How to check your balance on any SA network
The free codes to check your airtime and data balance, and to find your own number, on Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Telkom. They work with no airtime.
- Vodacom*136
# - MTN*136
# - Cell C*101
# - Telkom*188
#
Vodacom
- Airtime balance*136
# Shows your airtime and any bundles you bought.
- Data balance*136
# The same screen lists your data bundles.
- Your own number
No code we could verify. Easy check: send a free Please Call Me to a friend. The message shows them your number.
MTN
- Airtime balance*136
# Shows your airtime balance.
- Data balance*136*1
# Detailed balances, including data bundles.
- Your own number*123*888
# Shows the number of the SIM you dial from.
Cell C
- Airtime balance*101
# Shows your airtime balance.
- Data balance*101
# Also on *147#, option 3, for a detailed view.
- Your own number
No code we could verify. Easy check: send a free Please Call Me to a friend. The message shows them your number.
Telkom
- Airtime balance*188
# Shows your airtime and data balances.
- Data balance*188
# Data and voice balances together.
- Your own number*1
# Shows your number on screen.
Balance codes at a glance
| Task | Vodacom | MTN | Cell C | Telkom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airtime balance | *136# | *136# | *101# | *188# |
| Data balance | *136# | *136*1# | *101# | *188# |
| Your own number | None verified | *123*888# | None verified | *1# |
Checked on 14 Nov 2026 against:
Checking your balance, step by step
Open your phone's dialler, type your network's code from the table, and press call. Your balance appears on screen a moment later, and some networks also send it by SMS. Use the code for the network your SIM is on. On a dual-SIM phone, make sure the call goes out on the right SIM.
Balance at zero?
You can still reach people for free. Send a Please Call Me to ask someone to phone you, or an airtime request to ask them to top you up. To buy data or move airtime around, see the airtime and data codes.
Balance code FAQ
How do I check my airtime balance?
Vodacom and MTN: dial *136#. Cell C: dial *101#. Telkom: dial *188#. Checking is free and works with no airtime.
How do I check my data balance?
Vodacom: *136# lists your bundles. MTN: *136*1# for detailed balances. Cell C: *101#. Telkom: *188# shows data and voice together.
How do I find my own number?
MTN: dial *123*888#. Telkom: dial *1#. For Vodacom and Cell C we couldn't verify a code, so send a free Please Call Me to a friend: the message shows them your number.
Does checking my balance cost anything?
No. Balance codes are free, and they work even when your airtime is at zero.
Why does my balance look wrong?
Out-of-bundle charges and recurring subscriptions can use airtime. Vodacom lets you cancel recurring bundles and subscriptions on *135*997#.