📖 What You'll Learn
Many Kenyans ask: “Can I use M‑PESA or a local reseller till to buy airtime for a phone number in another country?” The short answer is no – M‑PESA, Safaricom, Airtel, and local reseller tills (like 509947) only work for Kenyan numbers (Safaricom, Airtel, Telkom). This guide explains why, what options exist for international top‑ups, and the best alternatives to send credit abroad.
❌ Why Local Methods Don't Work for Foreign Numbers
- M‑PESA Lipa na M‑PESA (Buy Goods) – Payments to tills are processed for Kenyan businesses only. The system does not route airtime or data to international carriers.
- Official USSD (*544#) – Only works for the local network (Safaricom or Airtel Kenya). You cannot buy for a foreign line.
- Reseller tills (e.g., 509947) – These are designed to deliver bundles exclusively to Kenyan mobile numbers (Safaricom, Airtel, and sometimes Telkom/Equitel).
⚠️ Important: Do not send money to a reseller claiming they can deliver airtime to a foreign number. They are likely scammers. No legitimate platform in Kenya can top up international numbers directly.
✅ Legitimate Ways to Send Airtime or Money Abroad
| Method | What You Can Send | Delivery Speed | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| WorldRemit | Airtime to 200+ countries (Safaricom international top‑up also available) | Instant – few minutes | Low per transaction |
| Sendwave | Money transfer (recipient can buy their own airtime) | Instant to M‑PESA | Low |
| Ding (formerly Recharge.com) | Airtime top‑up for hundreds of global operators | Instant | Small service fee |
| Western Union / MoneyGram | Cash (recipient buys airtime) | Minutes to hours | Higher |
🔄 Alternative: What About Buying Bundles for a Kenyan Number While Abroad?
If you are outside Kenya and want to buy bundles for a Kenyan number (e.g., for a family member), you have options:
- Use an international airtime service like WorldRemit to top up their Kenyan number (Safaricom/Airtel).
- Send money to their M‑PESA via M‑PESA Global (if you are a diaspora user).
- Ask a trusted contact in Kenya to buy bundles on your behalf using a reseller till like 509947 (cheaper).
This is covered in more detail in our diaspora airtime guide.
📱 Step‑by‑Step: Using WorldRemit to Send Airtime Abroad
- Download the WorldRemit app or visit their website.
- Select “Airtime” as the transfer type.
- Choose the destination country and mobile network (e.g., Vodafone UK, MTN Nigeria).
- Enter the recipient’s phone number (including country code).
- Select the airtime amount (in local currency).
- Pay via card, bank transfer, or M‑PESA (if supported).
- The airtime is delivered within minutes.
WorldRemit also supports sending money directly to bank accounts or cash pickup – the recipient can then buy their own airtime.
Verified Merchant – Till 509947
Secure M‑PESA STK Push payments. Works only for Kenyan numbers (Safaricom/Airtel). Not for international top‑ups.
Written by the BingwaSoko Editorial Team
Experts in mobile money and international top‑up services. Helping you understand cross‑border airtime limitations.
Last reviewed: 26 May 2026
Experts in mobile money and international top‑up services. Helping you understand cross‑border airtime limitations.
Last reviewed: 26 May 2026
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Foreign Number Airtime
Can I use Till 509947 to buy airtime for a Tanzanian or Ugandan number?
No. Till 509947 only delivers bundles to Safaricom and Airtel Kenya numbers. It does not work for any foreign network.
Is there any way to top up a foreign number directly from M-PESA?
No – M‑PESA is a domestic mobile money system. You cannot initiate international airtime top‑ups from the M‑PESA menu. You must use a third‑party service like WorldRemit.
What is the cheapest way to send credit to a phone in Nigeria?
Compare WorldRemit and Ding for airtime. Alternatively, send money via Sendwave to their bank account and let them buy airtime locally – exchange rates may be better.
Can I use a reseller till for a foreign number if I use a VPN?
No – the limitation is on the recipient's network operator, not your IP address. The till system only recognises Kenyan carrier numbers.
What legitimate services can I use to send airtime abroad from Kenya?
WorldRemit, Ding (formerly Recharge.com), and some international remittance apps. You can also send money via Sendwave or Western Union, and the recipient buys their own airtime.
Can I buy bundles for a Kenyan number while I am abroad?
Yes. Use WorldRemit to top up their Kenyan number, send money via M-PESA Global (if you are a diaspora user), or ask a trusted contact in Kenya to buy bundles using Till 509947.
💡 Pro tip: If you regularly send airtime abroad, set up a WorldRemit or Ding account and save your favourite recipients. Some services offer lower fees on repeat transfers.
Till: 509947 (Kenyan numbers only)
👉 Buy Bundles for Kenyan Numbers – See Deals