How to Call South Africa from United Kingdom
Learn how to call from United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom
The cheapest way to call South Africa from United Kingdom 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:
- ✓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: $0.08/min with no hidden fees
How to Call from United Kingdom to South Africa
To make a call, dial the exit code (00), followed by the country code (27), 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 $0.08 per minute with no hidden fees.
Dialing Steps: 🇬🇧 United Kingdom to 🇿🇦 South Africa
- 1
Dial the exit code: 00
This tells your carrier you're making an international call from United Kingdom.
- 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
Cheap Calls from United Kingdom to South Africa
Skip expensive carrier rates and calling cards. HelloAirDial offers cheap calls from United Kingdom to South Africa starting at $0.08/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 $0.08/min
- • No hidden fees or contracts
- • Works anywhere with internet
🇬🇧 United Kingdom Carrier Rates to 🇿🇦 South Africa
- EE$0.20-2.00
- Vodafone UK$0.15-2.50
- O2 UK$0.15-2.00
Compare this to HelloAirDial at $0.08/min. See full rate breakdown →
Best Time to Call 🇿🇦 South Africa
Recommended Calling Hours
- • Avoid unsolicited or sales calls before 08:00 or after 20:00 South Africa time on weekdays.
- • Limit weekend and public holiday calls to urgent or pre arranged matters, typically between 09:00 and 17:00.
Calling Etiquette in South Africa
- • Use a polite greeting such as Good morning or Good afternoon and confirm you are speaking to the correct person.
- • English is widely used in business; be prepared to switch to another official language only if agreed in advance.
- • State your name, company, and purpose briefly, then ask if it is a convenient time to talk.
- • Punctuality is valued for scheduled calls; join conference calls a few minutes early when possible.
Reaching 🇿🇦 South Africa via Apps
- • WhatsApp is extremely common in South Africa for both personal and business communication, including voice and video calls.
- • Other VOIP apps like Skype, Zoom, and Teams are widely used for business; ensure the recipient has data or Wi Fi access.
- • Network quality can vary by area; arrange a backup contact method (for example regular mobile call) for critical meetings.
International Calling Requirements in 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- • Enable international calling with your mobile or landline provider; some plans block IDD by default
- • Use 00 or + before the destination country code when dialing abroad
- • Prepaid SIMs may require sufficient balance or an international add on before IDD works
- • Roaming must be activated to call from the UK while abroad; check EU and non EU rules
- • Business lines may have international prefixes or specific destinations restricted by the administrator
Troubleshooting Calls to 🇿🇦 South Africa
- Call failed or number not in service when dialing abroad - Check you used 00 or +, included the correct country code, and removed any local leading 0
- Your plan does not allow international calls - Contact your UK carrier to enable IDD or buy an international add on; ensure sufficient credit on prepaid
- Cannot call while roaming - Enable roaming in phone settings and on your account, or use Wi Fi calling or VOIP instead
FAQs: Calling 🇿🇦 South Africa from 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
How do I call from United Kingdom to South Africa?
Dial 00 (exit code) + 27 (South Africa country code) + the local phone number. Drop the leading 0 from local numbers.
What is the cheapest way to call from United Kingdom to South Africa?
Use a VoIP service like HelloAirDial with rates from $0.08/min. This is typically 50-80% cheaper than traditional carriers or calling cards.
What is the country code for South Africa?
The country code for South Africa is +27. When calling from United Kingdom, dial 00 27 followed by the local number.
How do I dial an international number from the UK?
Dial 00 or +, then the country code, then the area or mobile code without its leading 0, then the local number.
Should I use roaming or Wi Fi or VOIP when abroad as a UK user?
Roaming is convenient but can be costly; using Wi Fi calling or VOIP apps usually reduces costs, especially outside Europe.
How expensive are international calls from the UK?
Rates vary by carrier and destination, from a few US cents to several dollars per minute; check your plan or buy an international add on.