Do you have friends, family, or business associates across the globe that you want to call from South Africa?
Making international calls from South Africa can seem daunting if you’re unfamiliar with the process. The numerous codes, country-specific dialing formats, and potential costs might make it appear complicated.
However, with a bit of guidance, you can quickly master the art of international calling.
This article will break down the entire process, from dialing prefixes to tips on reducing call costs, ensuring you’re well-equipped to connect with anyone, anywhere.
Table of Contents
- The Basics of International Dialing
- Step-by-Step Guide to Calling an International Number from South Africa
- Example of Dialing International Numbers from South Africa
- Popular International Calling Destinations From South Africa
- Cost Considerations: How to Make Affordable International Calls
- Troubleshooting Common Issues When Calling International Numbers
- More Tips for Frequent International Callers
- Calling International from Different Devices
- FAQs
The Basics of International Dialing
When you make an international call, you’re connecting through a global network that requires specific codes and prefixes to route your call to the correct destination.
SA’s International Call Prefix
The international call prefix, also known as the exit code, is the number you dial first when making an international call. This code indicates to your telecom provider that you wish to route the call outside of South Africa.
For South Africans, (and many other countries) the international call prefix is 00 when dialing especially from a landline. However, the + symbol has become the universal shorthand for the international exit code, especially when dialing from a mobile phone.
Country Code
Once you’ve dialed the exit code, the next step is entering the country code. This code is specific to the country you are calling and is essential for connecting your call to the correct region. For example, the country code for Zimbabwe is 263, while the United Kingdom’s is 44. For a list of all country codes, check Wikipedia’s article on country calling codes, or the map of country codes below.
Step-by-Step Guide to Calling an International Number from South Africa
Now that you know the basics, let’s walk through the process of making an international call from South Africa. This guide will ensure you can make your calls without any hiccups.
Step 1: Dial the Exit Code
Start by dialing + or 00. This informs your phone network that you want to make an international call.
Step 2: Enter the Country Code
Immediately after the exit code, dial the country code of the country you wish to call. For instance, if you’re calling someone in Australia, you would dial 61 after the exit code.
Step 3: Add the Area Code (If Necessary)
In many countries, you’ll need to enter an area or city code after the country code. This code narrows down the call to a specific region within the country. For example, if you’re calling Sydney, Australia, the area code is 2.
Step 4: Dial the Local Number
Finally, dial the local number of the person or business you are trying to reach. Make sure you have the correct number and any additional digits required for that particular phone line.
Step 5: Press Call and Wait for Connection
After entering all the necessary digits, press the call button on your phone and wait for the connection. International calls can sometimes take a few moments to connect, so be patient.
Example of Dialing International Numbers from South Africa
To make this clearer, let’s look at an example. Imagine you want to call a friend in New York City, USA. Here’s how you would dial:
- Start with the International Call Prefix: +
- Enter the USA country code: 1
- Enter the New York area code: 212
- Finish with your friend’s local phone number: 555-1234
The final number you would dial is +1 212 555 1234.
Usually, when a person provides you their phone number, they include the full number (area code and local number), you don’t have to worry about getting their area code because it’s included in the number.
If person, say from Zimbabwe, provides you their local full number, or you have their local number saved on your phone (like 078 672 4714), to call them from South Africa, replace the first 0 with the country code, +263 in this case (the full number becaomes +263 78 672 4714)
Popular International Calling Destinations From South Africa
Below is a table showing some of the most popular international calling destinations from South Africa, with the corresponding call prefix and an example full phone number that would be dialed:
| Country | Call Prefix | Example Full Number |
|---|---|---|
| United States | +1 / 001 | +1 (542) 260-9143 |
| United Kingdom | +44 / 0044 | +44 028 6781 0489 |
| Australia | +61 / 0061 | +61 07 2718 7282 |
| Namibia | +264 / 00264 | +264 61 123 4567 |
| Zambia | +260 / 00260 | +260 211 456 7890 |
| Mozambique | +258 / 00258 | +258 21 123 4567 |
| Botswana | +267 / 00267 | +267 533 2664 |
| Canada | +1 / 001 | +1 416 555 7890 |
| Germany | +49 / 0049 | +49 91 51201 3341 |
| Zimbabwe | +263 / 00263 | +263 78 672 4714 |
| Lesotho | +266 / 00266 | +266 1817 1013 |
| India | +91 / 0091 | +91 7139508937 |
Cost Considerations: How to Make Affordable International Calls
Check with Your Mobile Provider for International Packages
All of South Africa’s 4 main mobile providers (MTN, Vodacom, Telkom and CellC) offer international calling packages that include discounted rates or bundled minutes for calls abroad. It’s worth checking with your provider to see if they offer any deals that match your needs.
