The Ultimate Guide to South Africa’s Phone Number Codes

The Ultimate Guide to South Africas Phone Number Codes. Let’s be real—South Africans love getting spam calls. You know, the ones where someone offers you “a life-changing investment opportunity” or claims you’ve won a competition you didn’t enter. Just kidding—no one loves that. But here’s the thing: knowing how to handle those mysterious numbers (and spotting the scams) starts with understanding South Africa’s phone number system. Here is our ultimate South African Phone Number Codes Guide.

South Africa’s telephone numbering system is an essential part of staying connected in the country. Whether you’re receiving a call from an unknown number or setting up a business line, understanding these codes can make all the difference. 

This guide dives deep into South Africa’s phone codes, helping you pinpoint regions and navigate the telecom network with ease.

How South Africa’s Phone Number System Works

South Africa follows the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) E.164 standard. The country’s international dialing code is +27, replacing the leading ‘0’ when dialing from abroad. Numbers are categorised as:

• Landline Numbers: Begin with a 0 followed by a two-digit area code.
• Mobile Numbers: Start with specific prefixes such as 06, 07, or 08.
• VoIP Numbers: Typically start with the 087 prefix.

Below, we’ll explore the area codes for each province and region.

South Africa’s Area Phone Codes by Province

Gauteng: The Economic Hub

• 011: Johannesburg and surrounding areas
• 012: Pretoria and nearby regions

Gauteng is the economic powerhouse of South Africa, making these codes some of the most frequently used.

Western Cape: Home to Cape Town

Ah, the 021 area code — the pride of Cape Town and its surrounds. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or someone who accidentally Googled this while trying to dial a number, you’ve landed in the right place. Let’s break down everything you need to know about this iconic South African area code, with a touch of humour to keep things spicy. (You’re welcome.)

Where Does the 021 Area Code Cover?

The 021 area code proudly serves the beautiful Mother City — Cape Town. From the buzzing streets of the CBD to the laid-back suburbs of the Southern Peninsula, if you’re dialing 021, you’re probably reaching someone with a stellar view of Table Mountain. Some of the key areas include:

• City Bowl: Where the magic happens and where people insist their coffee order is an art form.
• Southern Suburbs: Think leafy streets, family vibes, and at least three Labradors per household.
• Northern Suburbs: Home to braai masters and people who’ll fight you over the pronunciation of “Durbanville.”
• Cape Flats: Full of resilience, culture, and stories that make Cape Town the diverse gem it is.
• Atlantic Seaboard: For those who Instagram their lives and spend more on rent than you’d think humanly possible.

A Brief History of the 021 Area Code

Before cellphones took over and WhatsApp became life, landlines were king. The 021 area code was introduced to connect the good people of Cape Town and nearby regions to the rest of South Africa. Back then, answering the phone wasn’t followed by a wave of panic about whether it was a scam call or your long-lost cousin asking for money.

Fun fact: 021 is one of the OG area codes in South Africa. It’s like the Table Mountain of area codes — old, reliable, and standing tall through the years.

Common Questions About the 021 Area Code

1. Is 021 a landline or mobile code?
It’s a landline code, but let’s be real: who even has a landline anymore? If you’re calling 021, it’s probably a business, your parents, or that one friend who refuses to move into the 21st century.

2. Can I still use 021 when dialing internationally?
Absolutely! If you’re overseas and craving some Cape Town vibes, just dial +27 (South Africa’s country code) and then 21, followed by the number. Easy, right? Now you just need to remember the time difference.

3. Why do so many scam calls come from 021 numbers?
Look, we don’t know why either. Maybe scammers think Cape Town sounds friendly. Just remember: if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Unless it’s a free wine tour, then maybe take your chances.

Local Perks of Having a 021 Number

• Instant street cred: A 021 number means you’re either living the Cape Town dream or your business is.
• Location, location, location: When someone sees 021 on their caller ID, they’re picturing beaches, wine farms, and mountains. Even if you’re calling from a nondescript office, you’re basking in the Mother City’s glory.
• Conversation starter: “Oh, you’re from Cape Town? I’ve been meaning to visit!” And just like that, you’re interesting.

