Quick Answer
To send a free callback request from a Vodacom South Africa SIM, dial *140* followed by the recipient’s 10-digit cellphone number, end with #, and press Call/Send.
- Verified Code:
*140*recipient_number#(e.g.,*140*0821234567#) - Manage Name & Menu:
*140# - Cost: Free (R0.00)
- Daily Limit: 5 free requests per day
- Last Verified: July 2026
This service functions even when you have R0.00 airtime balance, provided your SIM card is active on the network.
What the Service Is and Who Can Use It
The Vodacom Please Call Me service is a network-level callback option available to Vodacom South Africa customers. It allows you to send an automated text notification to another cellphone user requesting that they call you back when you lack sufficient airtime or data.
- Supported Account Types: Prepaid, Top Up, and Postpaid (Contract) Vodacom subscribers.
- Prerequisites: An active, RICA-registered Vodacom SIM card connected to the Vodacom network.
- Exclusions: Blocked, blacklisted, or suspended SIM cards cannot send or receive USSD requests. You do not need an active data connection or airtime balance to use this feature.
How to Send a Please Call Me
Before You Start
- Verify the recipient’s number: Ensure you have the exact 10-digit mobile number ready.
- Check your daily quota: Vodacom permits up to 5 free Please Call Me requests per calendar day.
- Check network signal: Ensure your handset displays network signal bars.
Verified Step-by-Step Process
- Open the Phone / Dialler app on your device.
- Enter
*140*followed by the full recipient cellphone number and#.- Example:
*140*0821234567#
- Example:
- Press the Call / Dial button.
- Wait a few seconds for the USSD prompt on your screen to acknowledge the request.
To set or change your display name so the recipient sees who sent the request, dial *140# and follow the on-screen menu options.
Confirmation or Expected Result
When successfully processed, a pop-up USSD screen will display:
“Your Please Call Me request has been sent to [Number].”
The recipient will receive an automated SMS from Vodacom stating that your phone number (or registered display name) requested a callback.
If you sent the request but received no confirmation screen:
- Wait 60 seconds to ensure network congestion isn’t delaying the screen response.
- Dial
*140#to view your remaining daily request counter.
Fees, Limits, Eligibility, and Processing Times
| Parameter | Details |
| Service Fee | Free (R0.00) for all 5 daily requests |
| Daily Allocation | 5 requests per subscriber per day (resets at 00:00) |
| Cross-Network Capability | Works across South African networks (Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom Mobile) |
| Delivery Time | Instant (typically within 3–10 seconds) |
| Airtime Required | R0.00 balance required |
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Code, Session, SIM, or Account Errors
- “Connection problem or invalid MMI code”:This usually indicates temporary network instability or an incorrectly formatted string. Re-check that you typed
*140*and ended with#without any spaces or symbols. - “Service limit reached”:You have used all 5 free Please Call Me requests for the day. You must wait until midnight for your limit to reset or top up airtime to send a standard SMS or make a call.
- “Invalid Number”:Ensure the mobile number is entered in the standard South African 10-digit format (e.g.,
0821234567). Do not include the+27international code when using direct shortcodes. - Dual-SIM Devices:If your phone uses two SIM cards, ensure your dialler is routing the USSD command through your Vodacom SIMslot.
When the Service Has Changed or Is Unavailable
If the direct *140*number# shortcut fails during a network issue:
- Dial the main Vodacom Master Menu at
*135#. - Select Services or Self-Service.
- Choose Please Call Me from the menu options.
Official Alternatives
If the USSD channel is unavailable or your daily limit is depleted, use these official alternatives:
- Vodacom Airtime Advance: Dial
*135*082#to check if you qualify for an emergency airtime advance to make a call. - Please Recharge Me: Dial
*140*02*recipient_number#to request an airtime transfer from another Vodacom customer. - My Vodacom App / Web: Log in via Wi-Fi or mobile network to manage your account or purchase airtime.
- Vodacom Customer Care: Call
135(Free from a Vodacom SIM) for line and SIM status assistance.
Safety and Privacy
- Credentials Warning: Vodacom will never ask for your SIM PIN, One-Time PIN (OTP), or passwords via a Please Call Me menu or callback request.
- Unsolicited Requests: Do not respond to suspicious callback requests asking you to transfer airtime or enter sensitive PIN numbers.
- Reporting Scams: Report fraud or illegal account activities to Vodacom Customer Care by calling
135or visiting an official Vodacom store.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current Vodacom Please Call Me USSD Code?
The official and current Vodacom Please Call Me code is *140*recipient_number# (e.g., *140*0821234567#). Dialing *140# opens the management menu.
What number format should be entered?
Use the standard 10-digit local South African format starting with 0 (e.g., 0821234567). Do not include spaces, hyphens, or international country prefixes like +27.
Can the request be sent to another network?
Yes. Vodacom Please Call Me requests can be sent to subscribers on other South African networks, including MTN, Cell C, and Telkom Mobile.
Are there daily limits?
Yes. Vodacom limits subscribers to 5 free Please Call Me requests per day. The limit resets daily at 00:00 midnight.
What should I do if the Vodacom USSD route does not work?
Check your mobile network signal, ensure your Vodacom SIM is selected on dual-SIM devices, or access the main self-service menu by dialing *135#.
Related Guides
- Vodacom — Return to the main Vodacom services menu.
- USSD Code To Check Vodacom Number — Find out how to view your own Vodacom mobile number.
- Vodacom Airtime Advance USSD Code — Learn how to request an emergency airtime advance.
- Vodacom Internet Settings USSD Code — Request automatic APN and internet configurations.
- Vodacom SMS Settings USSD Code — Set up or verify your SMS center number.
- Mobile Network USSD Codes — View shortcuts for all South African mobile providers.