Running out of data when you least expect it is the worst, right? One minute you’re scrolling through your feed, and the next, you’re cut off from the world. The good news is that if you have Telkom airtime, you have a super quick way to get back online. You don’t need a credit card or even a banking app.

So, how do you buy Telkom data using your airtime? The quickest way is to use the USSD menu. Simply dial \*180# from your Telkom number, select the "Buy" option, then choose "Data," and follow the prompts to select the data bundle that works best for you. Your purchase will be deducted directly from your existing airtime balance.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Data with Airtime

Buying data shouldn't feel like a complicated mission. Telkom has made it pretty straightforward. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process so you can get it done in under a minute.

Here are the steps:

1. Dial the Code: Open your phone’s dialer and type in \*180#. Press the call button.

2. Navigate the Menu: A menu will pop up on your screen. Look for the option that says "Buy" and select it.

3. Choose Data: In the next menu, you'll see a few choices. Select the "Data" option.

4. Select Your Bundle: Telkom will show you a list of available data bundles. This could range from daily bundles to weekly or monthly options. Choose the one that fits your needs and budget.

5. Confirm Your Purchase: The final step is to confirm that you want to buy the selected bundle. Once you confirm, the cost will be taken from your airtime. You'll get an SMS almost immediately confirming your data purchase.

I remember this one time I was waiting for an important email and my Wi-Fi suddenly went down. My data was finished too, and I started to panic a little. Then I remembered I had about R50 airtime sitting on my phone. I quickly dialed the \*180# code, bought a 1GB bundle, and got the email just in time. It was a real lifesaver and took me less than two minutes.

Another time, my son used up all his data watching videos and couldn't do his online homework. Instead of going through the hassle of a bank transfer, I just sent him some airtime, and he was able to buy a data bundle himself using these exact steps. It’s so convenient when you're in a pinch.

Running low on airtime to buy data? It happens to the best of us. I’ve recently started using the Points Castle app. I spend a few minutes doing surveys or playing games on the app, and I earn points that I can cash out as airtime. It's an easy way to get that little extra you need for your next data bundle without dipping into your wallet.