Quick Answer
Last Verified: July 2026
Official USSD Code:
*180#or*123#Service Name: Telkom Emergency Top-Up Service
Standard Service Fee: R1.10 per advance
The official Telkom Airtime Advance USSD Code is *180# or *123#. Dialing either code opens the primary Telkom Mobile self-service menu, where you can select the Emergency Top-Up option to view your credit limit, select an advance amount, and borrow airtime or data immediately.
If USSD menus are temporarily unresponsive, you can access the same feature without a dial code through the official My Telkom App or the Telkom Web Portal (www.telkom.co.za).
What the Service Is and Who Can Use It
The Telkom Emergency Top-Up Service (commonly known as Telkom Airtime Advance) is an official self-service feature designed for Telkom Mobile prepaid and Top-Up (hybrid) customers who run low on credit or data and require an immediate advance.
Qualifying Requirements
To use the Emergency Top-Up service, your line must meet the following criteria:
- Account Type: Must be an active Telkom Prepaid or Top-Up (Hybrid) customer.
- Network Tenure: Must have been active on the Telkom network for at least 30 consecutive days.
- Recharge Activity: Must have loaded airtime within the past 30 days.
- RICA Status: Your SIM card must be fully RICA-registered.
- Repayment Status: You must have no outstanding airtime or data advance balance from a previous request.
Account Exclusions
- Postpaid (Contract) Lines: Pure contract accounts do not qualify for airtime advances.
- Suspended or Blocked SIMs: Lines flagged for fraud, RICA non-compliance, or SIM inactivity cannot access the menu.
- Third-Party Transfers: Borrowed airtime cannot be transferred to another number using Airtime Transfer.
How to Request Airtime Advance
Before You Start
- Ensure your phone is connected to the Telkom network with adequate signal strength.
- If using a dual-SIM phone, confirm that your outgoing call setting is set to your Telkom SIM.
- Verify that you have fully settled any previous Emergency Top-Up advance.
Verified Step-by-Step Process
- Open your device dialer and key in
*180#or*123#. - Press the Call / Send button.
- Select option Emergency Top-Up from the pop-up menu.
- The system will evaluate your account profile and display the emergency airtime or data amounts you qualify to borrow (ranging from R3 up to R100).
- Choose the airtime denomination you wish to request.
- Read the prompt detailing the loan amount and the R1.10 service fee.
- Select Confirm to authorize the advance.
Confirmation or Expected Result
- On-Screen Notification: A USSD dialog box will confirm that your request has been successfully submitted and processed.
- SMS Confirmation: Telkom will send an automated SMS showing the advanced airtime amount, the total amount owed (advance + R1.10 fee), and your updated balance.
- Balance Check: Dial
*188#at any time to verify that your airtime balance has been updated.
Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times
| Feature / Variable | Official Telkom Standard |
| USSD Dialing Fee | Free |
| Service Fee | R1.10 (VAT inclusive) per transaction |
| Airtime Denominations | R3, R5, R10, R15, R20, R50, and R100 |
| Data Denominations | Available based on real-time profile qualification |
| Processing Time | Instant (typically 5 to 15 seconds) |
| Repayment Trigger | Automatically deducted upon your next airtime recharge |
Repayment Rules and Calculations
When you load airtime, Telkom automatically deducts the full outstanding balance (the borrowed airtime plus the R1.10 service fee).
- Full Repayment Example: If you borrow R10 of emergency airtime, your total balance owed is R11.10 (R10 + R1.10 fee). When you load a R20 airtime voucher, Telkom automatically deducts R11.10, leaving you with an available balance of R8.90.
- Partial Repayment Example: If you owe R11.10 and recharge with only R5, Telkom will deduct the full R5 toward your debt, leaving a remaining balance owed of R6.10. The remaining debt will be recovered on subsequent recharges until fully paid.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors
- “Connection Problem or Invalid MMI Code”: This error usually indicates weak network coverage or temporary network congestion. Move to an area with better reception and retry.
- “Session Timed Out”: USSD sessions close automatically after a short period of inactivity. Re-dial
*180#and make your selections quickly. - Wrong SIM Slot Selected: Dual-SIM users often accidentally dial from a non-Telkom SIM slot. Ensure your device is sending the USSD command from your active Telkom SIM.
When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable
- Request Declined Due to Outstanding Balance: You cannot take out a second advance while an existing loan remains unpaid. Top up your balance to clear the debt before requesting another advance.
- “Not Eligible for Emergency Top-Up”: If your account is fewer than 30 days old, has not been recharged in the last month, or does not meet Telkom’s internal risk criteria, the menu option will be unavailable or declined.
- System Maintenance Outages: If the USSD service fails repeatedly, use an official digital channel like the My Telkom App or Telkom Portal.
Official Alternatives
If the USSD route is unavailable or you need alternative self-service channels, use these official Telkom options:
- My Telkom App: Download and open the My Telkom App on iOS or Android, log in with your registered phone number, and access the Emergency Top-Up section under account services.
- Telkom Web Portal: Visit www.telkom.co.za, log in to your profile, and complete your airtime advance online.
- Telkom Call Centre: Call 180 from your Telkom line or 081 180 from any other network to speak to customer care regarding account restrictions or eligibility disputes.
- Telkom Please Call Me: If you cannot qualify for an advance but must contact someone urgently, dial
*140*RecipientNumber#to send a free callback message.
Safety and Privacy
- Keep Credentials Private: Telkom will never ask for your SIM PIN, account passwords, bank credentials, or One-Time PINs (OTPs) to complete an airtime advance.
- Avoid Unofficial Third Parties: Only request advances via official Telkom codes (
*180#or*123#), the official app, or the verified website. Never enter your phone number or financial details on unverified third-party websites claiming to offer “free” or “unlimited” credit. - Fraud & Theft Protection: If your SIM card is lost or stolen, dial 081 180 immediately to block your line and prevent unauthorized advances from being billed to your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current Telkom Airtime Advance USSD Code?
The primary code is *180# (selecting Emergency Top-Up). You can also dial *123# to reach the menu. (Last verified: July 2026).
Who qualifies for an advance?
Telkom Prepaid and Top-Up (Hybrid) customers who have been active on the network for at least 30 consecutive days, have recharged within the last 30 days, are fully RICA-compliant, and have settled all previous advances.
What fees apply?
A flat service fee of R1.10 (VAT included) is added to your transaction total for every Emergency Top-Up requested.
How is the advance repaid?
Repayment is fully automatic. Telkom deducts the loan amount plus the R1.10 service fee from your next airtime top-up. If you recharge with less than the total amount owed, Telkom recovers what is available and collects the remainder from future recharges.
What should I do if the Telkom USSD route does not work?
If USSD fails, submit your request through the My Telkom App, sign in to the Telkom Web Portal, or dial 180 to contact Telkom support.
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