VOXI UK Mobile Card: The Ultimate Giffgaff Alternative for Only 3 RMB per Year

Recently, Giffgaff has become increasingly difficult to obtain. It's being delisted from various platforms, and merchants with stock are raising prices! Currently, they sell for 80~100 RMB, which I don't think is worth it~

Additionally, the payment threshold for Vodafone Netherlands has increased, and Vodafone Germany is difficult to apply for.

Many friends have given me feedback: "Jason, is there an alternative to Giffgaff?"

Until I discovered this gem—VOXI, a sub-brand of Vodafone UK.

If you need a low-cost, high-weight, no-KYC UK mobile number, VOXI is definitely one of the best choices currently available.

But let me warn you upfront: the activation and use of this card are more complex than Giffgaff and not suitable for absolute beginners. Be mentally prepared!

Suitable for:

• ✅ Users who can't buy Giffgaff or whose orders aren't shipping
• ✅ Users who need to register for overseas services
• ✅ Users who need a UK bank account
• ✅ Users who need an eSIM
• ✅ Users who want low-cost number maintenance

**

I. Why VOXI?

To be honest, VOXI might be the most suitable UK mobile card to replace Giffgaff right now. Here are a few reasons:

1. Big Brand Background, Higher Weight

VOXI is a sub-brand of Vodafone, a physical carrier, not a virtual operator (MVNO). Compared to Giffgaff (an MVNO of O2), VOXI's number segments have higher weight, making registration for ChatGPT, Telegram, WhatsApp, and various bank accounts more stable.

2. Extremely Low Maintenance Cost

This is the key! VOXI's maintenance cost can be as low as £10 for 30 years. This averages out to about 3 RMB per year. The rule is simple: just have a balance change every 180 days to extend the validity.

3. No Real-Name Authentication (KYC)

Yes, you read that right. VOXI currently does not require KYC. No passport or ID is needed; you only need an email and a UK address (which can be a virtual address) to apply.

4. Free SMS Roaming in China

You can receive verification code SMS directly in China for free. it roams on China Mobile or China Unicom signals without needing a VPN or a roaming package.

5. eSIM Support, Compatible with Chinese Mainland Phones

VOXI supports eSIM. Combined with card writers like XeSIM or 9eSIM, Chinese mainland phones can use it perfectly. I use a mainland iPhone + XeSIM, and it works flawlessly.

6. First Month Free Benefit

This is a hidden perk! If you stop at the payment page during application and wait a few hours, VOXI will send you a promotional email with a code for the first month free. This means you can get the card at zero cost!

Some bloggers also mention using an EDU email to get it for free~~

II. Real-World Test Results

• ✅ WhatsApp: Received instantly, stable
• ✅ Uber: Registration possible
• ✅ WeChat: Can be linked (but a secondary account is recommended)
• ✅ UK Bank Accounts: Monzo, Kraken, Lemfi, Yonder, Zilch, etc., can all be registered

**

III. Is this card reliable? Will it be banned?

I know what you're thinking: "This sounds too good to be true, there must be a catch, right?"

My conclusion: It is currently in a "freebie" period, but policies can change at any time.

VOXI is essentially a brand launched by Vodafone to attract young users and is currently in a marketing phase, hence the generous policies. However, UK regulations on prepaid cards are tightening, and KYC or policy adjustments may be required in the future.

So my advice is: Get on board while you can still get it for free!

As for reliability? Vodafone is one of the top three telecom operators globally; the risk of them disappearing is basically zero. Many bloggers recommend it, and a large number of users are already using it.

