Simple Tips for TNM and Airtel Users.
In Malawi today, mobile phone usage is as essential as nsima on the table. Whether you’re using TNM or Airtel, airtime ( ndalama ya foni) runs out faster than expected—sometimes before the conversation even gets interesting! But with a few practical tips and habits, you can stretch every kwacha ( ndalama) and avoid unnecessary top-ups. Here’s how:
1. Use “Beep” or “Please Call Me” Instead of Calling First.
Sometimes you just want to alert someone without engaging in a full conversation. Instead of calling, use the free “please call me” service available on both TNM and Airtel.
This method is especially useful for brief, non-urgent situations like:
“Ndikufunika kukuwuza chinthu chimodzi basi (I just need to tell you something brief).”
This saves you from initiating a call and potentially spending more airtime than necessary.
2. Use Voice Bundles Instead of Regular Airtime.
Most people make the mistake of calling straight from their main balance. But both Airtel and TNM offer voice bundles that give more minutes at a cheaper price.
For example:
- Airtel’s Yabooka bundles: 100 minutes for MK400 (Dial *140#)
- TNM’s Toti Toti Voice Bundles: 90 minutes for MK300 (Dial *202#)
Compare that to spending MK500 airtime and only getting 10 minutes. Bundles are a game-changer!
3. Take Advantage of Off-Peak Offers..
Both networks offer discounted rates during off-peak hours—usually at night or weekends. If your conversation can wait, schedule calls for those times. For instance:
- Airtel’s Night Bundles start as low as MK100
- TNM’s Madzi a Moyo gives bonus talk-time at odd hours
Tip: Call your relatives in the village at night when network traffic is low and bundles last longer.
4. Minimize Unnecessary Talk Time.
Let’s be honest. A lot of airtime is lost in chitchat ( kukambirana zopanda ntchito). Before dialing, know what you want to say. Keep the conversation clear and focused:
- Instead of: “Muli bwanji? Nanga banja? Mwana ali pati?”
- Try: “Ndikufuna kudziwa ngati munapita ku meeting lero.”
That saves a whole minute or two—every second counts.
5. Use Apps Like WhatsApp Calling When You Have Data or Wi-Fi.
Calling via WhatsApp can be much cheaper if you’re connected to Wi-Fi or have a data bundle. Just 10MB of data can last up to 10 minutes on WhatsApp audio.
Chichewa Tip: “Imani pa data, osamangogwiritsa ntchito airtime!” (Use data, don’t always rely on airtime!)
If you already have a bundle for browsing, you might as well use it for WhatsApp or Telegram voice calls.
6. Avoid Returning Missed Calls from Unknown Numbers.
Many people lose airtime by calling back missed calls from unknown or suspicious numbers. Some of these are spam or call-back scams.
- If it’s important, they’ll call again.
- You can also send a “Please call me” instead.
Mneneri anati: Usamatayire ndalama zako pa foni yosadziwika (Don’t waste your money on a strange number).
7. Use Conference Calls for Group Discussions.
Instead of calling multiple people one by one, use conference calling. Most phones and networks support this feature.
- Call the first person
- Tap “Add call” or “Merge”
- Add the next one
This saves you time and airtime by making one call instead of three.
8. Record and Send Voice Notes.
If what you want to say doesn’t require immediate response, use voice notes on WhatsApp. They’re free if you’re using Wi-Fi, and even on data, they consume less than live calls.
E.g. “Moni bambo, ndangofuna ndikudziwitseni kuti meeting yasinthidwa. Ndi bwino mukabwera pa 2pm.” (Hello sir, just wanted to inform you the meeting has been rescheduled. Kindly come at 2pm.)
That saves more than a 2-minute phone call.
9. Monitor Your Usage Both Airtel and TNM allow users to check how their airtime was used:
- TNM: Dial *200# then choose “My Usage”
- Airtel: Dial *121# then select “My Balance & Usage”
Review your past use and ask:
“Did I really need to spend MK120 just talking about soccer?”
Being aware helps you change behavior.
10. Switch to Airtime Saver Tariffs or Plans.
Ask customer service about available cheap tariff plans. Some plans offer reduced call rates permanently.
For example:
- Airtel Flexi Plan offers flexible bundles
- TNM Smart Plan includes voice + data packages
Just walk into any service center and ask:
“Kodi muli ndi mapulani otsika mtengo ochepetsera ndalama ya kuyimba?”
11. Use Callback Services for Important Calls.
Sometimes you can request a callback if you’re out of airtime but the matter is urgent. Just tell the person through text or “please call me”:
“Pepani, ndilibe airtime. Mundiyitane mukakhala ndi nthawi.” (Sorry, I don’t have airtime. Call me when you’re free.)
This is very common in Malawi and widely accepted.
12. Join Airtime Sharing Circles
In families or small groups, consider forming airtime-sharing systems where one person buys bundles and shares with others using Me2U services:
- Airtel Me2U: Dial
*140*2# - TNM Me2U: Dial
*200#then choose “Me2U”
This allows centralized purchasing and avoids wasting airtime on individual random top-ups.
13. Don’t Let Airtime Expire Unused.
If you bought a voice bundle with a 1-day limit, use it before it expires. That’s like throwing MK300 into the dambo (swamp).
- Set reminders for bundle expiry.
- Combine calls you need to make while your bundle is still active.
Conclusion: Airtime Is Like Money — Treat It That Way.
In Malawi, where every kwacha counts, airtime should not be taken lightly. Whether you’re chatting with your cousin in Mzuzu, your auntie in Nsanje, or negotiating fertilizer prices in Salima, learn to talk smart—not long.
Small habits like sending voice notes, using bundles, avoiding small talk, and utilizing “please call me” services can save you thousands over time.
Let’s recap quickly:
- Use “please call me” instead of calling first
- Buy voice bundles, not just airtime
- Use WhatsApp on data or Wi-Fi
- Talk less, say more
- Avoid calling back unknown numbers
- Check your usage regularly
- Choose cheaper plans
- Make voice notes and group calls
- Share airtime and track expiry
Airtime isn’t something to waste like loose change. So next time you buy that MK500 voucher, ask yourself: “Kodi ndigwiritsa ntchito mwanzeru?”
(Am I going to use this wisely?).
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