Yes — with ID documentsCalls + SMS
Can a Foreigner Get a Phone Number in South Africa?
Yes, with documents. South Africa (+27) numbers are available to non-residents, but the local carrier requires documents before a South Africa mobile number goes live — a government ID copy, proof of address and any address, in any country. You do not need to be a resident or a citizen, and DialAnyone verifies your identity once as well. The number handles both calls and SMS, including most verification codes. Choose a South Africa mobile number for SMS; South Africa local and national and toll-free numbers are voice-only.
What you need to hold a South Africa mobile number
| Requirement | South Africa |
|---|---|
| Residency in South Africa | Not required |
| Citizenship | Not required |
| A local SIM card | Not required |
| Identity verification with DialAnyone | Required once per account. Online, with a government photo ID and a selfie, a few minutes. |
| Government-issued ID copy | Required by the carrier |
| Proof of address (utility bill or invoice) | Required by the carrier |
| Address | Any address, in any country |
| Business documents | Not required |
| Receives SMS / verification codes | Yes |
Activates after the carrier approves your documents, usually within a few business days. Availability last verified 2026-09-09.
What to do next
Create an account, verify your identity, and have your ID and proof of address ready as files — the carrier reviews them after you order, and the number goes live once approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner get a phone number in South Africa?▼
Yes. South Africa numbers are available to non-residents once the carrier has a government ID copy, proof of address and any address, in any country. Citizenship and residency are not required.
What documents do I need?▼
A one-time identity verification with DialAnyone (government photo ID and a selfie, online), and for a South Africa mobile number the carrier also asks for: government-issued id copy, proof of address (utility bill or invoice), any address, in any country. Activates after the carrier approves your documents, usually within a few business days.
Do I need a local address or proof of residency?▼
No. South Africa numbers activate without a local address, a residency permit or a local SIM card.
Can the number receive SMS and verification codes?▼
Yes. The number receives text messages and most one-time verification codes, readable in your browser or the mobile app. Choose a South Africa mobile number for SMS; South Africa local and national and toll-free numbers are voice-only. Some services block all virtual numbers, so delivery is not guaranteed from every sender.
How much does a South Africa number cost?▼
A small monthly rental for the number, plus per-minute calling and per-message texting billed from a prepaid credit balance. There is no contract and no monthly minimum. Signing up is free and needs no credit card.
Do I need to visit South Africa to get the number?▼
No. The whole process is online and the number is delivered to your account. You never handle a SIM card and you do not need to travel.
Can I keep my existing phone number as well?▼
Yes. A virtual number is additional — it rings in your browser or the DialAnyone app alongside whatever SIM is in your phone. Nothing about your existing line changes.
What happens to the number if I stop paying?▼
It returns to the carrier pool and can be reissued to someone else. Anything still pointing at it, including two-factor codes, goes with it — so move those before you let a number lapse.
Further reading
Phone NumbersHow to Get a Virtual Phone Number in Any Country (2026 Guide)What a virtual number is, which countries you can actually get one in, the ID checks to expect, and what it costs — with the paperwork rules that trip people up.13 min readMessagingReceive SMS Online: Why Free Temporary Numbers Fail VerificationFree receive-SMS sites are public inboxes on recycled numbers, and WhatsApp, Telegram and banks block them. What actually works when you need a code to arrive.11 min readPhone NumbersA Second Phone Number for Business, Without a Second PhoneKeep work and personal calls apart on one device. How dual numbers actually work, what they cost, and how to pick between an app number, an eSIM and a desk line.10 min read