Bells HardingstoneYou have a Vodacom SIM card. You have purchased a physical airtime voucher from a spaza shop, supermarket, or petrol station. Now you are staring at the scratch panel, a coin in hand, wondering: What is the code? Do I dial something? Do I need data?
Loading a Vodacom airtime voucher is simple, but if you make a mistake, you may lose the value or accidentally send your airtime to someone else.
This guide covers every method to load a Vodacom airtime voucher in 2026, including USSD codes, the MyVodacom app, SMS, and how to check that your balance has been updated correctly. We also cover what to do if your voucher is damaged or the PIN is unreadable.
How To Load Vodacom Airtime Voucher: Complete Guide
Quick Reference: Vodacom Airtime Load Codes
Telkom USSD Quick Reference (2026)
| Action | Code |
|---|---|
| Load airtime voucher | 136 [PIN] |
| Load airtime voucher (with spaces) | 136*[PIN]# |
| Check airtime balance | 135 8 |
| Check data balance | 135 8 |
This table makes the actions clearer by bolding them and aligning the codes neatly.
Example: If your voucher PIN is 1234567890123456, dial 1361234567890123456 and press send.
What Is An Airtime Voucher?
An airtime voucher is a prepaid card or electronic token that contains a specific Rand value loaded onto your Vodacom account. Vouchers are available in denominations of:
– R5
– R12
– R29
– R55
– R110
– R165
– R220
– R550
Physical vouchers are printed on cardboard with a scratch-off panel concealing a 16-digit PIN. Electronic vouchers are delivered via SMS or email and contain the same 16-digit PIN without the scratch panel.
Once loaded, the airtime appears in your main balance and can be used for calls, SMS, data bundles, and NjeMore repayments.
Method 1: Load Via USSD (The Universal Method)
Best for: Any phone, any network condition, zero data required.
This is the fastest and most reliable method. It works on feature phones, smartphones, and even phones with no SIM card inserted (as long as the Vodacom SIM is active).
Step-by-Step:
1. Scratch off the silver panel on the back of the voucher to reveal the 16-digit PIN.
2. Open your phone dialler.
3. Type 136 followed immediately by the 16-digit PIN.
– Correct format: 1361234567890123456
– Incorrect format: 136 1234 5678 9012 3456 (do not use spaces)
4. Press the call button.
5. You will hear a robotic voice or receive an SMS confirming:
– “You have successfully loaded R[amount]. Your new balance is R[amount].”
6. Hang up.
What if you make a mistake?
If you misdial, you will receive an error message: “Invalid voucher. Please try again.” Your voucher is not consumed. You can redial with the correct PIN.
What if the voucher is already used?
You will receive: “Voucher already redeemed.” Return to the point of sale immediately.
Method 2: Load Via USSD With Asterisks
Best for: Users who prefer structured dialling or are using older phones that struggle with long number strings.
Some users find it easier to read the PIN when separated by asterisks. This method is functionally identical to Method 1.
Step-by-Step:
1. Scratch the voucher.
2. Dial 136 .
3. Enter the first 4 digits of the PIN.
4. Press .
5. Enter the next 4 digits.
6. Press .
7. Repeat until all 16 digits are entered.
8. Press to complete.
Example: 1361234 5678 9012 3456
The phone will display the full string before sending. Press call.
Method 3: Load Via MyVodacom App
Best for: Smartphone users with data or Wi-Fi who prefer a graphical interface.
If you have data or Wi-Fi access, the MyVodacom app provides a simple form to enter your voucher PIN.
Step-by-Step:
1. Open the MyVodacom app.
2. Log in using your credentials or the OTP sent to your Vodacom number.
3. On the home screen, look for the Load Airtime or Recharge button.
– Usually located under the balance display or in the Shop menu.
4. Tap Load Voucher.
5. Enter the 16-digit PIN from your voucher.
– Do not include spaces.
– The app may auto-format the digits for readability.
6. Tap Submit or Load.
7. Wait for the confirmation screen. Your balance will update immediately.
Pros: Visual confirmation, no risk of misdialling, you can see your new balance instantly.
