How to Call South Africa from China
Learn how to call from China to South Africa with this step-by-step guide. Rates start at just $0.08/min with HelloAirDial. No apps, no calling cards, just dial from your browser.
Cheapest Way to Call South Africa from China
The cheapest way to call South Africa from China is using a browser-based VoIP service like HelloAirDial. With rates starting at just $0.08 per minute, you'll save 50-80% compared to traditional carriers, calling cards, or roaming charges.
Why HelloAirDial is the Cheapest Option:
- βNo connection fees: Pay only for the minutes you use
- βNo calling card markups: Direct carrier rates with minimal markup
- βNo roaming charges: Works from anywhere with internet connection
- βTransparent pricing: $0.08/min with no hidden fees
HelloAirDial: How to call from China to South Africa
HelloAirDial lets you make cheap international calls from China to South Africa directly from your browser. No apps, calling cards, or carrier plans needed.
- β Call any phone in South Africa - mobile or landline from $0.08/min.
- β No international calling plan or carrier activation required.
- β Works on any device with a browser and internet connection.
- β Try your first call free to test the quality.
Why HelloAirDial is cheaper than international mobile plans
Skip expensive carrier rates and calling cards. HelloAirDial offers cheap calls from China to South Africa starting at $0.08/minute, up to 80% less than traditional international calling.
Traditional Calling
- β’ Carrier rates: $1-3/min
- β’ Calling cards: Hidden fees
- β’ Roaming: Expensive abroad
HelloAirDial
- β’ From $0.08/min
- β’ No hidden fees or contracts
- β’ Works anywhere with internet
China Carrier Rates to South Africa
- China Mobile$0.20-1.50
- China Unicom$0.20-1.20
- China Telecom$0.20-1.50
Compare this to HelloAirDial at $0.08/min. See full rate breakdown β
Best Time to Call South Africa
Recommended Calling Hours
- β’ Avoid unsolicited or sales calls before 08:00 or after 20:00 South Africa time on weekdays.
- β’ Limit weekend and public holiday calls to urgent or pre arranged matters, typically between 09:00 and 17:00.
Calling Etiquette in South Africa
- β’ Use a polite greeting such as Good morning or Good afternoon and confirm you are speaking to the correct person.
- β’ English is widely used in business; be prepared to switch to another official language only if agreed in advance.
- β’ State your name, company, and purpose briefly, then ask if it is a convenient time to talk.
- β’ Punctuality is valued for scheduled calls; join conference calls a few minutes early when possible.
Reaching South Africa via Apps
- β’ WhatsApp is extremely common in South Africa for both personal and business communication, including voice and video calls.
- β’ Other VOIP apps like Skype, Zoom, and Teams are widely used for business; ensure the recipient has data or Wi Fi access.
- β’ Network quality can vary by area; arrange a backup contact method (for example regular mobile call) for critical meetings.
International Calling Requirements in China
- β’ Ensure your SIM is real-name registered; unregistered SIMs may be blocked from IDD and roaming
- β’ Enable international calling (IDD) with your carrier; many plans have IDD disabled by default
- β’ Maintain sufficient prepaid balance or an active postpaid plan; IDD calls are usually charged at premium rates
- β’ Dial 00 or use + before the destination country code, then area or mobile code and number
- β’ Business or call center users may need additional registration for high-volume international traffic
Troubleshooting Calls to South Africa
- Call cannot be completed as dialed - Check you used 00 or +, then the correct country code and removed any leading 0 from the local number
- International calling not enabled - Contact your carrier to activate IDD service or switch to a plan that includes international calling
- Roaming not allowed - Before travel, enable roaming and purchase a roaming package; restart your phone after activation
FAQs: Calling South Africa from China
How do I call South Africa from China?
Dial 00 (exit code) + 27 (South Africa country code) + the local phone number. Drop the leading 0 from local numbers. With HelloAirDial, just enter the number and we handle the formatting automatically.
What is the best way to call South Africa from China?
Use a browser-based VoIP service like HelloAirDial with rates from $0.08/min. This is typically 50-80% cheaper than traditional carriers or calling cards, and you can call directly from your browser.
Can I call South Africa mobiles and landlines from China?
Yes, HelloAirDial supports calls to both mobile phones and landlines in South Africa. Rates may vary slightly between mobile and landline numbers.
What time should I call South Africa from China?
Check the time difference between China and South Africa before calling. For business calls, aim for 9 AM - 6 PM in South Africa. For personal calls, evenings and weekends work best.
How do I dial an international number from China?
Dial 00 or use +, then the country code, then the area or mobile code and local number, dropping any foreign trunk 0.
Should I use roaming voice or Wi-Fi or VOIP when abroad with a Chinese SIM?
Roaming voice is convenient but expensive; using Wi-Fi and VOIP or app calls (for example, WeChat) is usually much cheaper.
Related Guides
South Africa Resources
China Resources
Dialing steps when using your own phone
- 1
Dial the exit code: 00
This tells your carrier you're making an international call from China.
- 2
Dial South Africa's country code: 27
The country code for South Africa is +27.
- 3
Dial the local number
Drop the leading 0 from local numbers.
Examples:
- Mobile: 082 123 4567
- Landline: 011 234 5678
Ready to Make Cheap International Calls to South Africa?
Try your first call free β no credit card required
Make a Call