How to recharge and use your local South African SIM Card

South African network provider have excellent USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) support which may not be familiar to all overseas travellers. Dial these codes into your phone to access self service options, like check airtime balances, load more airtime from tokens bought in shops, find your phone number, ask someone to call you back. 

USSD code main menu for each network provider

USSD codes are specific to each network provider. Usually you just need to remember to main menu code and then navigate to what you need. Here are the main network provider main menu USSD codes:

• Telkom Mobile: *180#

• Vodacom: *135#

• MTN: 1360#

• Cell C: *147#

---

Main USSD codes for each network provider

To save time save these codes on your phone notes for easy retrieval:

Main Telkom USSD Codes

• Access main menu: *180#

• Check airtime balance: *188#

• Load airtime to your phone: 188voucher number#

• Find out your number: *1#

• Send airtime to another user: *180# and select Transfer Airtime option

• Send a Please Call Me: 140mobile number#

• Request airtime from another user: 

Main Vodacom USSD Codes

• Access main menu: *135#

• Check airtime balance: *136#

• Load airtime to your phone: 13601*voucher PIN#

• Find out your number: 135501#

• Send airtime to another user: 135072# (*135*1002# for data transfer)

• Send a Please Call Me: 140mobile number#

• Request airtime from another user: 14002*mobile number#

Main MTN USSD Codes

• Access main menu: 1360#

• Check airtime balance: *136#

• Load airtime to your phone: 136voucher number#

• Find out your number: 123888#

• Send airtime to another user: 1363#

• Send a Please Call Me: 121mobile number#

• Request airtime from another user: 1416328*sponsor’s mobile number#

Main Cell C USSD Codes

• Access main menu: *147#

• Check airtime balance: *101#

• Load airtime to your phone: 102voucher PIN#

• Find out your number: 147100#

• Send airtime to another user: 147333* recipient cellphone number* amount of airtime#

• Send a Please Call Me: 111mobile number#

• Request airtime from another user: 1023#

---

How to buy airtime and data bundles when travelling in South Africa

1. Buy Airtime Vouchers

Airtime can be purchased almost everywhere:

• Supermarkets

• Petrol stations

• Convenience stores

• Shopping centres

• Mobile network stores

You’ll receive a printed voucher with a recharge code.

2. Recharge via USSD Code

Most South African networks use a simple recharge process. Use the USSD codes listed above. The recharge is usually instant.

3. Buy Data Bundles

If you have loaded airtime, you can convert it into a data package through:

• Network apps

• USSD menus

• In-store assistance

Most travellers mainly use data rather than traditional calls.

Can You Use Bank Cards?

Yes, you can use international bank cards.

• Buy airtime directly using a credit/debit card

• Recharge through mobile apps

• Purchase bundles online

South Africa has modern banking and payment systems, and card payments are widely accepted.

Check out our other blog posts for more travel advice for international travellers visiting Mpumalanga.

---

About ilanda Guest House

ilanda Guest House offers 4-star accommodation in White River, Mpumalanga. Ideally located near shopping centres and mobile stores where guests can easily recharge and manage their South African SIM cards. We’re always happy to help travellers with practical local advice to make exploring the Lowveld simple and stress-free.

Book your stay with us for a comfortable and well-connected base near Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route.