
If you're unsure whether to choose Saily eSIM for your next big trip, then this detailed Saily review is just the thing you need!
This data-only eSIM is an affordable way to get prepaid data conveniently and cheaply. With 200+ countries covered, Saily is all you’ll ever need when traveling internationally. Plus, the service is developed by the team behind NordVPN, which is another safety guarantee.
Join us today as we evaluate Saily’s features and determine if it really is the best choice for travelers who need reliable and inexpensive internet access.
Website | Saily.com |
Pricing | Start at $1.99 for 1GB |
Platform compatibility | Android and iOS |
Number of countries | 200+ |
Supported mobile networks | 3G, 4G, and 5G |
Are phone calls allowed | No |
Is mobile hotspot supported | Yes |
Key Takeaways
- Saily eSIM provides mobile data services in over 200 countries and is great for travelers who need a data plan without relying on physical SIM cards.
- It stands out with its competitive pricing, user-friendly app interface, and extensive global coverage.
- At the moment, Saily eSIM doesn’t support voice and text services, but its upcoming unlimited data plan will be able to support high-bandwidth users.
- Since using Saily services doesn’t require a physical sim, it’s convenient for travelers who want to avoid the hassle of dealing with local vendors.
- Explore the latest Saily eSIM pricing for unbeatable deals and savings.
What is Saily eSIM?
Saily is an eSIM service created by Nord Security, the guys and gals behind the mighty NordVPN. Through advanced technology, it’s now possible to create electronic versions of traditional SIM cards that are available through apps or QR codes. In this case, Saily holds your subscriber information and connects to local carriers to provide you with a cellular data plan.
Nifty, eh?
Since it’s data-only, Saily is the best option for travelers who require flexibility and want to avoid roaming costs and the hassle of tracking down a local SIM card.
Benefits and drawbacks
The biggest benefit of Saily eSIM is that it eliminates the need to get an actual SIM card. This is highly useful when going abroad as you can get a reliable network connection at a wallet-friendly price, without bothering with swapping SIM cards – a godsend as physical pieces are easy to lose or damage.
Another major plus for Saily is how straightforward it is to set up. With most providers, you need to scan a QR code, but with Saily, hit one button and the eSIM will install automatically.
Since we’re true sticklers for online privacy, we must praise Saily’s suite of safeguarding features which include full VPN functionality, threat protection, and an ad blocker.
However, considering this service is data-only, you won’t receive a phone number. For some users, this will be a huge drawback as regular phone calls and text messages won’t work when using the Saily eSIM. Other apps will work regularly so you can circumvent this limitation by using other VoIP apps like WhatsApp or Viber. Not a complete solution, but it’s good enough for most.
Setting up Saily also requires an internet connection, so you should get everything working properly before landing abroad.
Here’s a complete pros and cons list:
+ Pros
- Worldwide coverage of 200+ countries
- User-friendly user interface
- Simple to install
- Advanced security features
- Works on Android and iOS devices
- Mobile hotspot (tethering) support
- 24/7 customer service
- No hidden fees
– Cons
- Setting up requires an internet connection
- Data-only (no SMS or phone calls)
Key features of Saily eSIM
Saily eSIM is highly accessible with features geared towards travelers with varying levels of tech know-how. An intuitive and minimalistic interface makes navigation straightforward, and in combination with wide coverage, represents an optimal package for reliable and affordable internet connection worldwide.
Let’s see what you can look forward to with Saily:
Data plans
Regardless of your needs, Saily probably has something for you. Because it is region-specific (including Africa and Asia), country-specific, and has a global plan, it’s rather flexible and you’ll be able to use it in most travel destinations.
A similar type of flexibility extends to different data needs, catering to light users as well as heavy data consumers.
For 30-day plans, you can get data ranging from 3GB, 5GB, 10GB to 20GB, with 1GB available for 7-day plans. Unused data expires after 30 days, and in case you exceed the allotment, you can always purchase more data.
Saily also offers 90-day, 180-day, and 365-day global plans.
While there’s no unlimited data plan yet, you’ll be able to add some extra GB’s if you’re afraid of running out, thus circumventing this drawback.
Pricing
Before going into details, let’s just say that Saily’s pricing structure is very affordable, ultimately making the service a viable option for both short and long-term trips. It also tops our list of the best cheap eSIM plans.
Because there are too many variations in price tags between different plans, we’ll cover the prices for global, one regional (Europe) plan, as well as those geared towards specific countries such as the United States and Turkey.
Region | Data amount | Duration | Price |
Global | 1GB | 7 days | $8.99 |
Global | 5GB | 60 days | $33.99 |
Global | 20GB | 365 days | $66.99 |
Europe | 1GB | 7 days | $4.99 |
Europe | 5GB | 30 days | $19.49 |
Europe | 50GB | 90 days | $95.99 |
USA | 1GB | 7 days | $3.59 |
USA | 5GB | 30 days | $12.59 |
USA | 20GB | 30 days | $33.29 |
Global coverage
Saily is currently available in over 200 countries, covering the most popular travel spots such as Europe, the US, Turkey, Japan, China, and so on.

The way this service works is through roaming partnerships, which provide wide coverage but also mean that the connection quality will vary between regions. Alas, with Saily, you can get LTE, 3G, and 4G for high-speed connections.
When it comes to 5G, its availability depends on the infrastructure in individual countries, though there’s no reason to worry as you’ll always be able to get a high-quality connection for all your online needs.
How to get started with Saily
Setting up is a total breeze that you can complete in just a few easy steps. Here’s a breakdown of the entire process:
1. Purchase a data plan
Visit Saily’s website, find the destination you’re traveling to, and pick a data plan that fits the duration of your trip and data needs. Tap ‘Get plan’ and proceed to the checkout window – that’s all there is to it.

Tap ‘Get plan’ and proceed to the checkout window – that’s all there is to it.
2. Download the Saily app

Saily app is available on both Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. To avoid any issues when in another country, it’s best to download and set up the app beforehand. It only takes a few taps and once installed, you’ll be able to purchase the data plans through it.
3. Install your eSIM
When you open the app for the first time, you’ll see the data plan you just purchased in the eSIM section with an ‘Install eSIM’ button above it.

After tapping this button and clicking ‘OK’, a small window will pop up asking if you allow the carrier to download a SIM over Wi-Fi.

Choose ‘Yes’ and wait for the app to do its magic, and that’s it! You have successfully installed the eSIM.
4. Activate the plan
To connect to the internet, you’ll first have to activate the plan. Keep in mind that you can only do this once you arrive at your destination as the eSIM needs to connect to a local network in order to work. Either way, the process is simple:
On Android, go to ‘Network & internet’ in your device’s settings (‘Cellular’ settings on iOS), and locate the ‘SIMs’ section.

Once you tap on it, you’ll see any SIM and eSIM cards installed on your device (Saily is listed as 1GLOBAL). Tap on your eSIM and enable it via the ‘Use SIM’ slider. Then, turn on mobile data and roaming.

If you can’t establish a connection, go to the bottom of the eSIM’s settings page and find the ‘Access Point Names’ section.

Tap on it and choose ‘Saily APN V1’ as your preferred access point. Reboot the device and enjoy your online connection.
Compatibility and device support
The Saily app will work without a hitch on all devices with eSIM technology support. This includes most newer flagship models like iPhones, Samsung Fold and Z series, and Google Pixel 2 models and above.
Moreover, plenty of modern phones from Motorola, Honor, Xiaomi, and Oppo may also be compatible.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, check the compatibility before traveling by looking up if your phone supports eSIM. Alternatively, you can also go into the settings of your phone and look for the SIM card management (“Mobile Network” on some systems) to see if you have the option of adding an eSIM.
Customer support experience

Customer support is so valuable, especially when traveling. Fortunately, NordVPN is known for its excellent customer support which also translates to Saily. In addition to a 24/7 live chat, you also have the option of email support, a help center, and a detailed FAQ.
We tested the response time of customer support through the live chat feature when compiling data for this Saily review. After reaching out to customer support via the app, we asked a fairly easy question about topping up the eSIM within the app.

As you can see in the screenshot, Saily has a nifty chatbot that delivers the exact steps within seconds. We’re guessing it will be enough to resolve most troubleshooting queries.
That said, we went one step further and asked the chatbot to connect us to a live agent. Impressive, a real agent reached out within 30 seconds, rephrased the steps provided by the chatbot, shared a link to a more in-depth guide with screnshots, and asked whether they can help us with anything else.
All in all, Saily’s customer service gets a 10/10 for their responsiveness and expertise.
Our personal experience with Saily
Most users praise the app for the straightforward interface that outlines all the essential features while also sharing positive experiences about the activation process, which takes just a few minutes.
We can attest to all of that. Setting up Saily was more than easy and we did it in under a few minutes. In fact, entering payment details took longer than the installation, which should tell you everything about Saily’s simplicity.

The app is clean and intuitive. You can do pretty much everything in the main window, from topping up data via the ‘Add data’ button to enabling Saily’s powerful security features. The key information, including the expiration date of your eSIM and your data expenditure, is also there.
Another tip of the hat to Saily for allowing us to contact customer support in literally three taps.

Just go to ‘Help’, then ‘Troubleshooting’, tap ‘Contact support’, and you’ll have access to live chat. There are no annoying redirects, everything stays in the app.
Connection quality
After using Saily for general browsing over a 48-hour period, we experienced absolutely no dropouts. Granted, we did spend most of our time in an urban area that generally has good coverage. When you’re up and about, you may experience a few hitches, as is expected with mobile data.
We also conducted a few speed tests (we recommend you avoid doing this with your eSIM as a single speed test can waste up to 200 megabytes of data), and this was the best one:

Not too shabby and in line with what you would get with a local carrier.
Saily's privacy policy
Since Saily is developed by the creators of NordVPN, you get all the combined expertise that ensures strict data protection. The vendor doesn’t take any chances since they employ robust encryption to safeguard your information.
According to Saily’s privacy policy (which you should check out yourself), the company only retains your personal data as long as it's necessary to provide you with the service. You also retain the right to request the deletion of your data at any time.
No surprises here, as this is the team from NordVPN we are talking about, after all – the best VPN solution for a good reason.
Advanced security features
If you made it this far in our Saily review, you’re probably familiar with just how much NordSecurity cares about the digital safety of its users. Case in point – all Saily data plans come with advanced security features at no extra charge.
First one is “virtual location” that routes your connection through a remote server, masking your IP address and making it appear like you’re connecting from a different location.

In other words, this is a free VPN that makes full use of NordVPN’s extensive network and is super useful if you want to keep your online activity to yourself or access georestricted content.
There’s also web protection that safeguards your device from all sorts of online threats including phishing and malware. Identity theft should be the last of your worries when traveling so this feature is a welcome addition.

Best of all, Saily also has an effective ad blocker that makes your general browsing experience more pleasant and helps you conserve data. It’s simple really – you’ll avoid having to sit through annoying ads while saving yourselves potentially gigabytes of data over the course of your trip.
Comparison with competitors
Saily is not the only eSIM service in the market as there are plenty of other, more-established solutions to pick from. Does that mean they’re better?
Here's a table for quick comparison:
Provider | Voice call support | Security features | Price |
Saily | No | Ad blocker, VPN, web protection | $1.99 for 1GB |
Nomad | No | No | $4.50 for 1GB |
Airalo | No | No | $4.50 for 1GB |
AloSIM | Yes | No | $4.50 for 1GB |
Holafly | Yes | No | $6.90 per day for unlimited data |
Bottom line, Saily might be the best option if you want an affordable and reliable eSIM service that prioritizes security.
Summary: A budget-friendly solution for the savvy traveler
Saily is a standout choice in the eSIM landscape with its budget-friendly approach that prioritizes reliability, simplicity, and security.
Plus, it’s tough to beat the flexibility and the convenience that Saily brings to the table. The lack of traditional calls and texts may be a significant drawback for some, but it’s easy to bridge this gap by using VoIP services (we still counted it as a drawback in this Saily review for the sake of transparency).
Whether you’re a traveling enthusiast or embarking on your first trip, Saily can provide you with convenient online access at a lower price than its main competitors (and local SIM services), making it one of the best choices for dependable data on the cheap.
Other eSIM guides:
- Airalo Review
- Nomad Review
- Jetpac Review
- aloSIM Review
- Holafly Review
- Ubigi eSIM Review
- Best eSIM Providers
- Best eSIM for Europe
- Best eSIM for Japan
- Best eSIM for USA
- Best eSIM for International Travel
Saily eSIM FAQ
Is Saily eSIM compatible with my device?
Saily eSIM is compatible with most flagship smartphones that support eSIM technology. This includes all newer iPhones, Samsung Z Flip and Fold series, Google Pixel 2, and various models from numerous manufacturers.
How do I activate my Saily eSIM card?
To activate your Saily eSIM card, connect to the internet and choose either the one-click setup or the manual process.
What payment methods are accepted for purchasing Saily eSIM data plans?
Saily accepts credit/debit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and PayPal for purchasing data plans.
What are the benefits of using Saily eSIM over physical SIM cards?
Using Saily eSIM eliminates the use of physical SIM cards, thus minimizing the risk of damage or loss while also offering flexible data plans, affordable pricing, and extensive global coverage. This makes it the most practical choice for travelers.
How does Saily ensure the security and privacy of user data?
Saily ensures the security and privacy of user data by implementing strong encryption and firewalls, in collaboration with NordVPN, and retaining personal data only as long as necessary. Users can request data deletion at any time, reinforcing control over their personal information.
This Saily eSIM review was last updated on March 11, 2025.
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