giffgaff SIM only deals

Before you take out a giffgaff SIM only plan, think about what’s important to you. Do you need tonnes of data each month? Lots of minutes for talking on the phone? Maybe you’re message-mad and need hundreds of monthly texts to stay in touch.

If you stream videos a lot when out and about, you’ll need lots of data. Apps like WhatsApp can save your text message allowance, as they send messages over the internet instead of your cellular connection. The same goes for VOIP apps, which make calls over the internet. But both use data, and they’re not always convenient to use.

Think about how much you want to spend as well. giffgaff has some of the most affordable SIM only plans around, so you should be able to find one that suits you for a reasonable monthly cost.

Switching to giffgaff is no different to switching to any other network. All you do is call your existing provider to get a PAC code (Porting Authorisation Code), which they are legally obliged to send you within two hours of your request.

Don’t fancy calling them? No problem. Just text PAC to 65075, and you’ll be texted your PAC code. Give this PAC code to giffgaff, and they’ll start the switch. Make sure you supply them with the PAC code within 30 days, or it will expire, and you’ll need to get a new one.

Yes, you can. As outlined above, you just need to get your PAC code from your existing mobile provider, then give it to giffgaff. There’s more info in our guide to transferring your number to a new phone.

If you don’t want to keep your number, contact giffgaff and tell them you want a new number, then end your contract with your old network.

You can also do this by text—to complete your old contract and get your Service Termination Authorisation Code (STAC), just text STAC to 75075.

Before you can use your giffgaff SIM card, you’ll need to activate it. Head to giffgaff.com/activate and enter the six- or 13-digit activation code printed on the SIM. You’ll need your credit or debit card too, for billing purposes. Then you’ll be up and running in no time.

They do. You can use your giffgaff SIM only deal in the EU and some other locations just as you would at home. They have a roaming cap, but it only kicks in once you’ve used 5GB. Anyone on pay as you go will have data, calls and texts charged at the usual UK PAYG rates while roaming in the EU. If you’re travelling outside the EU and these other included locations, you’ll need to add credit to your account to use data roaming. Find out giffgaff’s roaming costs on giffgaff.com/roaming-charges.

In keeping with its strapline: ‘the mobile network run by you’ giffgaff's customer service is operated by its support team agents as well as its own customers, dubbed members, who answer your queries and help you out when you’re stuck. Anyone can sign up to be a member. And for their efforts, they'll be rewarded with giffgaff points, not to mention the satisfaction of helping others.

giffgaff claims that its team of members allow you can get help at any time, day or night, unlike big mobile networks' call centres that are only open between certain times. And it should mean there's no need to wait in long call centre queues either.

Whilst giffgaff has this community of members, there are also agents on hand to help with questions related to your account.

giffgaff not right for you? There are many UK networks with a range of products available. No matter your budget, data requirements, or handset preference, you’ll be able to find the ideal package: