From limited data coverage to high international roaming fees, several cons come with using my local SIM card to browse the internet abroad.
So, as someone who travels to different countries, eSIM technology is always my go-to solution for reliable data connection when I get to my destination country.
Over the years, I have used several eSIM providers and one that has impressed me a lot is the GigSky eSIM.
In this article, I will be sharing my experience while using the eSIM on my recent trip and why you should add it to your list of travel eSIMs.
What You Need To Know About The GigSky eSIM
Founded in 2010, GigSky is a company that operates as a mobile cell service provider and a mobile network operator.
Its eSIM service is a data-only service that is available in more than 190 different countries around the world and encompasses over 400 network carriers worldwide.
All thanks to these numerous connectivity options, GigSky’s eSIM solutions offer you stable and instant connectivity to the internet regardless of whether you are on air, land, or sea.
Plus, GigSky data plans are cost-effective internet data plans with no hidden costs and are way lower than what you will pay for data roaming fees for using a traditional sim card on your travels abroad.
These eSIM data plans are in different categories, such as single-country, regional, and global eSIM plans.
In addition, these international eSIM plans are flexible and give you a variety of options for you to choose the one that best suits the journey you are embarking on, at the time at which you are making the purchase.
With all the remarkable features and efficiency of this eSIM, it is no surprise that Apple chose it as its very first eSIM partner.
Let’s look at how to purchase, install, and install any of GigSky’s eSIM data plans.
How To Install and Activate the GigSky eSIM
• Create an Account with GigSky
The first step in this process is to create an account with GigSky.
You can do this on the GigSky eSIM website or GigSky App — which you can download from the Google Play Store or Apple iOS Store, depending on the type of device you are using.
After you have signed up, an email will be sent to your inbox which you will use to activate your account.
• Choose An eSIM Plan Of Your Choice
After you have created an account with the GigSky service, you can then proceed to pick your preferred plan from the variety of GigSky’s eSIM plans available.
These plans are diverse.
Aside from data plans, which you can use On Land, you can also choose plans for cruises, as well as offshore and inflight, if you are using any of the specified airplanes or cruise ships.
• Select and Pay For Your Preferred GigSky eSIM Plan
When you have chosen the destination, or region of your choice and your preferred data plan, it’s time to pay.
Select the “Buy Plan” option when you are done with your selection process to purchase it and then a payment confirmation email containing useful information about the product will be sent to your inbox.
You can use Apple Pay or your credit card to pay.
The credit card that you can use to purchase any of the GigSky data plans is the VISA credit card.
All five varieties of VISA credit cards can be used for the purchase, no matter the bank from which the card is issued.
Using an eligible VISA card to make the purchase will enable you to unlock 20 to 30% discounts on any plan of your choice. It will also give you access to certain complementary plans.
• Install and Activate the GigSky eSIM
The steps and instructions on how to go about installing your GigSky eSIM are contained in the payment confirmation email sent to your inbox.
There are two ways you can use to install your GigSky eSIM: by scanning a QR Code or by installing the eSIM automatically through the GigSky eSIM App.
The latter is the easiest method and also my personal favorite but then, not all mobile devices can use it. So, if you try going through that route and discover that your device doesn’t meet the requirements, then you can use the QR code method.
Meanwhile, I usually do the activation of my eSIM immediately after I arrive at my destination country to ensure my mobile data plan starts on my arrival.
The activation is very easy to execute and is done in the twinkle of an eye, so I do it immediately after I get to my destination.
Note: When you have installed your eSIM, you can turn on notifications so that you will be alerted when your data plan is almost used up so that you can top it up in time, to avoid you from completely running out of data.
Advantages of Using The GigSky eSIM
• Global Coverage
From the United States to Asia Pacific, GigSky’s global cellular networks cover over 190 countries and counting.
I have used GigSky’s eSIM for internet connectivity in several countries in different regions and have enjoyed seamless connection in all of them.
This goes to show how wide its reach covers.
• No Need To Take Out Your Physical SIM Card
If you have a physical card from any of your home country’s local data services that you use when at home, you do not have to remove it to install and use a GigSky eSIM.
You can still install the eSIM while the SIM card is still on your device.
All you have to do is to make the eSIM your primary SIM when you need to use it and then switch back to its physical counterpart when you get back home.
This way, you can still be able to access apps, receive OTPs, and connect to personal apps with your physical SIM card while you are abroad.
• Free Trial Before Purchase
Have you ever seen an eSIM that offers you a free trial before you purchase it? I guess not.
GigSky eSIM is that eSIM.
The company allows you to use their virtual sim card for 7 days with a FREE 100 MB plan that you can use to browse the internet anywhere you travel to, within that period.
The best part is that you do not have to connect your credit card before using the free trial as other companies demand.
Also, there is no pressure to necessarily purchase the eSIM and continue using it after the trial period elapses.
But trust me, after using it for just the first day, you will decide that it will not be the last time you use it.
• Flexible and Versatile Data Plans
There are numerous data plans available for you to select from, depending on your itinerary, destination, length of trip, and whatnot.
There are single-country, regional, and Global plans available.
