A reliable internet connection is a must when you’re abroad with kids. It’s not just about posting photos or staying in touch with family back home; it’s also about accessing maps, travel guides, and emergency information. That’s where having a great international SIM card for travel comes in handy.
Let’s dive into our detailed GigSky review and why it’s a great option when searching for a global eSIM data plan. GigSky offers an international eSIM card solution to make travel easier and more connected.
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What is an eSIM card?
I always thought the “e” in eSIM card stood for “electronic”, but it stands for embedded SIM. eSIM chips are soldered into mobile devices (iPhones, Android, etc.). They enable remote and instant mobile subscriptions.
Interestingly, you can carry multiple operator eSIMs on your device in addition to your physical SIM card.
Learn about what an eSIM is from GigSky. They have an entire article dedicated to the topic, so all your questions should be answered there.
GigSky Review: All you need to know about this global eSIM data plan
📱 Get 100 MB of data for FREE with GigSky
GigSky provides a practical and efficient solution for staying connected abroad. Its coverage, partnership with local networks, and flexible eSIM plans make it an attractive option for families traveling internationally. GigSky ensures you stay connected hassle-free and cost-effectively.
The main advantages and disadvantages of GigSky eSIM data plan for international travel are:
✅ Great data coverage in more than 190 countries
✅ In-flight, at-sea and off-shore data plans available
✅ FREE 100 MB of data for new users
❌ No unlimited plan available
❌ Not the cheapest eSIM data plan available on the market
What is GigSky
GigSky is a global mobile service provider offering internet access through data SIM cards and eSIM technology. It’s in fact the first eSIM-based mobile network operator. It covers 200+ destinations and has access to over 400 networks worldwide, including maritime networks (cruise ships) and inflight.
GigSky is designed for travelers who want to stay connected without the hassle of high roaming charges or the need to purchase local SIM cards in every country you visit.
With GigSky, you don’t need to roam.
❌ No more high international data roaming charges
❌ No need to purchase local SIM cards in every country you visit
📱 Get 100 MB of data for FREE with GigSky
Can You Make or Take Calls With GigSky?
GigSky only provides international data plans, which means it doesn’t come with a phone number or calling options.
However, you can still make or receive calls through different services, such as Skype, WhatsApp, and iMessage (for iPhone users).
When we travel, we usually use Skype to make calls and iMessage to keep in touch with our friends and family (most of them are iPhone users).
GigSky Coverage & Map
GigSky has an impressive coverage map. The GigSky eSIM for travel gives you access to over 400 networks worldwide, including:
Land Data Plan
You can stay connected in over 200 destinations. Whether you’re enjoying one of the beaches in Spain or road-tripping through the Western USA, you’ll likely have internet access.
GigSky is also the only travel eSIM card provider that offers free data. If you’re a new user, you can try the product with a FREE 100 MB data plan. No credit cards are needed.
Cruise Data Plan
If traveling on a cruise ship is on your family travel bucket list, you’ll find the GigSky eSIM card offer pretty amazing.
It’s the only eSIM card provider to offer a data plan on cruises (and if you’ve done some research, you’ll find that adding wifi to your cruise plan can get SO expensive).
Here’s the full list of all cruise lines compatible with GigSky’s at-sea connectivity:
- Azamara Club Cruises
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruises
- Celestyal Cruises
- Disney Cruise Line
- Fred. Olsen Cruise Line
- Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
- Holland America Line
- MSC Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Oceania Cruises
- P&O Australia
- P&O Ferries
- Princess Cruises
- Regent Seven Seas
- Royal Caribbean International
- Seabourn Cruises
- Silversea Cruises
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
- TUI Cruises
- Virgin Voyages
- Windstar
In-flight Data Plan
You can now use the internet while you’re flying, thanks to GigSky’s in-flight data plans. So your children can now watch one of their favorite TV shows on a long flight on one of the 20 airlines that partner with GigSky.
Here’s the full list of all compatible airlines for GigSky’s inflight connectivity:
- Aer Lingus (perfect for your next Ireland road trip)
- Alitalia
- Asiana Airlines
- Biman Bangladesh Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- Egypt Air
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- EVA Air
- Kuwait Airways
- Lufthansa
- Malaysia Airlines
- SAS Scandinavian Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- Swiss International Airlines
- TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish Airlines
- Uzbekistan Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
Off-shore Data Plan
GigSky has partnered with Tampnet to offer off-shore data plans in the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea. This collaboration is ideal for offshore workers or anyone needing data services while at sea.
📱 Get 100 MB of data for FREE with GigSky
Another benefit of using GigSky as your data-only eSIM card for travel
GigSky has partnered with Visa to offer a free data plan when traveling to its members.
In the USA, Visa members from the US Bank can have 5 GB of data when traveling. Exciting news from Canadian travelers is coming soon, so stay tuned.
What Network Does GigSky Use
GigSky does not own cell towers and is not a simple network reseller. Instead, it partners with network providers worldwide to give you access to their networks.
This means that if a certain network goes down, GigSky can simply shift you to one that is not down so you don’t lose connectivity.
Another benefit of working with many different networks is that you don’t need to download and activate different eSIM cards when you change plans. With GigSky, you can use only one eSIM, anywhere you travel.
So if you initially bought the North American data plans from GigSky and successfully activated your eSIM card, then you’ll be able to buy another plan for, let’s say, Europe, using the same eSIM card previously installed.
There is no need to go through the activation process again.
Even as you travel back and forth between countries, GigSky will automatically shift your plan to the country you are in.
This partnership approach allows GigSky to offer widespread coverage without maintaining its infrastructure.
