If you’ve ever landed in another country and immediately panicked because you had no data, you’re not alone.

Between airport Wi-Fi, daily roaming fees, and hunting down a local SIM card in a language you might not speak, staying connected while traveling internationally can feel way more complicated (and expensive) than it needs to be.

What most travelers don’t realize is that some credit cards include free international data as a built-in travel benefit — and you don’t need to be “techy” to use it.

If you have a Visa Infinite card, you may be eligible for up to 3GB of free international data in over 175 countries through an eSIM partner. This guide walks you through exactly how it works and how to set it up in under 5 minutes before your next trip.

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What Is This Benefit?

Some Visa Infinite cards include a travel perk that gives you:

• Up to 3GB of free international mobile data
• Valid for 15 days
• Coverage in 175+ countries worldwide
• No physical SIM card required
• Discounted rates if you need more data after the free amount

Instead of swapping SIM cards at the airport or paying daily roaming fees, you download a digital SIM (called an eSIM) to your phone before your trip. When you land, your phone connects to local networks automatically.

This means you can use:

• Google Maps
• iMessage / WhatsApp
• Ride shares
• Restaurant searches
• Travel bookings

…without scrambling for Wi-Fi or paying per-day roaming charges.

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Who Is Eligible?

You may qualify for this free international data benefit if:

• Your card has the Visa Infinite logo
• Your card was issued in the:
  • United States
  • Canada
  • Latin America
  • Caribbean

It does not matter which bank issued your card. If your card is Visa Infinite, you’re eligible for the benefit.

Most U.S. Visa Infinite cardholders receive 3GB free for 15 days.
Canadian cardholders typically receive 1GB free for 15 days.

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What Is an eSIM (In Plain English)?

An eSIM is just a digital version of a SIM card.

Instead of physically taking out your SIM card and replacing it while traveling, an eSIM is downloaded directly to your phone through an app. You can install it before you leave home and turn it on when you land.

Most newer phones support eSIM, including:

• iPhone (XS and newer)
• Google Pixel
• Samsung Galaxy (recent models)

How to Check if Your Phone Supports eSIM

Dial: *#06#
If you see an EID number, your phone supports eSIM.

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Step-by-Step: How to Claim Your Free International Data (iPhone)

This process takes about 5 minutes.

Step 1 – Download the App

Go to the App Store or Google Play and download the GigSky app.

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Step 2 – Open the App and Find the Visa Benefit

Open the app and tap the banner that says something like:
“Eligible Visa Card Benefits”

This is where the free data offer lives.

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Step 3 – Verify Your Visa Infinite Card

Enter your Visa Infinite card number to check eligibility.

You are not charged — this is only for verification.

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Step 4 – Choose Your Destination

Once verified, you’ll see your free data plan available.
Select your destination country or region.

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Step 5 – Install the eSIM

Follow the prompts to install the eSIM on your phone.

On iPhone:
Settings → Cellular → Add eSIM → Follow setup steps

You can do this before you leave home.

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Step 6 – Turn On the eSIM When You Land

When you arrive at your destination:

Settings → Cellular
Turn ON your travel eSIM
(Optional: Turn OFF your regular data line to avoid roaming charges)

Your phone will automatically connect to the best local network.

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How Much Is 3GB of Data?

3GB is plenty for most normal travel use, including:

• Maps and navigation
• Messaging
• Email
• Web browsing
• Social media
• Ride shares

For most travelers, 3GB easily covers a 5–7 day trip unless you’re streaming a lot of video. If you do run out, you’ll get a notification and can purchase additional data at discounted rates.

You are not automatically charged when the free data runs out.

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What Happens When the Free Data Is Used Up?

When you approach your limit, the app will notify you.

At that point, you can:

• Choose to buy more data
• Select country-specific or regional plans
• Take advantage of discounted rates tied to the Visa Infinite benefit

You are always in control of whether you continue or not.

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Why I Recommend Setting This Up Before You Travel

This is one of those benefits that’s incredibly helpful — but easy to forget about.

Instead of trying to figure this out while jet-lagged in an airport, set it up at home:

• Download the app
• Install the eSIM
• Leave it turned off until you land

Then your phone works the moment your plane touches down.

No airport Wi-Fi scramble.
No roaming charges.
No SIM card kiosks.

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A Simple Reminder That Makes This Actually Happen

I don’t naturally remember to use benefits like this — so I use reminders.

Before every international trip, I set a phone reminder:

“Before you fly:
– Set up international eSIM
– Check card travel benefits
– Download offline maps”

That one small habit has saved me a surprising amount of money over time.

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Final Thoughts

Free international data is one of the most practical travel perks available on some premium credit cards — and it’s one most people never use simply because they don’t know it exists.

If you travel internationally even once a year, this benefit alone can replace daily roaming fees, airport SIM stress, and unnecessary phone bills.

If you’re trying to make your travel setup more simple (and more affordable), this is an easy win to take advantage of on your next trip.