eSIM
GigSky
Travel eSIM in 190+ countries: daily plans, fixed volume and iPad / Apple Watch compatibility
GigSky is one of the longest-standing players in the travel eSIM space, active since 2010, long before the technology went mainstream. The brand has built its reputation on reliability and on deep support for the Apple ecosystem: it is among the few providers whose data plans run natively on iPad and cellular Apple Watch, in addition to the iPhone and compatible Android devices.
On Datadopt we compare all of GigSky's active plans to help you find the offer that fits your destination and your usage. GigSky covers 190+ countries and offers three plan families: daily offers, fixed-volume plans and a few unlimited plans. Datadopt is a GigSky partner: the subscription links are affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
All GigSky plans
Datadopt lists GigSky's active plans. Use the Fixed volume and Unlimited tabs to break down the ranges, then filter by destination, duration and price. Each "Subscribe" button redirects you to GigSky via our partner link, at no extra cost to you.
GigSky's strengths
Built for the Apple ecosystem
GigSky is among the few providers whose eSIMs install natively on iPad and cellular Apple Watch, in addition to the iPhone. A real plus for keeping your devices connected on the move.
A veteran brand
Active since 2010, GigSky is one of the oldest travel eSIM providers. That head start translates into a broad network of partner carriers and a battle-tested infrastructure.
190+ country coverage
Country, regional and global plans covering more than 190 destinations. A single eSIM can follow the route of a multi-country trip without switching profiles.
In-flight and cruise connectivity
GigSky relies on satellite and maritime partners to offer data aboard select flights and cruise ships, a use case rarely covered by other providers.
Daily or fixed-volume plans
Day passes for short trips, fixed-volume plans for measured usage and a few unlimited plans for longer journeys.
Enterprise and IoT heritage
GigSky also runs connectivity solutions for enterprise and IoT. This technical foundation benefits consumer plans in terms of stability and network switching.
Who is GigSky? A look at the eSIM operator
GigSky is a travel eSIM provider launched in 2010, which makes it one of the oldest players in the sector. Where many brands emerged after 2019, GigSky was already offering roaming data at a time when the eSIM remained niche. That head start let it weave a dense network of partner carriers and position itself as a solid option for travelers who value reliability.
Like other travel eSIM providers, GigSky does not run its own mobile network: the brand resells access to local partner carriers under a unified technical layer. Depending on the destination, 4G/5G speeds therefore vary with the host carrier. GigSky stands out for how deeply it integrates with the Apple ecosystem: its eSIMs are among the few that activate natively on iPad and cellular Apple Watch, in addition to the iPhone and compatible Android devices.
GigSky offers three plan families. Daily plans bill data by the day and suit short trips. Fixed-volume plans (a few gigabytes over a set period) target measured usage. Finally, a few unlimited plans cover longer journeys with a fair-use policy. This segmentation lets you match your budget to the type of trip rather than paying for a single one-size-fits-all plan.
Beyond the consumer market, GigSky has an enterprise and IoT heritage: the brand supplies connectivity to fleets of connected objects and to business customers. This technical foundation feeds the traveler plans, notably on demanding use cases such as in-flight or cruise connectivity, made possible by satellite and maritime partners. Few eSIM providers cover this ground.
Is GigSky reliable? The ratings are solid: App Store at 4.53/5, Google Play at 4.32/5 and Trustpilot around 4.3/5. The refund policy allows a refund as long as the eSIM has not been activated. The points to watch involve prices that are sometimes higher than low-cost players on fixed-volume plans, and 5G coverage that is less consistent than some alternatives depending on the country. GigSky remains a sound choice for those who prioritize Apple compatibility and the stability of an established brand.
GigSky reviews: what do users say?
Datadopt aggregates the ratings from the three main review platforms (Trustpilot, App Store, Google Play) to give you an objective view of GigSky's reputation. Here is the published data:
Trustpilot
4.3/5
4,266 reviews
App Store (iOS)
4.5/5
4,927 reviews
Google Play (Android)
4.3/5
3,800 reviews
Recurring strengths
- Broad compatibility across the Apple ecosystem: iPhone, iPad and cellular Apple Watch
- The reliability of a veteran brand with a proven network of partner carriers
- Wide coverage of 190+ countries, with country, regional and global plans
- Rare use cases covered: in-flight and cruise connectivity
Points to watch
- Prices sometimes higher than low-cost players on fixed-volume plans
- 5G coverage less consistent than some alternatives depending on the country
- China: requires a VPN, like all providers that route through local carriers
- No phone line on standard plans (data only)
Our take: GigSky is a sound choice for Apple device owners who want to keep their iPad and Apple Watch connected while traveling, as well as for travelers who cruise, fly or value the stability of an established brand. On a tight budget for a standard fixed-volume plan, alternatives like Airalo or Nomad are often cheaper. Both approaches are comparable on Datadopt.
GigSky coverage: where do the plans work?
GigSky offers eSIM plans in more than 190 countries, grouped into single-country, regional and global plans, plus in-flight and cruise connectivity offers via satellite and maritime partners. Here are the destinations travelers search for most.
