If you are investigating the area code 27, it is important to know that this sequence of digits is not a North American area code, but an international country identifier.
The code +27 is the international country calling code for South Africa (officially the Republic of South Africa). This code is mandatory for all calls placed to South Africa from anywhere else in the world.
This comprehensive guide details the correct international dialing procedure, lists the major city codes in South Africa, and provides essential information on time zones and scam risks associated with this code.
The +27 Country Code: South Africa
South Africa uses a closed numbering plan where all national significant numbers (NSNs) are 9 digits long and are prefixed with a domestic trunk code ‘0’ when dialing within the country (e.g., 011 for Johannesburg). When dialing internationally, the leading ‘0’ is dropped.
Key Facts About +27
| Detail | Information |
| Location | South Africa (Entire Country) |
| Capital Cities | Pretoria (Administrative), Cape Town (Legislative), Bloemfontein (Judicial) |
| Time Zone | South Africa Standard Time (SAST) – UTC+2:00 |
| International Format | [Exit Code] + 27 + [Area Code] + [Local Number] |
| Key Dialing Rule | Always omit the leading zero (0) in the area or mobile code. |
How to Correctly Dial a South African Number
The key to a successful call to South Africa is replacing the domestic trunk prefix (the leading ‘0’) with the country code +27.
Step-by-Step Dialing Instructions (Example from the US/Canada)
- Dial the Exit Code: Dial 011 (the standard US/Canada exit code) or use the plus sign + on a mobile phone.
- Dial the Country Code: Dial 27.
- Dial the Area/Mobile Code (OMITTING THE LEADING 0):
- For Landlines: Dial the 1-2 digit area code (e.g., 11 for Johannesburg).
- For Mobile Phones: Dial the 2-digit mobile operator prefix (e.g., 72, 73, 82, 83).
- Dial the Local Number: Dial the remaining 7-digit subscriber number.
Full Examples:
| To Call | National Number Format | International Dialing Format |
| Johannesburg Landline | 011 XXX XXXX | 011 – 27 – 11 – XXX XXXX |
| Cape Town Landline | 021 XXX XXXX | 011 – 27 – 21 – XXX XXXX |
| Mobile Phone | 083 XXX XXXX | 011 – 27 – 83 – XXX XXXX |
Key Landline City Codes
| City/Region | National Code (Prefix) | Dial Internationally as |
| Johannesburg | 011 | 11 |
| Pretoria | 012 | 12 |
| Cape Town | 021 | 21 |
| Durban | 031 | 31 |
| Port Elizabeth | 041 | 41 |
Time Zone and International Call Considerations
Time Zone
South Africa observes South Africa Standard Time (SAST) at UTC+2:00 year-round (it does not observe Daylight Saving Time).
- Time Difference: South Africa is typically 7 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time (EST/EDT).
Scam and Safety Risk from +27
The +27 country code has been increasingly used by scammers in international phishing and advance-fee fraud schemes, particularly those originating on platforms like WhatsApp.
- The Scam: Scammers use +27 numbers to establish contact (often with a friendly, generic message) before escalating to job offers that are too good to be true, investment schemes, or requests for funds to help a relative.
- Safety Tip: Be highly cautious of unsolicited WhatsApp messages or calls from +27 numbers. Never engage with promises of easy money or provide personal/banking details. Do not return an unknown missed call to avoid premium international charges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a US or Canadian area code 27?
No. The digits 27 are an international country code and are not listed as an active, reserved, or planned area code within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP).
How many digits are in a South African phone number?
Excluding the country code, South African phone numbers (fixed and mobile) are 9 digits long (e.g., 2-digit area code + 7-digit number, or 2-digit mobile prefix + 7-digit number).
Is calling a mobile phone different from calling a landline in South Africa?
The international dialing format is the same, but the next two digits after the +27 are different. Mobile numbers begin with specific carrier prefixes (e.g., 7x or 8x), while landlines begin with a geographic area code (e.g., 11 or 21).
Conclusion
The Area Code 27 is the international dialing code for South Africa. When making a call, remember to omit the leading zero from the domestic number and always check the time zone difference. Due to the risk of international fraud, extreme caution is advised when engaging with unsolicited communications from this prefix.
