South Africa's telephone system, operated by the state monopoly, Telkom, generally works well. Public phone booths are found in every city and town, and many more are being installed in rural areas - a tangible result of the new government's policy of taking services to the people.

Domestic phone numbers

Since 2001, all South African numbers have consisted of a ten-digit number that incorporates the area code. Wherever you are - whether inside or outside the area you are phoning - you must dial the entire number. For example, if you are in Cape Town and are phoning another number in the city you must include the 021 prefix.

There are two types of Telkom phone: coin- or card-operated. While international calls can be made from virtually any phone, it helps to have a card, as you'll be lucky to stay on the line for more than a minute or two for R15. Cards are available at Telkom offices, post offices and newsagents, and come in R15, 20, 50, 100 and 200 denominations.

If you need to use the phone while staying at a hotel, be sure to ask what their rate is - the surcharge is often extortionate. In cities, you'll find private phone bureaus, where you can make your call on a normal phone and pay afterwards but, while it's more comfortable to sit down, these cost considerably more than a Telkom phone booth.