Virtual phone number in South Africa
Have your own phone number in South Africa for a few dollars per month. Incoming calls can be forwarded anywhere worldwide at the cost of a local call.
In this article we will explain how it works and how you can get a virtual phone number in South Africa now.
A virtual number is a real phone number
A virtual phone number is actually a normal, real phone number. The only difference is that a virtual number isn’t connected to any physical phone line or to any SIM-card.
You can make and answer calls with free apps for Android and iOS or your laptop.
People calling your South African virtual phone number will have the same experience as if calling a regular local number.
When you make calls from your number – people you call will see your number before answering.
You can get your South Africa phone number here.
Different types of numbers
In South Africa there are three types of numbers that you can purchase as virtual phone numbers.
- City numbers
These phone numbers are related to a city, such as 21 for Cape Town or 10 for Johannesburg. There are many area codes in South Africa. - National numbers
These numbers are not related to any city and are mainly used by businesses. National numbers start with 87. - Toll free numbers
These numbers are free for the caller to call – as long as they are calling from within South Africa. Toll free numbers start with 800. The owner of the phone number pays an extra per minute fee for all calls received.
Who can buy a South African phone number?
Anyone in the world can buy a phone number in South Africa.
City numbers are however reserved for people that live in South Africa and for South African businesses.
What does it cost?
The cost for having a virtual phone number in South Africa is based on the following components.
- Monthly cost
From $3.59 - Calls and call forwarding
Costs as a local call. - Optional add on services
Voice response, call recording requires that you have a paid plan (starts at $9.95 per user and month). This includes free calls, call forwarding and free phone numbers.
Features of South Africa virtual phone number
As we delve deeper into South Africa virtual phone numbers, you’ll find a plethora of features to explore. From city codes to national numbers, from call affordability to optional services – these features are designed to cater to diverse needs.
South Africa tel code. We provide a virtual phone number in South Africa. Yes, you get a real phone number with a 27-country code – the official code number for South Africa. This allows you to establish a local presence even if you aren’t located in South Africa.
SMS service. Unfortunately, SMS services aren’t supported by South African virtual phone numbers yet. But we are working on it.
Local and National Numbers. You have an array of options when choosing your number. Choices include city-related numbers like 10 for Johannesburg, national numbers beginning with 87, and toll-free numbers commencing with 800.
Call affordability. In terms of costs, the phone calling rates are equivalent to those of a local call. This means you can call South Africa or any of the telephone numbers in Africa without breaking the bank.
Call Handling. Managing your calls can be flexible. Calls can be forwarded to any mobile or landline number worldwide at the price of a local call. You also have the option to answer calls using voice response or by sending calls to team members.
Call Recording. This feature allows you to record business calls. However, be sure to check the laws in your country and South Africa concerning call recording.
Subscription flexibility. You can choose from monthly, yearly or every three years subscription. The longer the subscription, the lower the monthly cost. Subscription includes additional perks such as free calls, call forwarding and free phone numbers.
Caller Experience. As for those calling your South African phone number, they’ll have the same experience as if calling a regular local number in South Africa.
Numbers Accessibility. Now, do you need to be in South Africa to buy a South African phone number? Absolutely not. Anyone in the world can buy it. City numbers are however reserved for people living in South Africa and South African businesses.
Keep in mind that while bridging to South Africa virtually with a South African phone number, there may be limitations depending on your subscription type. Rest assured, every step has been undertaken to help you connect smoothly with the Africa telephone number experience.
Practical Tips
Here’s where we guide you on how to make the most of your South Africa virtual phone number. These handy tips will ready you in no time.
- Choose wisely. Depending on your needs, pick a city, national or toll-free number
- Plan ahead. The longer the subscription, the less the monthly cost
- Stay informed. Make sure to follow the regulations regarding call recording
- Call smart. Make use of the call forwarding feature to manage your calls better
Answer calls
The easiest way to answer incoming calls to your South African phone number is to forward all calls to your regular mobile phone number or to a landline number.
When you receive a forwarded call, you can see the number of the caller – or the virtual number they called – depending on your settings.
Call forwarding worldwide costs like a regular local call.
There are many other options available for call forwarding, such as answering calls with voice response, sending calls to team members, etc.
Make calls
You can make calls from your South African number by using our free Android, iOS, or web app. You can import your regular mobile contacts into the app and call anyone you know with a click.
The person you call can see your number. You can choose if you want to show one of your Sonetel numbers or your regular mobile number.
You will be charged local call rates for the calls you make.
SMS
SMS is not supported on virtual numbers from South Africa.
Voice response
If you want to add voice response to your phone number (“For sales, press one…”.) you need to have a paid plan. This gives you access to the “Voice apps”.
You can easily create menus for callers, announcements or voicemail boxes.
Text-to-speech can be used to create the messages to be played to callers. Simply type in the message you want converted into an audio message. You can also upload audio files or record new messages with your phone.
Call recording
Call recording is available if you have a paid plan.
Only use call recording if you can do it without breaking any laws in the country of the phone number, or in the countries where you – and the person you are talking to – is in.
Subscription options
Here are the options for subscribing.
- Free with Plans
Premium and Business are optional “all-inclusive” plans that are charged per user and month. They include free phone numbers for every user in your team. - Pay for it
You can subscribe with monthly renewal, or 1-year or 3-years. The longer the subscription – the lower the monthly cost. You pay in advance for the entire subscription period. You can turn off auto-renewal whenever you want.
Are there any limitations?
Yes, there are different limitations, depending on what type of subscription you have.
Photo by Thomas Bennie, Dekeister Leopold, Leo Moko, Mpumelelo Macu and redcharlie on Unsplash