Officials are determined to track down Australians unaccounted for after Japan's earthquake and to reunite them with their families.

Australia's ambassador to Japan, Murray McLean, said a consular response team of about 80 people, including three Australian embassy linguists and consular staff, had been working in Japan to find and assist citizens.

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They have been in contact with employers of English teachers on exchange in the worst hit areas, and are also keeping in touch with local authorities.

"This is something that's not an exact science, but they're certainly not leaving any stone unturned in trying to identify people's locations and trying to assist them in whatever way possible to make contact with their families in Australia," Mr McLean told ABC Radio.

An Australian C17 plane is also part of an operation to fly in equipment and personnel to the worst affected areas, he said.

As of this morning, 2631 Australians were confirmed safe, including 129 in affected areas.

There are 3342 Australians registered in Japan and 306 in affected areas, a DFAT spokeswoman said.

The exact figure of Australians unaccounted for is uncertain because those confirmed safe might not be people registered with the embassy.

People worried about friends and family should first try to make contact directly, before calling DFAT's emergency line on 1300 555 135, in Australia, or +61 2 6261 3305, from overseas.

Telstra is providing free phone calls and text messages to their customers making contact with people in Japan until 6am next Friday.

Calls and text messages to Japan will automatically be billed at zero during that period.

Foreign Affairs Minister Kevin Rudd has also waived the replacement passport fee for those lost, damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

"This is a difficult and stressful time, with many Australians just wanting to get home, and we want to do what we can to make things easier," Mr Rudd said in a statement.

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