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Choosing the right inbound number depends on how your customers call you, how visible the number will be, and how you want call costs shared.
This article explains the key differences between 13, 1300, and 1800 numbers to help you decide which option best suits your business.
13 Numbers
13 numbers are short, six-digit numbers designed for high-volume or well-established businesses.
Key characteristics
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Easy to remember
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Strong national recognition
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Limited number availability
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Higher monthly service cost
Caller charges
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Landline callers usually pay the cost of a local call
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Mobile callers may be charged by their provider
Common use cases
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Large or established brands
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High call volumes
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Numbers used heavily in advertising
1300 Numbers
1300 numbers are ten-digit inbound numbers that offer flexibility and national reach.
Key characteristics
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Widely available
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Cost-effective compared to 13 numbers
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Suitable for most businesses
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Easy to advertise nationally
Caller charges
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Landline callers usually pay the cost of a local call
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Mobile callers may be charged by their provider
Common use cases
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Small to medium businesses
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Franchises and multi-location businesses
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Sales, enquiries and support lines
1800 Numbers
1800 numbers are freecall numbers designed to remove cost barriers for callers.
Key characteristics
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Free for most landline callers
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Strong response rates
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Higher inbound usage costs for the business
Caller charges
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Free from most landlines
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Mobile callers may still be charged by their provider
Common use cases
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Customer support lines
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Booking and enquiry numbers
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Marketing campaigns where call volume matters
Key Differences at a Glance
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13 numbers prioritise memorability and brand presence
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1300 numbers balance cost, flexibility and availability
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1800 numbers prioritise caller accessibility and response rates
There is no “best” option — the right choice depends on how the number will be used.
Other Factors to Consider
When choosing an inbound number, also consider:
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Expected call volume
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Whether callers are mainly mobile or landline
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Advertising reach (local vs national)
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Ongoing monthly costs
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Inbound usage charges
Your routing and reporting needs are the same across all number types.
Can You Change Later?
Yes.
You can:
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Add additional inbound numbers
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Port an existing number
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Change how calls are routed at any time
Many businesses use multiple inbound numbers for different purposes.
When to Contact Pickle
Contact Pickle if you:
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Are unsure which number type suits your business
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Want help estimating call volumes or costs
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Are planning a campaign or business expansion
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Want to port an existing 13, 1300 or 1800 number
We can help you select and configure an inbound number that fits your needs.