One of the most common questions we get is: "If I buy a 7-day plan today, does the 7 days start immediately?"
The answer is NO. You can buy safely in advance! 😌
🕒 How Validity Works
The validity "clock" for most Roamiya plans only starts ticking when two conditions are met:
- You have installed the eSIM, AND
- Your phone connects to a local network in the destination country.
Example Scenario
- Jan 1: You buy a "7-Day Japan" eSIM while at home in London.
- Jan 1: You install it on your iPhone. It says "Activating..." then maybe "No Service" (because you aren't in Japan yet). The countdown hasn't started.
- Jan 15: You land in Tokyo, turn off Airplane Mode, and your phone connects to SoftBank/KDDI.
- Jan 15: ✅ NOW the 7-day countdown begins.
- Jan 22: Your plan expires.
📅 Recommended Timeline
To ensure a stress-free trip, we recommend this schedule:
1-4 Weeks Before Trip
🛒 Purchase your eSIM. Get it sorted early so you don't forget. Check your email for the QR code.
1-2 Days Before Trip (or at Airport)
📲 Install the eSIM. Do this while you have a strong, stable WiFi connection (home or office).
- Scan the code.
- Label it "Travel".
- Leave "Data Roaming" OFF for now.
- It might show "No Service" — that's normal!
On The Plane
✈️ Settings Prep.
- Turn Data Roaming ON for the Roamiya eSIM.
- Make sure Roamiya is selected for Mobile Data.
On Arrival
🛬 Land & Connect. Turn off Airplane Mode. Your phone will search, find the local signal, and you'll be online instantly.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install it months in advance?
Yes, technically. However, eSIM QR codes typically expire if not scanned within 3-6 months. We recommend buying within 30 days of your trip.
What if my trip is cancelled?
If you bought the eSIM but never scanned the QR code, you are eligible for a 100% full refund within 30 days of purchase. See our Refund Policy.
I'm traveling to multiple countries?
If you bought a "Regional" or "Global" plan (e.g., Europe 33 Countries), the validity starts when you connect in any of the supported countries. It doesn't reset when you cross borders.
Need More Help?
Not sure which plan length to choose? Contact our support team!
📧 Email: [email protected]