Before you accept an advance
- Confirm the repayment amount shown on screen.
- Check whether a service fee or access fee applies.
- Remember that repayment can happen automatically when you recharge.
Updated 1 September 2026
How to Borrow Airtime: Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Telkom
If you need to borrow airtime from Vodacom, MTN, Cell C or Telkom, use the network-specific starting point below. The self-service menu should show whether your SIM is eligible, plus any fee and repayment amount, before you accept an advance.
Quick answer
To borrow airtime from Vodacom, dial *135*082# and check whether an advance is offered for your SIM. MTN users can dial *151# or choose XtraTime from *136*2#, Telkom users can start with *180#, and Cell C users with *147#. Check the fee, eligibility, and repayment amount on screen before accepting any airtime advance.
| Network | What users want | Starting point | Jump link |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTN | Borrow airtime / check advance | *151# | Jump to MTN |
| Vodacom | Airtime advance / emergency airtime | *135*082# | Jump to Vodacom |
| Telkom | Telkom emergency airtime | *180# menu | Jump to Telkom |
| Cell C | Borrow airtime from Cell C | *147# menu | Jump to Cell C |
Reviewed by Riccardo Vallaro, Telecom & Mobile Services Specialist
Last reviewed: 1 September 2026
Sources we check: DataCost USSD repository, operator self-service menus, and public support routes where available.
Why trust this: Guides are based on public operator pricing, USSD flows, official support pages, and South African prepaid user needs.
Found outdated info? Send a correction.
Airtime advance code comparison
| Network | Starting code | Product or route | Eligibility and repayment note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTN | *151# | MTN XtraTime MTN also documents *136*2# followed by the XtraTime option. | Repayment and any service fee are normally deducted from your next recharge or incoming airtime. See MTN USSD codes |
| Vodacom | *135*082# | Vodacom Airtime/Data Advance Vodacom publishes this direct route; use *135# as a fallback if the option is not shown. | Vodacom says repayment plus a fee is deducted from the next recharge; confirm the amount before accepting. See Vodacom USSD codes |
| Telkom | *180# menu | Airtime advance via self-service menu Use the Telkom self-service menu; advance-airtime options can depend on prepaid profile and eligibility. | Confirm the repayment amount and timing shown on the Telkom menu before accepting. See Telkom USSD codes |
| Cell C | *147# menu | Airtime advance via self-service menu Use the Cell C bundle and self-service menu; available advance options can vary. | Check the fee and deduction rules on screen before you accept the advance. See Cell C USSD codesCompare Cell C data deals |
Why advance airtime fails
- Your SIM has not built enough recharge or usage history for an advance offer.
- A previous airtime advance or service fee may still need to be repaid.
- The network may not currently have an advance offer for your prepaid profile.
- Your SIM, tariff plan, or account status may not qualify for the specific advance product.
- The USSD session may time out or fail during network congestion; try again from a place with stronger signal.
Per-network USSD pages
Airtime advance FAQ
How do I borrow airtime from Vodacom?
Dial *135*082# for Vodacom Airtime/Data Advance, or use *135# as a fallback. Vodacom says the SIM must have been active for at least three months; review the fee and repayment amount before accepting.
What is the MTN airtime advance code?
Dial *151# for MTN XtraTime, or dial *136*2# and select XtraTime. Check the fee and repayment amount before accepting.
What is the Vodacom airtime advance code?
Dial *135*082# for Vodacom Airtime/Data Advance. If that route is not shown for your SIM, use the *135# self-service menu as a fallback.
Why can airtime advance fail?
It can fail when your SIM is not eligible, a previous advance has not been repaid, the offer is not available on your profile, or the USSD session times out.
Does airtime advance cost extra?
A service fee or access fee can apply. The exact repayment amount should be shown by the network before you confirm the advance.
Author and review notes
Written by Riccardo Vallaro
Telecom & Mobile Services Specialist
Mobile services and telecom professional with experience across VAS, carrier billing, mobile content, and African operator partnerships.
Reviewed / updated: 1 September 2026
Why trust this guide: Guides are based on public operator pricing, USSD flows, official support pages, and South African prepaid user needs.
Found something outdated? Send a correction.