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Start by dialing South Africa’s country code and connect instantly
Making a call to South Africa, whether for business or personal reasons, is simple and affordable. When dialing from a phone, enter your country's exit code followed by "27," South Africa's country code, then the local phone number. For internet calls, just use any VoIP service on your phone, tablet, or laptop to connect. Ready to chat?
Dialing South Africa from the US
- First, dial your country’s exit code (for the US, it’s 011).
- Then dial 27, which is South Africa’s country code.
- Next, enter the 2-digit area code (for example, 21 for Cape Town or 11 for Johannesburg).
- Finally, dial the local South African phone number and place your call.
How to Call South Africa: Step-by-Step
Making Calls to South Africa from Your Phone
Check how much it will cost to call South Africa. To find out the cost, reach out to your service provider using the contact number on their website. Rates for international calls depend on your provider, phone plan, and the country you're calling from.
- You might be charged a fixed rate per minute, ranging anywhere from $0.15 to over $3.
Tip: If you frequently make international calls, consider subscribing to an international calling plan for better rates on overseas calls.
Enter your country’s exit code first. Find your country’s exit code (usually 2-3 digits) by looking it up online or visiting a site like https://countrycode.org. This code is essential for dialing outside the country you’re in.
- For example, in the U.S., the exit code is “011,” while in the U.K., it’s “00.”
- In some countries, you can use “+” as an alternative to the exit code.
Dial “27” after the exit code. Always include “27” immediately after the exit code when calling South Africa, as this is the country code. Don’t forget: the South African country code stays the same regardless of where you're calling from.
- Note that the country code remains unchanged no matter your location.
Include the city code for the area you're calling. After entering the country code, add the appropriate city code, which differs by location within South Africa. Visit your mobile provider’s website to find a list of city codes in South Africa.
- For instance, Cape Town uses the city code “21,” while Johannesburg’s is “11.”
- You can also search for the city name plus “area code” to find the correct number. For example, search for "Pretoria + city code" if calling Pretoria.
Dial the local phone number. After entering the exit, country, and city codes, add the remaining digits of the local number. Be sure that the number you're dialing has 7 digits, which is the standard phone number length in South Africa.
- Before dialing, confirm the number format: exit code, country code, city code, followed by the local phone number.
- For example, dialing Cape Town from the U.K. would look like: "00-27-21-123-4567."
Making Internet Calls to South Africa
Connect to WiFi to avoid data charges. Before placing an internet call, ensure you’re connected to a WiFi network to avoid using cellular data. International calls often incur charges for call minutes, texts, and data usage.
- To prevent data usage, disable cellular data in your phone’s settings. On an iPhone, go to Settings, tap Cellular, and turn off the toggle for “Cellular Data.”
- If you need free WiFi, consider visiting public spots like cafes, libraries, or hotels.
Pick a VoIP service based on your needs. Research various VoIP programs before selecting one. Consider the features you need, such as group calling or the ability to reach landlines.
- More feature-rich VoIP programs tend to be pricier. If you’re looking for a free service, you’ll likely be limited to more basic features.
- Popular VoIP apps include Skype, Google Voice, and WhatsApp.
Install a VoIP app or software on your device. Choose a VoIP provider that suits your needs, then download and install the software on your laptop. For smartphones or tablets, simply get the corresponding app.
- If you’re calling a landline or someone who doesn't use the same VoIP service, you might incur a fee. To avoid this, ask the person you’re calling to also install the same VoIP app.
Enter the number you wish to dial and press the call button. Input the full phone number, including the area or city code. Some apps or services may require you to add the country code or a “+” sign at the beginning. If you're calling South Africa, some apps will automatically include this code for you.
- Many VoIP apps allow you to access your phone’s contact list to make calls directly from there.
Tip: If you’re having trouble connecting, first check your Internet connection to ensure it’s stable. Next, verify that the person you’re calling accepts international or internet-based calls.
