In South Africa, staying connected with loved ones is essential, even when you run out of airtime. Luckily, all major mobile networks (MTN, Vodacom, Telkom, and Cell C) offer a free service called “Please Call Me.”
This allows users to send a message requesting a call back without using any airtime. It’s incredibly helpful when you’re in a bind, such as when you’ve run out of airtime or in an emergency.
In this post, we’ll look into how you can send a free Please Call Me message across these four networks.
What Is a “Please Call Me”?
A “Please Call Me” is a free service that enables you to request someone to call you by sending a message to their phone.
Each network has its own USSD code to trigger this service, and it’s widely used by people who are low on airtime but still need to reach out for help, or just stay in touch with friends and family. The recipient gets an SMS notifying them to call you back.
How to Send a Please Call Me on MTN
MTN, one of South Africa’s largest networks, offers a simple method for sending a Please Call Me message. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open your phone’s dialer.
- Dial *121* followed by the recipient’s phone number and then #.
- Press the call button.
For example, if you want to send a Please Call Me to someone with the number 0831234567, you would dial *121*0831234567#. The recipient will receive a message asking them to call you back.
Daily Limit: MTN allows you to send up to five Please Call Me messages each day. You can also personalize the message by dialing *121# and following the prompts to add your name or a custom message.
How to Send a Please Call Me on Vodacom
Vodacom also offers this service with an easy-to-remember USSD code. Here’s how you can send a Please Call Me on Vodacom:
- Open your phone’s dialer.
- Dial *140* followed by the recipient’s number, then press #.
- Hit the call button to send the message.
For example, to request a call back from 0724458778, you would dial *140*0724458778#. This will send a free message to the recipient asking them to call you.
Daily Limit: Vodacom allows you to send up to 10 Please Call Me messages per day, making it a great option if you need to stay in touch frequently without airtime.
How to Send a Please Call Me on Telkom
Telkom provides a similar service that lets you send Please Call Me messages for free. The process is just as simple:
- Open your dialer.
- Dial *140* followed by the recipient’s number and press #.
- Press the call button to send the message.
For instance, if you’re trying to send a Please Call Me to 0831879766, you would dial *140*0831879766#.
Daily Limit: You can send up to five free Please Call Me messages per day on Telkom.
How to Send a Please Call Me on Cell C
Cell C users can also use the free Please Call Me service. The steps are just as straightforward:
- Open your phone’s dialer.
- Dial *111* followed by the recipient’s phone number and then #.
- Press the call button.
For example, to send a message to 0841234567, you would dial *111*0841234567#. The recipient will receive a notification to call you back.
Daily Limit: Cell C users can send up to seven Please Call Me messages per day.
Why Use Please Call Me?
The Please Call Me service is a lifesaver when you find yourself out of airtime and need to communicate quickly. It’s especially useful during emergencies, allowing you to reach out to someone without needing to purchase airtime. It’s also handy for everyday situations when you just want someone to call you back but don’t want to spend airtime unnecessarily.
Personalizing Your Please Call Me
Some networks, like MTN, allow you to personalize your Please Call Me message. This can be useful if you want to add a little personal touch to your message. To do this on MTN, dial *121# and follow the prompts to customize your message with your name or another text. However, remember that you can only personalize your message once per day.
FAQs About Sending a Please Call Me on MTN, Vodacom, Telkom, and Cell C
1. Can I send a Please Call Me without airtime?
Yes, sending a Please Call Me message does not require any airtime. This service is completely free, making it an excellent option if you need to ask someone to call you when you’re out of airtime.
2. How many Please Call Me messages can I send per day?
The number of messages you can send depends on the network:
- Vodacom: Up to 10 messages per day.
- MTN: Up to 5 messages per day.
- Telkom: Up to 5 messages per day.
- Cell C: Up to 7 messages per day.
3. Can I send a Please Call Me to someone on a different network?
Yes, you can send a Please Call Me to someone on a different network. The process is the same, regardless of whether the recipient is using MTN, Vodacom, Telkom, or Cell C.
4. Can I personalize my Please Call Me message?
Yes, on MTN, you can personalize your Please Call Me message. Dial *121#, select the option to personalize the message, and add a custom name or text. Keep in mind that this option is only available once per day.
5. Can I block someone from sending me Please Call Me messages?
Yes, on MTN, you can block specific numbers from sending you Please Call Me messages. To block someone, dial *121*2#, select the barring option, and enter the number you want to block.
6. What should I do if my Please Call Me message isn’t going through?
If your Please Call Me message isn’t sending, ensure you are dialing the correct code and number format. Also, check if you’ve reached your daily limit for sending Please Call Me messages. If problems persist, try restarting your phone or contacting your network’s customer support.
7. Can I send a Please Call Me if I’m roaming internationally?
Unfortunately, sending a Please Call Me message may not work while you are roaming internationally. It’s recommended to check with your network provider for the specifics of using the service abroad.
8. Do I need to be registered for a specific plan to use the Please Call Me service?
No, the Please Call Me service is available to all users, whether on prepaid, postpaid, or contract plans. It’s a universal feature provided by all four networks.
9. Can I opt-out of receiving ads on MTN’s Please Call Me messages?
Yes, if you are receiving ads on MTN’s callback service, you can opt out by dialing *121*3# and following the prompts.
10. Does the Please Call Me service work on all phone types?
Yes, the Please Call Me service works on all phone types, including smartphones and basic feature phones. You only need access to the phone’s dialer to send the message.
Conclusion
The “Please Call Me” service is an invaluable tool for millions of South Africans, providing a simple, free way to stay connected even when airtime runs out. Whether you’re on MTN, Vodacom, Telkom, or Cell C, sending a Please Call Me is quick and easy.
Now that you know how to send these messages across all major networks, you’ll never be stranded without a way to ask for a call back.
With these daily limits and personalized options, this feature is both convenient and practical, ensuring that communication remains possible, regardless of your airtime balance. So, the next time you’re low on funds, remember you can always rely on this handy service!