Data balance codes
Check balance before you browse again so airtime does not start paying out-of-bundle rates by mistake.
MTN
*136#
Vodacom
*135#
Telkom
*188#
Cell C
*101#
USSD Codes South Africa
Start here if you need the main USSD codes for MTN, Vodacom, Telkom, and Cell C. Use the shortcuts below to check airtime or data balance, buy bundles, and reach self-service menus quickly.
Last updated: 1 May 2026
Reviewed by DataCost editorial team
Last reviewed: 1 May 2026
Sources we check: Operator USSD menus, public support pages, and in-page conservative notes where direct shortcuts can vary by SIM or tariff.
Found outdated info? Send a correction.
On this page
Need quick access to network-specific codes?
Jump straight to the dedicated operator pages if you only need one network’s balance, buy-data, or account shortcuts.
Quick Answer
If you need a fast answer, start with the balance code for your network, then buy a bundle before you browse again. The operator sections below give you the main USSD shortcuts South African prepaid users use most often for balance checks, data buying, and account help.
Fix Airtime and Data Problems
If your airtime is disappearing, see our full fix guide before topping up again. If bundles are dropping too quickly, follow the dedicated data troubleshooting pages.
Stop airtime being used automatically
Fix recurring deductions, WASP charges, and premium SMS issues.
Why your data disappears
Check background data, app updates, and out-of-bundle triggers.
Why data finishes so fast
Apply practical mobile settings that make bundles last longer.
How to stop WASP services
Cancel hidden subscription billing and protect future recharges.
Buy data codes
Use these shortcuts when you need a bundle fast and do not want to rely on the operator app.
MTN
*136*2#
Vodacom
*135*2#
Telkom
*180#
Cell C
*147#
Please call me codes
These are commonly used callback formats. If a format fails, use the operator menu or support path instead of guessing.
Vodacom
*140*0821234567#
MTN
*121*0821234567#
Telkom
*140*0821234567#
Cell C
*111*0821234567#
Airtime advance codes
Borrow airtime routes vary more by operator and eligibility, so these entries stay conservative unless the shortcut is clearly verified.
Vodacom
*135# menu
MTN
*151#
Telkom
*180# menu
Cell C
*147# menu
Balance checks and next steps
How to Check Data Balance
Use the balance guide before you buy another bundle.
Check MTN data balance
Use MTN USSD and app routes before browsing again.
Check Vodacom data balance
Use Vodacom USSD and MyVodacom to confirm active bundles.
Check MTN airtime balance
Confirm airtime before out-of-bundle usage starts.
Check Vodacom airtime balance
Useful if airtime keeps dropping after data ends.
How to Buy Data on MTN
Operator-specific buy path for MTN users.
How to Buy Data on Vodacom
Use this when Vodacom app access is not the fastest option.
How to Buy Data on Telkom
See the main Telkom bundle-buy flow and Mo’Nice context.
How to Buy Data on Cell C
Useful if you need a fast Cell C buy-data path from airtime.
Stop WASP Subscriptions
Use this if airtime keeps disappearing in small recurring deductions.
MTN USSD codes
Use MTN shortcuts for balance, buying bundles, and account self-service without opening the app.
Balance
Check Balance
View your remaining airtime and data bundles.
Airtime / Recharge
Recharge Account
Top up your MTN prepaid account.
Data / Bundles
Buy Data / Bundles
Access the menu to buy data and specialized bundles.
Transfers
MTN Me2U (Transfer)
Transfer airtime or data to other MTN users.
Number / SIM info
Check My Number
Quickly find your own phone number.
Support / Customer care
MTN Helpdesk
Direct line to MTN customer support.
Promotions / Advance airtime / Extras
XtraTime
Advance airtime or data when you are low on balance.
Promotions
MTN Made4U
Discounted data bundles and personalized network offers.
Vodacom USSD codes
Vodacom users can check balances, buy data, and reach self-service menus from the dialler.
Balance
Check Balance (Main)
Quick summary of airtime, data and SMS balances.
Balance
Detailed Balance
Get a full breakdown of all your active bundles.
Airtime / Recharge
Recharge with Voucher
Instantly top up your account using a physical voucher.
Data / Bundles
Buy Data / Bundles
Purchase daily, weekly or monthly data and social bundles.
Transfers
Transfer Airtime / Data
Send airtime or data to another Vodacom number.
Number / SIM info
Check My Number
Displays your current MSISDN (cellphone number).
Self-service / Account
Manage My Account
Change settings, manage VAS services and update profile.
Support / Customer care
Customer Care Call
Call center support for all queries.
Telkom USSD codes
Telkom USSD is especially useful for balance checks, Mo’Nice access, and quick prepaid bundle actions.
Balance
Check Balance
Shows your anytime and night-owl data balances.
Data / Bundles
Buy Data
The main menu for purchasing Telkom Mo'Nice and standard bundles.
Number / SIM info
Check My Number
Displays your Telkom mobile number.
