How Does the GigSky eSIM Work? A Complete Guide for First Time eSIM Users

Are you using an eSiM for the first time and have no idea where to start? Don’t worry – I’ve got you! As a non-techy person, I’ll break down all of your questions like “How does the GigSky eSIM work?”, “What is an eSIM?”, “Why should I use an eSIM?” and more into easily digestible answers.

Up until 2024 I always purchased a physical SIM card in the country I was travelling through. I’d heard of SIM cards over the last couple of years, but I hadn’t tried using one. The tried and true option was smooth and easy, so why switch? It wasn’t until I was at a conference in the States that I considered giving one a try. As a part of the conference swag we had an offer from GigSky to try out their data-only eSIM. I forget why I hadn’t purchased a physical SIM for that trip, but it was opportune timing so I gave the eSIM a whirl.

This is a sponsored blog post in collaboration with GigSky. All opinions here remain my own.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, these links provide a small commission to allow this website to continue building helpful and interesting content for you. Thank you for supporting Travel with TMc, whether through sharing the content you enjoy or using the affiliate links. I appreciate you!

What is an eSIM?

Before we answer what an eSIM is, maybe we should ask what does SIM stand for? SIM stands for “Subscriber Identity Module”. SIM cards are the magic link between your mobile device (whether that’s a drone, smart phone, or tablet, etc…) and phone networks. Most people know SIM cards as the little physical chips that you put into your phone and never think of again.

What does eSIM stand for then? Also known as Embedded SIM cards, eSIMs are the digital cousin to the physical chips. Because they’re already part of the phone, there’s no need to exchange a physical card when switching wireless carriers, data, or service plans. Instead, everything is done through software. Using eSIMs makes me feel like a Spy Kid.

Who uses eSIMs?

Who are the ideal users of eSIMs? Digital nomads, Canadian snow birds, and anyone else who regularly bounces between 2 or more countries will love using an eSIM. Business owners may find the option to have multiple phone lines handy if they switch between home and work numbers. Travellers of all kinds will love the convenience of using an eSIM because providers like GigSky have worldwide service coverage. Oh and if you’re addicted to cruises, GigSky has more than got you covered with combined land and sea plans.

The Pros of Using an eSIM

There are several reasons to use an eSIM.

1 – Ease and Flexibility

If there’s one thing humans naturally gravitate towards, it’s the path of least resistance. While I do think that eSIMs have a bit of a ways to go in the set-up process before they’re a clear category winner, they’re on their way. One easier aspect of using an eSIM that people mention is not having to find a physical store to buy the physical SIM card. It is commonplace to be greeted at airports by several phone providers offering physical SIM cards, which is easy enough. Just slightly easier, however, is activating your local number while waiting to exit the plane. The flexibility that eSIMs provide travellers, snowbirds, and business professionals is undeniable, as you’ll read about in number 3 below.

2 – Never Lose a SIM Card Again

I’ve gotta be honest. I never lost a physical SIM card. When alternating between them, my travel hack was to use a little nose plug container from my swimming days to hold earrings and SIM cards. I know, it’s a bit bizarre, but it did the trick! The small red container is easy to pack and difficult to lose since I kept it with my toiletries. I never forgot where I put the cards since I often change my earrings and would see both all the time. And, once it became habit it was just another quick easy travel system to implement.

That being said, not everyone has a travel hack or system for tiny items. Maybe they put their home SIM card in their pocket and don’t find it until it goes through the wash. Maybe it falls out of their pocket. Using an eSIM means one less logistical item to consider.

3 – Multiple Phone Lines and Service Providers

If you’re an 80s baby like me or older, you’ll probably remember the days of having multiple phone lines. Today barely anyone has a home phone (though I’d sign a petition to bring them back!) and cell phone numbers seem to change on a dime. With an eSIM you can have multiple phone lines without exchanging physical items. For example, iPhones 14 and 15 are able to switch between up to 8 eSIMs. That’s a lot of phone numbers!

