How much does it cost to call South Sudan with Sayfone?

Calls to South Sudan are billed at $1.38 per minute with no hidden connection fees or surcharges. You only pay for the minutes you use.

What is the country code for South Sudan?

South Sudan's international dialing code is +211. It was assigned by the ITU in July 2011 following the country's independence and went live on 1 October 2011.

Do I need to download an app to call South Sudan?

No. Sayfone works directly in your web browser — on your phone, tablet, or computer. There's nothing to download or install.

Can I call a mobile phone in South Sudan, not just landlines?

Yes. Sayfone connects to both mobile and landline numbers across South Sudan. Mobile numbers typically start with +211 9X, while landline numbers start with +211 1X.

Why do WhatsApp calls to South Sudan keep dropping?

WhatsApp and similar apps require stable internet on both ends. South Sudan's internet penetration is only around 12%, and most connections rely on slow 2G/3G mobile data. Frequent power outages and limited infrastructure make sustained VoIP calls unreliable.

What time zone is South Sudan in?

South Sudan observes Central Africa Time (CAT), which is UTC+2. There is no daylight saving time. When it's 9 AM on the US East Coast (EST), it's 4 PM in Juba.

Does the person I'm calling need internet access?

No. Sayfone routes your call through the traditional phone network (PSTN). The person in South Sudan just needs a working phone with a valid +211 number — no internet or smartphone required.

What are the main mobile operators in South Sudan?

The two dominant operators are MTN South Sudan and Zain South Sudan. There are also smaller providers like Digitel and newer entrants. Mobile numbers with 91 and 92 prefixes are the most common.

Is call quality to South Sudan reliable?

Call quality depends on the local network conditions at the recipient's end. Sayfone uses high-quality international routes to maximize clarity, but some calls may experience slight delays due to South Sudan's limited switching infrastructure.

Can I call South Sudan from outside the United States?

Yes. Sayfone is browser-based and works from anywhere you have an internet connection. You can call South Sudan from any country — just open your browser and dial.

International Calling

Affordable Calls to South Sudan — Straight from Your Browser

Reach landlines and mobiles across Juba, Malakal, Wau, and beyond with clear, reliable connections at just $1.38/min.

Call South Sudan Now

No app download needed — call from any browser
Transparent per-minute pricing with no hidden fees
Crystal-clear connections to South Sudanese numbers

Estimate cost

🇸🇸

South Sudan

Country code +211

$1.38

Landline

$1.59

Mobile

~60%

vs retail*

Average call quality

*Illustrative savings vs 2.5× directory rate — not a carrier quote.

Simple steps

See your exact savings with Sayfone

Drag the slider to match your South Sudan call volume. See what you're spending versus what you could be spending with Sayfone.

Monthly call minutes

Drag slider to adjust

220

min / month

Call type

AT&T / Verizon$14,876

~$67.62/min

T-Mobile$11,233

~$51.06/min

Calling cards$6,679

~$30.36/min

Google Voice$1,518

~$6.90/min

Sayfone$304

$1.380/min

Annual saving vs. AT&T

Based on 220 min/month

$174,874

Try Sayfone Free

GETTING STARTED

How to Call South Sudan in 3 Simple Steps

No special hardware or software required. Place international calls to South Sudan directly from your browser or device in under a minute.

Instant access

Step 1

Open Your Browser

Visit Sayfone from any modern browser on your phone, tablet, or computer. No downloads or installations needed.

Dialer

+00 000 000 00

123

Start Calling Now

Step 2

Enter a South Sudan Number

Type or paste the South Sudanese phone number you want to reach, including the +211 country code. Our dialer formats it automatically.

HD audio from your browser

Step 3

Connect and Talk

Hit call and you're connected. Enjoy clear audio quality with transparent per-minute billing — no surprises.

UNDERSTANDING COSTS

Why Calling South Sudan Is Expensive

South Sudan is one of the most expensive international calling destinations. Several structural factors drive these high costs, from underdeveloped infrastructure to limited market competition.

Severely Underdeveloped Telecom Infrastructure

South Sudan inherited one of the least developed telecom markets in the world when it gained independence in 2011. Fixed-line infrastructure is virtually nonexistent, and mobile network coverage remains extremely limited outside major urban centres. This infrastructure deficit drives up the cost of routing and terminating international calls.

