In short: To redeem a Vodacom prepaid airtime voucher that has a recharge PIN, dial *136*01*Recharge PIN# from the Vodacom SIM you want to credit, then press call. Vodacom’s published USSD guide says the voucher value is added to that prepaid account. Check the balance on *136#. You can also use Vodacom’s app or online recharge channels when you have no PIN (pinless top-up). This page covers loading a Vodacom prepaid voucher only. It is not a guide to turning airtime into cash.
Sources: Vodacom Now: useful USSD codes; Vodacom Now: uChoose (PIN / PINLESS voucher note); Vodacom help: balances, usage and billing.
Official prepaid voucher recharge (USSD)
Vodacom lists this prepaid recharge code for loading airtime with a voucher PIN:
*136*01*Recharge PIN#
Replace Recharge PIN with the PIN printed on your voucher. Include the stars and the hash, then press call. Vodacom says a popup message or menu appears after you dial a USSD code, and that the voucher value is added to the prepaid account. The public USSD guide does not publish a fixed PIN length, a load-time promise, or a voucher validity period on that page. Treat older “always 14 digits / never expires / instant every time” claims as unverified unless Vodacom states them on a live help page.
Step-by-step
- Keep the voucher where you can read the PIN. If it has a scratch panel, reveal the digits carefully.
- Use the phone dialler on the Vodacom prepaid SIM you want to credit (not another network).
- Dial *136*01*, then the PIN, then #, and press call.
- Read the on-screen confirmation.
- Dial *136# to see the prepaid airtime balance and any bundles shown on that code.
App and other official recharge routes
Not every till slip is a PIN voucher. Vodacom also supports pinless and app or online recharge. If your receipt has no PIN, use the pinless, My Vodacom / VodaPay, or online channel the seller or Vodacom actually gave you. Vodacom’s USSD guide lists *135# as the general services menu if you forget a shortcut. Vodacom’s uChoose explainer also notes PIN and PINLESS voucher recharge with the same *136*01*Recharge PIN# pattern for PIN vouchers.
If the PIN does not load
- Confirm you are on a Vodacom prepaid SIM.
- Re-check every digit in the printed order.
- Confirm the voucher has not already been used.
- Use *136*01*…# only when you have a recharge PIN.
- Keep the till slip. Do not post an unused PIN online or send it to a stranger who offers to “load it for you”.
For balance and voucher problems, start with Vodacom’s balances and billing help pages. Customer care is commonly reached free on 082 135 from a Vodacom phone (confirm on Vodacom’s live contact pages).
Keep the PIN private
Do not share voucher PINs, login details or OTPs with callers, SMS or WhatsApp contacts who offer prizes, “unlocks”, or help converting airtime. Load a voucher you bought for your own prepaid SIM, then stop. If you are researching airtime-to-cash voucher myths, read the hub lightly: convert airtime to cash vouchers in South Africa.
Related prepaid shortcuts (official list)
- *136# prepaid balance inquiry
- *135# My Vodacom services menu
- *135*072# airtime transfer (prepaid to prepaid, as listed)
- *135*082# Airtime Advance eligibility check (as listed)
Those shortcuts are separate from voucher redeem. Open Vodacom’s live USSD guide if a code behaves differently on your handset.
Last checked: September 2026 against Vodacom Now USSD and uChoose pages and Vodacom balances help. Confirm codes on Vodacom’s live pages if your handset shows something different.