Calling South Africa from abroad can seem daunting, but with the right information and a little preparation, it’s a straightforward process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding international dialing codes to exploring various calling options and choosing the most cost-effective method.
Understanding the Basics: Country Codes and Exit Codes
Before you can dial any South African number, you need to understand the essential components of an international phone number:
- Exit Code (International Access Code): This is the code you dial to indicate that you’re making an international call. The exit code varies depending on the country you’re calling from.
- Country Code: This is a unique code assigned to each country. South Africa’s country code is 27.
- Area Code: South Africa, like many countries, uses area codes to designate specific geographic regions.
- Local Number: This is the unique phone number within the area code.
Therefore, the basic format for calling South Africa is:
[Exit Code] + 27 (South Africa Country Code) + [Area Code] + [Local Number]
Finding Your Exit Code
The exit code is crucial and varies based on your location. Here are some common exit codes:
- United States & Canada: 011
- United Kingdom: 00
- Australia: 0011
- European Countries: 00 (most countries)
- Japan: 010
If your country isn’t listed, a quick online search for “Exit code for [Your Country]” will provide the correct code. For example, searching “Exit code for France” will reveal that it’s 00.
South African Area Codes
South Africa has a comprehensive system of area codes. Knowing the correct area code is vital for connecting your call. Here are some of the major area codes in South Africa:
- Johannesburg: 011
- Cape Town: 021
- Durban: 031
- Pretoria: 012
- Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha): 041
- Bloemfontein: 051
Important Note: When dialing internationally, you usually drop the leading ‘0’ from the South African area code. For example, if you’re calling a Johannesburg number, you’d dial ’11’ instead of ‘011’ after the country code.
If you don’t know the area code, you can use online directories or search engines to find it. Searching for the person or business name along with the city or region they’re located in should help you find the correct area code.
Step-by-Step Guide to Calling South Africa
Let’s break down the process with an example. Suppose you’re calling a number in Johannesburg (area code 011) from the United States, and the local number is 123-4567. Here’s how you would dial it:
- Dial the Exit Code: From the US, this is 011.
- Dial the South Africa Country Code: This is 27.
- Dial the Area Code (without the leading 0): For Johannesburg, this is 11.
- Dial the Local Number: 123-4567.
Therefore, the complete number you would dial is: 011 27 11 123 4567
Here’s another example, calling Cape Town (area code 021) from the UK to local number 987-6543:
- Dial the Exit Code: From the UK, this is 00.
- Dial the South Africa Country Code: This is 27.
- Dial the Area Code (without the leading 0): For Cape Town, this is 21.
- Dial the Local Number: 987-6543.
Therefore, the complete number you would dial is: 00 27 21 987 6543
Different Ways to Call South Africa: Choosing the Best Option
Several methods are available for making international calls to South Africa, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a look at some of the most common options:
1. Traditional Landline or Mobile Phone Calling
This is the most straightforward method. You dial the number directly using your landline or mobile phone. However, it’s often the most expensive option, especially for longer calls. Check with your phone provider about their international calling rates to South Africa. They might offer specific international calling plans that can reduce the cost significantly.
Pros:
- Simple and direct.
- Reliable connection (generally).
Cons:
- Can be very expensive, especially for long calls.
- International rates can vary greatly between providers.
2. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Services
VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, Viber, and Google Voice use the internet to make calls. This is often a much cheaper option than traditional phone calls, especially if you’re calling another user of the same service.
Skype: Skype allows you to call landlines and mobile phones internationally at relatively low rates. You’ll need to purchase Skype Credit or subscribe to a calling plan.
WhatsApp: WhatsApp is free to use for calls between WhatsApp users. However, to call a landline or mobile number, you’ll usually need to use WhatsApp Out, which charges a per-minute rate.
Viber: Similar to WhatsApp, Viber offers free calls to other Viber users and paid calls to landlines and mobile phones through Viber Out.
Google Voice: Google Voice offers international calling at competitive rates. You’ll need a Google account and may need to purchase Google Voice credit.
Pros:
- Significantly cheaper than traditional phone calls.
- Often offers additional features like video calling and messaging.
- Convenient if you already use these services.
Cons:
- Requires a stable internet connection.
- Call quality can be affected by internet speed and bandwidth.
- The person you’re calling needs to have the same app installed for free calls.
