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With a communication network that is 99% digital and includes the latest in fixed-line, wireless and satellite communication, South Africa has the most developed telecommunications network in Africa.
Phone
South Africa's country code is 27. All areas have area codes (Johannesburg is 011). When dialing a South African number from outside the country, one should dial +27 and then the number. Dialing within the country one should use all 10 digits (the area code and the number). To dial out of South Africa, dial 00 followed by the country code and the rest of the number you are trying to reach.
Pay phones are available at airports, shopping malls and some petrol stations. Pay phones use either coins or prepaid cards that are available at most shops and petrol stations. Coin phones are blue while card phones are green.
Mobile communication
South Africa has an extensive GSM network, working on the same frequency as the rest of Africa and Europe. There are four cell phone providers in South Africa: Vodacom, MTN, Cell-C and Virgin Mobile.
The networks support GPRS countrywide and 3G, EDGE and HSDPA support is available in larger urban areas.
Internet access
There are plenty of Internet cafes and access rates are cheap.
Even cheaper and more mobile would be to buy a prepaid cell phone starter pack (less than 10 rand) and access the Internet with GPRS or 3G. Generally 2 Rand per MB for out of bundle data from most providers, but it becomes a lot cheaper if you buy a data bundle.
WiFi
WiFi access hotspots can be found at Cape Town, Durban and OR Tambo airports, City Lodge Hotels, Sun International Hotels, some Southern Sun Hotels, Mugg & Bean restaurants and various other places.
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