Cheapest Way to Call South Africa from the USA
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Last Updated: 06 Sep 23
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13 min read

It isn’t easy to be away from one’s family and friends. People are also likely to contact them regularly, either to speak with family or friends or conduct business communication; thus, calling them daily can be costly.
But don’t worry, you’ll get there in the end!! This article will learn the simplest and quickest method for making international calls.
Before calling South Africa from the United States, you should be familiar with the various calling methods, dialing codes, area codes, and so on.
This article will learn the easiest and cheapest way to call South Africa from the USA using various dialing formats and other calling techniques.
You will learn every aspect of contacting South Africa from the United States. We’ll also show you how to get a South African virtual phone number in under a minute.
International Call to South Africa: What is it & Why does it matter?
Making a call to South Africa from another country is an “international call to South Africa.”
Let’s suppose you’re calling South Africa from the United States.
International calls to South Africa are necessary since many South Africans residing in other countries wish to communicate with their friends and family daily. It could also be for business calls.
Types of Phone Numbers in South Africa
- Landline number: Example – 27 – 21 – 123 9876
- Mobile number: Example – 27 – 72 123 4567
- Toll-free number: 27 – 0800 172972
- Emergency number: Example – 112 ( for any emergency)
Different types of South Africa Telephone Codes
Before dialing for an international call to the united kingdom, you must understand the different South African calling codes.
USA Exit Code
The exit code of the USA is 001. You need to dial this code first whenever you make calls from the USA to other countries.
USA Exit Code | 001 |
South Africa Country Code
The country code for South Africa is 27. You need to dial this code after the exit code whenever you make an international call to South Africa.
Country | Country Code |
South Africa | 27 |
South Africa Area Codes
There are different area codes for different locations in South Africa. You need to dial this area code to call in different locations.
Location | Area Code |
---|---|
Benoni | 11 |
Bisho | 40 |
Bloemfontein | 51 |
Cape Town | 21 |
Durban | 31 |
Ermelo | 17 |
Grahamstown | 46 |
Humansdorp | 42 |
Johannesburg | 11 |
Kimberley | 53 |
Ladysmith | 36 |
Malmesbury | 22 |
Northern Cape | 27 |
Pietermaritzburg | 33 |
Port Elizabeth | 41 |
Pretoria | 12 |
Queenstown | 45 |
Richards Bay | 35 |
Rustenburg | 14 |
Soweto | 51 |
Stanger | 32 |
Umtata | 47 |
Upington | 54 |
Vereeniging | 16 |
Vryheid | 34 |
Welkom | 57 |
Worcester | 23 |
South Africa Emergency Phone Number
You might need daily South Africa emergency numbers for government help. There are four separate emergency numbers in South Africa, they are
Emergency Field | Emergency Number |
Police | 10 111 |
Ambulance, Fire | 10 177 |
For Any Emergency | 112 |
How to Call South Africa from USA? The Quick, Easy & Cheap Ways
Give a rundown of the many types of virtual cloud phones. Discuss KrispCall and why it’s one of the best on the market. Discuss the call quality, security, and pricing of the service.
A. Using Traditional Way
You can call South Africa from the USA directly using a traditional calling method, which is quite outdated & expensive these days.
However, there are several methods to call South Africa from the USA under the traditional way, and they are as follows:
1. Dial the South African Landline Number from the USA
The dialing format to call South African landline number from the USA phone number is
Dial: 011 27 Area Code Landline Number
Example: 011 – 27 – 21 – 123 9876
Where
- 011 (USA Exit Code): This is an exit code of the USA that you need to dial first to make calls to South Africa from the USA.
- 27 (South Africa Country Code): This is a country code of South Africa that you need to dial after exit code to call South Africa from the USA.
- 21 (South Africa Area Code): This is an area code of Cape Town, South Africa. Like that, you can dial different area codes for different locations of South Africa that we already provided.
- 123 9876 (Landline / Local Number): This is the rest of the numbers that you need to dial. It is an example of a landline or local number in South Africa.
2. Dial the South African Mobile Number from the USA
The dialing format to call South African mobile numbers from the USA is:
Dial: 011 – 27 – Mobile Number
Example: 011 – 27 – 72 123 4567
Where
- 72 123 4567 (Mobile Number): This is an example of a mobile number in South Africa that could be 9-10 digits long depending on mobile providers.
3. Dial the South African Toll-Free Number from the USA
The dialing format to call South African toll-free number from the USA is
Dial: 011 – 21 – Toll-Free Number
Example: Dial 011 – 27 – 0800 172972
Where
- 0800 172972 (Toll-Free Number): This is an example of a toll-free number. The number starts with “0800,” supposed to be a toll-free number in South Africa. It could be ten digits long.
B. Non-traditional approach to call South Africa from the USA
A non-traditional approach to calling South Africa from the USA is always the best alternative to traditional calling methods.
Using cloud telephony & VoIP services is the non-traditional way of calling. It is less expensive & more reliable, compared to the traditional way of calling.
Let’s check different providers for a non-traditional approach to calling.
1. Cloud Telephony: KrispCall
When it comes to VoIP services for your business, KrispCall is regarded as one of the top solutions available. Users appreciate the service’s extensive functionality and the ability to use their phones from various devices.

