How to Call the US from South Africa?

Before calling the US from South Africa, you must know the components of the international number format, i.e, South Africa’s exit code, the US country code, the area code, and the subscriber number.

Every country has an exit code that lets calls connect outside its national network. For South Africa, the exit code is 00. You must dial this code first whenever you make an international call. It signals your carrier that the call is leaving South Africa and connecting to another country.

If you’re using a mobile phone, you can replace the exit code (00) with a plus sign (+).

A US phone number format follows a consistent structure, which includes the country code (1), a three-digit area code, and a seven-digit local number. The country code connects your call to the United States, while the area code identifies the city or region you’re calling. The local number then connects you to the individual or business within that area.

When calling the US from South Africa, you need to dial the full number in this order: 00 (or +) + 1 + Area Code + Local Number.

To call from South Africa to the USA, dial the South African exit code (00 or +), followed by the US country code (1), the area code, and the US local phone number.

To call a US landline from South Africa, dial the South African exit code (00 or +), the US country code (1), the three-digit area code, and the seven-digit landline number.

• Step 1: Dial the South African exit code “00” or the “+” sign.
• Step 2: Dial the US country code “1”.
• Step 3: Dial the area code of the US city or region you’re calling.
• Step 4: Dial the seven-digit local landline number.

To call an American mobile number from South Africa, dial South Africa’s exit code (00 or +), then the US country code (1), followed by the 10-digit mobile number. Since US mobile numbers always come with the area code included, you don’t have to dial it separately.

• Step 1: Enter South Africa’s exit code “00” or “+”.
• Step 2: Enter the US country code “1”.
• Step 3: Enter 10-digit US mobile number.

To call the United States toll-free number from South Africa, dial the South African exit code (00 or 1 ) followed by the US country code (1), toll-free prefix, and the remaining 7-digit subscriber number.

• Step 1: Dial the exit code of South Africa (00 or +).
• Step 2: Dial the US country code (1).
• Step 3: Dial the toll-free prefix (e.g., 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833).
• Step 4: Dial seven-digit subscriber number.

Note: US toll-free numbers are free only inside the United States. When calling from South Africa, they count as international calls, and you may be charged.

The best time to call the US from South Africa is during US business hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM). For personal calls, it’s better to reach out in the early evening or on weekends when people are more likely to be free.

The United States has several time zones, from Eastern to Pacific Time, while South Africa follows South African Standard Time (UTC +2). This means the US is usually 6 to 9 hours behind South Africa. Knowing this difference helps you choose the right time to call and avoid reaching someone too early or too late.

Here’s the ideal time to place a call from South Africa to the US, depending on the time zone:

On average, calling the US from South Africa can cost around $0.25 to $1.00 per minute. The cost varies depending on your phone provider, the type of number you’re dialing, and the method you choose. Traditional carriers usually charge higher international rates, which makes long calls expensive.

Here are a few major South African mobile carriers and their typical rates for calling the US from South Africa:

You can call the US from South Africa at lower rates using virtual phone numbers, messaging apps, or prepaid international cards. These alternatives provide clear calls at lower rates compared to traditional mobile networks.

A virtual number is an online number that uses the internet instead of traditional phone lines, offering a low calling rate. With VoIP service providers like Calilio, OpenPhone, RingCentral or Nextiva, you can easily get virtual US numbers. This helps businesses appear local and reduces international call costs.

Apps like WhatsApp and Viber let you make free voice and video calls over the internet using Wi-Fi or mobile data. They’re a convenient and low-cost way to call the US from South Africa, as long as both parties use the same app and have a stable internet connection.

Calling cards are another option for making cheaper international calls. You can buy them online or at convenience stores and use the provided access number to make calls. However, rates and call quality can vary, and hidden fees may apply.

Making international calls doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Once you understand the correct dialing format and time difference, it’s easy to call the US from South Africa without issues. However, using traditional phone networks is expensive, messaging apps are not suitable for professional calls, and calling cards often have limited validity and hidden fees.