How to Call United Kingdom from South Africa
Learn how to call from South Africa to United Kingdom with this step-by-step guide. Rates start at just $0.01/min with HelloAirDial. No apps, no calling cards, just dial from your browser.
Cheapest Way to Call United Kingdom from South Africa
The cheapest way to call United Kingdom from South Africa is using a browser-based VoIP service like HelloAirDial. With rates starting at just $0.01 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: $0.01/min with no hidden fees
HelloAirDial: How to call from South Africa to United Kingdom
HelloAirDial lets you make cheap international calls from South Africa to United Kingdom directly from your browser. No apps, calling cards, or carrier plans needed.
- ✅ Call any phone in United Kingdom - mobile or landline from $0.01/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 United Kingdom starting at $0.01/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 $0.01/min
- • No hidden fees or contracts
- • Works anywhere with internet
South Africa Carrier Rates to United Kingdom
- Vodacom$0.25-1.50
- MTN South Africa$0.20-1.40
- Telkom Mobile$0.15-1.20
Compare this to HelloAirDial at $0.01/min. See full rate breakdown →
Best Time to Call United Kingdom
Recommended Calling Hours
- • For consumer marketing, avoid calling before 09:00 or after 20:00 UK time on weekdays
- • Avoid unsolicited calls on Sundays and UK public holidays unless there is a prior agreement
Calling Etiquette in United Kingdom
- • Open with a polite greeting and your name and organisation, then confirm if it is a good time to talk
- • For business calls, be punctual and keep to scheduled times; short notice rescheduling should be explained
- • Use a professional, calm tone; avoid overly aggressive sales tactics or repeated callbacks
- • If the call is recorded or monitored, state this clearly at the start
Reaching United Kingdom via Apps
- • WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom and similar apps are widely used in the UK for personal and business calls
- • Most UK users have reliable mobile data or broadband, but confirm Wi Fi availability for longer VOIP calls
- • Some corporate environments may restrict external VOIP apps, so provide a fallback dial in number
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 United Kingdom
- 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 United Kingdom from South Africa
How do I call United Kingdom from South Africa?
Dial 00 (exit code) + 44 (United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom from South Africa?
Use a browser-based VoIP service like HelloAirDial with rates from $0.01/min. This is typically 50-80% cheaper than traditional carriers or calling cards, and you can call directly from your browser.
Can I call United Kingdom mobiles and landlines from South Africa?
Yes, HelloAirDial supports calls to both mobile phones and landlines in United Kingdom. Rates may vary slightly between mobile and landline numbers.
What time should I call United Kingdom from South Africa?
Check the time difference between South Africa and United Kingdom before calling. For business calls, aim for 9 AM - 6 PM in United Kingdom. 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
United Kingdom Resources
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 United Kingdom's country code: 44
The country code for United Kingdom is +44.
- 3
Dial the local number
Drop the leading 0 from local numbers.
Examples:
- Mobile: 07 912 345 678
- Landline: 020 7946 0018
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