giffgaff Roaming in China: Charges, Texts and Data Add-ons (2026)

Mainland China is outside the giffgaff EU Zone. Check current call, text and data rates, travel data add-ons, and settings that prevent background data charges.

Last updated: 2026-07-15
View physical giffgaff SIMsarrow_forward
On this page
  1. 1. Official roaming rates for China
  2. 2. Travel data add-on or PAYG data
  3. 3. Prevent accidental data charges
  4. 4. Incoming texts are free, but do not keep the number active
  5. 5. China roaming FAQ
  6. 6. Official sources
  7. 7. Related guides

Official roaming rates for China

UseCurrent rateNote
Data20p / MBConsider a travel add-on or disable background data
Calls and voicemail£1 / minutePer-second after the first 30 seconds
Receiving calls£1 / minutePer-minute charging
Sending texts30p / textDeducted from credit
Receiving textsFreeIncoming texts alone do not keep the SIM active
Checked 15 July 2026. Recheck the official destination page before travel.
verified
Rates are taken directly from the official China roaming page.

Travel data add-on or PAYG data

China is listed among supported non-EU destinations for travel data add-ons in the giffgaff app. An add-on covers data only, lasts 30 days from purchase and is country-specific outside the EU Zone.

  • check_circleFor incoming texts only, disable mobile data and data roaming on the giffgaff line.
  • check_circleFor emergency data, compare the live 1GB, 5GB and 10GB add-ons in the app.
  • check_circleFor heavy use, a local data service is usually more practical; keep giffgaff for the UK number.

Prevent accidental data charges

  1. 1

    Disable data roaming

    Also disable mobile data for the giffgaff line when it is not needed.
  2. 2

    Disable automatic data switching

    A dual-SIM phone should not silently move data to giffgaff.
  3. 3

    Restrict background traffic

    Cloud photos, app refresh and updates can consume data quickly.
  4. 4

    Watch airtime credit

    Calls, outgoing texts and PAYG data are deducted from credit.

Incoming texts are free, but do not keep the number active

Incoming standard texts are free at the current rate, but delivery of third-party verification codes depends on the sender and network route. Use the SMS verification troubleshooting guide for diagnosis.

warning
Passive incoming texts do not count as activity. Read the number-keeping guide and perform a qualifying action within every six months.

China roaming FAQ

Is receiving a text on giffgaff free in China?expand_more
Yes, the current official China roaming page lists incoming texts as free. Third-party verification-code delivery is not guaranteed.
Can I use my normal plan data in China?expand_more
China is outside the EU Zone. Use a China travel data add-on where available or PAYG data at the listed rate.
Do incoming texts keep my giffgaff number active?expand_more
No. Complete a qualifying outbound use, mobile-data connection, or credit/plan purchase at least once every six months.

官方来源 / Official sources

Prepare a physical UK number before travel

LarkSim ships from local stock; you register and activate the giffgaff account yourself.

arrow_forwardView both options