Common Vaping Questions: The FAQ Hub
6th Aug 2026
By Joe Delaney; V2 Cigs UK
Originally Published: August 2026.
Last updated: August 2026.
Vaping products are for adult smokers and existing vapers only. Vaping is not risk-free. Not suitable for non-smokers or anyone under 18.
Common Vaping Questions: The FAQ Hub
The questions below are the ones we hear most often, drawn from real conversations our customer service and logistics teams have with customers. Where we've already answered something properly elsewhere, we've kept it short here and pointed you to the full guide. This list has been compliled by Joe Delaney who looks after the day-to-day running of the V2 Cigs UK site and writes its guides.
Switching from Smoking to Vaping
What nicotine strength should I start with if I'm switching from cigarettes?
Start slightly higher than you think you need rather than too low, or the switch won't feel like it's replacing anything. As a real example, our customer service team typically recommends 1.2% for someone smoking 10-15 a day, stepping down to 0.6% later on. Our nicotine strength calculator works it out properly based on your own smoking history.
Should I start with a cigalike or a pod kit?
A cigalike almost always makes more sense first, no liquid to measure, no settings. The Vsavi Classic Starter Kit is built around exactly that. Pod kits are worth considering once vaping's become routine, not as a first device. Our Best Vape Kit for Beginners Guide has further detail.
What's the difference between MTL and DTL vaping?
Mouth-to-lung (MTL) mimics a cigarette draw and suits cigalikes and most starter pod kits. Direct-to-lung (DTL) is a deeper, airier draw used on sub-ohm devices, aimed at experienced vapers rather than switchers. Our MTL vs DTL vaping guide goes into more detail.
Do I need e-liquid with a cigalike kit?
No, cigalike systems like the Vsavi Classic use prefilled cartridges, so there's no liquid to buy or measure separately. You just click a fresh cartridge in when the old one runs out.
How many puffs equal one cigarette?
There's no exact conversion, it depends on the device, your draw, and the cartridge or pod strength. Rather than counting puffs, it's more useful to notice whether you're still craving cigarettes, that's a better sign of whether your setup is right.
Will vaping feel like smoking straight away?
A cigalike gets closest to that feeling immediately, since the draw and format are designed to mimic a cigarette. Pod kits and mods feel noticeably different at first, which is one reason we don't recommend them as a first device for switchers.
What if I've tried vaping before and given up?
Most failed attempts come down to equipment, wrong strength, wrong device, not willpower. Starting again with a cigalike and a strength based on your smoking history, rather than repeating whatever didn't work last time, gives you a genuinely different starting point. Our Guide on How to Switch from Smoking to Vaping has helpful information on this topic.
Can I use my old kit's cartridges on a new device?
Only if the new device uses the same cartridge system. Cigalike cartridges, pod cartridges, and refillable pods aren't interchangeable between different device families, check the product page before assuming compatibility.
How much does it cost to get started?
A starter kit plus a couple of cartridge packs is the typical first purchase, and it's usually far less than a week of cigarettes. We don't quote exact figures here since prices change, check the starter kit range for current pricing.
What flavour should a smoker start with?
Tobacco or menthol tends to feel the least jarring for someone coming straight from cigarettes, since it's closest to what you already know. Platinum Red Tobacco, Menthol, and Congress are the ones the cigarette switchers ask for most.
Devices & Troubleshooting
Sourced from genuine customer questions handled by our customer service and logistics teams.
Why does my battery seem to die faster in winter?
Cold genuinely affects lithium batteries, they slow down below a few degrees. Our cold weather care guide covers what actually helps.
My cartridge/pod is leaking, what should I do?
Usually it's a loose seal, overfilling, or a pod past its best. Our guide on Why is My Vape Leaking? walks through the fixes in order, and if a fresh pod still leaks, that's worth flagging to us directly.
Why does my vape taste burnt?
This is almost always a coil or cartridge that's run dry or is past its life, not a fault with the device itself. Our burnt taste troubleshooting guide has the full fix.
How do I know when to change my coil or cartridge?
A drop in flavour, a slightly burnt edge to the taste, or reduced vapour are the usual signs. Waiting until it tastes actively unpleasant means you've probably left it too long already.
Why isn't my device producing vapour?
Check the battery's charged and properly connected first, that solves it more often than people expect. If it's still not firing, the coil or cartridge is the next thing to check, then get in touch with us if neither resolves it.
How long should a battery last before it needs replacing?
