Africa · ZA
South Africa country code: +27
- Exit code from South Africa: 00
- Time zone: SAST (UTC+2, no DST)
Reviewed by Sujan ThapaliyaLast updated
What is the country code for South Africa?
The country code for South Africa is +27. To call South Africa from the United States, dial 011 27 followed by the local number with its leading 0 removed. From a mobile, dial +27 directly. A South Africa number in full international format looks like +27 82 123 4567.
South Africa at a glance
- Country calling code
- +27
- ISO country code
- ZA
- Exit code (dialling out of South Africa)
- 00
- The prefix people in this country dial to reach another country.
- National trunk prefix
- 0
- Drop the 0 when dialling from abroad.
- Number length
- 9 digits after the trunk 0
- Time zone
- SAST (UTC+2, no DST)
Dialing
How to call South Africa: step by step
The full sequence is: exit code + 27 + local number (minus the leading 0).
- 1
Dial your exit code
From the United States and Canada that is 011. From most of Europe, Asia, and Africa it is 00. On any mobile you can simply press and hold 0 to get a + instead, which works from anywhere. - 2
Dial 27
27 is the country calling code for South Africa. It never changes and it is the same from every country in the world. - 3
Drop the leading 0
Numbers written for domestic use in South Africa start with a 0. That is a national trunk prefix, not part of the number; remove it when dialling from abroad. 11 123 4567 is what you dial after +27. - 4
Check the time first
South Africa is on SAST (UTC+2, no DST). Business calls placed outside local working hours are the most common reason an international call goes unanswered.
Number format
What a South Africa phone number looks like
The examples below are format patterns showing digit grouping. They are not working numbers.
| Type | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Landline | +27 XX XXX XXXX | +27 11 123 4567 |
| Mobile | +27 [678]X XXX XXXX | +27 82 123 4567 |
City codes
South Africa area and city codes
Written domestically these carry a leading 0. Drop it when dialling from abroad.
| City / region | Code | Dial from abroad |
|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | 011 | +27 11 |
| Cape Town | 021 | +27 21 |
| Durban | 031 | +27 31 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the country code for South Africa?
The country code for South Africa is +27. Written in full international (E.164) format, a South Africa number looks like +27 82 123 4567.
How do I call South Africa from the United States?
Dial 011, then 27, then the local number with its leading 0 removed. From a mobile you can dial +27 directly instead of 011.
How many digits is a South Africa phone number?
9 digits after the trunk 0. Written internationally it becomes +27 followed by that national number.
Do I keep the 0 when calling South Africa from abroad?
No. The leading 0 is a domestic trunk prefix. Dial +27 followed by the number with the 0 removed. Including it is the single most common reason calls to South Africa fail.
What time is it in South Africa?
South Africa is on SAST (UTC+2, no DST). Check the local time before calling; the safe business window is roughly 9am to 5pm local.
Sources
- ITU-T Recommendation E.164 — The international public telecommunication numbering plan — International Telecommunication UnionThe international number format, the 15-digit maximum, and how country codes and national numbers compose.
- ITU-T International Numbering Resources — International Telecommunication UnionThe assignment of country calling codes and the published national numbering plans they belong to.
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