Americans Unlock Free Mobile Data While Traveling Internationally Thanks To New VISA Partnership

Published on April 18, 2025

Americans can now enjoy free or discounted mobile data in over 175 countries, thanks to a new partnership between VISA and GigSky aimed at travelers.

It’s often tempting to stash our phones away while traveling — not just to unplug from the digital world, but also to dodge those notoriously steep international roaming charges. Remember the no-phones wellness retreat in Thailand featured in Season 3 of The White Lotus? They might have been onto something. But beyond the appeal of digital detoxing, there’s also the real financial risk of racking up roaming fees when using a U.S.-based plan abroad.

As noted by the Federal Communications Commission, most American consumers rely on domestic phone plans that offer little to no coverage internationally. This often leaves travelers with two choices: pay exorbitant fees (even with international roaming activated) or avoid using their phones entirely while overseas.

That dilemma, however, is now seeing a major solution. Thanks to a new collaboration between global connectivity provider GigSky and financial giant VISA, travelers from the U.S. can now access mobile data abroad without the sticker shock. Although the partnership began in 2023, it wasn’t until March 2025 that they unveiled their latest offering — a seamless program that gives eligible U.S. VISA cardholders access to free or discounted international data plans via the GigSky app.

This innovation is a game changer for American travelers, eliminating the need to choose between staying connected and avoiding extra costs. To understand more about how the service works and the benefits available, we spoke with Samuel King, GigSky’s Chief Revenue Officer, who shared insights on how VISA cardholders can take full advantage of this travel-friendly upgrade.

Why Is This Deal a Game Changer for Travelers?

Eligible U.S. VISA Signature and Infinite cardholders are set to enjoy exclusive perks through this new offering. According to VISA’s official site, both cards are designed to deliver elevated experiences, including preferred access to luxury hotel programs, rental car upgrades, and priority dining reservations.

Under the new global data plan benefit, Signature cardholders will receive 1 GB of complimentary mobile data valid across 175 countries, plus a 20% discount on data plans covering over 200 destinations, cruise packages, and in-flight connectivity. Infinite cardholders get even more — the same free 1 GB plus a 30% discount on those same international, cruise, and inflight options.

Can All VISA Cardholders Around the World Access This Service?

Although U.S. Signature and Infinite VISA cardholders with compatible devices — including iPhones and most Android smartphones — can already take advantage of the program, access isn’t yet universal. According to Samuel King, GigSky’s Chief Revenue Officer, the service is currently available across North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, reaching more than 600 million VISA users. That said, global expansion is in the works, with broader availability expected in the near future.

Inside the GigSky-VISA Collaboration
GigSky and VISA began their strategic partnership in July 2023, launching the initiative with U.S. Bank as their first major financial partner. The collaboration kicked off with a pilot program for Altitude Signature cardholders, offering 5 GB of complimentary data each month.

The trial run proved to be a hit — so much so that U.S. Bank chose to maintain the benefit. Since then, the program has expanded across Canada, Latin America, and the Caribbean, continuing to provide valuable travel data perks to eligible cardholders in those regions.

More GigSky Partnerships Making Waves

VISA isn’t the only major player GigSky has joined forces with in recent years. As a leading provider of global eSIM and SIM-based data solutions for travelers, the company has built an impressive portfolio of partnerships aimed at simplifying connectivity on the go.

One standout collaboration, highlighted by Samuel King, is with Cellular at Sea — a network that powers mobile connectivity across cruise lines. GigSky became the first and only eSIM provider to offer service aboard more than 200 cruise ships, including vessels from Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Disney, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America, and Princess, among others. What sets this initiative apart is its seamless plan that keeps users connected both at sea and on land, eliminating the need to switch services mid-journey.

Travelers can access their free or discounted data plans by simply downloading the GigSky app and following the steps to verify their VISA card eligibility. Once registered, the benefits are automatically applied, as long as the user continues to use their eligible VISA card for any GigSky-related purchases.