How to Call China from the UK with giffgaff: Dialling, Credit and Charges (2026)

To call China from the UK with giffgaff, keep enough airtime credit on the account and dial the number in international +86 format. International calls and texts are not included in ordinary UK plan allowances, so the charge comes from credit rather than inclusive minutes.

Last updated: 2026-09-24
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On this page
  1. 1. Separate an international call from roaming in China
  2. 2. Use +86 for a Chinese mobile number
  3. 3. Remove the leading zero from a Chinese landline area code
  4. 4. Use the same format for an ordinary SMS
  5. 5. International calls and texts use airtime credit
  6. 6. Make a short test call before a long conversation
  7. 7. If the call fails, check these items in order
  8. 8. The practical takeaway
  9. 9. Calling China with giffgaff FAQ
  10. 10. Official sources
  11. 11. Related guides

Separate an international call from roaming in China

This guide covers a giffgaff SIM connected to a UK network while calling or texting China. If the SIM is connected to a network in China, that is roaming and uses a different set of rates and checks. See the giffgaff China roaming guide instead.

Use +86 for a Chinese mobile number

A mainland Chinese mobile number normally has 11 digits. Save 138 0013 8000 as +86 138 0013 8000. The +86 country code is followed by the complete mobile number, with no digit removed. Long-press 0 on most phone keypads to enter the plus sign.

0086 can also represent the country code, but +86 is easier to keep in contacts because the same entry works across phones and networks.

Remove the leading zero from a Chinese landline area code

A Beijing number written domestically as 010 1234 5678 becomes +86 10 1234 5678. Shanghai 021 becomes +86 21, and Guangzhou 020 becomes +86 20. Keep the area code but remove its first zero.

If a copied number already starts with +86, do not add the country code again.

Use the same format for an ordinary SMS

Address an operator SMS to +86 followed by the 11-digit mobile number. If delivery fails, confirm the number, available credit and the ability to send a normal UK SMS. Also make sure the test is using SMS rather than iMessage, RCS or another internet-messaging service.

International calls and texts use airtime credit

Calls and texts to non-UK numbers are not included in ordinary giffgaff plans. They are paid from airtime credit, so an active plan with unused UK minutes does not replace the need for credit.

Check the balance in the dashboard or app before calling. The giffgaff balance and usage guide explains how credit, plans and usage records differ.

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Destination rates can change. Check China on giffgaff's official International rates page immediately before payment or a long call instead of relying on an old screenshot or forum quote.

Make a short test call before a long conversation

  1. 1

    Record the balance

    Note the airtime-credit balance before dialling.
  2. 2

    Use the +86 number

    Connect once and keep the first test under a minute.
  3. 3

    Wait for the record

    Do not redial repeatedly while waiting for the usage statement.
  4. 4

    Check International usage

    Match the duration, number ending and credit change before making a longer call.

The giffgaff usage statement is not real time. The official guide says it normally refreshes at about 8am each day and includes activity through the previous day. A missing entry immediately after the call does not mean that the call was free.

If the call fails, check these items in order

  • check_circleConfirm +86 and all 11 digits for a mobile, or remove the leading zero from a landline area code.
  • check_circleConfirm that airtime credit is available even when a plan is active.
  • check_circleTest a UK call or SMS to separate a general SIM or signal problem from a destination-specific problem.
  • check_circleWhen contacting an agent, provide the UK time, dialled international format, error and local-service result, while masking unnecessary digits.

The practical takeaway

For a UK-origin call to China, use +86 and airtime credit. For a giffgaff SIM being used inside China, follow roaming rules. Make one short test call, then check the International section of the usage statement after its next update before committing to a longer call.

Calling China with giffgaff FAQ

Are calls to China included in giffgaff plan minutes?expand_more
No. Calls and texts to non-UK numbers are international services paid from airtime credit.
Should I use +86 or 0086?expand_more
Both represent China's country code, but +86 is more convenient for a saved contact.
Why is the zero removed from a Chinese landline area code?expand_more
The first zero is a domestic trunk prefix. International format uses +86 and the area code without that zero.
Why is the charge missing immediately after the call?expand_more
The usage statement normally refreshes at about 8am and contains activity through the previous day, so wait for the next update.

官方来源 / Official sources