Cons: Requires data or Wi-Fi. If you have zero balance and no Wi-Fi, you cannot access the app.
Method 4: Load Via SMS
Best for: Users who prefer texting over dialling.
Vodacom allows you to load airtime by sending the PIN via SMS.
Step-by-Step:
1. Open your SMS / Messages app.
2. Create a new message.
3. In the recipient field, enter 136.
4. In the message body, type the 16-digit PIN.
– Do not use spaces or dashes.
5. Press send.
6. You will receive a reply SMS confirming the successful load and your new balance.
Note: Standard SMS rates apply if you are out-of-bundle. If you have zero airtime, this method will not work. Use USSD dialling instead.
Method 5: Load Via Online (Telkom.co.za)
Best for: Users who are logged into their Vodacom profile on a computer.
Vodacom’s website allows airtime loading via the self-service portal.
Step-by-Step:
1. Go to www.vodacom.co.za.
2. Log in to My Vodacom using your username and password.
3. Navigate to Recharge or Load Airtime.
4. Select Prepaid Voucher.
5. Enter the 16-digit PIN.
6. Click Submit.
7. Confirmation appears on screen and via SMS.
Pros: Useful if you are at a computer and have multiple vouchers to load.
Cons: Requires internet and login credentials.
Method 6: Load For Someone Else
Best for: Parents loading airtime for children, friends helping friends.
You can load a voucher directly onto another Vodacom number. This does not require you to have the recipient’s SIM card in your phone.
Via USSD:
1. Dial 136 .
2. Enter the recipient’s 10-digit Vodacom number.
– Example: 0821234567
3. Press .
4. Enter the 16-digit PIN.
5. Press .
6. Press call.
7. Confirmation: “You have successfully loaded R[amount] for [recipient number].”
Via App:
1. Open MyVodacom.
2. Tap Load Airtime.
3. Select For Someone Else.
4. Enter the recipient’s Vodacom number.
5. Enter the 16-digit PIN.
6. Confirm.
Important: Once loaded, the airtime cannot be transferred back. Double-check the recipient number before pressing send.
What To Do If Your Voucher Does Not Load
Problem 1: Invalid Voucher
– You may have misread a digit. Common mistakes: 0 vs O, 1 vs I, 8 vs B.
– Re-enter the PIN carefully.
– If still invalid, the voucher may be counterfeit or already used. Return to the shop immediately.
Problem 2: Voucher Already Redeemed
– This means the PIN has been loaded before.
– If you have not used it, the shop assistant may have scanned it and kept the PIN.
– Return to the point of sale with the physical voucher and request a refund or replacement.
Problem 3: Network Error
– Occasionally, Vodacom’s USSD gateway is congested.
– Wait 5 minutes and try again.
– Do not redial repeatedly. Your voucher is not consumed until the system confirms a successful load.
Problem 4: Damaged Scratch Panel
– If you scratch too hard and obliterate the numbers, do not panic.
– The full PIN is printed on the voucher packaging or on the till slip if you purchased electronically.
– If it is a physical card and the numbers are gone, return to the retailer. They may be able to look up the PIN in their system.
How To Check Your Balance After Loading
USSD:
Dial 135 8 and press send.
You will receive an SMS with your:
– Airtime balance
– Data balance
– Bonus balances
– Expiry dates
App:
Open MyVodacom. Your balance is displayed on the home screen.
Call:
Dial 136 and listen to the automated voice prompt. This also reads your balance.
Electronic Vouchers vs. Physical Vouchers
Physical Voucher:
– Cardboard card with scratch panel.
– Purchased at retailers, spaza shops, petrol stations.
– Risk: Loss, damage, theft.
– No expiry date.
Electronic Voucher (e-Voucher):
– Delivered via SMS or email.
– Purchased online via Vodacom, banking apps, or retailers like Takealot.
– 16-digit PIN is displayed in the message.
– Risk: SMS can be deleted accidentally.
