The 30 days is a bonus when you setup a subscription. A subscription is required to play.
you need to
enter the retail key
select a subscription option
enter the payment method for the subscription and have it verified as valid
before you get
1. the game activated and your 30 days.
2. you will not be charged for the subscription until the free 30 days used up. (on credit card and paypal payment methods)
3. on gametime card payment method the 30 days will be added to the time of the gamecard.
Comments
you need to
enter the retail key
select a subscription option
enter the payment method for the subscription and have it verified as valid
before you get
1. the game activated and your 30 days.
2. you will not be charged for the subscription until the free 30 days used up. (on credit card and paypal payment methods)
3. on gametime card payment method the 30 days will be added to the time of the gamecard.
...
Guess I'll just have to keep playing WoW until game cards become available in my area...