Batteries typically last 2-4 months depending on usage and battery type. Noticeably shorter run times or a battery that won't hold charge at all before that point are the signs it's time to replace it.
Can I use any e-liquid in any device?
Not always. 100% VG Organic liquid needs a device with a coil or pod under 0.6 ohm, a sub-ohm setup, or it comes through far too strong. Check a device's "Kit Contents" for coil resistance before buying if that's the liquid you want to use. Our standard Platinum liquid works in any device. A useful guide here is Can you Use any E-liquid in any vape pen?
Can I use any charger with my device?
Stick to the cable that came with it, or a like-for-like replacement, mismatched chargers are one of the more common causes of battery problems we see reported.
Why does my device feel hot after use?
A little warmth after a long session is normal. A device that's hot to the touch after light use, or that stays hot well after you've stopped, is worth stopping and checking rather than continuing to use. Our guide on Why Does My Vape Get Hot? will be helpful, relevant information.
Is it normal for a new pod to taste different at first?
Yes, a very short break-in period is normal on a fresh coil or pod. If the odd taste doesn't settle within the first few puffs, that's more likely a sign of a dry coil than something to wait out, make sure you have primed your coil properly - How to Prime your Coil.
Why has my vape suddenly gone quieter or weaker?
This is usually the battery ageing, a coil nearing the end of its life, or a partial blockage in the airflow. Working through those in that order usually finds the cause without needing to replace the whole device. For further information feel free to get in touch with us.
V2 / Vsavi Devices & Brand FAQ
Sourced from genuine customer questions handled by our customer service and logistics teams.
What is the difference between manual and automatic batteries?
Automatic batteries fire as you draw on them, a pressure switch inside triggers the atomiser the moment you puff, so there's no button to press. Manual batteries need the button held down for the whole puff.
Automatic batteries typically give around 25% more puffs per charge, but manual batteries produce slightly thicker vapour, a genuine trade-off rather than one simply being better.
How long do the cartridges last?
Each Classic cartridge is built to last roughly as long as a pack of cigarettes, so it's designed around matching a smoker's usual rhythm rather than needing to be tracked separately.
Can I leave it on charge all night?
We wouldn't recommend it. A full charge takes 2-3 hours, and leaving any lithium battery on charge unattended for hours longer than it needs, especially overnight while you're asleep, isn't good practice regardless of the device. Unplug it once it's full.
What is the length of the standard battery?
It depends which battery. The Standard battery is 79mm (110mm with a cartridge attached), the EX battery is 100mm (135mm with a cartridge attached).
What's the difference between Platinum and 100% VG Organic e-liquid?
Platinum is the more flexible choice and works in any device. 100% VG Organic needs a more powerful sub-ohm device specifically, so which one suits you depends on the device you already have, not just taste preference. View our Helpful Guide Comparing Platinum and 100% VG E-liquids.
Do you sell a prefilled option for the higher-VG liquid?
Currently we don't sell a prefilled option for our 100% VG E-liquid, as we do with our prefilled classic cartridges (that use the Vsavi Platinum E-liquid).
Brand questions
How long has V2 Cigs UK been trading?
V2 Cigs was set up in the UK in January 2012 and has been serving UK vapers since this time.
What is V2 Cigs UK about?
We're a UK vaping retailer focused on making switching from cigarettes as straightforward as possible, cigalikes and Platinum e-liquids first, with a wider device range for vapers who want more.
Do you offer a returns policy?
Yes. Our standard returns/refund policy is in accordance with the UK Online and Distance Selling Regulations which outline your rights regarding online orders. Please check the full details of our Returns Policy here.
Do you offer any loyalty or rewards scheme?
Yes. Full details on our reward scheme and how you can join, as well as earn points can be found on our Loyalty Points and Rewards Page.
Regulation & Cost
Is vaping still cheaper than smoking after the new tax?
For most people, yes, the duty adds pence per millilitre rather than pounds per pack. Our UK Vape Tax 2026 guide breaks down exactly what the changes are.
Are disposable vapes actually banned now?
Yes, since June 2025, it's already in effect. Refillable and prefilled pod kits aren't affected. Full detail can be found in our UK vaping regulation guide.
What is the Vaping Products Duty?
A flat UK government charge of £2.20 per 10ml of e-liquid, plus VAT, starting 1 October 2026. It applies to every e-liquid regardless of nicotine strength (including zero nicotine e-liquid).
Does the duty apply to 0mg e-liquid?