**

IV. Must-Read Before Opening! You Need to Prepare These

Before starting, prepare:

✅ Email

• To receive the eSIM QR code and account info
• Gmail or Outlook is recommended; avoid domestic Chinese emails

✅ UK Address

• Must be a real existing UK street address
• Verify with Google Maps; try to avoid address generators

✅ eSIM Compatible Phone

• Overseas iPhone/Pixel/Samsung can use it directly
• Mainland China phone users: Need a card writer like XeSIM, 9eSIM, or ESTK (I highly recommend getting one)
• How to choose these? See this tutorial: https://x.com/AI_Jasonyu/status/2012176019206320507?s=20

✅ Foreign Currency Payment Tool (Optional, only for top-ups)

• Visa/Mastercard credit card
• Or virtual cards like Wise, Bybit Card
• Used for subsequent top-ups (first month can be free)

✅ VPN Tool

• Recommended to use a UK node during application
• Increases success rate

**

V. Physical Card or eSIM?

VOXI offers two methods:

Physical Card: Requires a UK address to receive, suitable for users with UK forwarding addresses. Some bloggers report higher costs for physical cards, so it's not highly recommended.

eSIM (Highly Recommended): Apply online, activate in seconds, no waiting for delivery. Combined with XeSIM, mainland phones can use it too.

**

VI. Let's Start! Step-by-Step Tutorial

⏱️

Estimated Time: From application to activation, the process takes about 10 minutes to 24 hours. Filling the form takes 5-10 minutes; the main wait is for official approval (usually within a few hours). Apply early before policies tighten!

Step 1: Apply for Free eSIM

Open the VOXI official application page:

Official Link: https://join.voxi.co.uk/

Recommended Referral Link (for extra benefits):

• Link: https://join.voxi.co.uk/jDuuca (Includes a £20 gift card)

Important Tips:

• Use a UK VPN node during application
• Use Incognito mode or clear browser cache
• Ensure your IP address and the UK address you fill in are in the same region (increases success rate)

A. Choose a Plan

On the page, you will see multiple plan options.

My advice: Choose the cheapest plan (usually the £10/month one).

Why? Because we only want the number, not the data or minutes. I will teach you how to cancel the plan later and switch to Pay As You Go (PAYG) mode.

Click "Get this plan" or "Choose this plan".

B. Select eSIM

On the SIM type selection page, choose eSIM.

If you are a mainland China phone user, also choose eSIM; you will write it to XeSIM later.

C. Fill in Personal Information

This step is crucial; fill in every item carefully:

Name:

• Use Pinyin; you can fill in anything (no real-name required)
• Example: First Name: Jason, Last Name: Yu

Date of Birth:

• Fill in a date you can remember [Very Important: you need this to open the PDF file later]
• Note: Must be at least 18 years old

Email Address:

• Don't get this wrong! The eSIM QR code will be sent here
• Gmail or Outlook recommended

UK Address:

• The most important step!
• Must be a real existing UK street address
• Do not use obvious commercial or post office addresses

How to find a usable UK address?

Manual Google Maps Search (Recommended)

1. Open Google Maps, search for any UK city (e.g., London, Manchester)
2. Find a residential street
3. Click a house to see the detailed address
4. Ensure it includes: Street number, street name, city, postcode

Address Example:

Address Line 1: 13-14 Buckingham St

Address Line 2: (Leave blank)

Town/City: London

Postcode: WC2N 6DF

Password: Follow the requirements

• At least 6 characters
• Include an uppercase letter
• Include a number
• Include a special character

PIN:

A four-digit identification code

Security Question:

Choose one and remember your answer

D. Payment Information

Fill in your payment card details here.

Important Tip:

• If you want to get the first month for free, do not click submit after filling in the info!
• Leave the page open for a few hours (or close the browser and return the next day)
• VOXI will send a promo email with a first-month free code
• Once received, return to the payment page, enter the code, and skip the £10 charge

If you don't want to wait, you can pay directly. You can cancel the plan later and switch to PAYG anyway.

After successful payment, click "Yes, I'm in" and then "Place Order".

You will receive a confirmation email.

**

Step 2: Receive eSIM QR Code

After submission, you will receive an email from VOXI (usually within minutes to hours).

Subject: "Here’s how to set up your eSIM"

The email contains:

• 📱 eSIM QR Code (to download to your phone)
• 📞 Phone Number (Your UK number, format +44 7xxx xxxxxx)
• 🔢 Activation Info

Save this email, you'll need it later!

