Trying to call your family, friends or business contacts in South Africa?

If you have intentions of calling your loved ones or business contacts in South Africa from anywhere in the world, it is important to type their phone number using the standard format with the right dialing code.

South Africa has a special calling code and phone number format, so it is crucial to apply the correct format when you are dialing a SA phone number from your country.

In this article, we will show you the international dialing code for South Africa and explain how you can call a South Africa phone number from anywhere in the world.

How to call someone in South Africa?

The international dialing code for South Africa is +27. This is the code that is used to call South Africa from foreign countries 

It is relevant to input the +27 to the SA phone number you are trying to reach, because this code will direct the call service provider to route the call to South Africa and not a different country 

A mistake in the numbering or input can lead to a breach in connection, so it is important to dial the code correctly.

How to call South Africa from abroad.

1. Determine if the recipient is using a landline or a mobile phone 

Before you begin to dial your contact in South Africa, it is important to know the kind of phone you'll be calling and the phone number format that is required.

If you are calling a landline in South Africa, the phone number format will be:

00 27 XX XXX XXX

• 00 is your country’s exit code.
• 27 is South Africa’s country code.
• XX is the receiver’s area code.
• XXX XXX is the individual phone number.

If you are calling a mobile phone in South Africa, the format will be:

+27 XXX XXX XXXX

• +27 is South Africa’s international calling code.
• XXX XXX XXXX is the individual mobile phone number.
• With a mobile phone, you can decide to either add your country's calling code or use the plus sign (+)

Now that you know the phone number format that is required for your call to SA, you can begin to dial the number by typing your country's exit code first.

2. Dial your country's exit code

To call a foreign number from your country of residence, it is crucial to first enter the exit code of your country. This code is significant because it directs the call out of the country especially if you are using a landline.

However, if you are calling with a cell phone, you have the liberty of using either an exit code or the plus sign (+)

To use the plus sign, all you have to do is to place the sign before the South Africa international dialing code (+27) then add the phone number of the person you are trying to reach.

If you are using a landline and you have need for your country's exit code, research and find out your country's exit code, then dial it before South Africa dialing code (e.g. 0027).

3. Dial South Africa international calling code

As I mentioned earlier, right after your country's exit code or exit sign(+), South Africa international dialing code, which is +27 should be the next set of digits you will input.

Every country has their own specific calling code, this is the code that foreigners use to call into the country. The importance of a calling code is to direct the call into the country that the code represents.

Ensure that you dial South Africa international calling code correctly, so that your call will be channeled directly to South Africa and not a different country.

An error in the format or numbering of the dialing code can lead to a breach in connection or misdirection of your call to another country.

4. Dial the area code.

For landlines (home) phones, you need to include the person's area code. The purpose of an area code is to route the call directly to the geographic location of the person you are trying to reach.

So if you need to dial the area code, you must know the exact city in South Africa where the recipient resides, get the area code earmarked to the city and input it correctly.

A mistake in the area code will lead to an error in connection or misdirection of the call to a different area.

Here is the area code for some cities in South Africa;

5. Include the receiver's phone number.

After dialing the exit code, SA country code and area code, the next set of digits to include to reach your contact in South Africa is the person's phone number.

Here is a sample of what the phone number with the dialing code will look like if you are calling Port Elizabeth (in South Africa) from Jamaica 11+27+41+12345678

Factors that can hinder your call to South Africa

Here are some factors that can impede your call to South Africa 

• Incorrect use or disuse of South Africa international country code 
• Disuse of your country's exit code 
• Disuse of the plus sign (+)
• Error while typing the phone number
• Incorrect area code

Do you want to send or receive money from South Africa? 

After your call, you might need to send money to South Africa or receive money from South Africa. Whatever funds transfer service you need, you can use OhentPay.

OhentPay is a financial technology company that operates in about 190 countries and allows you send, spend and receive money in over 40 currencies.

With OhentPay you also get to enjoy a cheap transfer rate, swift transactions and round the clock banking. 

To get started with OhentPay, you can create an account with the OhentPay app or sign up at https://ohentpay.com