Updated : October 28, 2025Maybe you have a business call in Johannesburg or a quick hello for a friend in Cape Town. But you ask, how do I dial South Africa from the US?
Don’t worry. Calling South Africa from US is easier than it looks. You can connect within minutes once you know the steps.
I have prepared this guide where you will learn how to call South Africa from US. And with 74.7% of the population in South Africa now online, you will also see smart alternatives to traditional calling methods.
Step-by-Step: How to Dial South Africa from the US?
You just need to know the right order for dialing South Africa from US. Let us look at the different ways you can make international calls.
1. Calling a South African Landline
When calling landlines in South Africa, follow these steps:
- Dial 011. This is the exit code for US.
- Next, enter 27, South Africa’s country code.
- Add the area code (without the first zero).
- Then, dial the local landline number.
- 011 27 21 XXXX XXXX (to call Cape Town).
2. Calling a South African Mobile Number
For calling a South Africa phone number, these steps should be followed:
- First dial 011 (US exit code).
- Next, enter 27, which is South Africa’s country code.
- Now, remove the first 0 from the mobile number.
- At last, add the remaining digits.
- 011 27 82 123 4567
3. Dialing South Africa Using VoIP Services
- Open a VoIP app like CallHippo.
- Select South Africa as the country.
- Type the number you want to call.
- Use the format +27, and then the number.
- +27 82 123 4567. The “+” replaces 011. You don’t need the exit code here.
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Understanding International Dialing to South Africa
Each code has a different meaning. It might seem like a lot of numbers at first. But once you know it, making international calls becomes easy.
1. What Is the Exit Code from the USA?
Every international call from the US starts with an exit code. This tells your phone network that your call is going outside the country. For the US, the exit code is 011. This is the first thing you will dial. You enter it before the country code and the phone number.
2. What Is South Africa’s Country Code?
For international calling, each country has its own code. The country code for South Africa is 27. You dial it right after the US exit code. It is like a digital address for South Africa. It helps your phone call reach the right country. Then it moves to the specific region or number.
3. How to Dial South African Area Codes?
In South Africa, area codes guide your call to the right city. You enter them after the country code but before the local number. And when you dial from the US, you need to omit the zero from the area code.
- The area code for Johannesburg is 11. So, you will dial 011 27 11, and then the local number.
Popular South Africa Area Codes
Some major city area codes in South Africa are given below:
| City / Region | Area Code |
|---|---|
| Bloemfontein | 51 |
| Cape Town | 21 |
| Durban | 31 |
| East London | 43 |
| Johannesburg | 11 |
| Kimberley | 53 |
| Pietermaritzburg | 33 |
| Polokwane | 15 |
| Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) | 41 |
| Pretoria | 12 |
| Rustenburg | 14 |
| Stellenbosch | 21 |
| George | 44 |
| Nelspruit (Mbombela) | 13 |
| Welkom | 57 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Calling South Africa
Your call will not connect even if you make a minor error when dialing the number. Therefore, before you dial, keep in mind these mistakes:
1. Forgetting to Include the Country Code
This is one of the most common mistakes. If you don’t enter the country code, your call won’t connect to South Africa. So, always check if you have entered 27 right after the US exit code. This thing tells your network that your call is meant for South Africa and not a local number.
2. Using Incorrect Area Codes
If you enter the wrong area code, your call will go to the wrong city. So, before dialing, simply check twice the area code of the person you are calling. Each South African city has its own code. That is why accuracy really matters here.
3. Misunderstanding Mobile Number Formats
If you are calling for the first time, South African mobile numbers can confuse you. Many start with a 0, but that zero is not used when you call from the US. So, remove the first zero and add 27 instead.
- 082 123 4567 becomes 011 27 82 123 4567.
How to Avoid High International Calling Charges to South Africa?
Here are some simple ways to save money while dialing South Africa from US:
1. Compare International Calling Rates from Different Carriers
Every carrier has different rates for international calls. Some charge per minute. There are some companies that offer lower rates for frequent phone calls to some countries. These include South Africa, Australia, Canada, India, UK, Germany, and China.
Compare plans on different carrier websites before you dial. Companies like Verizon and other major carriers offer different plans. A quick comparison can always help you find the most affordable option for your needs and save money on your calls.
2. Use VoIP or Internet-Based Calling Services
Today, we are living in the age of the internet. VoIP services like CallHippo or Google Voice let you make calls just using your internet connection. The requirement is just a stable Wi-Fi or data. No need for traditional landline phones.
The best thing is that VoIP apps also support video calls and voicemail services. In fact, the global mobile VoIP market is expected to reach US $492 billion by 2027. This shows how fast people are switching to internet-based calling methods.
3. Take Advantage of Calling Cards and Bundled Plans
For people who call often, calling cards are a smart choice. They come with preloaded minutes at low rates. And many mobile carriers also offer bundled plans that include international minutes. If you call South Africa regularly, these plans can reduce your calling costs significantly.
4. Set Limits to Avoid Wastage of Calling Credits
It is quite easy to lose track of how long you have been talking. So to manage your time, set call limits or use reminders. Most calling apps let you check usage. Keep an eye on your call credits to avoid any surprises on your next mobile phone bill. This is important if you want to stay in touch without spending too much.
Conclusion
So the answer to how do you call South Africa from the US is as simple as these steps above. Once you get the order right, it becomes quick and easy every time.
Whether it is a client, a friend, or a family member, staying connected should not cost much or feel confusing. With CallHippo’s business phone system, you can make clear and affordable calls to South Africa and other countries abroad. The process is simple, the rates are cheap, and the work gets done.
Need to reach multiple contacts quickly? Try a power dialer to connect with your South African contacts faster and more efficiently.
FAQs
1. Are There Any Free Ways to Call South Africa?
Yes, there are! For free calls, you can use apps like WhatsApp or Google Meet. For business use, you can try CallHippo. It is a trusted virtual phone number provider. These use Wi-Fi or mobile data instead of phone credits or traditional plans. Just make sure you have a stable connection before you start the call.
Free options are great for staying in touch with friends and family. You do not have to worry about rates or running out of credits. They work well for both personal and business calls. However, your contact needs to have the same app installed. Sign up for an account, find your contact, and you are ready to connect.
2. Can I Use WhatsApp to Call South Africa?
Absolutely. On WhatsApp, you can make voice calls or video calls to South Africa. You will just need a good internet connection. Both you and the person you are calling need to have this app installed on their cell phone or mobile device.
WhatsApp is one of the most popular ways to connect with people who live abroad. Its usage is simple, the cost is free, and it works on most phones. Just find their contact, tap the call button, and you are connected. This method works well whether you are calling MTN or Vodacom users, or anyone else in the region.
Published : October 28, 2025
Anant Berge is a B2B SaaS content writer who creates engaging, user-focused, and SEO-driven content for tech businesses. With a knack for simplifying complex ideas and a passion for storytelling, Anant crafts narratives that help brands connect with their audience through blogs and website content.
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