Travel eSIM for Europe activates upon purchase, not on first use
Alpgal is planning a trip to the UK and Europe and recently purchased an eSIM from eSIM.net, thinking the 30-day period would start upon activation. After realizing the plan starts when purchased, they received a quick refund and now seek experiences from others about the eSIM and any alternatives.
- If you buy an eSIM, remember that the validity period often starts when you purchase it, not activate it.
- For the best usage, consider purchasing your eSIM just before your trip starts to maximize the 30-day benefit.
- Look into customer service responses before buying; timely replies can help clarify important details.
AI-generated summary-
I was excited to read about Arno’s eSIM from eSIM.net: https://www.myswissalps.com/planning/practical/mobile-internet/. The O2 Travel eSIM seemed just right for my upcoming trip to the UK and Europe, so I purchased one yesterday. According to Arno’s post, “Go to your phone settings to add the eSIM. Do this shortly before you travel, because the 30 days starts once the eSIM connects to the internet in one of the included countries.” That’s what I thought too, (It’s that way for most eSIMS, right?), but before purchasing the eSIM from eSIM.net I read on their website that the 30 days begins when purchased. Hmm…I purchased the card anyway knowing I would receive a QR code to scan when ready to use and still assuming the 30 days would begin when activated. I did email their customer service afterward, however, and was told, “It’s correct; our website mentioned that our Vodafone/O2 travel plan start date would be the same as the purchase date. We never said that it starts upon activation. We have cancelled your plan and refunded you…” I was glad that eSIM.net was prompt with their response and that they initiated my refund. So had I kept and used their eSIM, I would only have had 12 days of use remaining on it by the time I arrived in London on June 8th. I guess you’d have to remember to purchase their eSIM on the day you leave home to receive the full 30 day benefit. This is my first time purchasing an eSIM, so I would love to hear others’ experiences with this eSIM or other brands. Thanks!
Alpgal
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Hi Alpgal,
Thanks for spotting that. You are absolutely right and I will adjust the instructions. I now see what confused me: their data-only plans start upon first use. But this particular eSIM isn’t data-only so it indeed starts when purchased. I purchased it when I needed it, so I never had an issue.
Thanks again!
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