GigSky under the magnifying glass. Everything you need to know about their eSIM offer and data abroad

Company Overview and History

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, GigSky is recognized as a pioneer in global eSIM technology. Notably, GigSky became Apple's first eSIM partner and has established partnerships with over 400 mobile carriers worldwide. Over the past decade, GigSky has served more than 250,000 customers, offering connectivity solutions across approximately 200 countries and employing around 125 dedicated professionals.

GigSky’s Key Features

  • Rapid eSIM activation within minutes via a user-friendly app.
  • Flexible data plans supporting 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, depending on local availability.
  • Exclusive inflight connectivity on over 20 airlines, along with unique maritime and offshore data services.
  • Complimentary 100 MB trial, providing a risk-free way to assess the service (no credit card required).

GigSky’s Coverage

GigSky boasts extensive coverage in around 200 countries, prominently serving major international tourist destinations. Users typically benefit from high-speed connections via local carriers, with 5G networks accessible in select regions. However, service is unavailable in 28 countries, including Andorra, Bhutan, and Myanmar.

For high-usage customers, the unlimited plans offer up to 2.5 GB per day at maximum speeds, after which bandwidth is reduced to 100 kbps.

Strengths Highlighted by Users

  • Reliable app performance and effortless eSIM installation (typically under five minutes).
  • Multiple carrier options available in various regions for improved connectivity.
  • Unique inflight and maritime connectivity services, a significant advantage for frequent travelers.
  • Accessible multilingual website supporting 11 languages.

Areas for Improvement

  • Service may be costly for travelers with intensive data needs.
  • Occasional connectivity challenges reported by users, particularly on cruise lines or in certain regions.
  • No support for calls or SMS (data-only).

Customer Satisfaction and Trustworthiness

GigSky enjoys a strong reputation with a rating of 4.6/5 stars from 1,321 reviews on the Apple App Store. However, Android users have reported mixed experiences, reflected in a lower rating of 3.2/5 stars on Google Play. Positive feedback frequently highlights excellent customer service and reliable data speeds, while negative reviews typically cite sporadic connectivity issues.

Pricing and Value for Money

GigSky offers transparent pricing structures based on region, data requirements, and duration. Regional data plans are competitively priced—for instance, European plans start at just $5.99 for 1GB valid for seven days. Nevertheless, maritime and inflight data plans can be significantly pricier. Users with heavy data demands might find more economical alternatives elsewhere due to daily speed throttling after 2.5 GB.

Visa Promotional Coverage

GigSky has a dedicated promotional offer for Visa cardholders, providing coverage in over 125 countries. To benefit from these promotions, users must set their Visa card as the default payment method within the GigSky app.

Bottom Line and Recommendations

GigSky emerges as a trusted and legitimate eSIM provider, particularly well-suited to travelers on short trips, multi-country adventures, or those needing specialized inflight or maritime connectivity. Its free 100 MB trial is an excellent starting point to evaluate suitability. While heavier data users might explore alternatives for cost-effectiveness, GigSky's global presence, reliability, and unique connectivity options offer substantial value to most international travelers.