USSD codes for contract users South Africa help you check balances, view remaining data or minutes, buy extra bundles, manage some SIM services, and find the right support route without opening a mobile app. The safest starting point is to choose your network first, then use the official balance, self-service, or support code linked to that provider.
Last checked: 26 June 2026. Codes and menu options can change, especially for contract, TopUp, hybrid, router SIM, business, family, and promotional plans. Before accepting any paid option, contract change, spend-limit change, roaming service, or bundle purchase, confirm the details on your provider’s official app, website, call centre, or store channel.
Quick Contract USSD Codes List
| Provider | USSD code | What it helps with | Contract-user note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodacom | *135# | Main Vodacom self-service menu | Vodacom lists this as a USSD service for contract and prepaid users. Use it to start, then follow the menu prompts carefully. (Vodacom) |
| Vodacom | *135*502# | Contract balance enquiry | Vodacom lists this as the contract balance enquiry route. Dial it from the Vodacom contract SIM you want to check. (Vodacom) |
| MTN | *136# | Balance check | MTN lists *136# under balance checking. The exact balance categories can differ by plan. (MTN) |
| MTN | *136*1# | Detailed balance enquiry | Useful when you need more detail on data, airtime, SMS, promotional value, or bundle balances. MTN terms pages also reference *136*1# for detailed balance enquiry. (MTN) |
| MTN | *136*2# | Buy bundles | MTN lists *136*2# as a USSD route to buy bundles. Confirm cost, expiry, and whether the bundle is billed to your account before accepting. (MTN) |
| MTN | *162# | Contract self-help | MTN lists *162# as a route for contract questions and self-help. (MTN) |
| Telkom | *180# | Self-service menu | Telkom lists *180# for self-service. Use it for Telkom mobile self-service tasks where available. (Telkom) |
| Telkom | *188# | Balance check | Telkom lists *188# or calling 188 as balance-check options. (Telkom) |
| Cell C | *101# | Balance check | Cell C lists *101# as one of the ways to check account balance. (Cell C) |
| Cell C | *147# | Service menu and balance options | Cell C lists *147# with balance and other service-menu options. (Cell C) |
Use this table as a quick directory, not as a guarantee that every option will work on every contract. Some menus depend on the SIM type, billing profile, account holder permissions, spend limits, value-added services, roaming status, and whether the line is personal, business, TopUp, or data-only.
For a broader directory, start with USSD codes South Africa. For provider-specific help, go to Vodacom USSD codes, MTN USSD codes, Telkom USSD codes, or Cell C USSD codes.
Browse by Provider, Bank, or Task
Provider-specific links
| User need | Best next page | Why this is the right next step |
|---|---|---|
| I want the full South African USSD directory | USSD codes South Africa | Use this if you are not sure whether your issue belongs under mobile, banking, payments, support, or another USSD category. |
| I use Vodacom contract, TopUp, or uChoose | Vodacom USSD codes | Use this for Vodacom balance, bundle, airtime, support, and SIM-service guidance. |
| I use MTN contract or hybrid account | MTN USSD codes | Use this for MTN balance checks, bundle purchases, contract self-help, and related account-support options. |
| I use Telkom mobile, LTE, or router SIM | Telkom USSD codes | Use this for Telkom self-service, balance checks, mobile-account routes, and router-SIM guidance. |
| I use Cell C contract or monthly spend limit | Cell C USSD codes | Use this for Cell C balance checks, service-menu support, spend-limit guidance, and contract support routes. |
Task-specific filters
| Task | Where to start | What to check before continuing |
|---|---|---|
| Check contract balance | Use your provider’s balance code from the quick table | Make sure you are using the SIM linked to the account you want to check. |
| Check remaining data | Use the detailed balance option if your provider gives one | Confirm whether the screen shows anytime data, night data, promotional data, shared data, or rollover data. |
| Check minutes or SMS | Use the provider balance or detailed balance menu | Look for expiry dates and whether the minutes apply to all networks or on-net calls only. |
| Buy extra data | Use the provider bundle or self-service menu | Confirm bundle size, cost, validity, billing method, and whether the bundle is recurring. |
| Check router SIM usage | Use the SIM in a phone if USSD is supported, or use the provider app/portal | Some routers do not support USSD directly, so the app or web self-service portal may be easier. |
| Manage roaming | Use official provider support or self-service | Roaming can create high charges, so check rates, spend limits, and bundle coverage before activating. |
| Change spend limits | Use the provider app, logged-in self-service, or support route | Spend-limit changes may require account-holder permission or identity checks. |
| Query a bill | Use provider support and keep a reference number | Keep screenshots, dates, SMS messages, invoice lines, and any menu confirmations. |
| Cancel a paid service | Use the provider’s official subscription or services menu | Do not rely on an unofficial code if airtime or contract billing is involved. |
Bank-specific links and warnings
Bank USSD codes are for bank-account services, not for changing your mobile contract. Use a bank USSD code only when you are checking a bank balance, buying airtime from a bank account, making a payment, or managing a banking service.
Do not enter a banking PIN into a mobile-provider menu unless you are certain it is an official payment flow from your bank or provider. If a USSD screen asks for a password, PIN, OTP, card number, or banking credential unexpectedly, stop and use the official bank app, provider app, call centre, or branch route instead.
How to Use These USSD Codes
- Confirm your network. If you have ported your number, the number prefix may not show the correct network. Use the SIM’s current provider, not the old number range.
