South Africa country code (+27) — formats & examples
Use +27 to call South Africa. See number formats, common mistakes, and plan the best time to call.
Dialing information
- Country code+27
- LanguagesEnglish, Afrikaans, Zulu
- Time zonesAfrica/Johannesburg
- Phonecall rate$0.75/min
Landline $0.95/minMobile $0.75/min
Call South Africa from your browser at low rates. No app or SIM required.
Place a callCalling format
- Country code+27
- Mobile format pattern+27 XX XXX XXXX
- Landline format pattern+27 XX XXXX XXXX
- NotesOmit leading 0 when using country code; include area code where applicable.
Valid number patterns
Valid mobile number pattern
+27 XX XXX XXXX
e.g. +27 71 123 4567
Valid landline number pattern
+27 XX XXXX XXXX
Common dialing mistakes for South Africa
- Forgetting to dial +27 before the local number - international calls to South Africa require the country code.
- Keeping the leading zero when dialing from abroad - drop the leading 0 after the country code +27.
- Mixing up mobile and landline formats - South Africa numbers differ in length and structure; check the pattern before dialing.
- Calling without checking local time - South Africa spans multiple time zones; confirm the recipient's local time.
- Omitting the country code when calling from another country - always use +27 for South Africa.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about calling South Africa with the +27 country code.
- What is the calling code for South Africa?
- The calling code for South Africa is +27. To call, start with the international access code, then dial +27 followed by the local number.
- Which time zones does South Africa use?
- South Africa has the following time zones: Africa/Johannesburg. Make sure to check local time before placing your call.
- Do I need to install an app to call South Africa?
- No app download is necessary. You can call numbers in South Africa directly from your browser using Phonecall. Just enter the South Africa phone number (+27) to get started.
- What is an example of a mobile or landline number in South Africa?
- A typical mobile number format is: +27 123456789. A landline number might look like: +27 12345678. Omit any leading 0.
- Are there any special tips for calling South Africa internationally?
- Remember to take into account the time zones in South Africa, and the fact that primary languages are English, Afrikaans, Zulu. Dial +27 before the local number.
- How much does it cost to call South Africa?
- Calling South Africa with Phonecall starts from $0.95/min for landlines and $0.75/min for mobile numbers. We show the rate before you dial.
Call planning
Check local time in South Africa and your location so you call at a good time.
Time zones in South Africa
Africa/Johannesburg
Best times to call are typically 9 AM – 5 PM local time in South Africa. Avoid calling during early morning (before 8 AM) or late evening (after 9 PM) local time.