The keyword “+27 area code” indicates that the user is trying to identify the country associated with this international dialing prefix. The code +27 is the international country calling code for South Africa. It is a mandatory prefix for any phone number—whether mobile or landline—located within the borders of the Republic of South Africa when dialing from outside the country.
This comprehensive guide will identify the location of the country code, explain the precise dialing process, detail the country’s local prefixes, and provide crucial advice on avoiding common international phone scams associated with these numbers.
Location and Geographic Coverage of +27
The code is the designated international code for the Republic of South Africa, located at the southern tip of the African continent.
South Africa uses a closed numbering plan. When dialing a South African number domestically (within the country), the number starts with a leading zero (known as the trunk code), followed by a 2-or-3-digit area code or mobile prefix, and then the local subscriber number (a total of 10 digits). When dialing internationally using the country code, this leading zero is dropped.
Key Details for the Country Code
| Feature | Detail |
| Location | Republic of South Africa |
| Code Type | Country Calling Code (not a US/Canadian Area Code) |
| Time Zone | South African Standard Time (SAST), |
| Local Format Example | |
| International Format Example | (The ‘0’ is dropped) |
Major South African City Codes (International Prefixes)
When dialing a landline in South Africa from abroad, you replace the domestic trunk code () with the international code ().
| City/Region | Domestic Area Code | International Prefix (After ) |
| Johannesburg | ||
| Pretoria | ||
| Cape Town | ||
| Durban | ||
| Mobile Numbers | , , or | , , or |
How to Dial South Africa Using +27
To successfully connect a call to a South African number from anywhere else in the world, you must use the following sequence.
International Dialing Format:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Dial the International Exit Code (or ): Start with the code required to leave your country’s network. For North America (US/Canada), this is . For most mobile phones, you can simply press the key, which automatically uses the correct exit code.
- Dial the Country Code: Enter .
- Dial the Area/Mobile Code (Drop the Zero): Enter the 2-digit city code (e.g., for Johannesburg) or the 2-to-3-digit mobile service code, making sure to exclude the leading zero that is used for domestic calls.
- Dial the Local Number: Enter the remaining digits of the local subscriber number.
Example: Calling a mobile number from the United States
Scam Warning: Calls and Texts from Numbers
While the code is legitimate, numbers from South Africa are often used by international fraudsters to target unsuspecting individuals globally.
Common Scams Using :
- Wangiri (One-Ring) Scam: You receive a call that rings only once and immediately hangs up. The goal is to provoke you to call back. Since is an international code, calling back often connects you to a premium-rate service that charges exorbitant per-minute fees, which are shared with the scammer.
- WhatsApp/Messaging Fraud: Scammers frequently acquire mobile numbers to send unsolicited messages on platforms like WhatsApp. These messages often offer fraudulent job opportunities, promise lottery winnings, or impersonate a family member in distress to trick you into transferring money or sharing sensitive information.
Crucial Safety Tips:
- Never Return Unrecognized Calls: If you do not recognize the number or are not expecting an international call, do not answer or call back. A legitimate caller will leave a voicemail.
- Be Skeptical of “Easy Money”: Any unsolicited communication offering high-paying, simple work or large contest winnings should be treated as a scam.
- Block and Report: Block the number immediately on your phone and on the messaging app. If the call originated in your country but spoofed the code, report it to your local telecommunications authority (e.g., the FCC or CRTC).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What time zone is South Africa (+27) in?
South Africa observes South African Standard Time (SAST), which is . South Africa does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST).
Why do I see a lot of scam warnings for the code?
The high volume of scam warnings is largely due to the “Wangiri” one-ring scam and the widespread use of messaging apps like WhatsApp, which allow scammers to easily initiate contact globally using a disposable international phone number. The code is simply one of the prefixes commonly abused for this purpose.
What is the difference between an Area Code and a Country Code?
An Area Code (like in the US) is a 3-digit prefix used for internal domestic routing within a country. A Country Code (like ) is a 1-to-3-digit prefix used to route calls from one country’s telephone network to another.
How do I drop the zero from a South African number?
When you see a South African number listed domestically, such as , the initial is the domestic trunk code. To dial internationally, you simply replace the with , resulting in the international dialing format .
Conclusion
The country code is the authoritative international prefix for connecting with any landline or mobile phone in South Africa. Correctly dialing this code involves using your country’s exit code, the code, the local city/mobile prefix, and the 7-digit local number.
While it is a genuine country code, awareness of international scams is critical. Always prioritize safety: never return calls from unknown numbers, and never share sensitive information with unsolicited callers.