4 – Eliminate Roaming Fees

If you’re paying roaming fees when you’re travelling, you’re losing money. Stop doing it!!! Canadian phone plans are notoriously expensive and some of the worst in the world. The roaming fees add injury to insult. On the other hand, eSIMs aren’t not only convenient, they also eliminate paying any more ridiculously high roaming fees.

(I realize the pay phone in the photo didn’t have multiple phone lines. It’s included for nostalgia’s sake!)

4 – Extra GigSky Perk

Raise your hand if you find it annoying when companies want credit card details in exchange for.free trials. I dislike it so much that I won’t sign up for a trial if I have to provide that information. That would be like paying for Costco samples and what a backwards world that would be!

Happy days though, because GigSky offers free trials without the hook. A free trial includes 100 MB of data. Signing up for a free trial also means that you’ll get the activation process out of the way. Should you choose to purchase a plan in the future that’s one less step to go through.

Additional GigSky eSIM Perks

There are a couple more perks to using a GigSky eSIM that you might find helpful. To start, only 1 GigSky eSIM is required to access any of their plans. Who doesn’t like simplicity? Next is knowing that if you are without wifi and not already a customer, you can still activate a new plan. That’s going to come in clutch in some scenarios, especially from a safety standpoint for women. Third, Visa cardholders in Canada will receive free and discounted data by the end of 2024. I go into more details below on this brand new partnership. Fourth, and perhaps one that more tech-inclined folk will appreciate, is that GigSky is an MVNO. For the tech-confused like myself, this simply means that they can provide better service when it comes to networks and connectivity. Last, GigSky has covered their bases with providing set-up instructions to their customers in both text and video. So, whether you’re a visual or auditory learner, you’ve got step-by-step instructions to walk you through the activation process.

The Cons of Using an eSIM

1 – Elimination of In-Person Service

This is a divisive topic! It’s also personally my biggest bone of contention with not just eSIMs but every extra screen that replaces human interaction. Some people love the reduction of in-person customer service and others of us loathe it. All eSIM providers are digital companies and therefore their service is too.

I’m a people person and will talk to just about anybody, so this is a real downer for me. Not only is the face-to-face in-person social interaction gone, but so is the local perspective. Often times phone company employees are goldmines of local information. I’d go so far as to say that they’re a valuable unsung travel “hack”. This can come in handy in all sorts of situations, especially after a long day of travel when you’re hungry and want a good spot to eat. Without having to consult your phone, you can find out where’s open late, what the local favourites are, and maybe even which dish to try. I’m getting hungry typing this!

Another downside of online companies is waiting for customer service to reply. I will say though that GigSky‘s 24/7/365 customer support was decently quick and very friendly when I emailed them for help. I anticipate online assistance might be especially cumbersome in the activation process for new clients, especially if they’re less tech-inclined. In these scenarios it’s much easier and less stressful to have a knowledgeable employee do everything for you and answer your questions in real time.

2 – Complexity of Swapping eSIM Services Between Devices

Another area where physical SIM cards are potentially easier to use than eSIMs is when swapping service between mobile devices (eg. phone to phone or phone to tablet). It could mean that you have to reactivate your account with each SIM swap. This could lead to tech nightmares if the phone carrier systems get mixed up and then you really want a person there to help you.

Where in the World Can I Use GigSky’s Data-Only eSIM?

Good news! GigSky’s data-only eSIM is available in more than 200 countries.

How Does the GigSky eSIM Work: Steps to Install a GigSky eSIM

Okay, we’ve gotten through all of the details about eSIMS, the tech, the good, and the bad, but now the main question: how does the GigSky eSIM work?

Depending on your device, the installation process will look a little different. GigSky‘s website provides the most up-to-date, simple, and easy to understand step-by-step instructions. I’ll go over a bird’s eye view of the process below.

Step 1 – Is Your Device Compatible?

iPad users with cellular-enabled models from 2018 and 2019, whether it’s the Pro, Air, or Mini have compatible devices.