Popular destinations covered
⚠️ Heads-up for China
Like all travel eSIM providers that rely on local Chinese carriers, the GigSky eSIM in China is subject to the Great Firewall: Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube are blocked. Install a VPN before departure (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN, Mullvad), because app stores and many services are inaccessible once you are there. Also check the plan details to confirm your destination is supported.
GigSky plan types
Daily plan
Data billed by the day, ideal for short trips or occasional use. You only pay for the days you actually use, depending on the offer.
Fixed-volume plan
A set volume (a few gigabytes) over a given period. The most readable format for a targeted trip with predictable usage.
Unlimited plan
Unlimited data with a fair-use policy, available on a selection of destinations. Suited to longer journeys and heavy usage.
In-flight and cruise connectivity
Thanks to satellite and maritime partners, GigSky offers data aboard select flights and ships, a use case rarely covered elsewhere.
GigSky FAQ
How do I install and activate a GigSky eSIM?▾
Two options. Installation through the GigSky app (iOS and Android): open the app, choose your plan, follow the steps and the eSIM sets itself up. Manual installation via QR code: the QR is sent by email after payment. On iPhone: Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → scan the QR. On Android: Settings → Network and internet → SIM → Download a SIM. Activation usually triggers on the first connection to the foreign network.
Does GigSky work on iPad and Apple Watch?▾
Yes, this is one of GigSky's strengths: its eSIMs are among the few that install natively on cellular iPad and cellular Apple Watch, in addition to the iPhone. That is a real plus if you want to keep these devices connected while traveling without relying on tethering. Make sure your model has the cellular feature (Wi-Fi-only versions do not support the eSIM).
When should I install and activate the GigSky eSIM: before or after the trip?▾
Install before departure (at home, on Wi-Fi) to confirm the QR code and profile work. Activate on location in most cases: the plan duration starts on the first network connection abroad. Some offers activate at the moment of installation, so check the activation conditions on the plan details.
Does GigSky work in China? Do I need a VPN?▾
Yes, China is covered, but since the eSIM routes through a local carrier, the Great Firewall blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. Install a VPN (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Mullvad) on your phone before departure: once you are there, app stores and many services are inaccessible.
Can I use WhatsApp, TikTok and tethering with GigSky?▾
WhatsApp and TikTok work on plans outside China (see the previous question for China). Tethering (hotspot) is allowed on most GigSky plans, but some offers may limit it. The detail appears in each offer on Datadopt.
How much does GigSky cost? Is there a promo code?▾
Prices depend on the destination, the duration and the plan type (daily, fixed volume or unlimited). GigSky does not release a public "20% off" style promo code. Datadopt is a GigSky partner: by subscribing through our links, you pay no extra cost and you support the comparison site.
Can I make calls or send texts with GigSky?▾
No on the standard plans: they are strictly data. For calls and texts, use WhatsApp, FaceTime, Google Voice or Skype over GigSky data. This is standard for travel eSIMs: they provide mobile internet, not a local phone line.
Does GigSky offer refunds if there is a problem?▾
Yes, GigSky's refund policy provides a refund as long as the eSIM has not been activated. After activation, a refund remains possible in case of a proven malfunction, never for simple usage. Contact GigSky support, describing the problem and your destination precisely.
Is my phone compatible with GigSky?▾
GigSky works on recent iPhones (XS and later), Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, recent Google Pixels, as well as cellular iPad and Apple Watch. Check our complete eSIM smartphone compatibility guide for the detailed list by model and region (the Chinese and Hong Kong versions of some models are excluded).
GigSky or Airalo: which should I choose?▾
GigSky = broad compatibility across the Apple ecosystem (iPad, Apple Watch), the reliability of a veteran brand, rare use cases like cruise and in-flight. Airalo = a wider catalog and often lower prices on fixed-volume plans. GigSky makes sense if you equip several Apple devices or travel by cruise; Airalo if you want the best price/volume ratio. Both are comparable on Datadopt.
Does GigSky offer unlimited plans?▾
Yes, on a selection of destinations. GigSky offers daily plans, fixed-volume plans and a few unlimited plans with a fair-use policy. Use the Datadopt filters to see only the unlimited offers available for your destination.
Alternatives to GigSky
Depending on your usage and budget, several alternatives may be a better fit:
Airalo
A very wide catalog and some of the lowest prices on fixed-volume plans: a good fit for targeted trips on a small budget.
See the page Airalo →
Nomad
Aggressive value for money on Asia, a polished app, very popular with digital nomads.
See the page Nomad →
Saily
By NordVPN: reinforced security and an unlimited range, a premium option focused on data protection.
See the page Saily →
Holafly
Unlimited data with a permissive fair-use policy and multilingual support: the go-to for long stays and heavy streaming.
See the page Holafly →
Useful Datadopt guides
Transparency about our links
Datadopt is a GigSky partner. Some links on this page are sponsored links (affiliate): when you subscribe to an offer from Datadopt, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This mechanism fully funds the maintenance of the comparison site, the editorial enrichment of the pages and the aggregation of reviews. Our recommendations stay independent: we also list the alternatives to GigSky (Airalo, Nomad, Saily, Holafly) and flag the points to watch on each provider.
🎁 Discover GigSky
Travel eSIM compatible with iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch
- 190+ country coverage with a single eSIM
- Daily, fixed-volume and unlimited plans depending on the destination
Partner link • No extra cost to you