3. International Calling Cards
International calling cards are prepaid cards that allow you to make international calls at discounted rates. You purchase a card with a specific amount of calling credit and then dial a toll-free access number followed by the destination number. While they used to be very popular, their convenience has been largely surpassed by VoIP services.
Pros:
- Can be cheaper than traditional phone calls.
- No need for a contract or subscription.
Cons:
- Can be confusing to use with multiple numbers to dial.
- Rates can vary, and some cards have hidden fees.
- Call quality may not be as good as other options.
- Becoming less readily available as VoIP solutions increase.
4. Mobile Apps with International Calling Features
Many mobile apps offer international calling features similar to VoIP services. These apps often provide lower rates and convenient calling options.
Rebtel: Rebtel uses a unique technology that combines local phone lines with the internet to provide high-quality, low-cost international calls.
WePhone: WePhone is a VoIP app that offers affordable international calls and text messages.
Talkatone: Talkatone provides free calls and texts to US and Canadian numbers and offers international calling at competitive rates.
Pros:
- Cost-effective international calls.
- User-friendly interfaces.
- Additional features like text messaging.
Cons:
- Reliant on internet connection quality.
- May require app installation for both parties.
Tips for Saving Money on International Calls to South Africa
Here are some practical tips to help you reduce the cost of calling South Africa:
- Research International Calling Plans: Contact your current phone provider to inquire about international calling plans. Many providers offer discounted rates for specific countries or regions.
- Use VoIP Services: VoIP services like Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber can significantly reduce calling costs, especially when calling other users of the same service.
- Call During Off-Peak Hours: Some phone companies offer lower rates during off-peak hours, such as evenings and weekends. Check with your provider for specific details.
- Limit Call Duration: Be mindful of the time you spend on each call. Longer calls can quickly add up, especially if you’re using a traditional phone line.
- Consider a Local SIM Card: If you frequently travel to South Africa, consider purchasing a local SIM card. This can significantly reduce calling costs within South Africa and to other countries.
- Utilize Wi-Fi Calling: Most smartphones support Wi-Fi calling, which allows you to make calls over a Wi-Fi network instead of using your cellular data or minutes. This can be a great way to save money on international calls, especially if you have a stable Wi-Fi connection.
- Look for Promotional Offers: Keep an eye out for promotional offers from VoIP services and mobile apps. Many providers offer discounts or free credits for new users or during special events.
- Use Messaging Apps for Text Communication: Instead of making phone calls, consider using messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram for text communication. These apps are free to use and can help you stay in touch without incurring international calling charges.
Troubleshooting Common Calling Problems
Even with careful preparation, you might encounter issues when calling South Africa. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
- Incorrect Dialing: Double-check that you’ve dialed the correct exit code, country code, area code, and local number. A single incorrect digit can prevent the call from connecting.
- Poor Connection Quality: Poor connection quality can be caused by various factors, including internet speed, network congestion, and technical issues. Try calling again later or using a different calling method.
- Call Not Connecting: If the call doesn’t connect, it could be due to network issues, blocked numbers, or technical problems with the phone line. Contact your phone provider or try a different calling service.
- High Calling Costs: If you’re experiencing high calling costs, review your international calling plan or switch to a more cost-effective option like VoIP or a calling app.
- Time Zone Differences: Be mindful of the time zone difference between your location and South Africa. Calling at an inconvenient time might disrupt the person you’re trying to reach. South Africa Standard Time (SAST) is GMT+2.
Staying Connected: Beyond Phone Calls
While phone calls are a convenient way to communicate, many other options are available for staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues in South Africa:
- Email: Email is a reliable and cost-effective way to send messages, documents, and photos.
- Social Media: Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow you to connect with people worldwide and share updates, photos, and videos.
- Video Conferencing: Video conferencing tools like Zoom and Google Meet are ideal for virtual meetings, presentations, and face-to-face conversations.
- Messaging Apps: Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal offer secure and private communication, including text messaging, voice calls, and video calls.
Conclusion
Calling South Africa doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By understanding the basics of international dialing, exploring different calling options, and following these tips, you can easily connect with friends, family, and colleagues in South Africa while minimizing costs. Whether you choose a traditional phone line, VoIP service, or mobile app, the key is to research your options and find the method that best suits your needs and budget. And remember, staying connected is about more than just phone calls – explore other communication channels to maintain meaningful relationships and foster effective collaboration.