Technologies

I Just Discovered a Travel Hack That Can Save You Time and Money on International Trips — And It’s Completely Free

Don’t sweat roaming charges on your next trip abroad. GigSky and Visa are offering a 15-day free eSim trial so you can access the internet on your phone worry-free.

I’ve been traveling around the world for a year and a half, and one of my favorite money-saving travel hacks is using an eSIM.

If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of an eSIM, it’s a digital SIM installed onto your phone that lets you access a mobile network without a physical SIM card. Using an eSIM for all my mobile data abroad means I don’t have to worry about expensive roaming charges from my US mobile provider or buying a physical SIM for a local network every time I enter a new country.

When I learned that eSIM provider GigSky was offering eligible Visa cardholders a complimentary 15-day worldwide data plan, I was curious. I hadn’t seen this offer widely discussed in the credit card rewards sphere, nor had I heard of GigSky before. Maybe this would be a useful, free benefit that I’d be adding to my list of favorite credit card perks. Maybe it’d be a two-week disaster of no data and tech troubles.

There was only one way to find out.

Once my previous eSIM plan expired, I grabbed my trusty Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — the Visa Signature card that I’d be using to access this offer — and headed to GigSky’s website.

What to know about the GigSky Visa offer

From now until Nov. 15, 2027, eligible Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cardholders can receive a complimentary global mobile data plan through GigSky that grants access to mobile data in more than 175 countries.

A Visa Signature card gives you a complimentary 1GB plan valid for 15 days, while a Visa Infinite card gives you a 3GB/15-day plan. After your complimentary plan expires, you’ll also get an ongoing discount on all paid plans: 20% off for Visa Signature cardholders and 30% off for Visa Infinite cardholders. You can redeem a complimentary plan once per calendar year.

To get the complimentary data plan and the discount, you must add your card as your default payment method in the GigSky app.

Eligible cards

All US Visa Signature and Visa Infinite cards are eligible for this offer, along with select Visa cards issued in Canada and Latin America.

Popular Visa Signature cards include:

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card ($0 annual fee)
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card ($0 annual fee)
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card ($95 annual fee)
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card ($95 annual fee)
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card ($0 annual fee)

Popular Visa Infinite cards include:

Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($795 annual fee)
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ($395 annual fee)

My experience claiming and using my free GigSky eSIM

Claiming the offer

I started off by heading to the official offer page to read through the details. I also noticed that GigSky was offering a free 100MB trial eSIM for everyone, no Visa card required. If you don’t qualify for the Visa offer, it’s worth checking this one out.

I read through the terms and conditions for the Visa offer. The terms were clear, and I didn’t see any red flags or hidden «gotchas.» Satisfied, I downloaded the GigSky app to claim the offer.

On the app’s home page, I immediately saw a link to check my eligibility for the Visa offer.

After clicking the link, I was prompted to enter my card number to check my eligibility. I entered my Chase Sapphire Preferred card number and was told I was eligible for a 1GB/15-day complimentary data plan and a 20% discount on all paid plans. I appreciated how they laid out the details up front so there was no confusion about what I was getting.

Following the app’s prompts, I created an account and added my Chase Sapphire Preferred as my default payment method. The app sent me back to the home page, where I now saw a link to redeem the offer tied to my specific card. I clicked it, selected the complimentary plan, made sure that the order total was $0, and checked out.

Setting up the eSIM

I’ve used a lot of different eSIMs, but GigSky was by far the easiest to set up.

I found my new eSIM under the «My Plans» tab on the GigSky app. It wasn’t activated yet. According to the terms, you have up to one year after redeeming your complimentary data plan before it’ll automatically activate.

I clicked on the «Install eSIM» link, then clicked «yes» on the confirmation pop-up. It took about a minute for the eSIM to download. My phone then prompted me to choose a new primary SIM card (because it’s a dual-SIM phone) and restart. I was pretty surprised, because my previous eSIMs from other companies had required some extra setup steps, but it seemed GigSky could be installed with a single download.

After restarting my phone, the new eSIM didn’t immediately have a signal, which was normal. In my experience, it usually takes a few minutes for a newly installed eSIM to connect to the network. My phone restarted again, then finally managed to connect to GigSky’s network. I checked that my primary eSIM for mobile data access was set to GigSky instead of my US service provider, turned on my data, and that was it — I was online.

Using the eSIM

I used the eSIM for the full 15 days of the complimentary plan, and I had a mostly positive experience despite a few hiccups.

