The South African telecommunication infrastructure is much in tune with global development, and connections to countries beyond our borders are easy and efficient.

Telkom, our sole landline operator for decades, is soon to be challenged by a second operator, Neotel, and it's believed the resultant competition will advance South African telecommunications to cutting edge levels.  Hotels offer direct dial facilities, while call boxes operate on coins and phonecards which can be widely purchased.  Reverse charge and ‘home direct' (charging a call to your home number) services are available.

Like most other countries, use of the cellphone or mobile phone is widespread.  Four service providers ensure countrywide coverage and reception is generally good in urban areas.  Cellphones can be hired at all international airports.

Some information on dialing codes:

• For outgoing international calls, dial 00 plus the country and area codes of the destination concerned.  Refer to telephone directories for international dialing codes, or obtain 24-hour assistance by calling 10903.
• For incoming international calls, the code is +27 followed by the city code or cell phone code, dropping the first 0.
• O8 numbers are free to the caller; 0860 numbers are charged at local rates; 0861 numbers are charged at a flat rate.
• Some local city dialing codes: 011 -  Johannesburg; 012 -  Pretoria; 021 -  Cape Town; 031 -  Durban; 041 - Port Elizabeth

When it comes to internet and fax connections, most international hotels offer wireless connections either in guest rooms, business centres or some restaurants, and internet cafes are to be found in business locations and shopping malls.  Stores such as PostNet found in major cities offer internet , fax, postage and photocopying facilities.

An essential aspect of telecommunications in South Africa is the South African Post Office, which over and above normal postage by air, offers various express and courier services.