Example: to ask 083 555 0142 to call you, dial *140*0835550142#
Step by step
- Open your phone's dialler, the screen you use to make a call.
- Type *140*.
- Type their number in full, starting with 0, with no spaces. Swap a +27 at the front for a 0.
- Finish with # and press call. A message on screen confirms it was sent.
The code depends on your SIM, not theirs. From a Telkom SIM you always dial *140*, and it reaches people on Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Telkom alike.
Telkom's code matches Vodacom's. Telkom uses *140*, the same digits as Vodacom. That's why a Telkom and a Vodacom user can share a tip and both be right.
Asking for airtime on Telkom
Telkom doesn't offer an airtime-request code. Send a Please Call Me instead and ask for airtime when they phone, or use the app to send airtime to someone else.
Is a number on Telkom?
Telkom numbers usually start with 0811 to 0815, 0817, 0839, 0614, 0658, 0659 and 0670 to 0685. Numbers that moved networks keep their old prefix, so treat it as a good guess. You don't need to know their network to send a Please Call Me, only yours. To check any number, use the which network tool.
If it won't send
- Check the number. SA cell numbers are 10 digits starting with 06, 07 or 08.
- Check your SIM. If you use a dual-SIM phone, make sure the call goes out on your Telkom SIM.
- Daily limit. Networks cap free requests per day. Try again tomorrow.
- Signal. It needs a cell signal, not data.
Telkom Please Call Me questions
What is the Telkom Please Call Me code?
Dial *140*, then the other person's number, then #. For example *140*0835550142#. It's free and needs no airtime or data.
How do I do a call back on Telkom?
A Telkom call back is a Please Call Me. Dial *140*, their number and #, then press call.
Can I ask for airtime on Telkom?
No. Telkom has no airtime-request code. Send a Please Call Me and ask when they phone back.
Can I send a Telkom Please Call Me to Vodacom, MTN or Cell C?
Yes. Dial Telkom's *140* from your Telkom SIM, and it reaches any South African cell number.
Other networks: Vodacom · MTN · Cell C. All codes on one page: Please Call Me code builder.