I was in Hanoi, Vietnam, when I downloaded the eSIM, and it worked perfectly the first day.

Speeds were mostly 4G/LTE or 5G, and I could access mobile data whenever I needed without issue. Web pages, Google Maps and even the occasional video loaded quickly.

I could check how much time and data remained on the plan through the GigSky app. There, I also saw the option to purchase additional plans, with the 20% Visa Signature discount reflected in the prices.

But a few days later, my data suddenly stopped working. My phone showed that I was connected to some «H» network — which I later learned is a type of 3G network, about one step lower on the internet speed ladder than 4G/LTE. But even though I was technically connected to data, the web page I was trying to access just wouldn’t load. After returning to my hotel, I checked the GigSky app and confirmed that my plan was still active and I had plenty of data left.

My data connection was spotty for the next two days, sometimes working and sometimes not. I tried turning the eSIM on and off, restarting my phone, and turning airplane mode on and off, but I couldn’t find a reliable fix. This on-and-off situation went on for about two days before I was again able to consistently access data every time I tried. I never figured out what the exact problem was, but I’ve had other eSIMs randomly stop working too, so I don’t think it’s an issue exclusive to GigSky. Sometimes you just have to accept that technology isn’t perfect.

I traveled from Hanoi to Cat Ba, an island on the coast of Vietnam, during the second half of my 15-day plan. Since Cat Ba is a bit more remote, I was worried about my mobile signal there. I was pleasantly surprised that everything worked perfectly. I consistently had 4G/LTE or 5G data and never had trouble connecting to the internet when I needed to.

Offer’s end

I paid special attention when my complimentary plan expired, just in case this was one of those «free trial turning into auto-renewing subscription unless you cancel» situations. (The terms and conditions suggested nothing of this sort, but in a world of subscription creep, I’ve developed a healthy vigilance.)

I’m happy to report this was not the case. When my plan ended, that was it. I could no longer access data despite the eSIM remaining on my phone, and whenever I tried, I received a notification letting me know my plan had expired. I wasn’t automatically enrolled in a new, paid plan, and my credit card was never charged.

I could see my original plan details in the app, as well as purchase a new plan if I so desired.

My 1GB of data lasted me till the very end of the 15-day plan. I used data sparingly, keeping my mobile data off by default and only turning it on when I needed it for navigation, web searches, or checking messages or email on the go. I used Wi-Fi whenever I could and rarely watched videos or scrolled social media using mobile data. If your habits are similar to mine, the complimentary 1GB data plan should be enough for short vacations.

Would I recommend the GigSky eSim?

eSIMs are invaluable when you’re traveling abroad, and I’m glad Visa has partnered with GigSky to bring this benefit to cardholders. Although it’s probably not the most monetarily valuable perk from my Chase Sapphire Preferred — a 1GB worldwide data plan similar to the complimentary plan normally retails for $20 through GigSky — it’s definitely one of the more practical ones.

If you travel internationally, the complimentary plan can help you cut down on one extra cost while letting you conveniently access the internet wherever you go. GigSky’s service is as good as any other eSIM I’ve used, and I like how many options GigSky offers, including data plans in more than 175 countries and cruise packages.

But one downside of GigSky is the cost. GigSky’s prices are on the higher end of the eSIM market, and quite a bit more expensive than the eSIM provider I’d been using previously (EscapeSIM). Because of that, I ended up not renewing my GigSky plan. I would definitely recommend the complimentary plan to any eligible Visa cardholders heading abroad for a short vacation, but if your data needs or travel timeline call for buying a paid plan beyond the trial, I’d recommend comparing costs among multiple providers before committing to any one.

Technologies

Today’s NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for Aug. 21, #332

Here are hints and the answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Aug. 21, No. 332.

Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today’s Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.

To solve today’s Connections: Sports Edition, focus on the endings of some of the words. That should help you see how they connect. Read on for hints and the answers.

Connections: Sports Edition is out of beta after making its debut on Super Bowl Sunday on Feb. 9. That’s a sign that the game has earned enough loyal players that The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times, will continue to publish it. It doesn’t show up in the NYT Games app but now appears in The Athletic’s own app. Or you can continue to play it free online.

Read more: NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of Beta

Hints for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups

Here are four hints for the groupings in today’s Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.

Yellow group hint: What you want to do.

Green group hint: Football abbreviations.

Blue group hint: Home to hoops.

Purple group hint: Hidden hockey team names.

