How to call the UK from South Africa
- From mobile
- +44 xx xxxx xxxx
- From landline
- 00 44 xx xxxx xxxx
From $0.05/min in your browser, no plan needed
How to dial the UK from South Africa
How to make a call to the UK from South Africa: dial the exit code, the country code, and the number. Drop the 0 that starts a UK area code: a number written 0121 is dialed 00 44 121.
- 00South Africa exit code
- 44Country code of the UK
- 20London
- xxxx xxxxLocal number
- From a mobile: +44 xx xxxx xxxx
Paste or type a number here to see how to dial it from anywhere
Example: +44 20 7946 0018
- Mobile
- +44 20 7946 0018
- Landline
- 00 44 20 7946 0018
Main area codes in the UK
The area code comes right after 44, then the local number
- London00 4420then the local number
- Birmingham00 44121then the local number
- Glasgow00 44141then the local number
- Manchester00 44161then the local number
- Sheffield00 44114then the local number
- Leeds00 44113then the local number
- Edinburgh00 44131then the local number
- Liverpool00 44151then the local number
Before you call the UK
How to call Birmingham from here
Use the area code without its 0, right after 44.
- Birmingham00 44 121
- Manchester00 44 161
- Glasgow00 44 141
Call a toll free number from abroad
Dial a UK toll free number like any other: 00 44, then the number. If the call fails, the number does not take calls from abroad.
Calling the UK cell phones
Dial a UK cell phone as 00 44 and the number without its 0. The longest one is a 10-digit number after 44.
Calling the UK from South Africa without an international plan
Suparelay calls the UK for $0.05/min from your browser, with no plan. Without one, carriers in South Africa charge up to $0.62/min. No South African carrier we checked includes the UK in a plan, and Vodacom needs International Calling Plus switched on.
| Carrier | Per minute |
|---|---|
SuparelayNo plan neededUp to 12× cheaper | $0.05 landline$0.07 mobile |
 | $0.62 |
 | $0.32 |
 | $0.22 landline · $0.22 mobile$0.059 landline · $0.11 mobile with plan |
Want to call the UK?
Type the number and call from your browser, with no app and no plan
When to call the UK
The time now in the UK, and the best hours to call. The UK moves its clocks for daylight saving time, so the time difference with Johannesburg changes twice a year.
- Time difference
- March to October: 1 hour behind Johannesburg
- October to March: 2 hours behind Johannesburg
- Daylight saving time
- Clocks change twice a year
Why a call to the UK fails
Cell C contracts need activation first
A Cell C contract has no international calling until Customer Care activates it. Call 135 before you dial abroad.
Cell C, International CallingVodacom standard calling costs more per minute
Vodacom's standard international calling has higher rates than International Calling Plus, which bills per second. Plus is an upgrade, so ask Vodacom to switch it on.
Vodacom, Affordable International Calling RatesFrom any country, a call to the UK also fails when
- The 0 is still in the number
- The exit code is wrong for your country
- The number does not take calls from abroad
Questions
How to call the UK from South Africa on a cell phone or mobile?
Dial +44, then the number. It works from any mobile in South Africa
How do I call the UK from South Africa on a landline?
From a landline in South Africa, dial 00 44, then the number
Do I need to dial 00 to call the UK?
From a landline, yes: dial 00, then 44. From a mobile, type + instead, and the phone adds the exit code
Are calls to the UK included in South Africa phone plans?
Not on most plans. No carrier in South Africa that we checked includes the UK in a plan
How much does it cost to call the UK from South Africa?
With no plan, carriers in South Africa charge up to $0.62 a minute. Suparelay charges each started minute, from your browser
How to make a free call to the UK, or call the UK from South Africa for free?
An app calls for free only when both sides have it. A call to a landline, or to a phone without the app, costs money
How to call the UK from South Africa on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp and FaceTime call for free, but only someone with the same app. To ring a landline or a phone in the UK without the app, use your phone plan, a calling service, or Suparelay
Can I call the UK on my iPhone?
Yes. In the Phone app, press and hold 0 for +, then dial 44 and the number. Your plan must allow calls to the UK
How to make an international call to the UK?
Dial 00 44, then the number. From a mobile, +44 works too
Why isn't my call going through to the UK?
The usual causes: the 0 is still in the number, the exit code is wrong for your country, and the number does not take calls from abroad. Each one is listed above, with a link to its fix
When is the best time to call the UK?
Call between 8:00 and 22:00 in the UK. March to October: 1 hour behind Johannesburg. October to March: 2 hours behind Johannesburg