Open the PDF attachment in the email; it requires a password:

Use the birth date you filled in: DDMMYYYY format, 8 digits total.

Step 3: Download eSIM to Phone

If you have an overseas iPhone:

1. Go to Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM
2. Select "Use QR Code"
3. Scan the code from the email
4. Follow prompts to install
5. Name the card (e.g., "VOXI UK")
6. Choose usage (suggest turning off "Cellular Data", keep "Voice & SMS")

If you have a mainland China iPhone (using XeSIM as an example):

If you bought the new XeSIM X2Pro version, refer to the image below; the simple download feature makes it very fast.

If you haven't bought one, get the latest version; it's much easier to operate:

https://xesim.cc/?DIST=T0VCGw%3D%3D

If you have an older XeSIM and an iPhone, follow this:

1. Insert XeSIM into iPhone (requires X2 Pro version)
2. XeSIM App > Click Scan top right > Identify > Copy activation code. [The email actually provides the activation code directly, you can copy it from there too]
3. Path: Settings > Cellular > Click the SIM card with XeSIM > SIM Applications > Click XeSIM > Download eSIM > Paste code > Send > Receive > Wait 30s+ for "Download Successful"
4. In the eSIM list, find "Vodafone UK eSIM", click, and "Enable eSIM"

[Note: If you switched to other cards before, enable Seedlink first, or download will fail]

[Note: Do not perform other operations during download; wait patiently]

[Note: If there is no confirmation code, just click send without filling anything]

The XeSIM APP also has detailed instructions; just follow them.

If you have an older XeSIM and an Android phone, it's even simpler:

1. Insert XeSIM into phone
2. Open XeSIM App, click plus sign → Scan
3. Scan the eSIM QR code from the email
4. After download, click save, then enable

At this point, you've only downloaded the eSIM. It's not activated yet, there's no signal, and you don't have the number. Continue following Jason's tutorial!

Step 4: Wait for Activation

After downloading the eSIM, don't rush!

You need to wait a few minutes to hours to get a signal. For me, it took about 20 minutes. If it takes longer, try re-enabling the card.

Once activated, you'll receive a welcome SMS from VOXI saying the number is ready.

Your status bar should show "VOXI" or "Vodafone UK" (roaming on China Mobile or Unicom in China).

Step 5: Configure Access Point Name (APN)

To ensure you can send/receive SMS properly, configure the APN.

iPhone Users:

1. Go to Settings → Cellular → Select VOXI card
2. Click Cellular Data Network
3. Fill in the following:

Configuration Details:

Name: Talkmobile PAYG

APN: payg.talkmobile.co.uk

Username: wap

Password: wap

MMSC: http://mms.talkmobile.co.uk/servlets/mms

MMS Proxy: 212.183.137.12

MMS Port: 8799

APN Type: default, supl, mms

Android Users:

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → SIMs → Access Point Names (APN)
2. Create new APN with the same details as above.
3. Save and select this APN.

Step 6: Test SMS Reception

After configuration, test if you can receive SMS!

Once the SMS is received, the phone number should appear in iPhone's Cellular settings. Test receiving verification codes.

I tested these services:

• ✅ Uber: Code received instantly
• ✅ WhatsApp: Received instantly

Basically, any service supporting UK numbers should work.

Step 7: Activate Number and View Phone Number

After activation, log in to your VOXI account to see your number.

How to view the number?

1. Visit VOXI website: https://www.voxi.co.uk/
2. Click “Sign in”
3. Enter your email and password
4. The system will send a verification SMS to your VOXI number
5. Enter the code to log in
6. Go to “My Account”
7. You will see your number in format: +44 7xxx xxxxxx (or 07xxx xxxxxx)

Important Tips:

• Note down this number! You'll need it for top-ups and maintenance.
• UK format: International +44 7xxx xxxxxx, Local 07xxx xxxxxx.

Step 8: Top Up Balance

After activation, you have some balance (from the first month), but for long-term maintenance, I suggest topping up.

Why top up?