Answers for today’s Connections: Sports Edition groups

Yellow group: Objective.

Green group: NFL teams, on scoreboards.

Blue group: NBA arenas ending with «Center.»

Purple group: Ends with an NHL team.

Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words

What are today’s Connections: Sports Edition answers?

The yellow words in today’s Connections

The theme is objective. The four answers are aim, goal, mark and target.

The green words in today’s Connections

The theme is NFL teams, on scoreboards. The four answers are CHI, MIA, MIN and NO. (Chicago, Miami, Minnesota and New Orleans.)

The blue words in today’s Connections

The theme is NBA arenas ending with «Center.» The four answers are Barclays, Chase, Delta and Kia.

The purple words in today’s Connections

The theme is ends with an NHL team. The four answers are geoducks, spoilers, superstars and Vikings. (Ducks, Oilers, Stars and Kings.)

Technologies

Made by Google 2025: Everything Announced — Pixel 10, Pixel Watch 4, Pixel 10 Pro Fold

At a star-studded event hosted by late-night host Jimmy Fallon, Google announced new phones, watches, earbuds and Android features.

Even though the Pixel 10 leaks and rumors felt as if they arrived in a steady firehose before today’s Made by Google event — compelling the company to release a teaser video pre-announcing the new phone’s existence a month ago — Google still delivered details it somehow managed to keep private until it was ready to share.

And that delivery was refreshingly fun for a tech event. The Tonight Show host Jimmy Kimmel led the proceedings in a very late-night talk show format, bringing on several special guests from media, sports and yes, Google’s own experts to show off the products and features they’ve been working on for today’s announcements.

Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL are real

Surprise, Google announced new phones! OK, this was the least surprising part of the event, but it still feels good to finally know what exists and when it’s coming. Preorders for the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL begin today and will be in stores and shipping starting August 28.

I’m Stoked That Google Made the Pixel 10 a $799 Value-Packed Feature Monster
I Tested Google’s Pixel 10 Pro XL in Paris, and I’m Impressed
Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL First Look: Familiar Design, New AI Tricks
Google Launches the Full Pixel 10 Line, Including the Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL

Pixel 10 Pro Fold opens the next chapter of foldables

Folding phones so far have shared an Achilles Hinge: small particulates like sand can get inside the case and really mess things up. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is one of the first to have an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning you can take it to the beach.

Pixel 10 Pro Fold Is Tougher, Smarter and Totally Dust Resistant
Forget the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Foldables Should Look Like the Microsoft Surface Duo
Google’ Pixel 10 Pro Fold Is Here

Pixel Watch 4 talks to Gemini and is your new health coach

The Pixel Watch 4 includes new fitness options like real-time guidance while exercising. And if you forgot to start a workout, the watch (with AI help) can detect the activity in the background and remind you of it later, giving you credit for the effort you made. It’s also the only smartwatch that can detect a loss of pulse and call emergency services automatically.

Well Played, Google: The Pixel Watch 4 May Give Apple Watch Loyalists a Wandering Eye
Pixel Watch 4 First Look: Google Just Raised the Bar
The Pixel Watch 4 Is Here. Can It Finally Beat Apple?

Pixel Buds 2a are more affordable earbuds

Joining the Pixel Buds 2 Pro in the market are Pixel Buds 2a, an affordable ($130) pair of wireless earbuds that feature active noise cancellation, a smaller and lighter for all, and a twist-to-adjust stabilizer feature for setting a comfortable fit.

Google’s New Pixel Buds 2A Look a Lot Like the Pro 2, but Cost Way Less
Meet the Pixel Buds 2A: Google’s Budget Answer for ANC Buds

Pixel Buds Pro 2 owners will see new features

Coming in a software update next month, Pixel Buds Pro 2 owners will be able to answer calls or send them to voicemail with a nod or shake of the head. You’ll be able to talk to Gemini live in noisy locations, and benefit from adaptive audio that applies noise cancellation while letting important sounds come through. At the other end, a new feature will protect your hearing from very loud sounds.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Review: A Worthy Upgrade With One Caveat

Magic Cue is a Gemini assistant that pulls data from your correspondence

In the rollout of all the various AI technologies in the industry, the current stretch goal is «agentic» interactions with software: Having an AI that knows all sorts of details about you and can act to get the important stuff in front of you when needed. (And do it in a privacy-first way, one would hope.)

