Reseña de Holafly vs. GigSky: lo que los viajeros descubren después de su primer viaje

Si vas a llegar a un país nuevo y no tienes ni idea de cómo mantenerte conectado sin tener que preguntarles a desconocidos cómo conseguir una tarjeta SIM, hay dos opciones que vienen a la mente: GigSky y Holafly.

Fundada en 2010, GigSky ayudó a Apple a definir el estándar eSIM y pasó a formar parte del ecosistema del iPhone XS cuando este se lanzó.

Hoy en día, GigSky es conocida como la eSIM que te mantiene conectado en 200 países y 200 cruceros, lo que la convierte en una de las mejores soluciones SIM de prepago para viajeros internacionales.

Mientras tanto, Holafly se ha ganado una reputación por ofrecer planes de datos ilimitados para viajes cortos y suele mencionarse en todas las reseñas de la eSIM de Holafly por su cobertura centrada en ciudades.

Entonces, ¿cómo tomar la decisión correcta antes de viajar?

En esta comparativa entre Holafly y GigSky, analizaremos con total franqueza cada proveedor de eSIM para ayudarte a decidir cuál se adapta mejor a tus necesidades. Empecemos:

Precios y planes de datos

GigSky ofrece varios planes de datos, desde 1 GB hasta 100 GB, así como planes de datos ilimitados con períodos de validez de entre 1 y 180 días, según el país y la región de destino. 

Este enfoque la convierte en una de las mejores ofertas de solo SIM con roaming para viajeros que necesitan distintas cantidades de datos.

Para los planes ilimitados, se aplica la política de reducción de velocidad de GigSky: los planes de datos ilimitados incluyen 2,5 GB de datos de alta velocidad al día. Una vez consumidos, la velocidad se reduce hasta el día siguiente, cuando se restablecen los datos de alta velocidad.

Holafly, por otro lado, solo ofrece planes de datos ilimitados con un período máximo de validez de 365 días.

Como no se informa sobre su política de reducción de velocidad, los viajeros suelen confundirse al comprar planes ilimitados para un determinado número de días.

Por ejemplo, si compran la eSIM para 6 días, pero consumen muchos datos durante los primeros 3 días, podrían recibir una notificación el cuarto día informándoles de que su velocidad se ha reducido a cero.

Opciones de datos gratuitas

GigSky ofrece planes de datos de entre 100 MB y 500 MB por $0, disponibles en 125 destinos y sin necesidad de tarjeta de crédito. 

Esto resulta útil si quieres probar GigSky antes de contratar un plan de pago, ya que representa la mejor opción de SIM de prepago para viajeros precavidos.

Los titulares de tarjetas Visa Infinite o Signature en Estados Unidos, Canadá, Colombia, Perú, Ecuador y otros 30 países de América y el Caribe pueden obtener hasta 3 GB de datos gratis durante un máximo de 15 días con una eSIM de GigSky, válida en 175 países.

Holafly, en cambio, no ofrece un plan de datos gratuito, por lo que tienes que comprar uno desde el principio.

GigSky es el único proveedor de eSIM que ofrece planes de datos para cruceros y tierra, así como planes exclusivos para cruceros, con cobertura en más de 200 cruceros equipados con el servicio Cellular at Sea.

Las opciones de región incluyen Europa, Asia, América y Oriente Medio.

La mejor eSIM para ti dependerá de tus hábitos de uso, tu destino y de si solo necesitas conectarte de vez en cuando o una gran capacidad para ver contenido en streaming.

Cobertura y calidad de la red

When choosing an eSIM for travel, both network coverage and connectivity reliability matter.

GigSky operates as what's known as a heavy MVNO (mobile virtual network operator).

This means it partners directly with local networks around the world and has control over how your device connects while you're abroad.

Thanks to this setup, with GigSky you don't need to manually set up the eSIM upon arrival.

That's one of the reasons why GigSky works in both big cities and remote places. It even works in Cuba, a country known for its poor internet infrastructure. 

Many travelers in their GigSky review praise this coverage.

Holafly, by contrast, functions as a reseller rather than a network operator, offering access to a wide range of networks through third-party providers.

That's one of the reasons why, in Holafly reviews, travelers comment that their eSIM doesn't work on intercity roads and only works in big cities and capitals.

Regional Coverage Breakdown

Both providers offer global, regional, and local eSIM plans. Here's how their coverage compares by region:

GigSky's global plan covers 172 countries, compared to Holafly's 113, making it one of the best sim only deals with roaming for extensive international travel.