Note: Not all countries are in the Global plan so make sure you make proper confirmation of your destination before selecting and purchasing it.
There are also different data quantities available depending on your level of data usage. Plus, certain plans have Unlimited Data packages that come with no top-up which you can purchase and use for a long period.
In addition, there are in-flight, cruise, and offshore plans available for offshore workers and people who travel to a lot of countries by sea.
These plans are a unique set of packages that very few eSIM companies offer.
• Reliable Connection
No matter where you are traveling to, with GigSky’s eSIM you can be rest assured that you will not have issues with internet connectivity.
Although there might be areas where the internet speed might not be up to 5G one thing is for sure: it will be fast enough for you to do whatever you want to do online.
• Refer to Earn Initiative
For each friend you refer to become a GigSky customer and purchase a data plan, you are given GigSky credit worth $3 which you can use to purchase a plan on the app or website.
With this program, you can earn up to $100 worth of GigSky credit every year.
All you have to do is copy your personal invitation code and send it to any of your friends and loved ones who want to become customers, and when they purchase a plan, you will be rewarded.
• Great Customer Support and Swift Problem Resolution
GigSky has an amazing customer support system that is available 24/7 — 365 days a year. All you have to do is to lay a complaint and a solution will be issued in little to no time.
Thanks to them being a full MVNO (mobile virtual network operator), they can easily and quickly resolve any issue you might have concerning connectivity.
Being a full MVNO makes it possible for them to single-handedly reroute your data, in case your primary carrier is giving you poor results.
• Ease Of Use
Everything about the GigSky eSIM screams EASE.
From their website and mobile app, which are easy to navigate and use, to their installation and activation process, which is stress-free and straight to the point, and their easy top-up.
Cons Of Using GigSky eSIM
• No Dedicated Local Phone Number
GigSky eSIMs do not come with local phone numbers, which you can use to make calls or send/receive messages. They have just an only via apps (VOIP) policy for calling and texting.
Hence, you will have to make use of social media apps and Facetiming apps to talk to your loved ones who are back home.
• Limitation Of Unlimited Data Plans
Not all data packages that GigSky offers have an unlimited data plan.
For example, unlimited data plans are available in the United Kingdom and North American regions but are not available in the Middle East regional plan, so if you are living in the Middle East or traveling there, you won’t be able to enjoy the Unlimited Data package.
• Lack Of Compatibility with Certain Devices
Not all devices can use eSIMs, so no matter how much you love the features offered by the GigSky eSIM, there might be a possibility that your phone won’t be able to install and use it.
So, to know if your phone is compatible with the GigSky eSIM, click HERE and check the list.
This list is for Android users, Apple users, iPad users, and others.
• Non-Customizable Duration Of Data Plans
The timeframe for the data plans offered by this eSIM begins from 7 days upward, so if you are going for a business trip that will last for two days, you must be forced to buy a data plan with too much data for you to use within that short period.
• Cost
Although the cost of GigSky’s data plans is lower than the roaming fees charged by physical SIM cards, they are more expensive than the price charged by other eSIM companies for their data plans.
However, with how reliable and stable their connectivity is, I usually excuse them for the fees.
FAQs
Does GigSky eSIMs Come With A Local Number for Phone Calls?
No, it doesn’t. GigSky eSIMs offer just data-only plans and don’t include a phone number that you can use to make calls or send and receive text messages.
Can I Install Multiple GigSky eSIMs On One Mobile Device?
Yes, you can install multiple GigSky eSIMs on your mobile device. However, you can have only one or two eSIMs active at a time, depending on your device’s capabilities.
For example, the iPhone 13 and the phones released after it allow the installation of up to 8 eSIMs, but only two can be active at the same time.
What’s the Internet Speed Of GigSky eSIMs?
GigSky’s eSIM is primarily on 5G. However, the stability of the local network in different destinations varies, so the speed may be at 4G or 3G speeds when you get to certain locations.
Does GigSky eSIMs Support Tethering and Hotspot?
Yes, it does. With your GigSky eSIM, you can share your hotspot for multiple devices to connect to.
How Much Does GigSky eSIM Plans Cost?
The cost of the plans for GigSky’s data services varies depending on your destination and preferred package.
For example, the regional plan for the United Kingdom ranges from $4 to $36, meanwhile, the regional plan for Europe ranges between $5 and $84.
What If I Use Up My eSIM Data?
If you use up the data plan you purchased, you can top it up through the GigSky eSIM travel app.
There is usually a notification that alerts you when your data starts going low so that you can top it up before it runs out completely.
Conclusion
As digital nomads, our level of productivity thrives on our connection to the internet and that is why it is paramount for us to opt for the best eSIMs that can ensure that.
That is why in this GigSky review I have shared my honest experience on the eSIM.
GigSky eSIM is a very reliable eSIM that I can trust at all times to give me seamless connectivity to the internet, without any interruptions.
And although the pricing of its plans is a bit higher than that of other eSIM companies that I have used over time, the peace of mind and confidence it gives me in terms of a stable connection is something I will gladly pay for, any time of the day.
Did You Like This GigSky Esim Review?
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