- Use the contract SIM itself. Many USSD menus work only from the SIM linked to that account. If you dial from another SIM, the code may fail or show the wrong account.
- Dial the code exactly. Include the star and hash symbols. For example, a balance code must be dialled as shown, not typed into SMS or WhatsApp.
- Wait for the menu to load. USSD needs network signal. If the session times out, move to a stronger signal area or try again later.
- Read the full screen before choosing. USSD menus are short, and some options may lead to purchases, subscription management, roaming, or account changes.
- Check the cost before accepting. If a screen shows a bundle price, monthly fee, once-off charge, subscription, out-of-bundle setting, or recurring option, do not press confirm unless you understand the charge.
- Take a screenshot if there is a problem. If your bill, bundle, or balance looks wrong, keep the time, date, code used, message shown, and any reference number.
- Use the official support route if the code fails. Try the provider app, website self-service, WhatsApp support, call centre, or store if the USSD menu does not open or does not show the option you need.
Contract users should be more careful than prepaid users because some actions may reflect on the next invoice rather than immediately deducting airtime. A bundle purchase, roaming activation, spend-limit change, value-added service, or device-linked contract option may affect billing even if no airtime is deducted at the time.
Costs, Safety, and Last-Verified Notes
USSD is useful because it can work without opening a mobile-data app, but “USSD” does not automatically mean “free.” A balance check may be free or low cost, while a bundle purchase, recharge, roaming action, value-added service, or contract change can create a charge. MTN’s recharge information lists USSD as a channel to buy bundles, while Vodacom’s own recharge page separates the USSD action from the airtime, data, and possible bank charges linked to the purchase. (MTN)
Before publishing or using a contract USSD code, check these points:
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Official source | Codes from old forum posts, screenshots, or third-party lists may be outdated. |
| Last-checked date | Provider menus can change, so a visible date helps users judge freshness. |
| Contract type | Normal postpaid, TopUp, hybrid, business, data-only, and router SIMs may not show the same menu. |
| Charges | Bundle purchases, roaming, subscriptions, and add-ons can affect the next bill. |
| Expiry | Data, minutes, promotional value, and rollover balances can expire on different dates. |
| Limits | Some options may be blocked by spend limits, admin settings, account-holder permissions, or credit rules. |
| Roaming | Roaming rates and bundles need extra care because charges can be higher outside South Africa. |
| Personal details | Never share your SIM PIN, banking PIN, app password, OTP, or account password with anyone who calls or messages you. |
If your complaint is about network quality, dropped calls, mobile-number portability, suspension of service, billing for data, voice services, or international roaming, ICASA says consumers must first lodge a complaint with the service provider and get a reference number. ICASA says the provider should be allowed 14 working days to resolve the complaint before the matter is referred to ICASA, if it remains unresolved or the response is unsatisfactory. (ICASA)
For content-service billing, SMS spam, or WASP-related problems, ICASA’s complaints procedure points consumers to the Wireless Application Service Providers’ Association rather than treating every case as an ICASA telecommunications complaint. Keep your screenshots, SMS messages, dates, deducted amounts, provider reference numbers, and cancellation confirmations before escalating. (ICASA)
Related USSD Guides
Use these internal guides when your next step belongs on a provider or directory page:
FAQs
What is the code for USSD codes for contract users South Africa?
There is no single USSD code for all contract users in South Africa. Vodacom users can start with *135# and use *135*502#for contract balance enquiry. MTN users can start with *136# for balance, *136*1# for detailed balance, *136*2# for bundles, and *162# for contract self-help. Telkom users can use *180# for self-service and *188# for balance. Cell C users can use *101# or *147# for balance and service-menu options. (Vodacom)
Are the listed codes official or verified?
The codes above were checked against official provider pages on 26 June 2026. Because USSD menus can change, each provider page should show its own last-checked date and should be reviewed before publishing updates.
Do USSD codes work without mobile data?
USSD menus are designed to work through the mobile network rather than through an internet app. You still need an active SIM, network signal, and access to the correct provider network. Some USSD actions may lead to paid services, so always check the confirmation screen before accepting.
Does this USSD code need airtime?
A code may open without mobile data, but charges depend on the provider and the action. A balance enquiry is not the same as buying a bundle, topping up, activating roaming, or subscribing to a value-added service. Check the provider’s official wording before claiming that a specific code is free.
What should I do if the code does not work?
Check that you are dialling from the correct SIM, confirm the SIM is active, move to a stronger signal area, restart the phone, and try again. If it still fails, use the provider app, website, WhatsApp, call centre, or store support. Do not keep retrying a paid option if you are not sure whether the first request went through.
Can I use these codes on a router SIM?
Sometimes, but it depends on the router and SIM type. Some routers do not support USSD screens directly. If USSD does not work from the router interface, place the SIM in a phone where possible, or use the provider app, online portal, or customer support route.
Can contract users buy data with USSD?
Yes, some providers allow bundle purchases through USSD, but the available bundles, billing method, expiry, and eligibility can differ by contract type. MTN lists *136*2# as a USSD route to buy bundles, but users should confirm the cost and plan rules before accepting a purchase. (MTN)
Where should users go for provider-specific help?
Use the provider guide that matches your SIM: Vodacom USSD codes, MTN USSD codes, Telkom USSD codes, or Cell C USSD codes. If you are not sure which page applies, start with USSD codes South Africa.