TeleChoice prepaid and postpaid customers can make calls, SMS and MMS toll free to the following countries:
- Ukraine
- Hungary
- Moldova
- Poland
- Romania
- Slovakia
Other ways to support Ukraine
As well as staying in touch with friends and family, there are plenty of other ways to help the people of Ukraine.
We have a handy guide on how to donate money to various pertinent causes and information on how to avoid scams when donating.
Note: We updated this guide on 7 July 2022 with updates on which mobile providers are still offering free international calls to the Ukraine and surrounding areas.
Could you please update the guide about which mobile providers are still offering free international calls to the Ukraine and surrounding areas.
May 2023, OPTUS customer service said it’s being phased out, but there’s nothing on their website. Thanks
Hello, this is an older news from last year when telcos started offering free calls to Ukraine. It is true that the free calls have either stopped or are being phased out. Belong’s currently offering free calls until 30 June if you were interested.