As a frequent traveler, I’ve tested various eSIM cards globally over the past two years, diving deep into their advantages and drawbacks.
GigSky is a Silicon Valley-based provider that has been offering data-only services in over 190 countries since 2010.
During my five-week journey across four Southeast Asian nations, I was particularly drawn to their offers for select Visa cardholders (details to follow) and appreciated their cashback program, GigSky Rewards, which grants 5% back on all purchases.
Trip Overview
Countries Explored: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore
How I Used It: Messaging via WhatsApp, navigation, social media uploads, and connecting my laptop through a hotspot.
Since Cambodia wasn’t included in regional plans, I opted for a 60-day World Plan with 10GB priced at $84.69 thanks to my Visa discount. Most eSIM providers exclude Cambodia in their regional offerings. Given my frequent travel between countries (three trips to Cambodia and two to Vietnam), managing multiple country-specific plans was impractical.
Typically, I choose plans based on network strength, but GigSky doesn’t disclose partner networks. When I inquired, support mentioned that these partners change regularly and provided a list of current networks.
Benefits for GigSky Visa Cardholders
GigSky has an exciting partnership with Visa, offering select cardholders in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America fantastic deals. Depending on your card, you can receive a complimentary 1 or 3 GB 15-day eSIM annually and a continuous 20-30% discount on all plans. For specifics, check their Visa offer page. With my Chase Sapphire Reserve Visa, I enjoy a free 3GB 15-day eSIM each year and 30% off all plans.
Installation of GigSky eSIM
I appreciate that you only need to install the eSIM once and can reuse it for different data plans unless you change devices. The installation process was somewhat challenging. The app provided a QR code that my phone couldn't scan, and manually entering the details didn’t work. I successfully scanned a screenshot of the QR code on my Mac after AirDropping it, which worked instantly. (Buying and installing the eSIM via a computer is likely the smoother route.)
During winters, I reside in Chiang Mai and typically rely on the local AIS network. My background in Apple support for seven years makes me comfortable troubleshooting tech issues.
GigSky's Performance in Thailand
Visited Areas: Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi AirportNetwork: AIS5G Availability: YeseSIM Used: World Plan 10GB for 60 Days
In Chiang Mai, I experienced LTE with impressive speeds, achieving 166 Mbps download and 18 Mbps upload via the Okkla Speed Test App. However, my connection dropped at the airport when I couldn’t hotspot to my computer. Switching to my local AIS eSIM resolved the issue without complications.
In Bangkok, I had 5G with no service interruptions, although hotspot issues and slower speed test results were present. I sought help from GigSky support but faced challenges sending screenshots. The chat would restart each time I closed the app. When I returned to my hotel, the hotspot connected, and the eSIM functioned properly for the remainder of my stay.
GigSky's Coverage in Cambodia
Visited Locations: Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Kratié. (I journeyed along the Mekong River from Steung Trang to the Vietnam border, then flew to Siem Reap and traveled overland to Laos border and back.)Network: Metfone (preferred) & Cellcard5G Availability: NoeSIM Used: World Plan 10GB for 60 Days
My time in Cambodia highlighted the lack of robust cellular infrastructure. After flying into Siem Reap, I traversed to Steung Trang to embark on a boat to Vietnam via Phnom Penh.
The eSIM activated immediately upon landing in Siem Reap but failed to work while on the tarmac. I enjoyed LTE service in Siem Reap without issues. Connectivity can be inconsistent at the Angkor temples and during the trip to Banteay Srei, no matter the eSIM brand. This is a common challenge in Cambodia. It had intermittent connectivity while en route to Steung Trang.
In Phnom Penh, I had solid LTE service with speeds reaching 73 Mbps download and 5.43 Mbps upload. (In contrast, the SMART network offered 5G in urban areas.) It was sufficient for hotspotting to update a blog post.
Two weeks later, I returned to Siem Reap, then traveled six hours east to Kratié to see the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins. Connectivity was patchy between towns but decent within them. Surprisingly, I had full LTE at the Trapeang Kreal border crossing into Laos, where I spent six days. (GigSky doesn’t extend coverage to Laos, and the few that do rely on weak partner networks.)
GigSky's Performance in Vietnam
Ho Thi Ky Flower Market (left) and Tan Dinh Church (right) in Saigon.
Visited Areas: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Mekong Delta (from Chau Doc to My Tho), Cu Chi TunnelsNetwork: Viettel
(preferred) & VinaPhone5G Availability: Yes.eSIM Used: World Plan 10GB for 60 Days & Vietnam Unlimited 1 Day
Upon entering Vietnam via the river, my hotspot functioned flawlessly with full LTE bars. I could easily send emails and watch Instagram stories. The transition from Cambodia’s networks to Vietnam's was seamless, an experience I’ve never encountered at the border before, as I make this trip annually!
