2024 Guide to Borrow Airtime and Send ‘Please Call Me’ on MTN, Vodacom, Cell C, Telkom in SA

Staying connected in South Africa is crucial, whether it’s for emergencies, work, or keeping in touch with loved ones. Fortunately, the leading mobile operators in South Africa—MTN, Vodacom, Cell C, and Telkom—provide convenient solutions for when you’re low on airtime or need to send a quick notification for someone to call you back. This comprehensive guide outlines how to send “Please Call Me” messages and borrow airtime across these networks.

MTN

Sending a CallBack

• Dial: *121*(cellphone number)# and press send.

Personalizing Your CallBack

• Customize: Dial *121# and follow the prompts.

Borrowing Airtime (XtraTime)

• USSD: Dial *136*2#, choose “XtraTime”, select the amount, and confirm.
• App: Use the MTN app to select the amount under “Borrow” in the “Recharge” section.
• Web: Through the MyMTN website, navigate to “Borrow Airtime”.

Vodacom

Sending a “Please Call Me”

• Dial: *140*recipient's number#.

Borrowing Airtime (Airtime Advance)

• USSD: Dial *135# or *135*082#, choose ‘Airtime & Transfers’ or ‘Airtime’, select the amount, and confirm with ‘1’. An R1.10 access fee applies.
• Web/App: Available through the Vodacom website or MyVodacom App.

Cell C

Sending a Please Call Me

• Dial: *111*phone number# or *147*911#.

Personalizing Your Message

• Customize: Dial *111*1# and follow prompts.

Borrowing Airtime (Emergency Airtime)

• Online: Through the Emergency Recharge section in online self-service.
• USSD: Dial *147#, choose Emergency Recharge.
• App: Use the Cell C app for Emergency Recharge.

Borrowing Data

• Methods: Similar to borrowing airtime, select Emergency Data or WhatsApp bundles through the same channels.

Telkom

Sending a “Please Call Me” Message

• Dial: *140*the recipient's number#.

Borrowing Airtime

• USSD: Dial *180# and choose Emergency Top Up.

Conclusion

MTN, Vodacom, Cell C, and Telkom provide a lifeline in situations where you need to reach out without having airtime. Whether it’s sending a “Please Call Me” message when you can’t make a call or borrowing airtime or data to ensure you stay connected, these services are invaluable for South Africans. Always ensure to repay any borrowed amounts promptly to maintain eligibility for these essential services. Stay connected, stay informed, and ensure you’re never out of touch, regardless of your airtime balance.