Tips for Dealing with 021 Numbers

1. Save the good ones: If your favourite coffee shop or wine estate calls, don’t lose that number. Priorities.
2. Beware of spam: Not every 021 number has good intentions. If someone offers you an “investment opportunity” that sounds like a pyramid scheme, it probably is.
3. Dial smartly: When calling within South Africa, just use 021 without the +27. Simple as that.

Final Thoughts on 021

The 021 area code isn’t just a string of numbers — it’s a badge of honour, a gateway to one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and a reminder of how far we’ve come from the days of rotary phones. Whether you’re calling, being called, or just Googling to satisfy your curiosity, 021 has got your back.

And hey, if this post inspired you to visit Cape Town, let me leave you with this: the sunsets are better in real life. Just don’t forget to dial 021 if you’re booking that guesthouse by the beach.

Stay lekker, Cape Town lovers!

KwaZulu-Natal: Coastal Beauty

• 031: Durban and nearby areas
• 032: North Coast
• 033: Pietermaritzburg and Midlands
• 034: Northern KZN

Eastern Cape: Vibrant Cities

• 041: Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
• 043: East London
• 045: Queenstown and nearby areas

Free State: Heart of the Country

• 051: Bloemfontein and surrounding areas

Mpumalanga: Nature’s Playground

• 013: Nelspruit (Mbombela) and surrounding regions

Limpopo: Gateway to Africa

• 015: Polokwane and surrounding areas

North West: Rural Charm

• 018: Mafikeng and nearby towns

Northern Cape: Vast Landscapes

• 053: Kimberley and surrounding regions

Mobile Phone Number Prefixes in South Africa

South African mobile numbers are identified by their prefixes:

• 060 – 068: Various mobile providers (e.g., Telkom, MTN, Vodacom, Cell C)
• 071 – 079: MTN, Vodacom, and others
• 081 – 084: Cell C, Vodacom, and others

VoIP and Special Service Numbers

VoIP Numbers

• 087: Ahhhh the all and wonderful 087 area code assigned to VoIP services, these numbers are not tied to a geographic location, making them ideal for businesses.

What is the 087 Area Code?

The 087 area code in South Africa is a non-geographic telephone prefix. Unlike classic codes like 021 for Cape Town or 011 for Jozi, 087 doesn’t care where you are. Call it the “wherever-you-are” code. It’s particularly handy for businesses that want to look all fancy and nationwide without actually being everywhere at once.

The Tech Side: VoIP Makes It Happen

The magic behind 087 numbers? It’s called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). This tech turns your phone calls into internet wizardry, letting your words travel through fiber lines instead of old-school copper wires. Better sound, lower costs, and loads of tech tricks make VoIP the way to go. Just pray your Wi-Fi doesn’t ghost you.

Why 087 Numbers Are a Vibe

1. They’re Nationwide Rockstars

Forget the old geographic ties – 087 numbers are the free spirits of the telecom world. Businesses using 087 can take calls from anywhere, whether the customer’s in Sandton or Soshanguve. Easy-peasy, no matter where the map drops you.

2. They’re Cheaper, Sometimes

Calling 087 numbers? Lekker, because it’s usually as cheap as a local call – perfect for saving those precious rands. And for businesses, VoIP’s the real MVP, cutting costs like a pro. But don’t get caught out, hey – it’s cheaper until your provider pulls a fast one. (Those T&Cs can be sneakier than a traffic camera!) At Voys, we don’t roll like that. What you see is what you pay – no hidden costs, no surprises. Straight-up, just how it should be!

3. They’re Packed with Features

Your average 087 number isn’t basic. It’s got:

• Call Forwarding: Route your calls to your cell, laptop, or even your toaster if it’s smart enough.
• Call Recording: Catch every word – perfect for replaying those “but you said” moments.
• Voicemail with Style: No missed messages, no worries.

Analytics: Get stats on how much your customers love or avoid you.