In the Mekong Delta town of Chau Doc, I enjoyed 5G with 155 Mbps download and 2.10 Mbps upload. In less populated areas along the river, LTE service was reliable, switching back to 5G in larger cities like My Tho. Hotspotting, messaging, and streaming (Instagram videos) were seamless.
In Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and during my boat journey to the
Cu Chi Tunnels, I streamed
a YouTube video while waiting in an immigration queue, achieving fast speeds of 132 Mbps download and 7.8 Mbps upload.The hotspot proved invaluable for downloading Paramount+ content for my flight to the U.S. Using a VPN, I managed to download shows over the eSIM. I exhausted my 10GB plan, so I purchased an Unlimited Vietnam one-day plan for $3.49 (originally $4.99), which took a bit to set up. I encountered an error initially, but it connected automatically after I restarted my device. I appreciate that GigSky maintains the same eSIM for all plans. The speed on the unlimited plan was impressive: 248 Mbps download and 18.3 Mbps upload with full 5G bars, the fastest speeds of my entire trip.
GigSky's Experience in Singapore
Network: Starhub5G Availability: NoeSIM Used: World Plan 10GB for 60 Days
I enjoyed full LTE bars upon arrival and utilized my hotspot at my Orchard Road hotel when Wi-Fi failed. GigSky allows unlimited hotspot usage on fixed data plans, while unlimited plans limit high-speed data to 2.5 GB daily under Fair Use Policy (common across eSIM providers).
I visit Singapore annually and always discover new attractions. While exploring the central, northern, and eastern areas, including Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve near the Malaysia border, I encountered no connectivity issues. Average speeds were 46 Mbps download and 17.6 Mbps upload, typical for LTE.
I anticipated 5G in Singapore, especially since Starhub supports it, but not all eSIMs have 5G access. This didn't detract from my experience, though.
GigSky During a Layover in Japan
eSIM Used: Japan 1 GB for 7 Days at $6.99 ($4.99 with Visa discount)
I always opt for a budget-friendly country-specific eSIM for layovers to ensure connectivity during delays. For Japan, I chose the least expensive option: 1 GB for 7 days, which functioned flawlessly upon landing and throughout my six-hour layover.
Customer Support from GigSky
The GigSky app provides handy troubleshooting guides and live chat support (available from 9 a.m to 12 a.m. CET).
GigSky’s live chat operates from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. CET in 11 different languages, including Portuguese and Chinese. This can be frustrating if you need assistance outside those hours. Despite claims of “24/7 support through phone or live chat,” no phone number is provided, and my emails went unanswered.
Each time you get disconnected from the chat, you must initiate a new one. This is less convenient than companies that automatically resume chats or utilize WhatsApp.
I initially sought chat support in Thailand for issues on my device but struggled to upload screenshots. The chat functioned much better on my computer later. (I inquired about general questions regarding hotspot limits and local network partners.) Once I connected with an agent, they were quite helpful.
Does GigSky Provide Unlimited Data?
Indeed, GigSky offers a variety of unlimited data plans. Most country-specific and some regional options feature unlimited choices. However, no unlimited options exist for the Asia Pacific region. According to GigSky’s Fair Use Policy, high-speed data is limited to 2.5 GB per day, with speeds reduced post-threshold.
GigSky Review Overview
GigSky is a smart choice for Visa cardholders, especially with the complimentary annual 3GB or 1GB 15-day plan (no U.S. coverage) and consistent 20-30% discounts on plans. (Non-Visa holders receive a free 100MB plan.)
Thanks to my 30% Chase Sapphire Visa discount, GigSky’s pricing aligns with other major eSIM providers. Though some competitors may offer slightly lower rates, this can be offset by GigSky's 5% rewards.
After a hiccup in Thailand, I encountered no further service issues. In Vietnam, GigSky provided one of the best eSIM experiences for speed and reliable connectivity. Purchasing individual country-specific plans is advisable over opting for my more expensive worldwide plan.
Customer service was responsive during chat hours (4 p.m. to 7 a.m. local time in Southeast Asia), but the restricted customer service hours are a concern when using GigSky in the region.
For a trouble-free experience, purchase your GigSky eSIM on a computer before departure, ensuring easy QR code scanning on your phone during live chat support hours (9 a.m. to 12 a.m. CET).
