How do I call South Africa from USA?
If you’re in the United States and need to make a call to South Africa, there are a few steps you need to follow to ensure that your call goes through smoothly. Whether you’re calling for personal or business reasons, understanding the process can save you time and money. Here’s a guide on how to make an international call from the USA to South Africa.
1. Determine the Country Code and Area Code
The first step in making an international call is to determine the country code and area code for South Africa. The country code for South Africa is +27. Once you have this number, you can proceed to the next step.
2. Get the Area Code
Next, you need to obtain the area code for the specific city or region in South Africa where you want to make the call. Area codes vary depending on the location, so it’s essential to have the correct one. You can find area codes online or by asking someone who is familiar with South Africa.
3. Add the Country Code and Area Code to Your Phone Number
Once you have the country code and area code, you need to add them to the phone number you want to call. For example, if you want to call a friend in Johannesburg, and the area code is 011, the full number would be +27 11 123 4567.
4. Use the Correct International Calling Format
When dialing an international number from the USA, you need to use the correct format. Here’s how you should dial the number:
– First, dial the international access code, which is 011.
– Then, dial the country code for South Africa, which is +27.
– Next, enter the area code without the initial zero (e.g., 11 instead of 011).
– Finally, dial the local phone number.
So, in our example, the complete dialing sequence would be: 011 + 27 + 11 + 123 4567.
5. Consider Using a VoIP Service
If you’re looking for a more cost-effective way to make international calls, consider using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service. VoIP services like Skype, Viber, and WhatsApp allow you to make calls over the internet, which can be much cheaper than traditional phone calls. Just make sure that the person you’re calling also has access to the same VoIP service.
6. Be Aware of the Time Difference
South Africa is two hours ahead of the Eastern Time Zone in the USA and one hour ahead of the Central Time Zone. Keep this time difference in mind when scheduling your calls to ensure that you reach the person you’re trying to contact at a convenient time.
By following these steps, you should be able to make a successful call from the USA to South Africa. Remember to double-check the phone number and area code before dialing, and consider using a VoIP service for cost savings. Happy calling!
