giffgaff PAC Transfer: Complete VOXI and CTExcel Number-Keeping Guide (2026)

For customers leaving giffgaff or already holding a PAC and wanting to keep the original UK number. This guide covers obtaining the PAC, activating the destination SIM, submitting the transfer, choosing VOXI or CTExcel, and testing the number afterwards.

Last updated: 2026-07-29
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On this page
  1. 1. PAC and STAC are not interchangeable
  2. 2. Get a PAC from giffgaff
  3. 3. Prepare before submitting the transfer
  4. 4. Choosing VOXI or CTExcel
  5. 5. Option 1: transfer to VOXI
  6. 6. Option 2: transfer to CTExcel UK
  7. 7. Verify the transfer
  8. 8. Handle the giffgaff balance separately
  9. 9. Frequently asked questions
  10. 10. Official sources
  11. 11. Related guides

PAC and STAC are not interchangeable

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Use a PAC to keep the original number. A STAC closes the old service while keeping the destination network's temporary number, so the old giffgaff number is not transferred.
CodePurposeKeeps the old number
PACMoves the existing giffgaff UK number to another UK networkYes
STACEnds the old service and keeps the new network's temporary numberNo

Get a PAC from giffgaff

  1. 1

    Request it in the online account

    Sign in to giffgaff and use the profile or leaving page. This is normally the most direct option while the account works.
  2. 2

    Text from the UK mobile network

    Text PAC to 65075 from the giffgaff number. Standard self-service methods generally require connection to a UK mobile network.
  3. 3

    Use the automated phone service

    Call 43431 from the giffgaff number and follow the prompts. Access depends on the current service and network.
  4. 4

    If the number has been deactivated

    Use the official giffgaff agent form immediately. giffgaff specifically allows an agent PAC request within 30 days after inactivity deactivation; other restrictions depend on the review.
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A PAC normally lasts 30 days. Check the request methods and UK-use restrictions in the official giffgaff PAC and STAC guide.

Prepare before submitting the transfer

  • check_circleRecord the PAC, issue date and expiry date.
  • check_circleObtain the destination SIM or eSIM and its temporary UK number.
  • check_circleActivate the new line first and confirm that its account and basic service work.
  • check_circleKeep accurate, verifiable name, address and contact details on the destination account.
  • check_circleDo not cancel giffgaff or discard the old SIM before the transfer completes.
  • check_circleSave recovery codes and backup verification methods in case texts are briefly interrupted.

The destination network submits the PAC. giffgaff service normally ends automatically when the transfer completes.

Choosing VOXI or CTExcel

ComparisonVOXICTExcel UK
NetworkVodafone/Three “Nation’s Network”EE partner network
FormatFree physical SIM or eSIM on a supported devicePhysical SIM or eSIM, depending on plan and device
Best fitNormal UK use with a monthly allowanceChinese-language support or managing a UK number from China
Use abroadRequires the relevant roaming extra or sufficient creditChoose a plan designed for the actual China or travel scenario
WiFi CallingNot supported while roaming abroadConfirm the plan, device and current support position before buying
Keeping cost30-day rolling plan, with inactivity rules still applyingReturn-to-China annual options exist; prices and benefits can change
Chinese supportPrimarily English self-serviceChinese website and support channels
Based on public information checked on 29 July 2026; the selected plan and checkout page are authoritative
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The useful question is not which network can never close an account. Choose the activation, renewal, overseas-use and support model that matches where and how the number will be used.

Option 1: transfer to VOXI

VOXI suits customers using a normal monthly allowance in the UK. Plans normally roll every 30 days, with a free physical SIM or eSIM on compatible devices.