– No expiry date.
Both formats load using the exact same methods (136 [PIN]).
Vodacom Airtime Denominations 2026
Telkom Airtime & Data Value Guide (2026)
| Value | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| R5 | Emergency call, short SMS |
| R12 | Daily data bundle (50 MB) |
| R29 | Social Mega 500 MB |
| R55 | 1 GB Anytime data |
| R110 | 2 GB Anytime data |
| R165 | 3 GB Anytime data |
| R220 | 5 GB Anytime data |
| R550 | 15 GB Anytime data + bonus |
This quick reference shows how different recharge amounts translate into practical usage, from small emergency top-ups to larger data bundles.
Promotional vouchers with bonus airtime (e.g., R55 + R10 free) are occasionally available at major retailers.
Common Questions, SEO FAQ Section
Can I load a Vodacom voucher on an MTN number?
No. Vodacom vouchers only work on Vodacom SIM cards. You cannot load them onto MTN, Telkom, or Cell C.
Does Vodacom airtime expire?
Yes. Prepaid airtime expires if you do not recharge for a certain period.
– R0 to R10: Expires after 30 days.
– R11 to R50: Expires after 90 days.
– R51 to R200: Expires after 180 days.
– R201+: Expires after 365 days.
To keep your airtime active, recharge at least once per year.
Can I transfer airtime from my balance to another person?
No. Vodacom discontinued airtime transfer in 2022. You can only load a voucher directly onto someone else’s number using the 136 recipient number method.
What is the difference between 136 and 136?
There is no difference. 136 is the standard airtime load code. 136 is an alternative format used in older marketing materials. Both work identically.
Can I load a voucher while roaming?
Yes. Dial 136 [PIN] while roaming internationally. Standard roaming rates apply to the USSD request, but the airtime is loaded into your South African balance.
Why does my voucher say “Redeemed” when I haven’t used it?
This usually indicates fraud. Someone at the retailer may have scanned the barcode, scratched the panel, and kept the PIN. Return immediately with proof of purchase.
Can I buy a voucher with my credit card?
Yes. You can purchase e-vouchers online via the MyVodacom app, Vodacom website, or your banking app (FNB, Standard Bank, Capitec, Absa, Nedbank). The PIN is sent via SMS.
Is there a fee to load airtime?
No. Loading airtime via 136, SMS, or the app is free. You are not charged for the USSD request.
Can I load a voucher if my SIM is blocked?
No. If your SIM is barred due to non-RICA or fraud suspension, you cannot load airtime. Contact Vodacom at 082 111 to resolve the block first.
What happens if I dial 136 without a PIN?
You will enter the Vodacom Airtime Menu, which provides options to check your balance, load airtime, or buy bundles.
Summary: Which Loading Method Should You Use?
Dial 136 [PIN] if:
– You have any type of phone.
– You have zero data and zero airtime (USSD is free).
– You want the fastest method.
Use the MyVodacom App if:
– You have Wi-Fi or data.
– You prefer typing on a full keyboard.
– You want to see your balance update visually.
Send an SMS to 136 if:
– You are already in your messaging app.
– You find dialling long numbers difficult.
Use the website if:
– You are at a computer.
– You are loading multiple vouchers.
Use the recipient method if:
– You are loading airtime for a family member or friend.
Final Warning: Scratch Carefully
The scratch-off panel on physical vouchers is fragile. Use a coin, not your fingernail. Do not press hard. If you scratch through the silver and remove the printed digits, you will lose your PIN.
If the PIN is partially damaged but still legible, try loading it anyway. Sometimes the remaining digits are sufficient. If not, the retailer may replace the voucher if you have the original receipt.
Do not throw away the voucher until the airtime is confirmed in your balance. Keep it until you receive the success SMS.
Official Vodacom Support: 082 111 or www.vodacom.co.za.
This guide was last updated for 2026 standards. Vodacom reserves the right to change USSD codes, voucher denominations, and airtime expiry policies without notice. Always verify current terms at www.vodacom.co.za.