Chat with Assistant
✖
Select a category...
Help choosing the right eSIM
General enquiries
I have a general question about payment or billing
I have a problem with my bill
My eSIM isn’t working
Hi, how can I help you today?
Help choosing the right eSIM
General enquiries
I have a general question about payment or billing
I have a problem with my bill
My eSIM isn’t working
Products
O2 UK eSIMs
O2 Travel eSIMs
O2 Travel Plus eSIMs
O2 SMS Only eSIMs
O2 Mega eSIMs
Vodafone UK eSIMs
Vodafone Travel eSIMs
Vodafone Travel VIP eSIMs
Three UK eSIMs
Bouygues Telecom eSIMs
Europe eSIMs
Travel eSIMs
USA eSIMs
About Us
About Us
SIM Card Guides
Mobile Service Guides
Blogs
Partner with Us
Join Us
Affiliate Partner
Wholesale Partner
Corporate Partner
Helpdesk
Contact
GBP
USD
EUR
CAD
AUD
USD
GBP
USD
EUR
CAD
AUD
Français
English
Español
中国人
Deutsch
English
Français
English
Español
中文
Deutsch
0
Menu
Products
O2 UK eSIMs
O2 Travel eSIMs
O2 Travel Plus eSIMs
O2 SMS Only eSIMs
O2 Mega eSIMs
Vodafone UK eSIMs
Vodafone Travel eSIMs
Vodafone Travel VIP eSIMs
Three UK eSIMs
Bouygues Telecom eSIMs
Europe eSIMs
Travel eSIMs
USA eSIMs
About Us
About Us
SIM Card Guides
Mobile Service Guides
Blogs
Partner with Us
Join Us
Affiliate Partner
Wholesale Partner
Corporate Partner
Helpdesk
Contact
Sign in
Language
English
Français
Español
中国人
Deutsch
Currency
GBP
USD
EUR
CAD
AUD
When does my eSIM plan start, at the time of purchase or when I activate it?
The start time of your eSIM plan depends on the type of plan you purchase
.
Data-only
and Bouygues (
20GB / 60GB / 120GB)
eSIMs:
These plans are not activated upon purchase. Instead, the validity period (e.g., 30 days) starts when you first use the eSIM, typically when you connect to a mobile network at your
covered
destination.
You can purchase these plans in advance and keep them unused until you're ready to travel
02, Vodafone, and Three
eSIM
plans
with Data, SMS, and Voice
come
fully activated upon purchase and are ready for immediate use after installation. The validity period begins right away, even if you have not yet started using the service.
However, these plans have a 30-day expiry period and therefore should provide ample time between the dates of purchase and travel.
Always check the activation terms of the plan before purchasing to ensure it aligns with your intended travel or usage schedule
Edit Article
Meta Title
When Does My eSIM Plan Start? Is It Upon Purchase or Activation?
Meta Description
Confused about when your eSIM plan starts? This FAQ explains how the start time depends on the plan you choose, whether it's a Data-only eSIM or one with Data, SMS, and Voice, and how to ensure it fits your travel plans.
Article Title
©2025 ESIM.NET GROUP LIMITED
ESIM.NET GROUP LIMITED is registered in England and Wales no. 12117745. Registered address: 107-111 Fleet Street, London, EC4A 2AB, United Kingdom.
Our website uses
cookies
so that you can place orders and to provide you with a better viewing experience. We do not collect or use any tracking data
OK
Enable Notifications?
We'd love to send you important updates and alerts. To receive notifications click 'Yes Please' and allow notifications on your device.