MTN South Africa Data plan : How to buy data and check balance

Last Updated on September 1, 2025 by admin

MTN South Africa has a wide variety of data plans that are designed to meet the different needs of its customers, making sure everyone can enjoy smooth connectivity and internet access for both personal and professional use.

Whether you’re just browsing casually or you’re a heavy data user, there’s a plan that fits your lifestyle. So, whether you’re a student needing data for your research, a busy professional working on the move, or someone who wants to keep in touch with friends and family on social media, you’ll find an option that perfectly matches your needs.

MTN  offers both prepaid and postpaid plans, providing flexibility for customers to choose according to their financial preferences and consumption patterns.

Prepaid data bundles allow users to pay upfront without any long-term commitments, with options varying from daily, weekly, to monthly bundles. This is ideal for those who prefer cost control or have unpredictable data needs.

On the other hand, postpaid plans offer the convenience of consistent billing cycles and often include additional benefits like unlimited calls and texts or access to exclusive digital services and entertainment packages.

The network also offers tailored data packages designed for specific uses, like social media bundles and streaming service plans, helping users get the most out of their online experience. With ongoing promotions and discounts, MTN is committed to meeting the rising demand for affordable internet services, making sure their customers stay effortlessly connected.

Read: Etisalat uae data plan offer and how to buy data

Types Of MTN Data Plans Available in south Africa

MTN South Africa has a fantastic selection of data plans designed to fit the diverse needs of its broad user base. Whether you’re a casual browser or a heavy data user, there’s something for everyone, with flexible options that suit various budgets and usage habits.

If you prefer not to be locked into a contract, their prepaid data plans are perfect, giving you the freedom to buy data whenever you need it.

These plans come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small daily or weekly bundles that are just right for casual browsing, to larger monthly packages that cater to heavier internet use like streaming or online gaming.

On the flip side, postpaid data plans provide reliable convenience with monthly billing, often throwing in extra perks like lower rates or bonus data during off-peak times.

MTN also rolls out hybrid plans that blend features from both prepaid and postpaid options, giving you a set monthly data allowance while still allowing you the freedom to top up whenever you need.

. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular types available in 2025:

Daily & Hourly Data Plans

Perfect for short bursts of internet usage:

Plan Name Data Allowance Validity Price (ZAR)
MTN Rush Hour 10MB 10MB 1 hour R1.50
MTN Rush Hour 50MB 50MB 1 hour R5.00
MTN Rush Hour 100MB 100MB 1 hour R10.00
MTN One Day 20MB 20MB 1 day R4.00
MTN One Day 50MB 50MB 1 day R8.50
MTN One Day 75MB 75MB 1 day R12.00

These are great for quick top-ups or light browsing.

Monthly Data Plans (Prepaid & Contract)

Ideal for consistent users who want more data and flexibility:

Plan Name Data Allowance Price (ZAR) Extras
MTN Combo Offer 750MB Anytime + 750MB Night + 500MB Video R99.00 60 All-Net Minutes
MTN Mobile Internet Silver 6GB Anytime R109.00 Month-to-month or contract
MTN Mobile Internet Gold 15GB Anytime R159.00 Premium browsing
MTN Mega Flex Free 10GB Once-Off R135 Airtime Airtime usable for calls/data
MTN Yellow Core 1GB Anytime R149.00 50 All-Net Minutes

These plans suit moderate to heavy users, with options for streaming, social media, and video calls.

Contract Plans

For those who want devices bundled with data and voice:

  • Yellow Plans: Anytime data + all-network minutes. Simple and flexible.
  • Sky Premium: Unlimited voice and data + VIP perks like travel discounts.
  • Mega Flex: Airtime-based plan with free data bonuses.

One-Time Bundles

If you prefer not to commit monthly:

  • 300MB One-Time Bundle: Valid for 12 months at R399.
  • Other bundles range from R1.50 to R899, depending on size and duration

Read; Du uae data plan offer and how to buy data

MTN south Africa Mobile Internet Data Plans

 

Plan Name Price (ZAR) Data Allocation
Mobile Internet Silver R119 6GB Anytime Data
Mobile Internet Platinum R239 30GB Anytime Data
Mobile Internet Ruby R359 70GB Anytime Data
Mobile Internet Gold R299 15GB Anytime Data
Mobile Internet Diamond R479 200GB Anytime Data
All plans are VAT inclusive and typically offered on a month-to-month or contract basis

MTN Extra Gigs Promo Plans

 

MTN South Africa Mobile Internet Extra Gigs Promotion  are designed to give you more data at a lower cost per GB, ideal for streaming, remote work, or heavy browsing:

Plan Name Data Allowance Monthly Price (ZAR) Cost per GB Contract Term
Platinum Promo 50 GB Anytime Data R199 R3.98 24 months
Ruby Promo 100 GB Anytime Data R329 R3.29 24 months

Read; How to register for First National Bank South Africa Online/Internet Banking And Mobile App

Different data plan available in mtn south africa

 

MTN South Africa offers a wide range of data plans tailored to different lifestyles and usage patterns. Whether you’re a light browser, a binge streamer, or a night owl, there’s a bundle for you.

