How does Nomad eSIM activation work, and what are the timelines and prerequisites?
If you've recently purchased or considered purchasing an eSIM from Nomad, you might have questions about when and how your plan will activate. This article provides a comprehensive guide on eSIM activation, timing, and related prerequisites for seamless usage.
Overview of Nomad eSIM Activation Process
Nomad eSIMs are designed for ease of use, automatically activating when you meet specific conditions. Activation typically occurs:
Upon arrival in a country covered by your plan.
After successfully connecting to a local compatible network.
Note that DTAC Thailand plan is a special offerring and it will be activated upon installation. Ensure that you install this plan closer to your travel dates or after arriving in Thailand.
To prevent any confusion, here are the key points about activation:
eSIM plans do not activate immediately upon purchase or installation on your device. You can safely install your eSIM ahead of time without triggering activation.
Activation requires connecting to a local network in your destination country within a specified time frame (detailed below).
Activation Timing and Windows
Automatic Activation Upon Arrival: eSIMs will activate upon detecting a local network in your destination country, provided you have the correct settings configured (e.g., data roaming enabled). To avoid unexpected activation, ensure you do not connect to any local networks until ready to start using the plan.
60-Day Activation Window: eSIMs purchased through Nomad must be activated within 60 days of purchase. If the eSIM is not activated manually during this time or does not connect to an eligible network, it will automatically activate on the 60th day.
Pre-Travel Installation: You can purchase and install your eSIM prior to travel. Installation does not activate the plan (except for Thailand plans), so you can prepare well ahead of time.
Prerequisites for Activation
To ensure a smooth activation process, follow these steps:
Ensure your eSIM is installed and turned on.
Enable “Data Roaming” for your eSIM line.
Set the eSIM as your preferred line for cellular/mobile data.
Manually connect to a local supported network in the event of automatic failure.
Restart your device if required for final connectivity.
FAQs
Can I choose a specific start date for my eSIM plan?
No, Nomad eSIMs activate automatically upon connection to a network in your destination country and cannot be activated on a pre-selected date. However, manual configurations for network selection may be required.
Will turning on the eSIM start the subscription?
No, simply enabling the eSIM on your device will not trigger activation. Activation begins either upon connecting to an eligible network in your destination country or automatically on the final day of the activation window (e.g., 60 days from purchase).
What happens if I don't activate my plan within 60 days?
If your eSIM is not activated within the provided window (e.g., 60-day from the purchase date), it will auto-activate on the final day of the window, ensuring the plan's validity period begins.
Can I manually activate the eSIM for immediate usage?
No, manual activation outside of the destination country or prior to connecting to a local network is not supported. You must arrive in your destination country for the plan to activate. However, if you miss the activation window, Nomad may offer a refund as a goodwill gesture in the form of Nomad points, which can be used to repurchase the eSIM for later use. This is provided as a one-time courtesy.