Data balance codes
Check balance before you browse again so airtime does not start paying out-of-bundle rates by mistake.
MTN
*136#
Vodacom
*136#
Telkom
*188#
Cell C
*101#
USSD Codes South Africa: MTN, Vodacom, Telkom and Cell C
Start here if you need MTN USSD guidance, verified Please Call Me formats, Telkom USSD codes, Vodacom balance routes, or Cell C balance checks. This hub gives the quick cross-network answer first, then links to the dedicated operator pages when the search is network-specific.
Last updated: 2 August 2026
Quick USSD codes
Start with these current South African USSD routes for balance checks, verified Please Call Me formats, Telkom self-service, data bundles, and airtime advance help.
| Network | Use this for | Code or route | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTN | MTN balance check | *136# | Open |
| Vodacom | Direct balance check | *136# | Open |
| Vodacom | Self-service and bundle menu | *135# | Open |
| Telkom | Check balance | *188# | Open |
| Cell C | How to check Cell C balance | *101# | Open |
| Cell C | Buy bundles and account menu | *147# | Open |
| Airtime advance | Compare borrow-airtime routes | See guide | Open |
Reviewed by Riccardo Vallaro, Telecom & Mobile Services Specialist
Last reviewed: 2 August 2026
Sources we check: Operator USSD menus, public support pages, and in-page conservative notes where direct shortcuts can vary by SIM or tariff.
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Found outdated info?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.
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, airtime advance, or account shortcuts.
Quick Answer
Common balance shortcuts are MTN *136#, Vodacom *136#, Telkom *188#, and Cell C *101#. MTN does not currently publish a network-wide Please Call Me shortcut in its public guidance, so use the MTN support routes instead of relying on a legacy code. Use this hub for cross-network comparison, then jump to Telkom USSD codes or how to check Cell C balance when the intent becomes network-specific.
For network-price or bundle intent instead of code lookup, go to the Vodacom data prices page. If your query is how to check balance on Vodacom, use the dedicated guide. For broader prepaid pricing research, open the cheapest data comparison guide.
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.
Mobile data is on but not working
Use this when balance checks pass but browsing still fails.
Vodacom data not working
Check Vodacom balance, APN, signal, and account status.
MTN data not working
Troubleshoot MTN data after checking USSD balances.
Stop WASP services on Vodacom
A focused quick fix for recurring premium deductions.
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#
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
No verified public shortcut - use MTN App or 135
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
*136*2*6#
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.
Airtime disappearing quick fix
Check whether deductions are WASP, data fallback, or renewals.
MTN USSD codes
Use MTN shortcuts for balance, buying bundles, and account self-service without opening the app.
Balance
VerifiedCheck Balance
View your remaining airtime and data bundles.
Airtime / Recharge
VerifiedRecharge Account
Top up your MTN prepaid account.
Data / Bundles
VerifiedBuy Data / Bundles
Access the menu to buy data and specialized bundles.
Transfers
VerifiedMTN Me2U (Transfer)
Transfer airtime or data to other MTN users.
Other
VerifiedOwn-number Help
MTN does not currently publish a network-wide own-number USSD shortcut; check the MTN App, SIM details, or call 135.
Support / Customer care
VerifiedMTN Helpdesk
Direct line to MTN customer support.
Promotions / Advance airtime / Extras
VerifiedXtraTime
Open the current XtraTime menu for eligible airtime or data advances; *151# may remain available on some profiles.
Promotions
VerifiedMTN Made4U / personalised offers
Check Made4U and other SIM-specific offers, including MyTownOffers where the line and location qualify.
Vodacom USSD codes
Vodacom users can check balances, buy data, and reach self-service menus from the dialler.
Balance
VerifiedDirect Balance Check
Check your Vodacom airtime and bundle balances directly.
Balance
VerifiedMain Self-service Menu
Open Vodacom self-service, including bundle and account menus.
Airtime / Recharge
VerifiedRecharge with Voucher
Load a prepaid voucher by inserting its recharge PIN.
Data / Bundles
VerifiedBuy Data / Bundles
Open the main Vodacom menu, then select the current bundle option and follow the prompts.
Transfers
VerifiedData Bundle Transfer / Buy
Open Vodacom's published data-bundle transfer and purchase route, then follow the current prompts.
Number / SIM info
VerifiedCheck My Number
Displays your current MSISDN (cellphone number).
Self-service / Account
VerifiedManage My Account
Change settings, manage VAS services and update profile.
Support / Customer care
VerifiedCustomer 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
VerifiedCheck Balance
Shows airtime, Anytime data and Night Surfer balances where applicable.
Data / Bundles
VerifiedBuy Data
Open Telkom self-service to buy standard bundles and use supported account actions.
Number / SIM info
VerifiedCheck My Number
Displays your Telkom mobile number.
Support / Customer care
VerifiedCustomer Care
Call for Telkom technical and account support.
Promotions
VerifiedMo'Nice Deals
View personalised Telkom data and voice offers available to your line; prices and eligibility vary by customer.
Cell C USSD codes
Cell C USSD shortcuts help with balance checks, bundle buying, and account actions when airtime is tight.
