South Africa Country Code + International Calling Guide
+27 · Pretoria (Tshwane) · ZAR · R · South African Rand
South Africa: Rainbow Nation — Nelson Mandela's legacy, Big 5 safaris, Cape winelands & the Drakensberg
📞+27Dial Code
🏛️Pretoria (Tshwane)Capital
💰ZARCurrency
🚨10111Emergency
🔌230V 50Hz · Type M/NElectricity
The international dialing code for South Africa is +27, and its capital city is Pretoria (Tshwane). Visitors pay in ZAR · R · South African Rand. Don't miss tasting Braai (grilled meat, national ritual), Boerewors (spiced sausage), Biltong (dried cured meat). Regionally, South Africa lies close to Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini (Swaziland), Namibia. The local emergency number is 10111. For charging your devices, the sockets are 230V 50Hz · Type M/N.
🛂 South Africa passport: ranked #95 of 197 worldwide, with 93 visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations.
See full passport ranking →
Follow these 4 simple steps to dial any phone number in South Africa:
1
Dial your international access code
Most countries use 00 or +. From mobile phones, the + symbol works worldwide.
2
Dial South Africa's country code: +27
Dial +27 immediately after the international access code. Do not include the + again if you already used 00.
3
Dial the city or area code
For landlines, dial the city code (drop any leading 0). For mobile numbers, skip this step.
4
Dial the local phone number
Enter the remaining digits of the recipient's phone number to complete the call.
💡 Example: To call Baghdad from the US, dial 011 +27 1 [number]. From mobile: + +27 1 [number].
☎️ Complete Guide to Calling South Africa
How to Call Abroad from South Africa
To call another country from South Africa: dial the international exit code (00 in most countries, or press and hold 0 on a mobile to get +), then the destination country code, then the area code (without its leading 0), then the number. Example: to call the US, dial 00 1 [number] or + 1 [number].
International Number Format (E.164)
The global standard format for South Africa numbers is +27 followed by the national number without its leading 0. A full international number has at most 15 digits including the country code. Save all your contacts this way so they work from anywhere in the world and in every app.
💡 Example: +27 [national number without the leading 0]
Tips to Lower Your Call Costs to South Africa
Use internet apps like WhatsApp, Viber or Messenger for free calls over Wi-Fi.
Buy a local SIM or eSIM when traveling to South Africa to pay local rates.
Activate an international plan from your carrier before you travel.
Use Wi-Fi Calling when available to avoid roaming charges.
Compare calling-card and VoIP providers for the lowest per-minute rate.
Why Isn't My Call Connecting? Common Fixes
You dialed 00 and + together — use only one of them.
You kept the leading 0 of the area or mobile code — remove it for international calls.
You forgot the country code +27 — it must come right after the exit code.
You added a city code to a mobile number — mobile numbers don't need one.
Your line isn't enabled for international calls — check with your carrier.
Wrong time — make sure it isn't the middle of the night in South Africa.
Common Questions About Calling South Africa
When should I use + instead of 00?
The + symbol works from any mobile phone anywhere in the world and replaces each country's exit code, so you never need to memorize them. 00 is the most common exit code and works on both landlines and mobiles. On a mobile, always prefer + — it is the most reliable.
Why do I drop the leading 0 of the area or mobile code when calling from abroad?
The leading 0 is a national trunk prefix used only for domestic calls. When calling internationally, the country code +27 takes its place, so you remove that 0 — otherwise the number is wrong and the call fails.
How do I call a mobile versus a landline in South Africa?
For a mobile: dial +27 then the mobile number without its leading 0. For a landline: dial +27, then the city code (without its leading 0), then the local number. Mobile numbers never need a city code.
How do I send a text message (SMS) to South Africa from abroad?
Save the number in international format — +27 then the number without its leading 0 — and send your message as usual. Your carrier may apply international SMS charges.
How can I call South Africa via WhatsApp?
Add the contact in international format — +27 then the number without its leading 0. If they have WhatsApp, they appear automatically. WhatsApp calls run over the internet, are free, and need no exit code.
How much does it cost to call South Africa?
It depends on your carrier and the line type; international calls over the regular phone network can be expensive. To save money, use internet apps like WhatsApp or Viber, or get a local SIM or eSIM.
What does the code +27 mean and where does it come from?
+27 is the international dialing code assigned to South Africa by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Every country has a unique code that identifies it on the global telephone network.
How do I save a South Africa number in the correct international format?
Always store it in E.164 format: +27 then the national number without its leading 0 and without spaces. Saved this way, it works from any country and in every app without changes.
📞 Complete Dialing Guide for South Africa
Country Code
+27
Calling abroad from South Africa? Start with
00
Mobile number length
9 digits
📱 Mobile: +27 8X XXX XXXX
☎️ Landline: +27 11 XXX XXXX (Johannesburg)
📋 Full dialing examples
From any mobile (anywhere in the world)
+27 …
From most countries (landline or mobile, starts with 00)
00 27 …
From USA or Canada (starts with 011)
011 27 …
From Australia (starts with 0011)
0011 27 …
💡 Tip: The + symbol on any mobile replaces all exit codes and works worldwide.
☎️ Major City Phone Codes
Dial after the country code +27.
Johannesburg · +27 11
Cape Town · +27 21
Durban · +27 31
Pretoria · +27 12
Port Elizabeth · +27 41
Bloemfontein · +27 51
📱 Mobile Network Operators & Prefixes
Mobile numbers in South Africa start with these prefixes.
Operator
Prefix(es)
Vodacom
082
MTN SA
083
Cell C
084
Telkom Mobile
081
🔢 Phone Number Format Examples
Mobile
+27 8X XXX XXXX
Landline
+27 11 XXX XXXX (Johannesburg)
Replace X with actual digits. Always drop the leading 0 when calling from abroad.
📡 VoIP & Calling App Status in South Africa
Live status of major calling apps when dialing to or from South Africa.
💬 WhatsApp
Works freely
🔵 Skype
Works freely
📹 FaceTime
Works freely
📲 Viber
Works freely
💡 Calling Tips for South Africa
All VoIP apps work freely in South Africa. Vodacom offers the most reliable network. A starter SIM costs around R10 — buy at OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg.
📲 How to Call South Africa from Other Countries
To reach South Africa, first dial your country's international exit code, then South Africa's country code +27, then the local number without its leading 0. The table below shows the exact start of the dialing sequence from major countries.
From
Dialing sequence
🇺🇸 United States
011 27local number
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
00 27local number
🇩🇪 Germany
00 27local number
🇫🇷 France
00 27local number
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
00 27local number
🇦🇪 UAE
00 27local number
🇹🇷 Turkey
00 27local number
🇮🇳 India
00 27local number
On a mobile phone you can replace the exit code with the + sign, then dial +27 and the number — it works worldwide.
⏰ Best Time to Call South Africa
South Africa uses UTC+2. People there are usually awake from 09:00 to 21:00 local time, so the table below shows the best time to call South Africa from major countries — in the caller's local time.
From
Best time to call (local time)
🇺🇸 United States
07:00–15:00
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
08:00–20:00
🇩🇪 Germany
09:00–21:00
🇫🇷 France
09:00–21:00
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
10:00–22:00
🇦🇪 UAE
11:00–23:00
🇹🇷 Turkey
10:00–22:00
🇮🇳 India
13:00–23:00
Times are approximate and may shift by about an hour during daylight saving time.
🧭 From Your Country to South Africa
Live dial format and time difference — updates instantly
Dial from 🇺🇸 United States
011–27–XXX–XXXX
Time right now in South Africa
--:--
—
🌐 Personalise for Your Passport
Select your passport country to see visa requirements and embassy info relevant to you:
🛂 Visa Requirements
Common Visa Questions for South Africa
Do I need a visa to visit South Africa?
It depends on your nationality. Some travelers can enter South Africa visa-free for short stays, while others need an e-Visa, a visa on arrival, or a visa obtained in advance from an embassy or consulate. Use our International Visa Checker below to instantly see the rule for your specific passport.
Does South Africa offer an electronic visa (e-Visa)?
Many countries now offer an online e-Visa for eligible nationalities, letting you apply and pay over the internet before arrival. Availability, eligible passports, and fees differ from country to country, so confirm whether South Africa currently offers an e-Visa for your nationality using our International Visa Checker below.
Is a visa on arrival available in South Africa?
A visa on arrival lets eligible travelers obtain their visa at the airport or border instead of applying beforehand. Whether South Africa grants it, and to which nationalities, can change over time, so verify your eligibility on our International Visa Checker below before relying on it.
How long can I stay in South Africa on a tourist visa?
Tourist stays are commonly limited to 30, 60, or 90 days depending on the country and your nationality, and overstaying can lead to fines or entry bans. Check the exact permitted duration for your passport using our International Visa Checker below.
What documents are usually required to apply for a South Africa visa?
Most applications ask for a passport valid for at least six months, recent passport photos, proof of onward or return travel, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. Some visas also require travel insurance or an invitation letter, so confirm the exact list for South Africa using our International Visa Checker below.
How much does a South Africa visa cost and how long does it take?
Visa fees and processing times vary widely by nationality and visa type, ranging from same-day e-Visas to several weeks for embassy applications. Always apply well before your trip and check the current fee and processing time for South Africa using our International Visa Checker below.
How long must my passport be valid to enter South Africa?
Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry, with one or two blank pages for stamps. Confirm the exact passport-validity rule for South Africa on our International Visa Checker below before booking.
