Publish: 2023-03-27 | Modify: 2024-08-25
The blogger has always wanted to purchase a foreign SIM card to register for overseas services. Recently, while browsing V2EX, they came across a recommendation for the Giffgaff SIM card. Thus, the blogger bought a Giffgaff UK SIM card from JD.com and is sharing the activation process and important notes.
Giffgaff is a mobile phone company based in the UK. As a mobile virtual network operator, Giffgaff uses the O2 network and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of O2, founded on November 25, 2009. Unlike traditional mobile phone operators, Giffgaff allows its users to participate in some of the company's operations, such as sales, customer service, and marketing. — From Wikipedia
The price for the Giffgaff cards sold here is:
Please purchase by scanning the WeChat code below (xiaozme
), and when adding, please note: giffgaff
After receiving the SIM card, the next step is activation. You will need a MasterCard or VISA credit card (domestic credit cards with MasterCard/VISA are also acceptable). The blogger used a NobePay virtual card (card segment 553437
), and those without a credit card can contact the blogger via WeChat: xiaozme
for recharge activation (a fee of £5 will be charged).
Note that the billing address should be selected as a UK address to avoid issues.
This is the entire activation process. If you encounter any problems or have questions, feel free to leave a comment for discussion.
I inserted the Giffgaff SIM card into my newly purchased Redmi Note11T Pro. Without any special settings, I was able to roam and send/receive messages directly.
Next, when sending a text, one important note is to include the international dialing code; otherwise, the message will fail to send. For example:
Xiaoz successfully sent a text to a Hong Kong number using Giffgaff.
After activation, you can log into the Giffgaff backend to see your phone number, which looks like this.
However, you will notice that when registering for foreign services, you need to select the area code and enter the phone number. In this case, we need to adjust it by removing the leading 0 and replacing it with the UK international dialing code “+44.”
Therefore, the actual phone number will be “+44”7759...
To extend the number's validity, you need to make a consumption once every 180 days. The cheapest way to keep the number is to send a text every 6 months (be sure to set a reminder to avoid losing the number). When using Giffgaff to send messages, remember to include the area code, such as +86 138xxx
.
Important Notes:
Giffgaff official website: https://www.giffgaff.com/
I come from China and I am a freelancer. I specialize in Linux operations, PHP, Golang, and front-end development. I have developed open-source projects such as Zdir, ImgURL, CCAA, and OneNav.