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While it is always possible to rely on Wi-Fi signals when you travel abroad, they never seem to be in the right places at the right times. That's why it can make sense to add international data to a phone plan, but this can be pricey. Instead, using an eSIM — an electronic SIM card, which can be activated digitally on most phones — can be more economical.
And with the right credit card, an eSIM might even be free. Right now, you can get free international data via a GigSky eSIM on your Visa Infinite or Visa Signature card, with an offer that runs until Nov. 15, 2027.
What is a GigSky eSIM?
This electronic SIM card provides international data in more than 175 countries. Eligible Visa cardholders can take advantage of a free package for 15 days or a discount offer. While many frequent international travelers may have a plan that already includes data, this could be a way to save substantial money or avoid paying expensive roaming fees.
How does it work?
You download the eSIM and add it to your phone. (Most phones produced in the past decade are eligible to use an eSIM, like an iPhone XS/XR or higher or any newer Android, Galaxy or Pixel devices). There is a list of eligible devices on the GigSky website.
This allows you to access the internet when overseas, including on flights and cruise ships. In fact, this is the only eSIM that works on a cruise ship.
However, it does not include voice data. If you need to make phone calls while traveling internationally, you will need to activate a voice plan with your carrier or consider using an app like WhatsApp.
To see if your card is eligible, start by installing the GigSky app on your phone and clicking on “Visa Benefits.” Then enter your Visa card details as your default payment method (no purchase is required yet). If it is eligible, your offer will appear so you can apply it when you travel overseas.
You don’t need to worry about the package activating before you need it, because it kicks in once you're in the covered geographic area. You can download it at home and then use it when you travel abroad.
What Visa cards are eligible for GigSky eSIM packages?
Eligible U.S. Visa Infinite cards come with 3 GB of data via GigSky eSIM, good for 15 days once per year. The once-a-year clock starts as soon as you activate the plan. You can purchase additional data with a 30% discount. There are literally hundreds of cards that have this benefit. Some of the most popular cards include:
Eligible Visa Signature cards come with 1GB of data, good for 15 days once per year. You can purchase additional data with a 20% discount. Some popular Visa Signature cards include:
Buying data through the GigSky eSIM at a discount might even be cheaper than purchasing a plan from your cellular provider. The GigSky app allows you to track your usage and purchase additional data, if needed, at an affordable price, which makes it popular with app users.
» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now
Many Visa cardholders can avoid roaming charges when traveling overseas
The partnership between Visa and GigSky gives international travelers greater flexibility without spending a fortune on daily (or longer) data plans. Instead, they can rely on the perks of their credit card to keep them connected, even when in the air and at sea. And that’s a useful benefit when traveling outside the U.S.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:
- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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