Here’s a full breakdown of the Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Social, Night-time, and Combo data plans available

Daily Bundles

 

Perfect for quick browsing or short-term needs:

Plan Name Data Price (ZAR) Validity
MTN One Day 20MB 20MB R4.00 1 day
MTN One Day 50MB 50MB R8.50 1 day
MTN One Day 75MB 75MB R12.00 1 day

Weekly Bundles

 

Great for moderate users who want consistent access:

Plan Name Data Price (ZAR) Validity
MTN Weekly 250MB 250MB R15.00 7 days
MTN Weekly 500MB 500MB R25.00 7 days
MTN Weekly 1GB 1GB R35.00 7 days

Monthly Bundles

 

Ideal for regular users who stream, work, or browse daily:

Plan Name Data Price (ZAR)
Mobile Internet Silver 6GB R119
Mobile Internet Gold 15GB R149
Mobile Internet Platinum 30GB R239
Platinum Promo 50GB R199
Ruby Promo 100GB R329
Diamond 200GB R479

Social Bundles

 

Designed for social media lovers—WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok:

Platform Data Price (ZAR) Validity
WhatsApp 250MB R5.00 1 day
TikTok 500MB R10.00 3 days
Facebook 1GB R20.00 7 days

Night-time Bundles (00:01–05:59)

 

For late-night users who want high-speed data at low cost:

Plan Name Data Price (ZAR) Validity
Night Express 250MB 250MB R5.00 Night
Night Express 1GB 1GB R10.00 Night

Data Combos

 

Bundles that include Anytime + Night + Video + Voice minutes:

Combo Name Anytime Night Video Voice Price (ZAR)
MTN Combo Offer 750MB 750MB 500MB 60 min R99

 

How to buy MTN South Africa data plan

Buying MTN South Africa data is incredibly flexible—you’ve got multiple ways to do it depending on your device, preference, and payment method. Here’s a complete guide to each option, with helpful steps by steps  to make it even easier:

1. MTN Mobile App 

The MTN App is the most user-friendly method with access to exclusive deals:

  • Download the MTN App from Google Play or Apple App Store.
  • Log in using your MTN number.
  • Tap “Buy Airtime and Data”.
  • Choose your preferred bundle (daily, weekly, monthly, or promo).
  • Pay using airtime, MoMo wallet, or a linked bank card.

2. MTN Chat & WhatsApp Service

MTN lets you buy data directly via WhatsApp or MTN Chat:

  • Save MTN Chat number: 083 123 0011.
  • Open WhatsApp and send “Hi” to start.
  • Follow the prompts to select and purchase a data bundle.

This method is great for users who prefer conversational interfaces. It’s secure, fast, and works even if you don’t have the app installed.

3. Online via MTN Website 

You can also buy data directly from MTN’s website:

  • Visit www.mtn.co.za.
  • Go to “Shop” → “Data Bundles”.
  • Choose a prepaid or contract bundle.
  • Pay using card, MoMo, or EFT.

This is ideal for desktop users or when managing multiple lines.

4. Banking Apps 

Most South African banks allow you to buy MTN data directly:

  • Open your banking app (e.g., FNB, Capitec, Standard Bank).
  • Navigate to “Buy Airtime/Data”.
  • Select MTN and enter your number.
  • Choose your bundle and confirm payment.

This method is perfect if you want to skip airtime and pay directly from your bank account.

5. USSD Code (No Internet Needed)

For quick access on any phone:

  • Dial *136# or *141# from your MTN line.
  • Select “Buy Data”.
  • Choose your bundle and confirm using airtime.

6. Recharge for Someone Else

Want to buy data for a friend or family member?

  • Use the MTN app or dial *136*recipient_number#
  • Choose “Buy Data for Another Number”
  • Confirm and send

Read; How to register for African Bank Online/Internet Banking and Mobile App

How to check MTN South Africa data balance

 

Checking your MTN South Africa data balance is super easy, and you’ve got multiple ways to do it depending on your preference—whether you love apps, prefer chatting on WhatsApp, or just want a quick USSD code. Here’s your full guide:

1. Using the MTN App

The MTN App gives you a full dashboard of your data usage, airtime, and more:

  • Download the MTN App from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
  • Log in using your MTN number.
  • Tap the “Data” tab or check the home screen.
  • Your current data balance will be displayed clearly.

2. Using MTN Chat (WhatsApp Service)

MTN Chat is a WhatsApp-based service that lets you check your balance conversationally:

  • Save MTN Chat number: 083 123 0011.
  • Open WhatsApp and send “Hi”.
  • Follow the prompts to check your data balance.
  • You’ll receive a message with your current usage.

This method is great if you’re already chatting on WhatsApp and want a quick, no-app-needed solution.

3. Using USSD Code (Works on Any Phone)

This is the fastest and most universal method:

  • Dial *136# or *136*1# from your MTN line.
  • Select “Balance” or “Data Balance” from the menu.
  • You’ll receive an SMS with your remaining data and airtime.
Meet Ogbeide Frank, also known as Perere, a blogger passionate about writing on finance and tech. He studied Business Administration from Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma and Mobile Communication at Orange College in Malaysia. Frank has experience working as a banker and consultant for various agencies in Nigeria.
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