MTN
Good balance of national mobility, promotions and everyday prepaid control.
South Africa USSD directory
All SA network USSD codes in one place
A mobile-friendly reference page for common South African USSD actions across MTN, Vodacom, Telkom, Cell C and Rain. Use it to check balances, buy data, find support shortcuts and move quickly between networks.
Network code directory
Tap to dial from your phone, or copy a code for later. Every network section also links back to the main price comparison tool.
Vodacom
Premium mobile network option with strong urban reach and well-known self-service menus.
Balance & airtime
Data & bundles
Telkom
Often the budget-value mobile option for users chasing cheaper prepaid data.
Balance & airtime
Check balance — *188#Telkom prepaid balance and account menu.
Data & bundles
Buy data — *180#Shortcut into Telkom data purchase and bundle services.
Cell C
Value-focused mobile option that leans on partner infrastructure in many areas.
Balance & airtime
Check balance — *101#Main Cell C balance check shortcut.
Data & bundles
Buy data — *147#Cell C menu for data and bundle-related actions.
Rain
Primarily fixed-location and app/web managed rather than traditional mobile USSD driven.
Rain does not use a normal USSD menu structure for consumer account management in the same way as MTN, Vodacom, Telkom or Cell C. Most actions are handled through the Rain app or website.
Frequently asked questions
Useful context for users who land here from search and want a fast answer.
Which network USSD code should I use to check my balance in South Africa?
It depends on your operator. Common examples on this page include *136# for MTN, *135# for Vodacom, *188# for Telkom and *101# for Cell C.
Can I tap these codes directly from my phone?
Yes. The dial buttons use telephone links so mobile users can open their dialer immediately. You can also copy a code first.
Does Rain use USSD codes like the other networks?
No. Rain is handled mainly through the app and website, which is one reason it should be treated differently from the traditional mobile SIM operators.