GigSky eSIM Review: Fast, Affordable Travel Data — With Free Plans Available

Travel and cell phones go hand in hand, so staying connected, whether boarding a cruise or flying across the world, is a priority for many travelers.

Wi-Fi is becoming more common on planes, but once you hit the ground, your connection will only be as good as the coffee shop you visit. That’s why having an eSIM is the best way to stay connected abroad. An eSIM can remove the hassle and cost of roaming charges from your local carrier and provide a steady signal throughout your trip.

Most new cell phones now offer eSIM capability, making switching between carriers as easy as a few taps. Plus, if you have the right credit card in your wallet, it might even be free.

The eSIM marketplace is crowded, but some companies stand out. Let’s examine the GigSky eSIM and why it could be the best choice for your next trip.

What Are eSIMS?

For those who aren’t familiar, or those who haven’t upgraded their phone lately, physical SIM card chips have mostly been replaced with embedded SIMs, also known as eSIMs.

While there are added benefits like increased security and the flexibility to maintain multiple phone numbers on a single device, the most significant advantage is often for international travelers.

Gone are the days of fumbling with tiny SIM cards at airports and on planes. Now, when you need data service while traveling, you can download an app, select a plan, and start using your device as you would at home, with no worries about roaming charges from your home carrier.

GigSky Review

GigSky is a data-only eSIM company that provides coverage in more than 190 countries and even offers free plans of up to 500 MB to new customers with no credit card required.

After you use the free data, you can activate another free plan if you have an eligible credit card (more on that below) or purchase fixed data plans starting at just $4.99.

Since GigSky is data-only, you will maintain your phone number, which means you can continue to use related messaging apps, like WhatsApp and iMessage, without interruption.

Getting started is pretty straightforward. Download the GigSky app (iOS, Android), choose your destination, install your eSIM, activate, and top up as needed.

While the setup and activation process was seamless during our tests, if you run into any issues, there is a comprehensive help center with guides and even a live chat if you need help troubleshooting.

GigSky eSIM plans vary in price by country but are all relatively similar. For example, fixed data plans for Japan cost:

• 1 GB, 7 Days: $4.99
• 3 GB, 15 Days: $11.99
• 5 GB, 30 Days: $17.99
• 10 GB, 30 Days: $29.99

For heavy users, unlimited data plans range from $19.99 for 3 days to $89.99 for 30 days.

The Upgraded Points team tested the app and network extensively on trips through Asia, the Middle East, and South America with nothing but positive reviews — and we have tested many eSIM apps!

The setup was seamless, and activation was quick, making it a hassle-free option for short-term travelers.

Ranjan Sahu, Upgraded Points

Coverage and download speeds vary depending on the local carrier GigSky connects to, but in our tests, we saw speeds ranging from 8 Mbps to over 100 Mbps.

At the higher end, that’s more than enough for browsing social media or even making the occasional video call to friends back home. 

Cruise+Land Data Plans

We love a good cruise, but keeping track of ports in different countries, days at sea, and your home port can be exhausting if you are trying to stay connected. Not to mention that Wi-Fi on cruises can be pretty expensive.

GigSky has a solution for that with its Cruise+Land eSIM Data Plans. If you plan on hitting the high seas, you can purchase a data package covering your entire cruise vacation with fast and reliable data service while at sea, in port, or touring on land.

With packages starting at $18.99, there is an option for every sailor, whether you are onboard a Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or any other cruise line worldwide.

Plus, there are plans for inflight Wi-Fi and offshore workers, connecting anyone wanting to get online.

It’s simple to select your location, install the eSIM, activate it when you are traveling, and top up if needed.

Free 15-Day Plan for Visa Cardholders

Although GigSky offers great prices, free is always better. Thanks to a relationship between GigSky and Visa, you may be eligible for a free data plan and discounts on future plans.

Visa Infinite and Visa Signature cardholders can redeem 1 complimentary GigSky global mobile plan annually. Data amounts and discounts are as follows:

• Visa Infinite: 3 GB/15-day complimentary plan and 30% off all plans
• Visa Signature: 1 GB/15-day complimentary plan and 20% off all plans

If you have a Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card in your wallet, you would get 3 GB of free data. As part of a special agreement, you’d even get 5 GB if you hold a U.S. Bank Altitude^® Connect Visa Signature^® Card.

Final Thoughts

GigSky is a full-service eSIM company that offers fast and affordable data plans in more than 190 countries worldwide.

We tested performance across 3 continents, and the experience was seamless, from installing the app to picking a plan and getting connected. Plus, getting a few GBs of free data is always welcome. If you’ve been searching for a reliable eSIM for your next international trip, GigSky is an excellent option.