[1]BuddeComm – South Sudan Telecoms ReportSupports claim about least developed telecom market

Limited Market Competition

The South Sudanese mobile market is dominated by just two major operators — MTN South Sudan and Zain South Sudan. With fewer carriers competing, termination rates remain high and there is less downward pressure on international calling costs.

[1]Wikipedia – List of mobile network operators in South SudanSupports claim about limited operator competition

Ongoing Conflict and Economic Instability

Years of civil conflict since 2013 have severely disrupted telecom operations. Both MTN and Zain cut workforces and scaled back investment. Hyperinflation since 2016 has further destabilized the operating environment, making network expansion and maintenance prohibitively expensive.

[1]BuddeComm – South Sudan Telecoms ReportSupports claims about conflict impact and hyperinflation

Low Mobile Penetration and High Termination Fees

South Sudan has one of the lowest mobile penetration rates in Africa. With fewer subscribers to share infrastructure costs, per-call termination fees charged by local operators remain among the highest in the region, directly inflating international calling rates.

[1]BuddeComm – South Sudan Telecoms ReportSupports lowest mobile penetration claim

Sources

1
BuddeComm – South Sudan Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband Report
Supports infrastructure and market competition claims
2
Wikipedia – Telecommunications in South Sudan
Background on regulatory body and telecom sector development
3
ITU – Assignment of country code 211 to South Sudan
Context on South Sudan's telecom sovereignty

CALLING OPTIONS

How People Currently Call South Sudan

Reaching South Sudan from abroad is challenging due to limited infrastructure. Here's how most people try to connect — and where each option falls short.

Traditional Carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.)

$3–$5+/minVery Expensive

Very Expensive

Major US carriers charge steep per-minute rates for calls to South Sudan. Some plans exclude South Sudan entirely, requiring expensive add-on packages or pay-per-use billing.

International Calling Cards

Varies widelyUnreliable

Unreliable

Prepaid calling cards marketed for African destinations often have hidden connection fees, maintenance charges, and inconsistent call quality to South Sudanese numbers.

WhatsApp / Viber / Messenger Calls

Free (data-dependent)Unreliable in South Sudan

Unreliable in South Sudan

Internet-based calling apps require a stable data connection on both ends. With internet penetration in South Sudan at roughly 12% and frequent connectivity issues, app-based calls frequently drop or fail to connect.

Sayfone (Browser-Based Calling)

$1.38/minRecommended

Recommended

Call South Sudanese landlines and mobiles directly from your browser. Sayfone routes through the traditional phone network, so the recipient doesn't need internet access — just a working phone number.

Bar lengths reflect relative cost tiers for each option — not survey percentages.

CONNECTIVITY CHALLENGES

Why WhatsApp and Internet Calls Often Fail to South Sudan

Internet-based calling apps like WhatsApp, Viber, and Messenger depend on reliable data connections at both ends of the call. In South Sudan, that's rarely guaranteed.

Sayfone's advantage

Sayfone calls are routed through the traditional telephone network (PSTN), not the internet. Your recipient in South Sudan only needs a working phone — no smartphone, no data plan, no Wi-Fi required.

Calls terminate on the local phone network, not over the internet
Works for landlines and basic mobile phones
No app needed on the recipient's side
Consistent connection quality regardless of local internet conditions

Start Calling South Sudan

The problem

1
Extremely Low Internet Penetration
As of early 2024, internet penetration in South Sudan stood at roughly 12.1%, with only about 1.36 million users in a country of over 11 million people. Most potential call recipients simply don't have regular internet access.
- [1]Digital Watch Observatory – South SudanSupports 12.1% penetration and 1.36M users figure
2
Near-Zero Fixed Broadband
South Sudan has virtually no fixed broadband subscriptions. Mobile data through 2G and 3G networks is the primary mode of internet access, but coverage is sparse outside Juba and a few state capitals.
- [1]Digital Watch Observatory – South SudanSupports zero fixed broadband claim
Network Instability and Power Outages
South Sudan's electrical grid is one of the least developed globally. Frequent power outages take cell towers offline, causing dropped calls and making sustained VoIP sessions nearly impossible outside generator-powered areas.
4
Regional Spillover from Sudan's Telecom Crisis
The ongoing civil war in neighbouring Sudan has impacted cross-border connectivity and displaced populations. Refugees arriving in South Sudan further strain already limited telecom resources, and cross-border routing can be affected by Sudan's repeated internet shutdowns.
- [1]BuddeComm – South Sudan Telecoms ReportSupports Sudan conflict impact on South Sudan telecom

Sources

1
Digital Watch Observatory – South Sudan Digital Landscape
Supports internet penetration and connectivity data
2
BuddeComm – South Sudan Telecoms Report
Supports infrastructure challenges

TIPS & TIMING

Best Times and Tips for Calling South Sudan

Time zone awareness and cultural sensitivity can make your calls to South Sudan more successful. Here's what you need to know to connect at the right time.

Time & offsets

South Sudan Time Zone

CAT (UTC+2)

Central Africa Time — no daylight saving

US East Coast → South Sudan

+7 hours (EST) / +6 hours (EDT)

9 AM New York = 4 PM Juba (winter)

US West Coast → South Sudan

+10 hours (PST) / +9 hours (PDT)

9 AM Los Angeles = 7 PM Juba (winter)

UK → South Sudan

+2 hours (GMT) / +1 hour (BST)

12 PM London = 2 PM Juba (winter)

Best time for personal calls

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM CAT (weekday evenings)

Best time for business calls

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CAT (weekday mornings)

Avoid calling

Before 7:00 AM or after 10:00 PM CAT

Friday considerations

Some businesses close early on Fridays; plan morning calls

Calling tips

Expect Network Delays
Calls to South Sudan may take a few extra seconds to connect due to limited switching infrastructure. Allow the line to ring longer than usual before assuming the call has failed.
Try Multiple Times
Network congestion is common, particularly during peak hours. If your first attempt doesn't connect, wait a minute and try again — persistence often pays off.
Confirm the Number Format
South Sudanese numbers use a 9-digit format after the country code: +211 followed by a 2-digit operator/area code and 7-digit subscriber number. Double-check the format before calling.
Keep Calls Concise
At $1.38/min, longer calls add up quickly. Prepare key points before dialing to make the most of your call time.

Etiquette

Greetings Matter
South Sudanese culture values personal greetings. Start calls by asking about the person's wellbeing and family before turning to business matters. Rushing to the point may seem disrespectful.
English Is the Official Language
English is the official language of South Sudan and is widely used in government and business. Arabic (especially Juba Arabic) and local languages like Dinka and Nuer are also commonly spoken.
Patience with Connectivity
Your South Sudanese counterpart may experience dropped calls or audio issues on their end. Be patient and willing to reconnect. This is a normal part of doing business with contacts in South Sudan.

Sources

1
Wikipedia – Time in South Sudan
Supports CAT / UTC+2 time zone information

TOP DESTINATIONS

Popular Cities to Call in South Sudan

Whether you're reaching family in the capital or contacts in regional centres, here are the most-called cities in South Sudan and what to know when dialing them.

Juba

South Sudan's Capital and Largest City

Juba is the political, economic, and cultural heart of South Sudan, situated on the White Nile. It's the primary destination for international calls, hosting most government offices, NGOs, and businesses.

Best time to call: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CAT for business; 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM CAT for personal calls

Malakal

Upper Nile's Major Hub

Malakal is the capital of Upper Nile state and an important commercial centre along the White Nile. It has faced significant conflict-related disruption but remains a key calling destination for diaspora communities.

Best time to call: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM CAT for best connectivity

Wau

Western Bahr el Ghazal's Capital

Wau is the second-largest city in South Sudan and a major commercial hub in the western part of the country. It has better infrastructure than many regional centres, supporting somewhat more reliable phone connectivity.

Best time to call: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CAT weekday mornings

Bor

Jonglei State Capital

Bor is the capital of Jonglei state and an important town for the Dinka community. Mobile coverage can be intermittent, so timing calls during morning hours improves connection success rates.

Best time to call: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM CAT

Yambio

Western Equatoria's Green City

Yambio is the capital of Western Equatoria state, located in the greener southwestern region of South Sudan. It's a calling destination for those with family ties to the Zande community.

Best time to call: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CAT

Start Calling Now

DIALING GUIDE

How to Dial South Sudan Phone Numbers

South Sudan uses the international dialing code +211. Phone numbers follow a 9-digit format after the country code, with a 2-digit operator or area prefix and a 7-digit subscriber number.

South Sudan was assigned the +211 country code by the ITU on 14 July 2011, following its independence. The code went live on 1 October 2011.

Calling a mobile

+211 9X XXX XXXX

+2119X (mobile operator code)XXX XXXX (subscriber number)