• VOXI rule: Balance change every 180 days extends validity by 180 days
• A £5 top-up lasts a long time and is more convenient.

How to top up?

Method 1: Official Website (Recommended)

1. Visit Vodafone top-up page: https://vestapay.vodafone.co.uk/VodafoneUKMobileWebUI/UI?ACTION=AT
2. Enter phone number (+447xxxxxxxx or 07xxxxxxxx)
3. Choose amount (minimum £5)
4. Pay with Visa/Mastercard or Wise [I used ZA Bank Visa]
5. Usually arrives in 10-30 minutes

Method 2: Via VOXI App

1. Download VOXI App
2. Log in
3. Top up directly, minimum £5

Method 3: Third-party (For mainland users)

Search "UK Vodafone Top up" or "VOXI Top up" on Taobao/JD. Provide your number and pay via Alipay/WeChat.

Top-up Notes:

• ⚠️ If the first top-up is ≥ £10, the system might automatically buy a plan
• If this happens, contact customer service to refund to balance and disable auto-buy.
• I suggest topping up only £5 initially to avoid this.

Step 9: Send Test SMS (Maintenance Operation)

After topping up, send a test SMS immediately. This counts as a maintenance action.

How to send SMS?

Method 1: Directly from phone

1. Open SMS app
2. Select VOXI card
3. Send an SMS to your main number (e.g., your Chinese number)
4. Content can be anything, e.g., "Test"
5. Success will deduct about £0.06-0.08

⚠️ What if sending fails?

If it fails, it might be due to roaming network restrictions. Use WiFi Calling to solve this!

Method 2: Via WiFi Calling (Recommended!)

WiFi Calling uses WiFi to send SMS/calls, bypassing mobile network issues. It's more stable and cheaper!

iPhone WiFi Calling:

1. Settings → Cellular → Select VOXI
2. Turn on WiFi Calling
3. Connect to WiFi and use a UK VPN node
4. Ensure status bar shows "VOXI WiFi" or "Vodafone UK WiFi"
5. Send SMS to your main number
6. Success! Cost is about £0.08/SMS

Android WiFi Calling:

1. Settings → Network → SIM → Select VOXI
2. Turn on WiFi Calling (or VoWiFi)
3. Connect to WiFi and use a UK VPN node
4. Ensure WiFi Calling icon appears
5. Send SMS

Important Tips:

• Must use a UK node; other countries might not work
• Ensure stable WiFi
• First-time activation might take a few minutes

SMS Costs:

• Roaming from China to any number: £0.08/SMS
• Via WiFi Calling: £0.08/SMS (Same cost, higher success rate)
• Roaming Calls: £0.60/min (out), £0.36/min (in)
• Roaming Data: £0.12/MB (Very expensive, keep data roaming OFF)

Advice: If direct SMS fails, switch to WiFi Calling immediately!

Step 10: Cancel Plan, Switch to Pay As You Go

This is vital! If you don't cancel, you'll be charged £10 every month.

How to cancel?

1. Log in to VOXI website
2. Go to “Settings”
3. Find “Pause plan or leave VOXI”
4. Click “Pause my plan”
5. Confirm cancellation
6. Choose any reason
7. After the current cycle ends, it automatically switches to Pay As You Go (PAYG) mode

What happens after cancellation?

• ✅ Number stays active
• ✅ Can receive/send SMS (pay per use)
• ✅ Balance is kept
• ✅ As long as there's a balance change every 180 days, the number stays active
• ❌ No data/minutes plan (which we don't need anyway)

PAYG Costs:

• Receiving SMS: Free
• Sending SMS: £0.06-0.08/SMS
• Calls: From £0.35/min
• Data: Very expensive, keep roaming OFF

**

VII. Maintenance Strategy: As low as 1.5 RMB per year!

Maintenance is easy on PAYG.

