How to Send an SMS in South Africa

1. Purchase a cell phone handset when you arrive in South Africa, or use your existing phone if it is not locked to your home network. If your visit will be brief and you do not wish to buy a new phone, hire a handset at the airport.
2. Choose a mobile network from the four service providers in South Africa. Vodacom is the largest, followed by MTN, then Cell C and the most recent service, Virgin Mobile. Each provider's rates are similar, but choose the best deal for you depending on what you anticipate using your phone for while in South Africa. Consider whether you will be mostly sending texts, making calls, or using a lot of Internet data.
3. Buy a prepaid SIM card. This tiny chip is your key to getting connected. You can purchase a prepaid starter pack from a wide range of grocery stores, pharmacies and bookstores in South Africa from as little as 6 cents. Purchase directly from a retail outlet of your chosen service provider if you don't mind paying a little extra. There, you will have the convenience of a network employee on hand to answer your questions and offer assistance.
4. Insert the SIM card into your handset. This procedure will differ according to what type of phone you are using, but a store assistant should be able to help you perform this correctly. Remember, the SIM slot may be located under your phone's battery. Switch your phone on and follow the on-screen instructions to automatically register your SIM. You will receive a text message containing your new phone number, so save this or write it down.
5. Decide how much credit you would like to add to your phone account, and buy your first airtime top-up voucher. You can get this from the store where you purchased your SIM card, or alternatively from most convenience stores and gas stations. You can also top up your credit at an ATM using a debit or credit card.
6. Navigate through your handset menus to the SMS or text message option and select 'send new message,' or the equivalent command on your phone. Type your message, and enter the recipient's cell phone number. For an international text, remember to add 00 to the beginning of the number to send the message out of South Africa, followed by number 1, the U.S. dialing code. Press 'send' to launch your first SMS from South Africa.