Mobile Phones

Keeping in touch is very important. In this section you’ll find information on how to get your mobile device set-up before you move.

Applying for a UK number overseas

Before moving to the UK, you may need a UK telephone number to pre-arrange everything  when you arrive. Giffgaff SIM could be a choice. 

Gifgaff is a brand affiliated to the British virtual telecommunications company O2. It uses the CSL network to provide 4G services.

For HKers, Giffgaff’s biggest advantage is that it provides free SIM-card mailing services; i.e. the SIM card is mailed to your assigned HK address directly free-of-charge. 

Users in Hong Kong can obtain a UK mobile number and SIM card within one or two weeks simply  by filling in a form online.  The whole application will just take 3 minutes.

After receiving the SIM card in Hong Kong, the user needs to add a minimum of  £10 online to activate the card.

Giffgaff also provides roaming services. After activating the card, you can receive and send SMS, or make and receive calls outside the UK. Roaming services are charged at £1 per minute.

After arriving in the UK, the user can end Giffgaff service anytime and switch to another telecommunication operator with or without the original mobile number. 

Please note that Giffgaff allocates mobile numbers randomly. Users cannot choose their own numbers.

How to keep your Hong Kong mobile number

Some HKers might prefer keeping their Hong Kong phone number even after moving to the UK.  

You should first check the expiry time of your SIM contracts (if applicable). If the contract will be in force for a while, the simplest way to keep the HK number is to activate roaming service; if the contract is expiring soon, the following two ways can be considered: 

  1. Check with your HK network operator to see if you can change your plan.

  2. Switch from a monthly plan to a pre-paid plan. This is sometimes called a “monthly card” or a “yearly card”. Users do not need to sign a bundles contact and can enjoy a contract-free SIM.

Popular Pre-Paid SIM Cards

  1. Lucky SIM

  2. 3 HK International Supreme Card

  3. Globalsim

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