How to Call China from South Africa
Learn how to call from South Africa to China with this step-by-step guide. Rates start at just $0.30/min with HelloAirDial. No apps, no calling cards, just dial from your browser.
Cheapest Way to Call China from South Africa
The cheapest way to call China from South Africa is using a browser-based VoIP service like HelloAirDial. With rates starting at just $0.30 per minute, you'll save 50-80% compared to traditional carriers, calling cards, or roaming charges.
Why HelloAirDial is the Cheapest Option:
- ✓No connection fees: Pay only for the minutes you use
- ✓No calling card markups: Direct carrier rates with minimal markup
- ✓No roaming charges: Works from anywhere with internet connection
- ✓Transparent pricing: $0.30/min with no hidden fees
HelloAirDial: How to call from South Africa to China
HelloAirDial lets you make cheap international calls from South Africa to China directly from your browser. No apps, calling cards, or carrier plans needed.
- ✅ Call any phone in China - mobile or landline from $0.30/min.
- ✅ No international calling plan or carrier activation required.
- ✅ Works on any device with a browser and internet connection.
- ✅ 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 South Africa to China starting at $0.30/minute, up to 80% less than traditional international calling.
Traditional Calling
- • Carrier rates: $1-3/min
- • Calling cards: Hidden fees
- • Roaming: Expensive abroad
HelloAirDial
- • From $0.30/min
- • No hidden fees or contracts
- • Works anywhere with internet
South Africa Carrier Rates to China
- Vodacom$0.25-1.50
- MTN South Africa$0.20-1.40
- Telkom Mobile$0.15-1.20
Compare this to HelloAirDial at $0.30/min. See full rate breakdown →
Best Time to Call China
Recommended Calling Hours
- • Avoid calling consumers before 09:00 or after 21:00 China Standard Time for non urgent matters
- • Business contacts are best reached Monday to Friday, 09:00-18:00 local time, excluding major public holidays
Calling Etiquette in China
- • Open with a polite greeting and confirm you are calling China Standard Time; use titles plus family name (for example, Mr. Wang)
- • For business, state your name, organization, and purpose quickly and clearly
- • Scheduling calls in advance by email or messaging (often WeChat) is appreciated for professional discussions
- • Keep the tone formal at the start; you can adjust based on how the other party responds
Reaching China via Apps
- • WeChat is the dominant app for voice and video calls and is widely used for both personal and business communication
- • WhatsApp, Telegram and some other foreign apps may be unreachable without VPN, so do not rely on them for Chinese recipients
- • Corporate tools like Zoom, Teams or Webex are used in business contexts but may require local guidance for access
International Calling Requirements in South Africa
- • Ensure international calling is enabled on your mobile or fixed line account; some plans block IDD by default.
- • Prepaid SIMs may require a minimum balance or specific international bundle before IDD calls work.
- • Complete RICA registration (SIM KYC) is required for active mobile service and may be needed to lift call restrictions.
- • Dial 00 or use +, then the destination country code, area or mobile code, and subscriber number.
- • Business PBX systems may require an extra access digit (such as 0 or 9) before the international prefix.
Troubleshooting Calls to China
- Your call cannot be completed as dialed - Check you used 00 or +, removed any leading 0 from the foreign number, and included the correct country and area codes.
- International calling is not enabled on your line - Contact your carrier to enable IDD, ensure your account is in good standing, or buy an international bundle if required.
- Insufficient airtime or credit - Top up your prepaid balance or add a bundle; international calls often require a higher minimum balance than local calls.
FAQs: Calling China from South Africa
How do I call China from South Africa?
Dial 00 (exit code) + 86 (China 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 China from South Africa?
Use a browser-based VoIP service like HelloAirDial with rates from $0.30/min. This is typically 50-80% cheaper than traditional carriers or calling cards, and you can call directly from your browser.
Can I call China mobiles and landlines from South Africa?
Yes, HelloAirDial supports calls to both mobile phones and landlines in China. Rates may vary slightly between mobile and landline numbers.
What time should I call China from South Africa?
Check the time difference between South Africa and China before calling. For business calls, aim for 9 AM - 6 PM in China. For personal calls, evenings and weekends work best.
How do I dial an international number from South Africa?
Dial 00 or +, then the country code, area or mobile code without its leading 0, and the local number, for example 00 44 20 7123 4567.
Is it cheaper to roam on my South African SIM or use Wi Fi or VOIP when abroad?
Wi Fi or VOIP apps are usually cheaper, especially without a roaming bundle; roaming voice can be convenient but often costs more per minute.
Related Guides
South Africa 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 South Africa.
- 2
Dial China's country code: 86
The country code for China is +86.
- 3
Dial the local number
Drop the leading 0 from local numbers.
Examples:
- Mobile: 138 0013 8000
- Landline: 10 6552 8888
Ready to Make Cheap International Calls to China?
Try your first call free — no credit card required
Make a Call