For a list of other devices that work with GigSky’s eSIM, visit their website.

Step 2 – Unlock Your Device

In order to use an eSIM from any company, your device needs to be unlocked. Many newer devices already have this in place. If yours isn’t unlocked, you can go in to your service provider and have them do it.

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!

Step 3 – Download the GigSky App

You’ll need to download the GigSky app in order to use their data plans. If you have an Apple product, head to the App Store. If you have an Android, head to the Google Play Store.

Step 3 – Activate Your GigSky Data-Only eSIM

This is where the GigSky website will come in handy. Activate your eSIM and follow the detailed steps on the GigSky website as per your specific device Settings.

Step 4 – Choose the Location and eSIM Package

Here’s the fun part! Choose your location and eSIM package. From there, happy surfing, fellow travellers!

Frequently Asked Questions About GigSky and eSIMs

What is a “data-only” eSIM?

GigSky’s eSIMs are data-only which means that they can’t be used for calling or texting. DO NOT set your device’s Default Voice Line to the GigSky eSIM because it will deactivate your voice line.

Since it’s “data-only”, can I still use my normal phone number to make calls?

Your phone number doesn’t change when you activate a GigSky eSIM. iPhones can send message to other iPhones. Your home provider may charge you for phone calls and texts, depending on your normal phone plan. To avoid all charges, use apps like WhatsApp to make phone calls, video calls, and send messages.

How old is eSIM technology?

Different providers introduced them at different times. For example, Google Pixels have had eSIMs since 2017, Apple iPhones since 2018, and Samsung Galaxy phones since 2020.

Can I use an eSIM on cruise ships?

Yes! GigSky is the only company that offers data eSIMs on over 200 ships on all major cruise lines around the world. Additionally, combine the cruise plans with land coverage. With GigSky you can do this at a lower rate than with what cruise lines or home carriers’ roaming rates offer.

Is eSIM tech available in places like Cuba?

Yes, GigSky’s list of destinations includes Cuba and other places with spotty wifi.

Where can I get more information about GigSky?

Email the GigSky team at help@gigsky.com.

Brand New GigSky and Visa Partnership

If you’ve been a reader or hung out with me on Instagram, it will be no surprise to you that I’m a big fan of (responsibly) using credit and charge cards. They’re a fantastic tool to help reduce travel costs (namely flights and hotels). We can now include mobile data costs on this list. At the end of 2024, GigSky and Visa teamed up to introduce free and discounted data to their cardholders. This huge partnership will be available to over 110 million cardholders. How wild is that?! Visa clients in South America already have this perk.

Here are the details:

• 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.
• Canadians Visa Infinite Privilege cardholders will have access to the same redemption twice per year plus a 30% discount on subsequent GigSky eSIM purchases in any given calendar year.
• Canadian cardholders of the Visa Classic, Visa Gold, and Visa Platinum cards will receive 10% off GigSky eSIM purchases.

My Review of the GigSky eSIM

I can’t say I’m the most tech-savvy person. I’m definitely not the first to hop on new tech bandwagons. As you read above, eSIMs first came into use in 2017 and 7 years later I’ve given them a go only because they were a part of a conference swag bag! It’s ironic, really, considering I run a website and online business. I digress, though this small tangent gives you insight into my (tortoise-like) inclinations toward technology.

At the time of writing, I’ve used GigSky’s data-only plans in the US and Europe. The set-up and usage process were relatively smooth, save for a couple of tiny hiccups. I may have “broken” GigSky’s unlimited use plan because it turns out that I use a LOT more data than the average traveller. Since I maxed out the unlimited plan, GigSky has reported that they’ve adjusted their services to reflect customers like myself who inhale data. The customer support team was pretty quick, friendly, and helpful to deal with as well. Having had success with GigSky’s eSIM in the past, I will probably use it again in future travels. If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email or leave them in the comments below.