  1. 1

    Order and activate VOXI first

    Choose a plan on the official VOXI plan page. Physical SIMs are not delivered abroad, and VOXI says activation must take place in the UK.
  2. 2

    Keep the temporary VOXI number

    Confirm that the new line works and that the VOXI account settings are accessible.
  3. 3

    Submit the giffgaff PAC

    Use Settings / Transfer number in the VOXI account, enter the old number and PAC, then select an available date.
  4. 4

    Wait for completion

    A normal transfer is usually around one working day. Weekends, bank holidays or mismatched details can delay it, and service may be briefly interrupted.
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VOXI is not a zero-cost permanent overseas number-keeping product. Roaming requires the relevant extra or credit, and VOXI says WiFi Calling is unavailable while roaming abroad.

VOXI's terms also cover long inactivity. After 180 days without specified activity, a warning may be sent and continued inactivity can lead to disconnection. Add renewal and qualifying-activity dates to a calendar if the line will be used infrequently.

Option 2: transfer to CTExcel UK

CTExcel UK uses an EE partner network and provides Chinese-language pages, support and plans designed for customers returning to China.

  1. 1

    Choose and activate a CTExcel SIM or eSIM

    Use the CTExcel UK website to select a plan for the actual use case and activate the destination line.
  2. 2

    Open the official porting page

    Go to CTExcel UK Number Portability, enter the activated temporary number and complete SMS verification.
  3. 3

    Submit the old number and PAC

    Enter the giffgaff number, PAC and requested date. Check the PAC expiry before submitting.
  4. 4

    Wait for confirmation

    CTExcel says the transfer normally takes around one working day. A short interruption can occur, followed by a confirmation text.
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Price snapshot checked on 29 July 2026: CTExcel's return-to-China annual plan page showed 15GB at £22 for 365 days and 50GB at £36 for 365 days. Pricing, allowances and promotions can change; the checkout page is authoritative.
  • check_circleConfirm that the selected plan accepts port-ins.
  • check_circleConfirm activation in China and the physical SIM or eSIM delivery route.
  • check_circleConfirm incoming texts, roaming and renewal conditions in China.
  • check_circleDo not assume every bank or website verification message will arrive; sender platforms can still restrict MVNO or roaming numbers.

CTExcel support: call 888 from CTExcel, 400 828 1800 in China, or +44 787 002 0888 elsewhere; email help@ctexcel.com. Recheck the current website before relying on these details.

Verify the transfer

  1. 1

    Keep both SIMs available

    Do not delete or discard either line until the old giffgaff SIM loses service and the new SIM takes over the original number.
  2. 2

    Restart and check the number

    Restart the phone, toggle airplane mode, and confirm the number in the destination account.
  3. 3

    Test calls and texts

    Test incoming and outgoing calls and texts. Do not use one verification-code platform as the only test.
  4. 4

    Check important accounts

    Verify email, banking, payment and social-account recovery, then add backup methods.
  5. 5

    Contact the destination network if delayed

    The new network executes the PAC. If the promised date passes or only part of the service works, provide the PAC, date and temporary-number evidence to that network.

Handle the giffgaff balance separately

A PAC moves the number only; it does not transfer airtime credit or a plan balance. Any eligible refund must be requested separately from giffgaff. For a disabled account, use the appeal and balance-refund guide.

Frequently asked questions

Should the request use PAC or STAC?expand_more
Use a PAC to keep the original giffgaff number. A STAC ends the old service without moving that number.
How long does a PAC last?expand_more
Normally 30 days from issue. If the transfer does not complete before expiry, request another code.
Should giffgaff be cancelled before submitting a PAC?expand_more
No. Activate the destination SIM or eSIM first and let the new network submit the PAC. The old service normally ends automatically at completion.
Which is better for keeping a UK number from China: VOXI or CTExcel?expand_more
VOXI is a stronger fit for normal monthly UK use. CTExcel is worth comparing for Chinese-language support and return-to-China plans. Confirm activation, roaming, texts, renewal and inactivity rules on the exact plan.
Does giffgaff credit transfer with the number?expand_more
No. A PAC transfers the number only; any eligible balance refund must be requested separately.

官方来源 / Official sources

Still waiting for a PAC?

Preserve the account evidence, then ask an official giffgaff agent about PAC and refund eligibility.

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