Yes, the duty is based on volume, not nicotine strength, so 0mg shortfills and nic shots are taxed the same as any other strength.
What happened to the TPD?
The Tobacco Products Directive was the EU-era framework that shaped bottle and device sizes for years. It's since been layered over by UK-specific rules, the Tobacco and Vapes Act and the Vaping Products Duty now matter more day-to-day.
Can I still buy prefilled pods after October 2026?
Yes. The duty applies to the liquid inside them, not the format, so prefilled pods stay legal and will simply carry a duty stamp once new stock reaches shelves.
Will prices go up everywhere, not just with V2?
Yes, it's a flat government charge across the whole industry, so you'll see it reflected at every UK retailer, not something specific to V2 UK.
What's the duty stamp scheme?
From 1 October 2026, e-liquid sold in the UK needs a physical duty stamp on the packaging. Stock made before that date can still be sold without one until 31 March 2027.
Is it illegal for under-18s to buy vaping products?
Yes, it's illegal to sell any vaping product, device or e-liquid, to anyone under 18 in the UK, and we don't sell to under-18s under any circumstances.
Will more vaping regulations follow the Vaping Products Duty?
Likely, a government consultation on packaging, flavour naming, and in-store displays opened in July 2026, though nothing from it is confirmed yet. We update our regulation guide as anything changes.
Travel
Can I take my vape on a plane?
Pack your device and any spare batteries in hand luggage, not the hold, that's standard airline rules on lithium batteries with no exceptions. Read our Guide - Can I Vape on a Plane? for more information.
Is it legal to vape in the country I'm visiting?
It depends entirely on where you're going. Some countries are relaxed about it, others ban e-cigarettes outright with real penalties for tourists. Check the specific destination before you fly.
Can I pack e-liquid in hold luggage?
It's generally better in hand luggage alongside your device, both for lithium battery rules and because hold luggage handling makes leaks more likely. Check your airline's specific liquids allowance too. View our Guide - Can you Take E-Liquid on a Plane.
Do I need extra batteries for a long trip?
Worth carrying a spare if you're travelling somewhere charging won't be easy, flights, long train journeys, remote areas. Keep spares in a battery case rather than loose in a bag.
Can I vape at the airport?
Only in designated smoking or vaping areas if the airport has them, not throughout the terminal. Check the specific airport's policy rather than assuming.
Will airport security ask me to test my device?
It can happen, particularly with mods or larger devices, similar to how laptops sometimes get checked separately. Having it accessible in your hand luggage rather than buried in your bag makes this quicker.
What if my vape leaks in my bag while flying?
Cabin pressure changes can cause minor leaking in tank-based devices. Emptying the tank partially before a flight, or travelling with a cigalike or sealed pod instead, avoids this almost entirely.
Can I bring vapes back from abroad?
Generally yes for personal use within normal duty-free allowances, but rules vary and it's worth checking current UK customs guidance before assuming a blanket allowance.
Is vaping banned indoors everywhere in Europe?
No, indoor vaping rules vary significantly by country and even by venue. Treat it the same as you would smoking rules locally rather than assuming a single European standard.
What should I do if my device breaks while travelling?
A cigalike is the easiest backup to carry precisely because there's so little to go wrong with it, worth having as a spare if you're relying on a more complex device abroad.
About the Author
Joe Delaney looks after the day to day running of V2 Cigs UK and writes its blogs.
When the blog recommends a device, he has used it - and for a leak test that means actually filling kits and trying to make them fail, pocket-carrying them and leaving them upside down overnight, rather than repeating manufacturer claims.
Health, safety and regulatory points are checked against named UK authorities such as the NHS and MHRA, and a product is only ever called "less harmful than smoking" where a UK authority says so. More about how he works, and the family story behind V2, is on Joe's author profile.
Sources
- Questions and answers sourced from the V2 UK customer service and logistics teams
- MHRA / GOV.UK - E-cigarette regulations for consumer products.
- GOV.UK - Evidence Review of E-Cigarettes
- HMRC / GOV.UK - Published Guidance on Vaping Product Duty
- GOV.UK - UK Online and Distance Selling Regulations
- NHS Better Health - Vaping to quit smoking
- Public Health England - 2018 Evidence Review
- Royal College of Physicians - E-Cigarettes and Harm Reduction Evidence Review
Vaping products are for adult smokers and existing vapers only. Vaping is not risk-free. Not suitable for non-smokers or anyone under 18.