I Tested Airalo vs. GigSky: Which eSIM is Better? A Full Review

Getting ready for international travel and not sure whether to go with Airalo vs. GigSky for your eSIM? You’ve come to the right place!

It can be a bit confusing at first figuring out how to get mobile data while traveling abroad, but I’m here to break it all down for you.

Since I frequently travel “slow,” meaning, I tend to stay in one place for a long period of time, I was looking for an easy and affordable way to keep in touch for longer trips.

So, I tried out a few different eSIMs and decided to write a comprehensive review of my experience using Airalo and GigSky. 

I’ll dive into how each service works, compare their pros and cons, and help you decide which is the best fit for your travel needs.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by GigSky, although they did not review or approve before publishing. I am an affiliate of Airalo and GigSky, so if you decide to purchase, I’ll receive a small commission from either programat no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I think are the best. Thank you for supporting!

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here’s the TL;DR version:

#1 Pick

GigSky eSIM

Overall, I recommend GigSky if you’re traveling abroad because:

• Reliable global coverage, including on cruises and in-flight
• User-friendly setup process
• Actual network operator, not just a reseller, ensuring better service and support
• Single eSIM for all plans, simplifying management
• Excellent customer service
• Ideal for both short trips and extended travels

Get 10% off with promo code JENONTHERUN10

What Is an eSIM, and How Does It Work?

eSIMs (embedded SIMs) are the easiest and best way to get online while traveling abroad without the hassle of high roaming charges or scrambling to find spotty WiFi at the nearest cafė.

It’s completely digital, so you don’t have to worry about inserting a physical SIM card into your phone anymore.

An eSIM allows you to activate a cellular plan from a local carrier without needing a physical SIM. Most smartphones today already have a microchip that supports multiple eSIMs, which makes it really easy to switch between different carriers and plans. 

But you’ll want to know this — it’s super important to check if your device is compatible with eSIM technology before traveling. You can usually find out on your phone manufacturer’s website.

The beauty of eSIMs is their flexibility. The information on an eSIM is rewritable, meaning you can change your network without having to remove or insert a physical SIM card. 

So, say goodbye to the tiny plastic cards and hello to a smarter way to stay connected!

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Comparing Airalo vs. GigSky

But now, the real question is… which eSIM company is the best?

Before hit “buy,” consider which country you’re headed to, how long you’ll be staying there, and your data needs.

Choosing the right eSIM plan depends heavily on these factors, so be sure to consider that. 

I’ll get into that more later on in this post!

GigSky vs. Airalo: Feature Comparison

Now, let’s take a look at the different aspects of Airalo vs. GigSky in this handy table.

My Experience Using Airalo vs. GigSky

Personally, the next time I travel internationally, I’m going with GigSky all the way.

Why?

For me, having data is all about safety. If I arrive alone somewhere in the world and don’t have a data connection, that’s a safety risk.

I need my data to be reliable wherever I am, especially in remote areas like the countryside of Spain on the Camino de Santiago, for example.

If I ever have an issue connecting with GigSky, I can count on GigSky’s customer service to solve it.

Second, when I tried setting up Airalo, I found it confusing. I had to take a screenshot so I could reference it later while I proceeded through the steps. 

I also didn’t realize until five days later that I was still connected to my primary line, so I’d been using both at the same time. Whoops.

Now, did I have an issue with GigSky when I first tried setting it up? Actually, yes, I did.

I got an error notification that said my eSIM was unsupported.

But the second time I tried, it set up in an instant. So, I’m still not really sure what that first glitch was about, but it was a breeze the second time around.

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Tips on Choosing the Right eSIM Data Plan: Airalo vs. GigSky

Now, let’s walk through an example scenario. 

How long is your trip? Let’s say your trip is two weeks, or 14 days.

Where are you traveling? Let’s say you’re headed to France, Italy, and Spain — more than one country in Europe.

So, okay. You’re gonna need a regional eSIM that covers you for at least 14 days and works in Europe.

Next, how much data are you going to use? Everyone is going to be a bit different on this one.

But if you’re like me, you want enough to scroll through some TikTok videos, check Instagram, and use Google Maps a couple of times per day.

So, you might use roughly 500 MB to 1 GB of data per day.

That’s about 10-15 GB of data for 14 days total.

With all that in mind, I suggest signing up for GigSky’s free 100 MB plan and see how quickly you go through that. Then, decide which package to buy based on your usage.

At that point, which package do I recommend? I’d say go with GigSky’s Unlimited plan for 15 days at $50.99.

That way, you don’t have to worry about ‘rationing’ your usage or topping up, ever. Spend more time sipping a spritz and chowing down on some pasta, and less time stressing about your data!

Alternatively, if you go with Airalo, I’d suggest the 10 GB plan for 30 days at $37 because there isn’t a 15-day option.

The price difference here is $13.99. 

Now, if you run out of data with Airalo’s plan, you’ll need to purchase another plan and go through the process of downloading a new eSIM, all over again.

So you might end up spending the ‘savings’ of $13.99 in the long run, anyway.

Using GigSky takes the legwork out of it. You just download the eSIM once, and you’re done!

🤩 Get GigSky’s 15-Day Unlimited Plan

Safety First: Why Data Access Is Crucial Abroad

One really, really important thing: you can’t use the Airalo app to purchase a new eSIM unless you’re connected to the internet.

That means you might run out of data suddenly and get stuck, lost somewhere, with no way to use the Airalo app to top up and install a new eSIM.

Yikes. 

This actually happened to me. I was walking around the maze that is Venice and relying on Google Maps to navigate. And then I ran out of data on my Airalo eSIM, and couldn’t top up.

Fortunately, in Venice, I was able to just pop into a café, nibble on some cicchetti, and ask someone for directions, but I’d rather not risk it like that, especially if I’m in a remote area or late at night when cafés are closed.

GigSky’s app is accessible at ALL times, even if you run out of data.

If you’ve previously bought a GigSky data plan and still have the eSIM installed on your phone, you don’t need to be connected to wifi, even if your data has run out.

GigSky lets you connect and purchase a new data plan without needing an active data connection.

The way I see it, that helps keep me safe. And safety is my top priority when I’m traveling alone.

GigSky’s slightly higher pricing is worth it for this reason alone. It’s simply a matter of staying as safe as possible at all times while traveling.

eSIM Data Plans for Long-Term Travel

Now, if you’re traveling for 30 days or longer, like walking the Camino Frances route of the Camino de Santiago in Spain like I did, you’ll probably want to consider a longer plan.

For the Camino or in general if you’re a digital nomad, I recommend Airalo’s 50 GB Eurolink plan for 90 days for $100.

You could consider GigSky’s World Plan at 5 GB for 30 days, but I’m afraid that 5 GB might not last very long, depending on your usage.

I’m hoping GigSky will offer a longer-term plan soon. I’ll update this post when they do.

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