GigSky also leads in regional coverage across Europe, Asia, Oceania, North America, Africa, and the Caribbean. However, Holafly has a broader reach in Latin America and the Middle East.

As specified in Holafly's technical specifications, if you travel to remote, desert or mountainous areas, you will have unstable coverage and will need to check coverage in those areas through their customer service.

Ease of Setup & App Usability

Both GigSky and Holafly simplify global connectivity through intuitive, app-based eSIM solutions, no physical SIM card needed.

GigSky Setup Process

The eSIM activation method is seamless with GigSky. You can activate through the GigSky app or through a QR code, but travelers prefer using the app because they only need to download it and tap "activate eSIM."

Upon arrival, you don't need to activate the eSIM or set it up because, as a network provider, it will automatically connect to the best network.

GigSky offers one eSIM that you install once for use across 200+ countries and 200+ cruise ships, which you can reuse anywhere with no QR codes or extra steps.

Everything happens in-app, and when you land, it connects automatically without needing to adjust settings or manually start the plan.

Holafly Setup Process

With Holafly, you need to activate during your flight or when you arrive at your destination.

You only have the option to install with QR codes, and you need to install manually. For manual installation, you'll receive an email with the QR code, which you'll need to scan to add the data plan.

These steps can be complicated for some travelers because they're expecting the email with the QR code, and sometimes it never shows up, so they need to reach out to customer support. 

This is challenging when travelers type their email address incorrectly. It can take up to two full days to set up.

Customers appreciate that when installing GigSky, they don't need to wait for an email with a QR code.

The most popular method is through the app, where they just need to download the GigSky app, install it, and when they arrive at their destination, they'll be connected automatically with no extra steps.

While both deliver smooth onboarding, GigSky's one-eSIM-for-all model appeals to those who prefer simplicity over switching profiles per trip.

Data Speed & Performance

Both GigSky and Holafly rely on local LTE/5G networks in 200+ countries. In urban hubs, users generally enjoy fast, stable data suitable for streaming, navigation, and calls.

GigSky reviews highlight its reliability in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, though speeds on cruise ships or remote inland areas may vary.

Shipboard performance reaches approximately 3Mbps down/1Mbps up, which is enough for browsing or creating a hotspot, though cabin location and coastal interference can cause drops.

Holafly offers strong city performance but doesn't support maritime access and may be slow in remote, mountainous, and desert zones.

Customer Support

Both brands provide global eSIM support with 24/7 chat and email, but their support structures work differently.

GigSky operates its own network, which helps streamline troubleshooting and enables direct, multilingual assistance.

Holafly, built around a reseller-based model, requires additional steps to address connectivity issues and relies on structured, policy-driven assistance.

Refund & Reliability Policies

Both GigSky and Holafly offer flexible refund options, each with its own strengths.

Holafly sets a 6-month window from purchase and handles requests via in-app or web chat, while GigSky evaluates requests based on the reason with no fixed deadline and accepts them through chat, email, or forms.

GigSky completes transfers within a week once approved, while Holafly doesn't specify how long it takes to complete transfers.

Partnerships

GigSky has carrier-level integrations with Apple and Google.

GigSky users with Visa Infinite or Signature cards in the US, Canada, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and 30 other countries across the Americas and the Caribbean can get between 1GB and 3GB of free data. There's no bank-specific requirement, check your eligibility in the app.

Meanwhile, Holafly doesn't disclose partnership details.

GigSky vs Holafly Recap: Which One is Better?

GigSky is ideal for travelers wanting:

• Broad, reliable coverage across both land and sea
• Flexible data options with free trial plans
• Automatic activation in 200+ countries and 200+ cruise ships
• A single reusable eSIM for multiple trips
• Coverage that extends to remote regions

Holafly works well for those seeking:

• Short-term unlimited data plans
• Coverage primarily in major cities
• Simple unlimited data without concern for remote areas or cruises

Both offer app-based eSIM setup, 24/7 customer support, and a range of global, regional, and local plans.

For travelers who prefer a single reusable eSIM, automatic best-network connection on arrival, and coverage that extends to remote regions and cruise ships, GigSky offers a seamless experience.

Enjoy Seamless Connectivity Worldwide (Even at Sea) With GigSky

This eSIM review shows that with GigSky's unlimited data plans, instant in-app activation, and coverage in 200+ countries and 200+ cruise ships, you can skip SIM swaps, surprise fees, and weak signals.

Travel smart and stay connected, wherever your journey takes you.