It comes with several features and integrations. It is also simple to set up, adaptable, secure and delivers unified communication. KrispCall offers a Schedule Free KrispCall demo now for businesses.
KrispCall Features
KrispCall offers live call monitoring, forwarding, filtering, recording, call-on-hold, and many features.
One of KrispCall’s most important features is toll-free calling. You may set up toll-free phones for your customers no matter where they are so that they can contact you for free.
The KrispCall platform supports over 100 nations. This implies you can utilize the phone system from anywhere. But, more significantly, clients from all across the world can contact your customer service.
Its unified cloud communication system can manage calls, and text messages and interact with colleagues.
KrispCall Pricing
KrispCall offers a variety of options to meet your business’s needs, including the essentials plan for 15$/Mo, the standard plan for $40 per user/month, and the enterprise plan for customized solutions.
Types of numbers you get a call from KrispCall.
The following are the kind of numbers you can acquire via KrispCall:
- Local Phone Number ( SMS and voice)
- Toll-Free Number ( Voice, MMS, and SMS)
- Phone Number ( Voice, MMS, and SMS)
- A shortcut code ( SMS and MMS)
- Number porting
2. Viber
Whether calling someone in another country or sending a text message to a coworker, Viber is free. When you’re abroad, you may continue chatting with and calling other Viber users for free, just like you can at home.

You should download and install Viber if you don’t have it. You may then use Viber to text, phone, and video call your friends from anywhere in the world.
3. Zoom
Zoom is a video conferencing service that runs in the cloud. It is designed for businesses to operate remotely and provides a wide range of services to meet the demands of each company.

It’s simple to use, comes at various pricing points to suit any business’s budget, and is dependable. It also includes all of the basic capabilities a business requires in a video conferencing platform and auxiliary functions for collaboration and creativity.
4. Whatsapp
It is a VoIP calling app, which means it connects calls over the internet. It has made worldwide communication more accessible than ever before. Because WhatsApp is based on the internet, it is easy to avoid international calling limits and prices.