VOXI Maintenance Rules:

• Balance change every 180 days extends validity by 180 days
• Receiving SMS is free and does not count as a change
• Must have active consumption (sending SMS, calling, topping up)

Expiry Reminders:

• VOXI sends an SMS 90 days before expiry
• Plenty of time to act

Option 1: Send SMS (Easiest)

Steps:

1. Every 5-6 months, send an SMS to your main number
2. Validity extends by 180 days

Cost:

• ~£0.08 per SMS
• 2 SMS per year = £0.16
• Approx 1.5 RMB/year

This is the "£5 for 30 years" logic:

• £5 ÷ £0.08 = 62.5 times
• Twice a year = 31 years!

Option 2: Top up (Set and Forget)

Steps:

1. Top up £5
2. The top-up itself is a "balance change"
3. Validity extends by 180 days
4. Then send an SMS every 5-6 months

Cost:

• Initial £5
• Then £0.16/year

Option 3: WiFi Calling SMS (Solves sending issues)

Steps: Same as Option 1 but using WiFi Calling with a UK VPN.

🔥 Detailed Steps for First-Time WiFi Calling Activation (Crucial)

Some users can receive but not send SMS. This is because WiFi Calling isn't activated.

iPhone Activation:

1. Settings → Cellular → VOXI
2. Ensure WiFi Calling is OFF
3. Connect to UK VPN (Global Proxy mode)
4. Turn OFF WiFi
5. Turn ON Airplane Mode
6. Turn ON WiFi (Keep Airplane Mode ON)
7. Go back to VOXI settings
8. Turn ON WiFi Calling, click enable
9. Wait 10-20 seconds
10. Check for "WiFi Call" in status bar
11. Success! Turn off Airplane Mode and use normally

Android Activation: Similar steps using Airplane Mode + UK VPN + WiFi.

**

VIII. Pitfall Guide (Must Read!)

Pitfall 1: Turn off Data Roaming!

Roaming data is insanely expensive. It will drain your balance instantly.

Solution: Turn off "Data Roaming" in settings.

Pitfall 2: Use a Real Address

Fake addresses (PO boxes, etc.) might get you rejected.

Solution: Use Google Maps to find a real residential address.

Pitfall 3: Don't get the Email wrong

The eSIM QR code goes to your email. If it's wrong, you lose it.

Solution: Double-check and use Gmail/Outlook.

Pitfall 4: Don't forget maintenance

Set a calendar reminder every 5 months.

Pitfall 5: Cancel the plan promptly

Cancel immediately after activation to avoid the £10 monthly charge.

**

IX. VOXI vs Giffgaff: Which is better?

Comparison table:

My Advice: If you can get Giffgaff, get both! One as primary, one as backup. If Giffgaff is out of stock, VOXI is the best alternative.

**

X. FAQ

Q1: What services can VOXI register?

Telegram, WhatsApp, Twitter, ChatGPT, Claude, Monzo, Kraken, etc.

Q2: Can mainland phones use it?

Yes, with eSIM card writers like XeSIM.

Q3: Can I receive SMS in China?

Yes, for free via roaming.

Q4: Is maintenance hard?

No, just send one SMS every 180 days.

Q5: What if it expires?

It's recycled and cannot be recovered. Set reminders!

Q6: Can I make calls?

Yes, but it's expensive. Use only for SMS.

Q7: Can eSIM be transferred?

Yes, delete from old phone and scan the original QR code on the new one.

Q8: VOXI vs Vodafone Germany?

VOXI is UK (+44), no KYC. Germany is +49 and requires passport KYC.

Q9: Where is the free month code?

Wait a few hours after reaching the payment page; it will be emailed to you.

Q10: What if I'm rejected?

Check address, IP matching, email provider, or payment card.

Get one while you still can! 😎

**

XI. Related Links:

VOXI Official:

• Application: https://join.voxi.co.uk/
• Referral: https://join.voxi.co.uk/jDuuca

Top-up:

• Vodafone: https://vestapay.vodafone.co.uk/VodafoneUKMobileWebUI/UI?ACTION=AT

XeSIM Writer:

• 10% off code: JUST10
• Link: https://xesim.cc/?DIST=T0VCGw%3D%3D