Why South African Businesses Love 087

1. Instant Street Cred

087 numbers scream “We’re legit!” and give businesses a polished, professional look. Customers are more likely to trust a company with an 087 number over, say, one with your cousin’s cellphone number.

2. Growth Without the Headaches

Scaling up? No problem. 087 numbers grow with your business. Whether you’re moving from a garage in Durban to a high-rise in Sandton, your number stays the same.

3. Simplifying the Customer Experience

087 numbers are easy to remember and work nationwide. No more “I’ll give you our Durban and Joburg numbers” confusion. One number fits all.

087 vs. the Rest

Here’s how 087 flexes on other area codes. Geographic codes like 031 (Durban) or 012 (Pretoria) tie you down to one spot. But 087? It’s the nomad of numbers. Whether you’re chilling in Bloem or doing business in PE, 087 has your back.

The Future of 087 Numbers

With South Africa’s internet game leveling up, the 087 area code is only going to get bigger. Faster connections and cheaper data will make VoIP the norm, and 087 numbers will keep on shining. Businesses that hop on the 087 train now are setting themselves up for long-term wins.

Toll-Free and Premium Numbers

• 080: Toll-free numbers
• 086: Shared-cost service numbers
• 090: Premium-rate services

Tips for Identifying Unknown Numbers

Receiving a call from an unfamiliar number can be concerning. Here are some practical tips to stay safe and informed:

1. Try a Reverse Lookup Service: Various platforms can help you identify unknown numbers. For example, tools like Truecaller, Searqle, or Zlookup provide insights about a caller’s identity, including potential flags for spam or fraud.
2. Assess the Number’s Prefix: Review the area codes or mobile prefixes to identify the call’s origin. This guide is a handy reference.
3. Look for Signs of Spoofing: Fraudulent calls may imitate local or known numbers. Be skeptical of unexpected requests for money or sensitive information.
4. Monitor Patterns: Repeated calls from similar numbers, strange sequences, or aggressive messages can signal scam activity. Block such numbers immediately.
5. Utilise Caller ID Apps: Applications like Truecaller or WhoseNumber can provide real-time alerts about potential scams and help identify unfamiliar numbers quickly.
6. Research Online: Search the number online to see if others have reported it as spam. Many sites allow users to comment on suspicious numbers.

Reverse Phone Lookup – A Powerful Tool

If you frequently receive calls from unknown numbers, using a reverse phone lookup service can provide clarity. These tools can identify the owner, location, and purpose of the call.

Here is the best options for 2025:

Truecaller

• Features: Caller ID, spam detection, and call blocking.
• Effectiveness: Very reliable in South Africa due to its large local user base.
• Availability: Free and premium versions available.
• Website/App: Truecaller

Caller ID SA

• Features: Identifies unknown callers and blocks spam.
• Effectiveness: Tailored for South African numbers, making it highly effective.
• Availability: App-based for mobile devices.
• Website/App: Search for “Caller ID SA” in app stores.

Many of these services are free for basic use and can be invaluable for identifying scam or telemarketing calls.

Why Choose Voys SA for VoIP Solutions

Enhancing your communication strategy begins with understanding South Africa’s phone codes—but that’s just the start. At Voys SA, we deliver reliable VoIP solutions tailored to your needs, offering flexible number options like 012, 021, and 087 prefixes. Trusted by over 19,000 businesses, we are known for our top-rated service and unmatched support.

But we don’t stop at phone numbers. Our cutting-edge softphone and VoIP app solutions transform your devices into powerful communication tools. With Voys, you can scale your business while saving significantly—up to 60% on local call costs and up to 90% on international calls. Plus, you can make calls from anywhere, on any device, as long as you’re connected to Wi-Fi.

Voys SA is more than just a local provider; we’re a global leader with a footprint  in Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, and our headquarters in Groningen, Netherlands. Our commitment to integrity and innovation ensures you receive trustworthy solutions to enhance communication both locally and internationally.

Revolutionise the way you connect with clients and build seamless communication channels across South Africa and beyond. Choose Voys SA for VoIP solutions that deliver reliability, savings, and global reach.