Talk:Russia/@comment-187.34.43.49-20180326194351/@comment-27066773-20180327050033

Instantly. All SIM cards work just from the beginning. If activation is done online (using the computer in the official shop), everything is complete at the moment of purchase.

If you buy from the dealer or reseller (any kiosks, small counters, etc, all places without computer terminal), he will write down your ID details and will send your registration data to the central office later, but your SIM card will work all the time even not yet registered. This process takes from 3 to 5 days. All this time you can manage packages, use the number, but can't replace the SIM card in the official shops.

If the dealer or reseller fails to upload your registration data in 7 days, the card will be locked.

Technically the card should be ready after 10...15 minutes since inatalled at the first time.

Rarely but some delays occur, especially on MTS. In this case it can take up to 12 hours.