How to Call South Africa 🇿🇦
South Africa's country code is +27. The full recipe and the local quirks that make calls fail, below.
Quick dialing format
[exit code] + 27 + [number]
| From US & Canada | 011 27 ... |
| From UK & most of Europe | 00 27 ... |
| From Japan | 010 27 ... |
| From any mobile or browser | +27 ... |
The leading zero rule
Drop the leading 0. Johannesburg 011 becomes +27 11.
Area codes in South Africa
| Place | Area code |
|---|---|
| Johannesburg | 11 |
| Cape Town | 21 |
| Durban | 31 |
| Pretoria | 12 |
Calling mobile numbers
South African mobiles start with 06, 07, or 08 domestically, becoming +27 6x / 7x / 8x from abroad.
Time zones and when to call
South Africa is on SAST (UTC+2) year-round, aligned with much of Europe in winter.
The cheapest ways to call South Africa
Carrier international rates are the most expensive way to make this call. If the person you're calling uses WhatsApp or Telegram, an app-to-app call is free over any internet connection. To reach a regular South Africa phone number, use a VoIP service or call straight from a web dialer: our guides to calling from your computer and calling from your browser cover the options, and free online calls explains what the free routes really cost.
Frequently asked questions
What is the country code for South Africa?
The country code is +27. From a mobile or browser dialer, dial +27 followed by the local number. From a landline, dial your country's exit code first (011 from the US and Canada, 00 from most of Europe).
Do I drop the leading zero when calling South Africa?
Drop the leading 0. Johannesburg 011 becomes +27 11.
How do I call a mobile number in South Africa?
South African mobiles start with 06, 07, or 08 domestically, becoming +27 6x / 7x / 8x from abroad.
What is the cheapest way to call South Africa?
Internet calling beats carrier international rates by a wide margin. If both sides use the same app (WhatsApp, Telegram), the call is free. To reach a regular phone number, a VoIP service or browser-based dialer charges a small per-minute rate instead of carrier international pricing.