What is SWAP Instant Airtime?
SWAP Instant Airtime is prepaid cellphone airtime for Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Virgin Mobile. Telkom PrepaidFone Recharge Vouchers are also available. SWAP Instant Airtime is ordered from – and delivered to – your cellphone at any time and wherever you are. It’s quick and convenient and a free service – your purchase is billed to your SWAP Wallet – a free debit facility on your cellphone – or to your VISA or MasterCard credit card or cheque card if you’ve chosen to link one.
What is *130*1313# ?
*130*1313# is a SWAP Code – in this case, the number you dial to buy SWAP Instant Airtime.
If you save it to your cellphone under Contacts, you’re never more than a few keystrokes from topping up your Instant Airtime supply.
I dialled *130*1313# but I can’t hear anything
That’s normal! SWAP works on USSD, a screen-based transaction system. Dial again and watch your cellphone screen for prompts.
How does it work?
You add *130*1313# to your cellphone contact list – then, once you’re registered, you dial it any time you want to buy SWAP Instant Airtime for yourself or for anyone else. Your purchase is charged to your VISA or MasterCard credit card or cheque card.
The purchase system runs on USSD technology which is provided and supported by the cellphone service providers. The system operates through a series of interactive screens on your cellphone and data transfer is encrypted for your security.
Is it really secure?
Absolutely. You log onto SWAP using a unique PIN code that you choose yourself and no transaction or personal data is stored on your phone. Even if you’re unlucky enough to have your phone stolen, there’s no risk to your financial data.
What payment options are available?
SWAP Instant Airtime is currently available for purchase through your SWAP Wallet – a free debit facility on your cellphone – or can be charged instantly to your VISA or MasterCard credit card or cheque card.
What if I’m already out of Airtime?
That’s not a problem. SWAP calls are free, so you can recharge even if your airtime has already run out.
Do I have to sign a contract?
No. There’s no contract and no monthly commitment. You can buy SWAP Instant Airtime exactly when it suits you. Just dial *130*1313# and our interactive menus will have you talking in no time.
What does SWAP Instant Airtime cost?
There’s a once-off registration fee of R30 when you register your credit card with SWAP. When you top up your Wallet by electronic bank transfer there’s no charge. An Add Funds feature lets you use your cellphone keypad to request a debit order-based top-up from your linked bank account and each Add Funds top-up is charged at R5. There’s no charge to you for using the SWAP system though, and you pay only for the Airtime you buy. The *130*1313# code is zero-rated by cellphone service providers, so there’s no charge for the call, no matter how many times you dial in.
Is SWAP available on my cellphone network?
Yes. Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Virgin Mobile are all on board.
How will I know if my transaction has been successful?
You’ll receive an SMS confirmation of your Instant Airtime purchase.
How do I use Airtime that I’ve received?
A voucher number will be sent to your phone by SMS. You’ll dial your cellphone service provider’s usual recharge number and enter the details, just as if you’d bought a paper voucher.
To load a Vodacom voucher
Dial *100*01* voucher number # Press Send/Call
or
Dial 100 Press Send/Call and follow the voice prompts
To load an MTN voucher
Dial *141# voucher number # Press Send/Call
or
Dial 555 Press Send/Call and follow the voice prompts
To load a Cell C voucher
Dial *102* voucher number # Press Send/Call
or
Dial 141 Press Send/Call and follow the voice prompts
To load a Virgin Mobile voucher
Dial *102* voucher number # Press Send/Call
Why do I get cut off in the middle of a SWAP session?
For security reasons the cellphone service providers implement a time limit on all USSD sessions. (This is not a SWAP function, but something that is implemented by the networks.) A two-minute session will usually be plenty of time in which to buy Instant Airtime, but if you do get cut off, try again. The call is free and – if you dial in again within 15 minutes – your new session will pick up where you left off.
How do I make a menu item selection?
It depends on your phone! (See our cellphone guide for more details.)
- When you’re presented with a list of choices, make a mental note of the number corresponding to the choice you wish to make,
- Choose Answer/Reply (or your phone’s equivalent)and a text entry field will appear,
- Type in your response and press Send/OK (or your phone’s equivalent),
- The next screen will then be displayed.
I want to make a menu number selection, but my phone will type only text
Some phones default to text when entering information. Most phones let you toggle between alphabetical and numerical characters – either by pressing the number key multiple times until the digit is displayed (for example, pressing “2” repeatedly gives a-b-c-2), or by pressing the “toggle key” (usually the hash key) so that the case indicator on your display changes from abc to 123. You can then key in a number.
Why does my phone hang up when I make my menu selection?
If you make your selection without first “telling” the phone that you’re going to, it may hang up on you.
You ”tell” the phone to expect your response by pressing Answer/Reply which opens up a text entry field for you to use.
(Presentation of options varies among cellphones from different manufacturers. See our cellphone guide for more details.)
I like it. What else does SWAP have in store?
Once you’ve enjoyed the convenience of buying SWAP Instant Airtime using your SWAP Wallet without having to go anywhere, you’ll be pleased to hear about the SWAP Payment System being rolled out across South Africa. It’s coming soon to shops, merchants and service providers near you. You’ll be able to settle bills, make payments and access a host of information, products and services. Read more at www.swapmobile.co.za
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