It is no secret that people are heavily dependent on their phones, especially when it comes to travel. At home, our phones are work tools and toys, but on the road, they become maps, guides, train tickets, hotel keys, even postcards to send home from Paris. Nearly every one of these tasks requires mobile data, making connectivity one of the most important (and expensive) parts of any trip.
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Cover image: Koh Samui, Ko Samui District, Thailand, by Yavor Punchev.
GigSky in a nutshell
eSIMs were created as a solution to exorbitant roaming fees, and GigSky was at the forefront of this innovation, working with Apple on fine-tuning the technology for phones. While other eSIMs connect to local networks on arrival, GigSky is actually a mobile operator offering plans in over 200 countries, including 200+ cruise lines.
New to eSIMs? Read our full GigSky eSIM explainer for a complete breakdown of how it works.
Complimentary global data for eligible Visa cardholders
GigSky‘s latest partnership with Visa offers eligible cardholders access to complimentary data plans in over 175 countries. Here is a short list of what’s included. Scroll down for a credit card comparison.
- Free 1GB and 3GB data plans in North America, Thailand, France, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates
- Unlimited 3-day and 7-day data plans in North America, Thailand, France, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates
- Up to 30% off all other GigSky plans
How can I access my free GigSky data package?
You will need to download the GigSky app to check if your Visa credit card is eligible and to take advantage of the offer. Here are the steps:
- Once the app is installed, tap on the Visa banner on the homepage and click on “check eligibility”.
- The app will now prompt you to enter your card number. Once the number is entered, you will see a complete list of the eligible offers.
- To claim the offer, click “redeem” and complete your credit card information details.
- Install the eSIM when you are ready to enjoy the perks.
Eligible credit cards
Some financial institutions offer multiple Visa cards with a broad range of travel perks, including airline co-branded cards with programs like Aeroplan, Avion, and British Airways. Annual fees are noted in brackets below.
The dollar amount in brackets is the credit card annual fee.
Visa Infinite Privilege®
Data offer:
- 3GB of data
- 7 days of Unlimited Data in select destinations
- 30% off all plans
Available through:
BMO ($599), CIBC ($499–$599), Desjardins ($295–$395), RBC ($399), Scotiabank ($599), TD ($599), Vancity ($245), and Wealthsimple ($599 or waived).
Travel perks:
Lounge access via Visa Airport Companion program, hotel status boost with Visa RSVP Rewards Benefit, bonus travel credits on booking.com, and a robust range of perks available through the card-issuing financial institution.
Visa Infinite, Visa Infinite +
Data offer:
- 1GB of data
- 3 days of Unlimited Data in select destinations
- 20% off all plans
Available through:
BMO ($120), CIBC ($120–$139), Laurentian Bank ($130), Manulife Bank ($139), Meridian ($99–$110), RBC ($0–$175), Scotiabank ($120–$199), TD ($139), Vancity ($120–$245), and Wealthsimple ($240).
Travel perks:
Hotel status boost with Visa RSVP Rewards Benefit, bonus travel credits on booking.com, and a robust range of perks available through the card-issuing financial institution.
Visa Classic and Visa Gold
Data offer:
- 10% off all plans
Travel perks:
No travel perks, but some have points rewards, cashback, and other perks.
Is GigSky worth it for travellers?
For international travellers, this partnership effectively eliminates one of the most frustrating travel costs. Free unlimited data, even for just a week, in destinations like France or Thailand, is a meaningful perk.
