In-Depth GigSky Review: Pros, Cons, and Verdict
If you are an avid traveler, you know the hassle of managing your communication needs during your trips. Extractors, new and old prepaid packages, cards holding your PINs/PUKs — and, of course, the SIMs. Double the amount, and all of a sudden, you have so many things that you must be careful not to lose. That’s why eSIMs are great. With these digital chips, you can swap your carrier service just with a tap. Although the market is brimming with options, how does one select the best eSIM for international travel? In this article, we will put one of the known eSIM providers, GigSky, under the microscope. The service promises seamless connectivity in over 200 countries and territories. We'll examine GigSky's features, pricing, and usability to help you decide if it's the right eSIM for your next adventure.
GigSky in Brief
GigSky specializes in data-only eSIM plans, which are perfect for travelers who rely on apps, maps, and social media while on the go. They offer flexible plans tailored to specific regions or multi-country trips.
Below, you will find the main features GigSky has on offer:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Price | From $4.49 |
| Countries | 200+ |
| Cellular Networks | 4G LTE, 5G (in select locations) |
| Additional Features | Data top-up options, in-app purchases and management |
| Customer Support | Email and chat support (hours not specified on the website) |
| Tethering | Yes |
| Phone Calls | No (data-only) |
Their data-only eSIMs are available in over 200 destinations with mainly 4G and LTE connections. App management is convenient with top-up options, so you can top-up with no issues. In addition, GigSky supports tethering. With this feature, you can share your data with other devices, be it your work laptop or someone else’s personal device.
GigSky Pros and Cons
Before purchasing an eSIM from GigSky, think about what features are indispensable for you. Does the provider cover your destination countries? Do your needs require you to purchase a call-included plan? Is tethering a must?
After you set your priorities, compare the pros and cons thoroughly. This way, you can make more informed decisions, catering exactly to what you need. Here is our pros and cons list for this GigSky review:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Extensive global coverage | ➖ No traditional calling or SMS |
| ✅ Flexible regional and multi-country plans | ➖ Limited customer support hours |
| ✅ Easy to purchase and install | ➖ Some reports of slower speeds in certain areas |
| ✅ Competitive prices for high-data users | |
| ✅ Tethering supported |
GigSky offers extensive global coverage, flexible plans, and easy installation. On top of that, their plans’ prices are competitive, especially for high-data users. Tethering support is a big plus for those who are planning to use their mobile phone as a hotspot.
However, GigSky doesn’t offer traditional calling and SMS. But you can make calls using VoIP apps instead. At the same time, remember that they don’t offer unlimited data plans. Lastly, they have limited customer support hours, and there are reports of slower speeds in some areas.
GigSky Plans and Pricing
GigSky's plans vary widely depending on the region and data allowance. They offer single-country, regional, and global plans with different validity periods. Here's a sample of their pricing for popular destinations:
USA
| Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $4.49 |
| 3 GB | 15 days | $10.99 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $15.99 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $25.99 |
| Unlimited | 7 days | $28.99 |
| Unlimited | 15 days | $50.99 |
Thailand
| Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $4.49 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $17.99 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $25.99 |
| Unlimited | 7 days | $28.99 |
| Unlimited | 15 days | $46.99 |
Turkey
| Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $5.99 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $11.99 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $17.99 |
| Unlimited | 7 days | $28.99 |
| Unlimited | 15 days | $50.99 |
United Kingdom
| Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $4.49 |
| 3 GB | 15 days | $9.99 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $14.99 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $22.49 |
| Unlimited | 7 days | $27.99 |
| Unlimited | 15 days | $44.99 |
Spain
| Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $4.49 |
| 3 GB | 15 days | $8.49 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $11.49 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $17.99 |
| Unlimited | 7 days | $27.99 |
| Unlimited | 15 days | $44.99 |
Italy
| Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $4.49 |
| 3 GB | 15 days | $9.99 |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $14.49 |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $23.99 |
| Unlimited | 7 days | $27.99 |
| Unlimited | 15 days | $44.99 |
GigSky offers diverse data plans for 200+ locations, with options for different durations and regions. Prices generally start at around $5. However, GigSky does not currently have unlimited data options available.
GigSky Customer Support
GigSky provides customer support via email and an in-app chat feature. However, the exact hours of operation are not clearly stated on their website, which could be a drawback for travelers needing immediate assistance.
Users’ experiences with GigSky’s customer service vary, too. Some reported that they didn’t receive any follow-up on their inquiries, and others didn’t find the assistance helpful at all.
How to Use GigSky
Using an eSIM is often straightforward, and GigSky is no exception. However, the installation steps might vary depending on the iOS your device uses.
How to use GigSky eSIM on iPhone:
- Purchase a GigSky plan through their app.
- Receive a QR code.
- Go to iPhone settings > Cellular > Add Cellular Plan.
- Scan the QR code.
- Follow the prompts to activate your eSIM.
How to use GigSky eSIM on Android:
- Purchase a GigSky plan.
- Receive the QR code.
- Go to Android settings > Network & internet > Mobile network > Advanced.
- Tap the "+" icon to add a new network.
- Scan the QR code and follow the instructions.
GigSky eSIMs are easy to install and activate on both iPhone and Android devices by scanning a QR code and following the on-screen instructions.
Why Should You Use an eSIM While Traveling?
eSIMs offer several advantages over physical SIM cards, which benefit travelers the most. eSIMs eliminate the need for physical SIM cards. That means you don’t have to fiddle with SIM trays to switch your carrier and no longer worry about losing tiny yet important plastic chips.
With eSIMs, you also get more convenience for your trips. For example, instead of looking for a SIM vendor at your destination, you can purchase and activate your plan just before your flight. This way, you can maintain an uninterrupted connection as soon as you land.
In most cases, you can top-up or make changes to your plan via your eSIM provider’s app. That is another benefit because it lets you avoid costly data roaming charges and time-consuming visits to SIM vendors.
Final thoughts
GigSky is a solid choice for travelers who prioritize data access in a wide range of countries. Their flexible plans and easy-to-use app make staying connected very straightforward. However, the lack of calling and SMS capabilities might be a dealbreaker for some, and the limited/insufficient customer support could be a concern.
If you're a data-focused traveler seeking hassle-free connectivity in numerous destinations, GigSky is worth considering.
FAQ
1. Does GigSky offer eSIMs for all phone models?
No. GigSky eSIMs are only compatible with models that support eSIM technology. A wide range of newer iPhone and Android models usually are embedded with eSIM slots.
2. Can I use GigSky eSIMs on multiple devices?
Yes, GigSky plans are typically designed for a single device, but you can use tethering to share data from your main device.
3. Is GigSky a good eSIM for the USA?
It depends on your needs and expectations. While GigSky is a good choice if you are looking for an affordable connection for the USA.