Take Advantage of VoIP Services
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services like Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber allow you to make international calls using the internet, which can be significantly cheaper than using a traditional phone line. Ensure you have a stable internet connection to avoid dropped calls or poor quality.
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Calling International Numbers
Even with the correct procedure, you might run into some issues when making an international call. Here are some common problems and how to solve them.
Call Doesn’t Connect
If your call doesn’t connect, double-check the number you’re dialing. Ensure you’ve included all the necessary codes, including the exit code, country code, and area code. If the problem persists, try restarting your phone or checking for any network issues.
Poor Call Quality
Poor call quality can be caused by various factors, including network congestion or a weak signal. To improve quality, try moving to an area with a stronger signal or using a VoIP service over a stable internet connection.
Unexpected Charges
If you notice unexpected charges on your phone bill, review your international call plan. Some providers might charge additional fees for certain countries or peak hours. To avoid this, consider using a prepaid calling card or a VoIP service.
More Tips for Frequent International Callers
If you frequently make international calls, there are additional tips and tools to help streamline the process and reduce costs.
Save Numbers into Your Phone
Save the international numbers you frequently call into your phone with the correct formatting. This can save time and reduce the risk of dialing errors.
Use Apps for Business Calls
For business purposes, consider using dedicated apps like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, which offer reliable international calling features. These platforms often include additional tools like video conferencing and call recording.
Monitor Your Call Duration
Keeping track of how long you’re on the phone can help manage costs. Some services charge by the minute, so being mindful of your call duration can prevent unexpected charges.
Calling International from Different Devices
Depending on the device you’re using, the process of making an international call from South Africa can vary slightly. Here’s a breakdown of how to make these calls from different types of devices.
Using a Landline
When using a landline, the process is straightforward. Simply dial the exit code(00), followed by the country code, area code, and local number. Ensure you have sufficient balance on your landline account if it’s prepaid.
Using a Mobile Phone
Mobile phones offer more flexibility, as you can make international calls from virtually anywhere. The process is the same as with a landline, but you might also want to check if your mobile plan includes any international calling benefits.
Using a Computer or Tablet
For those using VoIP services, you can make calls directly from your computer or tablet. Ensure your device has a microphone and speaker, and that you’re connected to a stable internet connection. Apps like Skype or WhatsApp are ideal for making affordable international calls from these devices.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to call an international number from South Africa? The cheapest way is usually through VoIP services like Skype or WhatsApp. These services use the internet to connect your calls, often at a fraction of the cost of traditional phone lines.
Can I call international numbers from a payphone in South Africa? Yes, but the process may differ slightly. You’ll still need to dial the exit code, followed by the country and area code. Keep in mind that payphones might charge higher rates for international calls.
Do I need a special plan to call international numbers from South Africa? Not necessarily, but having an international calling plan can reduce costs. Check with your provider to see if they offer any international packages that suit your needs.
How can I make sure my international calls are secure? Using encrypted VoIP services like Signal or WhatsApp can provide additional security for your calls. Ensure you’re connected to a secure network and avoid public Wi-Fi when making sensitive calls.
Are there any restrictions on calling certain countries from South Africa? Some countries may have restrictions due to political or economic sanctions. It’s best to check with your service provider or the South African Department of International Relations for the most up-to-date information.
Why does my international call have poor quality? Poor call quality can result from a weak signal, network congestion, or low internet bandwidth. Try moving to an area with better reception or use a reliable internet connection for VoIP calls.
