How to Call Saudi Arabia from South Africa
Learn how to call from South Africa to Saudi Arabia with this step-by-step guide. Rates start at just $0.33/min with HelloAirDial. No apps, no calling cards, just dial from your browser.
Cheapest Way to Call Saudi Arabia from South Africa
The cheapest way to call Saudi Arabia from South Africa is using a browser-based VoIP service like HelloAirDial. With rates starting at just $0.33 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: $0.33/min with no hidden fees
How to Call from South Africa to Saudi Arabia
To make a call, dial the exit code (00), followed by the country code (966), then the local number. HelloAirDial makes it simple - just enter the full number in your browser and we handle the formatting automatically. Rates start at $0.33 per minute with no hidden fees.
Dialing Steps: 🇿🇦 South Africa to 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
- 1
Dial the exit code: 00
This tells your carrier you're making an international call from South Africa.
- 2
Dial Saudi Arabia's country code: 966
The country code for Saudi Arabia is +966.
- 3
Dial the local number
Drop the leading 0 from local numbers.
Examples:
- Mobile: 05 0123 4567
- Landline: 011 234 5678
Cheap Calls from South Africa to Saudi Arabia
Skip expensive carrier rates and calling cards. HelloAirDial offers cheap calls from South Africa to Saudi Arabia starting at $0.33/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 $0.33/min
- • No hidden fees or contracts
- • Works anywhere with internet
🇿🇦 South Africa Carrier Rates to 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
- Vodacom$0.25-1.50
- MTN South Africa$0.20-1.40
- Telkom Mobile$0.15-1.20
Compare this to HelloAirDial at $0.33/min. See full rate breakdown →
Best Time to Call 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Recommended Calling Hours
- • Avoid non urgent calls between 21:00 and 08:00 Arabia Standard Time for business contacts.
- • On Fridays and during prayer times, expect reduced availability; schedule important business calls outside these periods when possible.
Calling Etiquette in Saudi Arabia
- • Open with a polite Arabic or English greeting, then clearly state your name, organization, and purpose.
- • Confirm that it is a suitable time to talk, especially for longer or detailed discussions.
- • Use formal and respectful language, particularly with new or senior contacts; avoid overly casual tone.
- • Be patient with small talk at the start of business calls; relationship building is valued.
Reaching 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia via Apps
- • WhatsApp is widely used for messaging and is common for quick follow up or sharing details; voice quality can vary.
- • Some VOIP calling features may be limited or unstable; confirm that your counterpart can receive app based calls.
- • Business contacts may prefer traditional voice for formal discussions and apps for informal or follow up communication.
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 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
- 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 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia from 🇿🇦 South Africa
How do I call from South Africa to Saudi Arabia?
Dial 00 (exit code) + 966 (Saudi Arabia country code) + the local phone number. Drop the leading 0 from local numbers.
What is the cheapest way to call from South Africa to Saudi Arabia?
Use a VoIP service like HelloAirDial with rates from $0.33/min. This is typically 50-80% cheaper than traditional carriers or calling cards.
What is the country code for Saudi Arabia?
The country code for Saudi Arabia is +966. When calling from South Africa, dial 00 966 followed by the local number.
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.
How expensive are international calls from South Africa?
Rates vary by destination and carrier but are often around USD 0.20 to 1.50 per minute; bundles can significantly reduce the cost.