Support / Customer care
Customer Care
Call for Telkom technical and account support.
Promotions
Mo'Nice Deals
Telkom's best personalized data and airtime deals.
Cell C USSD codes
Cell C USSD shortcuts help with balance checks, bundle buying, and account actions when airtime is tight.
Balance
Check Balance
View your airtime and data bundle status.
Data / Bundles
Buy Bundles
Choose from a variety of data, voice, and SMS bundles.
Number / SIM info
Check My Number
Confirm your Cell C mobile number.
Support / Customer care
Customer Service
Speak to a Cell C representative.
Promotions
Cell C For You
Access special discounted offers for your SIM.
Rain support path
Rain plans are usually managed through online account tools rather than a public prepaid USSD menu. Use the Rain network page when you want current package context, and verify account actions inside Rain's official account area.
View Rain data prices and packagesSearch all available codes
Vodacom / Balance
Check Balance (Main)
Quick summary of airtime, data and SMS balances.
*135#
Vodacom / Balance
Detailed Balance
Get a full breakdown of all your active bundles.
*135*502#
Vodacom / Airtime / Recharge
Recharge with Voucher
Instantly top up your account using a physical voucher.
*136*VoucherCode#
Vodacom / Data / Bundles
Buy Data / Bundles
Purchase daily, weekly or monthly data and social bundles.
*135*2#
Vodacom / Transfers
Transfer Airtime / Data
Send airtime or data to another Vodacom number.
*135*1002#
Vodacom / Number / SIM info
Check My Number
Displays your current MSISDN (cellphone number).
*135*501#
Vodacom / Self-service / Account
Manage My Account
Change settings, manage VAS services and update profile.
*135#
Vodacom / Support / Customer care
Customer Care Call
Call center support for all queries.
135
Vodacom / Promotions
Just 4 You Deals
Personalized data and voice deals tailored to your usage.
*123#
MTN / Balance
Check Balance
View your remaining airtime and data bundles.
*136#
MTN / Airtime / Recharge
Recharge Account
Top up your MTN prepaid account.
*136*VoucherCode#
MTN / Data / Bundles
Buy Data / Bundles
Access the menu to buy data and specialized bundles.
*136*2#
MTN / Transfers
MTN Me2U (Transfer)
Transfer airtime or data to other MTN users.
*136*3#
MTN / Number / SIM info
Check My Number
Quickly find your own phone number.
*123*888#
MTN / Support / Customer care
MTN Helpdesk
Direct line to MTN customer support.
135
MTN / Promotions / Advance airtime / Extras
XtraTime
Advance airtime or data when you are low on balance.
*151#
MTN / Promotions
MTN Made4U
Discounted data bundles and personalized network offers.
*142#
Telkom / Balance
Check Balance
Shows your anytime and night-owl data balances.
*188#
Telkom / Data / Bundles
Buy Data
The main menu for purchasing Telkom Mo'Nice and standard bundles.
*180#
Telkom / Number / SIM info
Check My Number
Displays your Telkom mobile number.
*1#
Telkom / Support / Customer care
Customer Care
Call for Telkom technical and account support.
180
Telkom / Promotions
Mo'Nice Deals
Telkom's best personalized data and airtime deals.
*123#
Cell C / Balance
Check Balance
View your airtime and data bundle status.
*101#
Cell C / Data / Bundles
Buy Bundles
Choose from a variety of data, voice, and SMS bundles.
*147#
Cell C / Number / SIM info
Check My Number
Confirm your Cell C mobile number.
*147*100#
Cell C / Support / Customer care
Customer Service
Speak to a Cell C representative.
135
Cell C / Promotions
Cell C For You
Access special discounted offers for your SIM.
*108#
Rain / Other
Rain Management
Rain is fully managed via the Rain app or website.
N/A
Methodology and trust
Independent analysis: DataCost compiles public network shortcuts and common consumer workflows so users can solve prepaid tasks faster.
Codes and menu trees can change. Where a direct network-wide shortcut is not clearly supported, this page keeps the wording conservative and points users back to the operator menu instead of inventing a direct code.
See our cheapest data guide, network comparison hub, and methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the USSD code to check airtime or data balance in South Africa?
Common balance shortcuts are MTN *136#, Vodacom *135#, Telkom *188#, and Cell C *101#. If a code routes differently on your line, use the network-specific USSD page for that operator.
How do I buy data using USSD in South Africa?
Typical buy-data shortcuts are MTN *136*2#, Vodacom *135*2#, Telkom *180#, and Cell C *147#. These let you buy bundles without relying on the app.
What is the Please Call Me code in South Africa?
The format differs by network and can change. This page lists commonly used formats for Vodacom, MTN, Telkom, and Cell C, but if a code fails you should use the operator’s self-service menu or support channel.
Can I borrow airtime with USSD?
Sometimes, yes. MTN has a verified XtraTime route on *151#. Other operators may place airtime-advance access inside their main self-service menus, so this page keeps that wording conservative where direct verification is less clear.