📱 Get 100 MB of data for FREE with GigSky
GigSky eSIMs compatibility
GigSky eSIM cards for travel are compatible with most devices, including:
iPhone devices
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS, XS Max
- iPhone 11 (model A2221, from 2019), 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE 2, SE 3
- iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max
Cellular enables iPad
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch starting from 2018
- iPad Pro 11-inch starting from 2018
- iPad Air starting from 2019
- iPad mini starting from 2019
- iPad starting from 2019
Android devices
- Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
- Galaxy S21, S21+ 5G, S21+ Ultra 5G
- Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
- Galaxy Note 20, Note 20 Ultra 5G
- Galaxy Fold, Fold 3Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G, Fold 3 5G
- Galaxy Z Flip, Flip 3 5G, Flip 3 5G Fold
Galaxy S23, S23 Ultra - Galaxy A54 5G
- Pixel 2 (only phones bought with Google Fi service)
- Pixel 2 XL
- Pixel 3
- Pixel 3 XL, 3a XL
- Pixel 3a
- Pixel 4, 4a, 4 XL
- Pixel 5, 5a
- Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro
- Pixel 7, 7 Pro
- Find X3 Pro
- Reno 5A, Reno 6 Pro 5G
- Find X5, X5 Pro
- A55s
GigSky eSIM Price
One of the best things about GigSky is its flexibility in pricing and plans. They offer an eSIM option, which means you can activate your plan digitally without a physical SIM card.
Prices vary depending on the region you’re traveling to and the data you need, starting from a few dollars for short trips.
- Worldwide: $0.00 for 100 MB
- United States: $35.99 for 5 GB
- Canada: $24.99 for 5 GB
- Spain: $31.99 for 10 GB (or $37.99 for all of Europe)
- New Zealand: $24.99 for 5 GB
You can check on their website for more data plan options.
📱 Get 100 MB of data for FREE with GigSky
How to set up your travel eSIM card with GigSky
We’ve tried out GigSky during our travels and found it straightforward to set up their eSIM. Here’s a simple guide to get you up and running:
Step 1: Download the GigSky app and create an account
Start by making a GigSky account. It’s easy: visit their site or download their app to sign up. After signing up, you’ll receive an email to activate your account. Click the provided link, and you’re all set!
I recommend starting right away by downloading the GigSky app and sign up from the app.
Step 2: Select your eSIM plan and buy your data plan
After signing in, choose the eSIM plan that fits your travel needs. Select the Data on the Land plan if you’re traveling to another country. For those needing air connectivity, the Inflight plan is your pick. For adventures at sea, the offshore plan keeps you connected.
Just click the plan that matches your trip.
Next, select the data plan that’s right for you. Choose your destination or region, pick the plan that suits your needs, and select a payment method (Apple Pay works, too!).
Click ‘Buy Plan‘ to make the purchase. Look out for a confirmation email once you’ve made your purchase.
Step 4: Set up and activate your eSIM
The final step is to activate your eSIM. This is the most complicated part of setting up your data plan for travel, but it’s still pretty straightforward.
If you’re using the app, you just have to follow the steps.
And just like that, you’re ready to stay connected wherever your travels take you.
Should you have data roaming on or off?
When using an eSIM data plan like GigSky, you’ll want to have the data roaming on with the GigSky eSIM card line turned on on your Cellular data setting.
If you decide to travel without a travel data plan, I highly recommend turning off data roaming; otherwise, you risk high data charges while roaming. We had to learn the hard way.
Meaning of data roaming
Data roaming refers to the ability of your mobile phone to access the internet and other data services while you are outside of your mobile service provider’s coverage area.
When you’re “roaming,” your phone uses a different network belonging to another service provider to maintain internet connectivity. This can happen when you travel to different cities or countries where your usual service provider does not have coverage.
In simple terms, think of it as your phone “borrowing” internet service from another provider to keep you connected when you’re away from home.
However, it’s important to note that data roaming can lead to additional (and important) phone bill charges, as using another provider’s network might cost more than using your own provider’s network.
📱 Get 100 MB of data for FREE with GigSky
Best International Data SIM Comparison
Airalo vs GigSky
Airalo is another popular eSIM option for travelers. For travelers from Canada and the USA, it’s one of the main competitors to GigSky. And it’s a popular option among travelers.
Compared to GigSky, Airalo often offers cheaper data plans, making it a great budget option. However, GigSky might have the edge in certain countries with better coverage or faster speeds, whereas Airolo has been known to have not-so-good cellular coverage in some countries.
On the downside, GigSky doesn’t offer unlimited data plans like Airalo.
| Main points | GigSky | Airalo |
| Coverage | 190+ countries | 190+ countries |
| Unlimited Plans | ❌ | ✅ |
| Other type of plans: At sea In-flight Off-shore | ✅ | ❌ |
| 100 GB Pricing | FREE | not offered |
| 5GB (USA) Pricing | $35.99 | $16.99 |
| 10 GB (Europe) Pricing | $37.99 | $37.99 |
Final thoughts GigSky Review
GigSky allows you to activate your international data plans digitally. This means you can set up your internet access before leaving home without needing a physical SIM card.
Prices for GigSky’s eSIM plans vary depending on the destination and the amount of data you need. Plans start at a few dollars and offer options for as little as a day’s use to monthly plans with more data.
This variety in pricing and plan duration makes GigSky a versatile option for all kinds of travelers, from those taking short trips to others on longer adventures. Plus, you don’t need to go through the eSIM car activation if you change country. You only have to do it once.
Whether you’re comparing GigSky with Airalo, consider your travel destinations, data needs, and budget.
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.