How to keep the number
Overseas operators generally have rules for keeping a number. A Giffgaff SIM needs one change in credit balance every 180 days; otherwise the number is frozen and cancelled. The simplest way to keep the number from China is to send one text, to a phone number in China or abroad, at £0.30 each, so keeping the number costs only £0.60 a year (less than 6 RMB).
After each top-up or charge, the period starts again from the day the balance changed. The first top-up also counts as a change in balance, so the next action only has to happen within 180 days of activation.
The original English rules on keeping a number, from the Giffgaff website
The Giffgaff website's rules on keeping a number (machine translation, for reference)
💡 A reminder
For this shop's [pre-topped-up SIMs], the day you order is the day of top-up and activation, so be sure to spend or top up once within 180 days of receiving it, to keep the number from being frozen.
Users of [blank SIMs] who top up and activate themselves likewise need to keep the number within 180 days.
Reminders and how to check the dates
Giffgaff sends a reminder email a week before the period ends, so keep an eye on your registered email address. (To change the email, use the profile page on the website.)
The safest approach is to set your own reminder in your phone's calendar, ideally for the top-up and activation date + 170 days. Here is how to find that date:
Log in to the website, open the Orders and payments page and click View to see your top-up history.
Open the Orders and payments page
View past top-ups and charges
FAQ about keeping the number
Why is there a notice at the very bottom of the website about 3 months of free calls expiring?
That is the free calls and texts benefit Giffgaff users get after each top-up. It only works between Giffgaff users when both are inside the UK. It has nothing to do with the rules for keeping a number and means nothing in practice for users roaming in China.
Why was £0.01 deducted for no apparent reason after my first top-up?
Quite a few users have seen this. The charge later shows on the bill, usually as a roaming fee, and generally happens once and only once. The exact cause has yet to be found and official support has no definite answer; it does not affect normal use or keeping the number.
Where can I see detailed call records and individual charges?
Go to this link: Usage Statement.
The detailed records and bill categories usually appear on the website a few days after a charge.
