How to Call South Africa
Calling South Africa: [exit code] 27 [local number].
South Africa Country Code: +27
Quick answer
To call South Africa, dial your international exit code, then 27, then the local number without leading zeros. Example: +27 71 123 4567. Calls cost from ~$0.95 per minute with CallTuv.
Plan before you dial with the international call cost calculator and the best time to call planner. Looking for a calling card alternative instead of the dialing instructions? Compare calling card alternatives.
Dialing format
+ 27 71 123 4567
Exit code • Country code • Local number
Exit code
+
Use your country exit code, or + on mobile
Country code
+27
South Africa's international calling code
Local number
71 123 4567
Enter the local number without the country code
Browser format
+27 71 123 4567
Use this format inside CallTuv
Whether you’re calling family, friends, or business contacts, knowing how to call South Africa correctly helps your conversation start smoothly. This guide covers the essential dialing steps, including country and area codes that are easy to miss. By the end, you’ll be ready to connect confidently with anyone in South Africa - whether you’re calling Pretoria or anywhere else.
Step-by-Step Dialing Guide
Follow these simple steps to make a call to South Africa from anywhere in the world
Dial your country's exit code
Start with your country's international dialing prefix (often 00 or 011, or use + on mobile).
Add South Africa's country code
Dial the country code +27 for South Africa.
Enter the local phone number
Dial the local phone number in South Africa (typically 8-10 digits, without any leading zeros).
Complete dialing format
Full format: [exit code] 27 [local number] - For example: 00 27 612 345 678
HOW TO CALL
International Dialing Format
CallTuv Format
No apps needed • Works in browser
See rates for South Africa →Calling South Africa: Calling Code, Local Time & More
Calling Code
+27
Cost to Call South Africa
~$0.95/min landline, ~$0.75/min mobile
Capital of South Africa
Pretoria
Region
Africa (Southern Africa)
Currency of South Africa
South African rand (R)
South Africa Time Zones
UTC+02:00
Current time
Your time
--:--
South Africa
--:--
South Africa is --
City & Area Codes for South Africa
| City / Region | Area Code |
|---|---|
| Bloemfontein | 27-51 |
| Cape Town | 27-21 |
| De Aar | 27-571 |
| Durban | 27-31 |
| East London | 27-431 |
| Gordons Bay | 27-24 |
| Johannesburg | 27-11 |
| Johannesburg CBD | 27-102103 |
| La Lucia | 27-31 |
| Pietermaritzburg | 27-331 |
| Port Elizabeth | 27-41 |
| Pretoria | 27-12 |
| Sasolburg | 27-16 |
| Somerset West | 27-21 |
| Uitenhage | 27-41 |
| Welkom | 27-57 |
International Calling to South Africa: FAQs
How do I call South Africa from abroad?
To call South Africa, dial your country's exit code, followed by the country code +27, and then the local phone number.
What is the country calling code for South Africa?
The country calling code for South Africa is +27. To call South Africa from abroad, dial +27 followed by the local phone number.
How do I make cheap calls to South Africa?
To make affordable calls to South Africa from abroad, use CallTuv's browser-based calling service. Simply dial +27 followed by the local number. No app download required, and calls start at ~$0.95 per minute.
How much does it cost to call South Africa?
Calls to South Africa cost ~$0.95 per minute to landlines and ~$0.75 per minute to mobiles with CallTuv, billed per minute with no subscription.View rates for South Africa →
Can I use + instead of the exit code when calling South Africa?
Yes. On mobile phones and in CallTuv, you can usually use +27. The plus sign replaces your country's international exit code.
Should I remove leading zeros from South Africa phone numbers?
In most international dialing formats, remove the trunk prefix or leading zero before the local South Africa number, then dial +27. If the dialer shows a formatting warning, follow the corrected format before calling.