Download and use WhatsApp to make international calls with more freedom and reduced costs.
How to get a South African phone number instantly? Step-by-step Guide
You can instantly get a South African phone number by choosing the right cloud telephony providers.
Let’s look at how to get a South African phone number using KrispCall.
Step 1: Pick KrispCall as the best Cloud Telephony Service Platform for your needs.
Step 2: Choose a phone number from the phone numbers section or page.
Step 3: In the area section, select South Africa as a country and various areas of South Africa.
Step 4: Choose a phone number from the list provided.
Step 5: Select the most appropriate subscription package for you.
Step 6: Acquire a phone number.
What is the Right Time to Call a South Africa Number from the USA?
Before making calls to South Africa from the USA, you should know the time difference between South Africa and the USA to call at the right time.
So, the time difference between South Africa and the USA is 7 hours. USA time is 7hrs behind the time of South Africa.
You can call in between 1 A.M – 3 P.M at the local time in the USA. It would be 8 A.M – 10 P.M in South Africa.
Challenges while calling from the USA to South Africa
You have to face different challenges while calling from the USA to South Africa if you choose the traditional way of calling or the wrong cloud telephony.
Some of the issues you might face while calling South Africa from the USA are as follows:
- Weak Call Quality
- High Calling Charges
- Security Issues
- Untimely Calls
Using Cloud Telephony like KrispCall helps you to solve all of the above problems while calling South Africa from America.
Business Phone Call Etiquette in South Africa: Dos and Don’ts
To move forward or close deals with global customers and clients, you’ll need to have in-person, phone, and video conversations.
People are often so accustomed to conducting business within their own country or regionally that they are uninformed of international business practices.
International phone etiquette entails understanding the distinctions and nuances of countries and regions and negotiating these variances to communicate efficiently.
So, when doing business with overseas customers, what aspects of international communication should you bear in mind?
Below we have a few important points to keep in mind before dialing for a south African business call:
Make Appointments
Make appointments well ahead of time, at least a month. Never call out of the blue. Calls should always be scheduled ahead of time.
Listen attentively and take notes
When paying attention to your customers, you must listen to them actively throughout the dialogue.
Rather than following a script, active listening involves hearing what they say and responding according to their views.
This shows your customers that you’re aware of their problems and are sympathetic to their annoyances.
Don’t use Slang
Phone calls between businesses and individuals are differentiated by the language used. If you’re talking with friends, it’s okay to use slang and swear words, but this can cost you a customer for life.
When you’re on the phone, always be mindful and considerate. It’s better to use formal language since you never know who might be offended by something you say.
Maintain a positive attitude
It’s impossible to predict when a consumer is having a terrible day. When someone on the phone is nasty to you, your first instinct may be to put them in their place.
You should always be cheerful and friendly, even when things aren’t going well. Having the right attitude might be enough to turn a bad call around.
While on the phone, never eat or drink anything
If you are responsible for answering the phone, whether full-time or as a standby, you mustn’t eat or drink while on call. During your break, have a drink or something to eat. Customers don’t want you chewing in their ears.
Use Suitable Titles
When chatting with someone on the phone, especially if they are not someone you know, it is critical to address them with the right title. Mrs., Mr., Dr., and other titles are appropriate. Unless the caller has permitted you, you should never address a caller by their first name.
Before putting a call on hold, get permission
It will be necessary to put customers on hold if you are responsible for many calls. Before putting a customer on hold, you should always ask them respectfully if they want to be put on hold.
It would be best if you attempted to return a customer’s call as soon as feasible after being placed on hold. Customers should not be left waiting for more than a few seconds, as this may irritate them and cause them to hang up.
Conclusion: And, the best way to call South Africa from the USA is…
Calling South Africa from the United States might be costly daily.
If you’re looking for the best cloud phone and VoIP service for Africa calling, KrispCall should be your first choice because it provides a wide range of options that allow users to make low-cost business calls.
KrispCall has very low pricing and is a very adaptable solution.
You can try KrispCall for 14 days for free. So, hurry up and sign up for KrispCall.
FAQs
What numbers should You add to a mobile number to contact South Africa?
To call a South African mobile phone, dial the international calling code, the area code, and the phone number. Dial +27 11 (area code) followed by the 9-10 digit phone number to access a cell outside South Africa.
What is the easiest way to call South Africa?
Viber and WhatsApp are the most convenient ways to call.
What is the Toll-free number of South Africa?
The toll-free number of South Africa is 0080. For example Dial: 27 – 0800 172972
What is the ideal virtual phone number provider in South Africa?
KrispCall is the greatest virtual phone number provider in South Africa right now.
What is South Africa’s country code?
The country code of South Africa is +27.