Travellers, digital nomads, and those living between different countries are turning to eSIMs (embedded SIM cards) to stay connected. They’re easy and convenient to use when arriving in a new destination – and who doesn’t like a smooth landing? There’s also a lot of competition which is good for consumers. That’s why the new GigSky Visa offer is so fantastic.
Up until a year ago, I always bought a physical SIM card when exploring a new place. Then I heard about GigSky while at a conference and decided to use an eSIM for the first time. It was a pretty smooth process, except for the fact that I use (a lot) more data than the average traveller. Through the hiccup, the customer service reps were fast and helpful. Since then, I’ve used GigSky’s eSIM a few more times while abroad for work and leisure.
If you haven’t yet tried using an eSIM and you’re a Visa cardholder, you’re in luck. There’s a brand new partnership between GigSky and Visa that will be the perfect opportunity to test this technology on your own travels. (Pssst…even if you aren’t a Visa cardholder, there’s plenty of information below to help you stay connected while abroad.)
This is a sponsored blog post in collaboration with GigSky. All opinions here remain my own.
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Introducing the New GigSky Visa Offer
There’s exciting news coming to Visa cardholders with a compatible mobile device in Canada or the USA. GigSky is teaming up with Visa to provide complimentary and discounted mobile data. Once all of their partnerships are confirmed this offer will be available to over 110 million (!) cardholders. As a Visa cardholder myself, I’m amped for this great new GigSky Visa offer. I will definitely be using this cardholder perk on future trips.
So what are the details, you ask?
Canadians with the Visa Infinite and Visa Infinite Business will receive a single 1GB 15-day GigSky redemption per calendar year plus a 20% discount on future eSIM use. Those with the Visa Infinite Privilege cards will have access to the same redemption twice per year plus a 30% discount on subsequent GigSky eSIM purchases in a calendar year. Cardholders of the Visa Classic, Visa Gold, and Visa Platinum cards will receive 10% off GigSky eSIM purchases.
If you’re like me and love a good visual to parse information, check out table below.
Residents of Latin America and the Caribbean already have access to these brand new benefits. If you live elsewhere in the world, stay tuned, as there are plans to bring these services to you as well.
What is an eSIM?
SIM cards allow mobile device users (drones, smart phones, tablets, etc…) to access a phone network and use its services. Traditionally, SIM cards were small physical chips you could insert and remove from your device. Now there are digital SIM cards as well. Also known as eSIMs or embedded SIM cards, they allow users to change their wireless carrier, data, or service plan through software instead of exchanging physical chips.
Why Use an eSIM? (The Pros)
Having an embedded SIM provides users a lot of flexibility for switching between providers, whether while at home or travelling around the world. Do you remember “the olden days” when landlines could have separate numbers? (I do!) With eSIMs, people can have multiple phone lines on their cell phone. For example, the iPhones 14 and 15 have the capacity to support switching between up to 8 eSIMs. This can be especially handy if you operate with home and work phone lines, or if you regularly bounce between multiple destinations. Embedded SIMs are not only convenient, they eliminate annoying and expensive roaming fees. If you’re paying daily roaming fees when travelling, you’re doing yourself and your pocket a disservice. Trust me!
Another pro to using a GigSky data-only eSIM is that you can try the service for free without providing any credit card details. (Yippee!) You’ll receive 100 MB of data while having the opportunity to try out the activation process. No strings attached. As a customer, this is a huge plus in my opinion.
GigSky makes using an eSIM even easier for a few more reasons:
- First, they keep things simple. You only need 1 eSIM to use across all of GigSky’s plans.
- Second, they provide peace of mind because you can purchase your eSIM even if you don’t already have a plan with GigSky and wifi isn’t available.
- Third, thanks to the newest GigSky partnership with Visa, if you live in Canada or the USA and are a Visa cardholder you get the added perk of free and discounted data!
- Fourth, they provide set-up instructions through text and video which is helpful to a wide range of people.
- Last, GigSky is an MVNO which means they do more than just resell eSIMs. For customers, this means that GigSky is able to provide more in-depth service with regards to problems with networks and connectivity.
Why Avoid Using an eSIM? (The Cons)
What eSIM providers lack are physical stores and in-person customer service. Depending on your demographic or comfort level with technology, this can go one of 2 ways. On the one hand, the accessibility of when and where you’re able to activate and use an eSIM is limitless. On the other hand, the learning curve might be frustrating for those who appreciate the convenience and service of an in-person representative. I’m a buy-at-the-till-interact-with-humans kinda person. I will say though, when I used GigSky for the first time and required customer service assistance their email responses were quick, friendly, and helpful.
Another difficulty with eSIMs is that swapping between different devices is more complex than swapping a physical SIM card. Instead, you’ll need to reactivate the account each time. This could lead to a carrier system mix up which would be a bit of a nightmare. However, if you’re not swapping SIMs from phone to phone or device to device, then not to worry.
Where Can I Use GigSky?
At the time of writing, the use of a GigSky data-only eSIM is available in over 200 countries.
How to Install a GigSky eSIM
The installation of a GigSky eSIM depends on which device you are using. On their website you’ll find detailed video and written instructions particular to your device to help you set everything up. Below I’ll give you a high-level run down of what the process looks like.
First and foremost, your device must be unlocked and compatible with eSIMs. Strong wifi and updated phone software are also necessary to initiate the process. For iPhones, that means a device with iOS 12.1 or later. Some mobile devices will need a QR code printed on a piece of paper or on the screen of another device (see their website to check if that’s your device).
After downloading the GigSky app and eSIM, follow the specific device instructions on GigSky.com. Choose the country, continent, or cruise + land package you’d like, as well as the amount of data you require. From there, it’s happy connecting!
Frequently Asked Questions About GigSky and eSIMs
What does “data-only” eSIM mean?
GigSky’s eSIMs are data-only which means that there are no phone capabilities (calling or texting). It’s very important that you don’t set your device’s Default Voice Line to the GigSky eSIM because it deactivates your voice line.
When did eSIMs become available?
Embedded SIM cards have been available on Google Pixels since 2017, on Apple iPhones since 2018, and on Samsung Galaxy phones since 2020.
Do eSIMs work on cruise ships too?
Yes! GigSky is the only company that offers data eSIMs on over 200 ships on all major cruise lines around the world. You can also combine the cruise plans with land coverage at a lower rate than traditional cruise lines or home carriers’ roaming rates.
What about places like Cuba that have spotty service?
Cuba is included in GigSky’s list of destinations that it’s available in.
I have another question but it’s not listed here. Where can I get more information?
Reach out to the GigSky team at help@gigsky.com.
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Helpful Tips for Booking Your Trips
Flights
If you want affordable flights, you must get into the points and miles game. Check out my Travel Coaching services to help Canadians fly for less than a tank of gas!
Car Rentals
To help you explore new destinations, turn to Discover Cars for a huge range of vehicle options and excellent prices.
Accommodation
There are so many options for affordable, comfortable, and unique accommodation. Some of my favourite accommodation options are housesitting and hostels. I’ve been using Trusted Housesitters and Hostelworld for years. If you prefer hotels, then check out Booking.com.
Activities
Get Your Guide is a fantastic resource for different activities to try when travelling. They have everything from walking tours, food tours, tickets to attractions, and multi-day trips, and more. Check out this super cool view I had of Helsinki when I was in Finland for the Christmas markets. My favourite GYG tour so far was the fantastic walking food tour I did in Dublin. That experience had a wild twist, but you’ll have to read this blog post to find out why!