10-15% tip standard at restaurants; 10% for taxis.
🚄 Transport
Gautrain Johannesburg-Pretoria-OR Tambo | MyCiti BRT Cape Town | Metrorail commuter trains | Intercape bus intercity | South African Airways & FlySafair domestic
✈️ Airports
10 international airports | OR Tambo International JNB (Johannesburg, main) | Cape Town International CPT | King Shaka International DUR (Durban) | Port Elizabeth PLZ | George GRJ
🗺️ Administrative Divisions
South Africa is divided into 9 provinces.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Dry season (varies by region — generally May–October in East/Southern Africa, November–April in West Africa) is ideal for South Africa. This is peak safari and wildlife-viewing time. Avoid rainy season for outdoor activities but it offers lush landscapes and lower prices.
📶 SIM & Internet
Local SIMs widely available — buy at airport or official stores with passport. Data prices vary ($2–10 per GB depending on country). eSIM coverage improving (Airalo, Holafly). Network coverage strong in cities, patchy rurally. Mobile money (M-Pesa, Orange Money) often more useful than cash.
👔 Dress Code & Etiquette
Modest dress respected throughout South Africa, especially in Muslim-majority regions of North Africa. Cover shoulders and knees in religious sites and rural areas. Lightweight, light-colored clothing for heat. Long sleeves/pants in evenings against mosquitoes. Sturdy closed shoes for safari and bush walks.
🌍 South Africa: Culture, Food & Places
What are the most famous foods in South Africa?
Some of the most famous foods in South Africa include: Braai (grilled meat, national ritual), Boerewors (spiced sausage), Biltong (dried cured meat), Bobotie (spiced mince bake), Potjiekos (cast-iron pot stew), Bunny chow (Durban curry bread), Melktert (milk tart), Pap & wors (porridge & sausage), Cape Malay curry, Rooibos tea.
What are the best places to visit in South Africa?
Top places and landmarks to visit in South Africa include: Kruger National Park, Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain Cape Town (UNESCO), Robben Island (UNESCO), Drakensberg Mountains (UNESCO), Garden Route, Boulders Penguin Colony, Pilanesberg National Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park (UNESCO), Blyde River Canyon.
What are the main customs and traditions in South Africa?
Notable customs and traditions in South Africa include: Ubuntu — 'I am because we are', Braai is social institution, 11 official languages, Greet with handshake and warm eye contact, Crime awareness — standard precautions.
What is South Africa famous for?
South Africa is well known for: Mandela legacy & Rainbow Nation, Big 5 safari, Braai (BBQ) culture, Biltong & boerewors, Cape winelands.
Where in the world is South Africa located?
South Africa is located in Africa.
What countries are near South Africa?
Countries near South Africa include: Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini (Swaziland), Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, Angola, Malawi, Madagascar, Tanzania, Comoros.
🚨 Emergency numbers in South Africa
Knowing the right emergency number in South Africa can save lives. Below are the official police, fire and ambulance numbers, free to dial from any phone within the country.
Dial these numbers free of charge from any phone inside South Africa. They generally work only within the country, not from abroad.
These numbers are provided for guidance and verified from public emergency-services data; always confirm with local authorities. In a life-threatening situation, call the local number shown above immediately.
The capital of South Africa is Pretoria (Tshwane).
What currency is used in South Africa?
South Africa uses the ZAR · R · South African Rand.
What is the dial code for South Africa?
The international dial code for South Africa is +27.
When is the best time to visit South Africa?
Dry season (varies by region — generally May–October in East/Southern Africa, November–April in West Africa) is ideal for South Africa. This is peak safari and wildlife-viewing time. Avoid rainy season for outdoor activities but it offers lush landscapes and lower prices.
How much does a trip to South Africa cost per day?
Daily costs in South Africa range from $40 (budget) to $100 (mid-range) to $240 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
How many provinces does South Africa have?
South Africa has 9 provinces.
What is the emergency number in South Africa?
In South Africa you can reach emergency services on the following numbers: Police: 10111, Fire: 10177, Ambulance: 10177. Calls are free from any phone within the country.
🧳 Practical Travel Info
🔌
Power PlugType C,M,N · 230 V · 50 Hz
💵
TippingTipping common in tourist areas. 10% at restaurants, small change for guides and drivers.
💧
Tap WaterBottled onlyDrink bottled or boiled water only; avoid ice and raw vegetables washed in tap water.
📊 Live Global Communication & Travel Stats
Estimated worldwide figures, updated continuously based on official annual data.
🌍 Share your travel experience Nowmida.com — the multilingual global social platform for travellers
Add this free widget to your website
Copy the code below and paste it into your site's HTML. The widget updates automatically and always credits CodeDialer — it will not work if our credit is removed.