Magic Cue is Google’s implementation. It’s a new Gemini-based feature that can look through your earlier messages, emails and photos to pull details about things like restaurant reservations and flight times. Magic Cue runs on the Pixel device itself, so sensitive data stays private and not shared to the cloud.

A lot of Gemini AI intelligence is still coming soon

At the start of the event, Kimmell sat down in typical talk-show format with Rick Osterloh, senior vice president of platforms and devices, to chat about Gemini and the marvels of AI. Aside from Magic Cue, which will be shipping on the Pixel 10 phones, a lot of the features we’ve been hearing about are still on the horizon.

«For instance, Gemini could do something like plan a team celebration dinner for 12 people tonight,» he said. «It might go find a restaurant that’ll accommodate that group…. Look for a karoake place nearby and maybe even order custom T-shirts for the celebration.»

And when will that be possible? Kimmell asked. «A lot sooner than people think,» Osterloh replied. «This kind of thing is coming this year.»

The Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL can zoom to 100x with AI help

Pro Res Zoom on the Pixel 10 Pro phones pushes zooming far beyond what would seem to be possible with typical small cameras. Usually when you zoom beyond the optical limits of the cameras, details get fuzzy as the software upscales the image. With Pro Res Zoom, when you go beyond 30x zoom, it uses generative AI to build a sharper version. CNET’s Andrew Lanxon got both impressive and head-scratching results while making photos in Paris using the Pixel 10 Pro XL.

I Took Hundreds of Photos With the Pixel 10 Pro XL in Paris. These Are My Favs

Camera Coach uses AI to encourage better photos

Smartphone cameras have employed AI for several years, such as identifying subjects in order to blur the background for Portrait modes or quickly snapping several shots at multiple exposures and blending them together to create well-balanced lighting throughout. Now Google is using AI to help you take better photos.

Camera Coach is a new feature in the Pixel Camera app that looks at the scene in front of the lens and generates multiple suggestions for how to improve the photo before it’s captured. To show this off, podcaster Alex Cooper brought Fallon out to be her model and sat him down on a couch. When she activated the feature, Camera Coach suggested that she move the camera closer to the subject, position his head in the upper portion of the frame, lower the camera to eye level and turn on Portrait mode.

«To all the girls that are watching, I personally know how hard it is to train your boyfriend or your husband to get that perfect shot,» said Cooper. «And now Camera Coach can just train all the boys for us.»

Pixel 10 supports Qi2 magnetic charging

The Qi2 spec includes not just faster charging but also an array of magnets on the back for connecting to accessories. Sound familiar? The presenters mentioned Apple’s MagSafe system, then paused with the realization that they probably shouldn’t have name-checked it during the Google event. On the Pixel 10 phones, it’s called Pixelsnap and should work with accessories made for Apple’s ecosystem too.

Pixel 10 will be available in Mexico

In an impressive segment demonstrating Gemini live translation during a phone call, musician Karen Polinesia, who speaks Spanish, announced that for the first time, the Pixel 10 will be available for sale in Mexico.

This article is being updated; stay tuned for more.

Technologies

Upgrading to Pixel 10? Here’s How to Prepare Your Old Pixel for Trade-In

Don’t send off your phone with a ton of personal information still on it.

Google just announced the Pixel 10 family, and several preorder offers are available right now. If you’re looking for an even better deal on these new phones, you might want to consider trading in your old Pixel for maximum savings.

The Pixel 10 family consists of the base Pixel 10 model, two Pro models and the latest Pro Fold. All of these phones feature the latest Tensor G5 Processor, Qi2 wireless charging and, of course, new AI tricks. We went hands-on with the new phones, and they made a good impression.

If you’re ready to leap into a new Pixel, you’ll want to make sure you’ve prepared your old phone properly before you send it off.

If you don’t check all the right boxes for trading in your phone, its trade-in value could be reduced. You also want to avoid sending your phone out with a ton of personal information still left on it.

Below, we’ll go over the steps to ensure a seamless trade-in experience when your new Pixel 10 arrives.

For more, we’ve wrangled all of the best Pixel 10 cases you can buy right now.

Turn off the activation lock on your Pixel phone

Before you trade in your phone, you’ll just need a factory reset to qualify for the maximum trade-in value. Some retailers want you to remove the activation lock from your phone first, which requires removing the device from your Google account before resetting it. (AT&T took off over $400 of the value because I didn’t do this to my Pixel 7 Pro when I upgraded to the 8 Pro a few years back.)

You can remove your Google account from your phone directly or via your online account.