WorldRemit Airtime Top Up Explained
A WorldRemit airtime top up sends mobile credit to a recipient's prepaid phone. WorldRemit says airtime top ups are usually instant, or arrive within a few minutes. The sender enters the number twice, and an airtime top up cannot be reclaimed once it is sent, so check the number first.
What airtime top up is
When you add credit to a prepaid phone, it is known as a top up. Airtime gives access to the network's voice, mobile data and SMS. WorldRemit describes its top up as a payment it makes to send a mobile recharge to a recipient's prepaid call plan. Here is WorldRemit's own video:
Airtime or mobile money?
They are different:
- Airtime is for calls, SMS and data. It cannot be used to buy other items or pay bills.
- Mobile money is an account for storing and moving money, see WorldRemit mobile money.
How fast is it?
WorldRemit says airtime top ups are normally added instantly or within a few minutes. Very occasionally there may be small delays because of congestion or outages on the local mobile network.
How much airtime will they get?
WorldRemit says the usable amount varies by telecom network. To learn how much airtime a top up gives, ask the recipient's provider.
Why can the recipient get less than you sent?
WorldRemit says some governments apply taxes to incoming airtime top ups. In those countries part of the value is deducted locally, so the recipient gets a lower amount. WorldRemit says it cannot change this, and that you are told during the transaction if the country does it.
If you enter the wrong number
WorldRemit asks you to enter the phone number twice to catch typing mistakes. But if you enter the wrong number twice, the transfer goes ahead and WorldRemit says there is no way to reclaim the top up. Check the number with your recipient before you send.
Is it available for your recipient?
WorldRemit says to select the region your recipient lives in to see if airtime top up is an option there. Cost and speed depend on country, receive method and payment method, see WorldRemit fees. For the whole process, read how to use WorldRemit.
New customers can use the referral link with REFERNNF57P9SAA1L at sign-up. This is an independent site, not WorldRemit.
FAQ
What is a WorldRemit airtime top up?
A mobile recharge sent to a recipient's prepaid phone.
How long does it take?
WorldRemit says usually instant or within a few minutes.
Can I get the airtime back if I enter the wrong number?
No. If you enter the wrong number twice, WorldRemit says the top up cannot be reclaimed.
Why did my recipient get less airtime?
Some countries tax incoming airtime, so part of the value is deducted locally.
Is airtime the same as mobile money?
No. Airtime is only for calls, SMS and data. Mobile money is a wallet for storing and moving money.