Ever been out of airtime but really needed to call someone? Maybe you just needed a quick chat with a friend, or you had to let a family member know something urgent. That’s where the “Please Call Me” service comes in handy! It’s a free way to ask someone to call you back when you can’t make a call yourself.

The best part? All major networks in South Africa—MTN, Vodacom, Telkom, and Cell C—offer this feature. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to send a “Please Call Me” on each network in the easiest way possible. Let’s get into it!

What Is a “Please Call Me” Message?

A “Please Call Me” message is a free SMS that you can send to someone when you don’t have airtime. It simply tells them to call you back. Think of it like knocking on someone’s door when you can’t enter their house—you’re letting them know you’re there and need their attention.

Each mobile network in South Africa has a unique code you can dial to send this message. Let’s go through each one step by step.

How to Send a “Please Call Me” on MTN

Follow these steps to send a “Please Call Me” on MTN:

1. Dial *121*recipient’s number# (For example: *121*0831234567#)
2. Press call/send.
3. The recipient will get a message saying “Please Call Me” with your phone number attached.
4. MTN allows you to send up to 5 “Please Call Me” messages per day.

How to Send a “Please Call Me” on Vodacom

Follow these steps to send a “Please Call Me” on Vodacom:

1. Dial *140*recipient’s number# (For example: *140*0767124511#)
2. Press call/send.
3. The recipient will receive a message with your number and the text “Please Call Me.”

Vodacom allows you to send up to 10 “Please Call Me” messages per day.

How to Send a “Please Call Me” on Telkom

Follow these steps to send a “Please Call Me” on Telkom:

1. Dial *140*recipient’s number# (For example: *140*0814557562#)
2. Press call/send.
3. The recipient will receive a “Please Call Me” SMS with your phone number.

Telkom also allows up to 10 “Please Call Me” messages per day.

How to Send a “Please Call Me” on Cell C

Follow these steps to send a “Please Call Me” on Cell C:

1. Dial *111*recipient’s number# (For example: *111*0841435391#)
2. Press call/send.
3. The recipient will receive a message asking them to call you back.

Cell C allows you to send up to 10 “Please Call Me” messages per day.

Extra Tips & Things to Keep in Mind

• You can send “Please Call Me” messages to any number, even if they’re on a different network.
• This service is completely free, so you won’t be charged for sending the message.
• If you’ve reached your daily limit, you’ll have to wait until the next day to send more.
• “Please Call Me” messages are useful in emergencies when you have no airtime.
• Some networks may not allow international “Please Call Me” messages.

Why Use “Please Call Me”?

Still wondering why this service is so popular? Here are some real-life situations where “Please Call Me” can save the day:

You run out of airtime – You’re about to call someone, but your airtime is finished. Instead of stressing, just send a “Please Call Me” and wait for them to call you.

Emergency situations – Maybe you need to reach someone urgently but have no data or airtime. This is a quick way to let them know you need help.

You’re borrowing someone’s phone – If you don’t have your phone with you but need to contact someone, you can use this trick on a borrowed phone (as long as it’s on your network).

The “Please Call Me” service is one of the most useful features offered by South African mobile networks. Whether you’re out of airtime, in an emergency, or just need someone to call you back, this free service is a lifesaver.

Now that you know exactly how to send a “Please Call Me” on MTN, Vodacom, Telkom, and Cell C, you’ll never be stuck without a way to communicate. Try it out the next time you need a callback!

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