Balance
VerifiedCheck Balance
View your airtime and data bundle status.
Data / Bundles
VerifiedBuy Bundles
Open Cell C self-service, select the bundle action shown on your line, and follow the prompts.
Other
VerifiedOwn-number Help
Cell C does not currently publish a verified own-number USSD shortcut; check the SIM packaging or account details, or call 135.
Support / Customer care
VerifiedCustomer Service
Speak to a Cell C representative.
Promotions
VerifiedAlternative Prepaid Offers
Check alternative prepaid offers available to your Cell C line; use *147# for ordinary bundle and account menus.
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
VerifiedDirect Balance Check
Check your Vodacom airtime and bundle balances directly.
*136#
Vodacom / Balance
VerifiedMain Self-service Menu
Open Vodacom self-service, including bundle and account menus.
*135#
Vodacom / Airtime / Recharge
VerifiedRecharge with Voucher
Load a prepaid voucher by inserting its recharge PIN.
*136*01*PIN#
Vodacom / Data / Bundles
VerifiedBuy Data / Bundles
Open the main Vodacom menu, then select the current bundle option and follow the prompts.
*135#
Vodacom / Transfers
VerifiedData Bundle Transfer / Buy
Open Vodacom's published data-bundle transfer and purchase route, then follow the current prompts.
*135*1002#
Vodacom / Number / SIM info
VerifiedCheck My Number
Displays your current MSISDN (cellphone number).
*135*501#
Vodacom / Self-service / Account
VerifiedManage My Account
Change settings, manage VAS services and update profile.
*135#
Vodacom / Support / Customer care
VerifiedCustomer Care Call
Call center support for all queries.
135
Vodacom / Promotions
VerifiedJust 4 You Deals
Personalized data and voice deals tailored to your usage.
*123#
MTN / Balance
VerifiedCheck Balance
View your remaining airtime and data bundles.
*136#
MTN / Airtime / Recharge
VerifiedRecharge Account
Top up your MTN prepaid account.
*136*VoucherCode#
MTN / Data / Bundles
VerifiedBuy Data / Bundles
Access the menu to buy data and specialized bundles.
*136*2#
MTN / Transfers
VerifiedMTN Me2U (Transfer)
Transfer airtime or data to other MTN users.
*136*3#
MTN / Other
VerifiedOwn-number Help
MTN does not currently publish a network-wide own-number USSD shortcut; check the MTN App, SIM details, or call 135.
N/A
MTN / Support / Customer care
VerifiedMTN Helpdesk
Direct line to MTN customer support.
135
MTN / Promotions / Advance airtime / Extras
VerifiedXtraTime
Open the current XtraTime menu for eligible airtime or data advances; *151# may remain available on some profiles.
*136*2*6#
MTN / Promotions
VerifiedMTN Made4U / personalised offers
Check Made4U and other SIM-specific offers, including MyTownOffers where the line and location qualify.
*142#
Telkom / Balance
VerifiedCheck Balance
Shows airtime, Anytime data and Night Surfer balances where applicable.
*188#
Telkom / Data / Bundles
VerifiedBuy Data
Open Telkom self-service to buy standard bundles and use supported account actions.
*180#
Telkom / Number / SIM info
VerifiedCheck My Number
Displays your Telkom mobile number.
*1#
Telkom / Support / Customer care
VerifiedCustomer Care
Call for Telkom technical and account support.
180
Telkom / Promotions
VerifiedMo'Nice Deals
View personalised Telkom data and voice offers available to your line; prices and eligibility vary by customer.
*123#
Cell C / Balance
VerifiedCheck Balance
View your airtime and data bundle status.
*101#
Cell C / Data / Bundles
VerifiedBuy Bundles
Open Cell C self-service, select the bundle action shown on your line, and follow the prompts.
*147#
Cell C / Other
VerifiedOwn-number Help
Cell C does not currently publish a verified own-number USSD shortcut; check the SIM packaging or account details, or call 135.
N/A
Cell C / Support / Customer care
VerifiedCustomer Service
Speak to a Cell C representative.
135
Cell C / Promotions
VerifiedAlternative Prepaid Offers
Check alternative prepaid offers available to your Cell C line; use *147# for ordinary bundle and account menus.
*141#
Rain / Other
VerifiedRain 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 *136#, 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?
Use MTN *136*2#, the Vodacom *135# menu, Telkom *180#, or the Cell C *147# menu. Follow the current prompts before confirming a bundle.
What is the Please Call Me code in South Africa?
Vodacom and Telkom publish *140*the-number#, while Cell C publishes *111*the-number#. MTN does not currently publish a network-wide shortcut in its public guidance; use the MTN App or call 135 for help.
Can I borrow airtime with USSD?
Sometimes, yes. MTN currently advertises XtraTime on *136*2*6# and also documents *151# as an alternative on some profiles. 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.
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: 2 August 2026
Why trust this guide: Based on public network USSD menus, operator support pages, conservative shortcut wording, and South African prepaid user workflows.
Found something outdated? Send a correction.