If you are on Vodacom and your data just ran out, you need to top up fast. This guide shows you every way to buy data in 2026, whether you have airtime, a bank card, or nothing but your phone and a few rand.
The Fastest Way
Dial *135# on your Vodacom SIM. Select Buy, then Data, and pick your bundle. This works even if you have zero megabytes left because USSD runs on the voice network, not your data connection. It also does not cost anything to dial.
Before you buy, also check *123#. This is Vodacom’s Just 4 You menu. It shows deals based on how you use your phone. Sometimes it is cheaper than the normal menu. Sometimes it is not. Check both and go with the better price.
1: USSD (Works Without Internet)
This is the most reliable method. You do not need data, WiFi, or a smartphone. Any phone with a Vodacom SIM can do this.
Step by step:
- Dial *135#
- Choose Buy
- Choose Data
- Pick your bundle size and how long it lasts
- Confirm the price and accept
Quick USSD Codes
| What you want to do | Code |
|---|---|
| Buy bundles | *135# |
| Check balance | *136# |
| Just 4 You deals | *123# |
| Recharge with a voucher | *136*01*PIN# |
Buying Data for a Friend
You can buy data for someone else using USSD too.
- Dial *135#
- Choose Buy, then Data
- Look for Purchase for another number
- Enter their Vodacom number
- Pick the bundle and confirm
Method 2: My Vodacom App
If you have a smartphone, the My Vodacom app is the easiest way to see everything in one place.
- Download My Vodacom from the App Store or Google Play
- Log in with your Vodacom number
- Tap Buy Bundles or Data
- Browse one time and recurring bundles
- Pay with airtime or a saved card
The app is useful if you want to compare bundles next to each other or set up auto renew so you never run out at midnight again.
VodaPay sometimes has exclusive promotions, so it is worth a quick look before you buy through USSD.
Method 4: Banking Apps
Some South African banking apps let you buy Vodacom data without leaving the app. This is handy if you want to pay straight from your bank account instead of using airtime.
The menu path is different for each bank, but it usually looks like this: Login, then Buy Prepaid, then Mobile Data, then Vodacom, then enter the number, pick the bundle, and confirm.
Vodacom Data Prices in 2026
Here are the standard prepaid prices. Always check *135# for live prices before you buy, as these can change.
Small bundles
- 75MB costs R13
- 240MB costs R29 to R32
- 420MB costs R49
- 600MB costs R69 to R74
Medium bundles
- 1.2GB costs R85 to R89
- 1.5GB costs R99
- 2.5GB costs R155
- 3.6GB costs R229
- 4.5GB costs R259
Large bundles
- 7GB costs R365
- 7.2GB costs R349
- 12GB costs R469 to R499
- 18GB costs R549
- 36GB costs R699
- 40GB costs R712
- 50GB costs R799
- 60GB costs R799
- 100GB costs R999
- 120GB costs R999
Night Owl Bundles (split between day and night data)
- 1GB plus 1GB Night Owl costs R49
- 2GB plus 2GB Night Owl costs R99
- 5GB plus 5GB Night Owl costs R199
- 10GB plus 10GB Night Owl costs R299
- 20GB plus 20GB Night Owl costs R399
What to Check Before You Buy
Bundle Validity
Not all bundles last the same amount of time.
- Hourly bundles expire after 1 hour.
- Daily bundles expire at midnight on the day you buy them.
- Weekly bundles last 7 days.
- Monthly bundles last 30 days.
If you keep buying daily bundles, a monthly bundle will probably save you money.
Data Type
Some bundles only work for certain apps or only at night. Night Owl data, for example, only works between midnight and 5am. Read the details before you confirm so you do not waste your money.
Personalised vs Public Pricing
Just 4 You deals are not the same for everyone. Your friend might see a different price to you. That is normal. Check *123# every time and compare it to the normal *135# menu.
How to Check Your Balance
After you buy, you can check what you have left using any of these methods:
- Dial *136# for a quick summary
- Dial *135# and choose Balances for more detail
- Open the My Vodacom app and look at your dashboard
- Open VodaPay and check your account overview
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the USSD code to buy Vodacom data? The main code is *135#. You can also check *123# for Just 4 You deals.
Can I buy Vodacom data without airtime? Yes. If you use the My Vodacom app, VodaPay, or your banking app, you can pay with a card instead of airtime.
What is the cheapest 1GB bundle on Vodacom? It depends. Compare the price on *135# with any deal on *123#. Also check if a Night Owl bundle suits your schedule.
Does Vodacom have unlimited data? Not really for prepaid phone users. Unlimited style plans are mostly for fixed LTE, 5G home internet, or certain contracts. Standard prepaid bundles have a limit.
How do I buy data for another number? Dial *135#, choose Buy, then Data, then select Purchase for another number. Enter their Vodacom number and confirm.
Final Thoughts
Buying Vodacom data is simple once you know your options. USSD is the fastest and works anywhere. Apps give you more control and let you pay with a card. Banking apps are great if you do not want to convert cash to airtime first.
Before every purchase, check *123# for a Just 4 You deal, confirm how long the bundle lasts, and make sure it fits how you actually use your phone. A few seconds of checking can save you money every month.