Saily eSIM review: A new way of staying connected

Are you fed up with sky-high charges for using data overseas? If so, eSIMs could be the solution. eSIMs do away with traditional roaming charges, driving down the cost of internet usage. The question is, which eSIM provider should you choose?

This review will look at one of the newest and most impressive providers. Saily scores well in quality, reliability, coverage, and price, crucial areas where eSIM brands have to deliver. Let's explore what Saily offers and determine whether a Saily eSIM fits your travel requirements.

What is a Saily eSIM?

Saily is a new eSIM provider owned by Nord Security (the folks behind NordVPN). Saily eSIMs enable internet connectivity for smartphone users worldwide, with some extra security features courtesy of the parent company.

Device owners order digital SIMs via the Saily app. Saily then links their device to local network providers wherever they are. Whether you are vacationing in Barbados or traveling in Japan for business, Saily offers immediate internet coverage, often at much lower prices than standard SIMs or eSIM rivals.

Users can also use the Saily ad blocker and web protection, which help limit tracking and reduce the risk of slowdowns or unwanted access. You can also change virtual locations.

Saily eSIM card: How it works

As you probably know, smartphones and tablets use a physical SIM card to access network coverage. The SIM card (or "Subscriber Identity Module") holds the user's phone number and identification data to make calls or surf the web.

Saily eSIMs are like digital SIM cards. Users don't need to insert or order a physical local SIM card. Instead, eSIMs use software that is integrated into mobile devices.

Users activate services from their chosen eSIM provider. The eSIM company arranges network connectivity with a fast local infrastructure provider. After that, customers can use the internet connection and make calls via communication apps like WhatsApp, just like a regular SIM.

Saily eSIM users are not locked into coverage from a single provider and do not need to pay roaming fees. Users order the data plans they need, when they need them, in a far more convenient way to travel.

Coverage and operators

Coverage is important when picking an eSIM brand. No brand covers every single country on earth, although Saily comes pretty close. Saily eSIM plans include over 200 destinations in every global region.

You can purchase data plans for virtually all major destinations. Ordering mobile data in France, Japan, Brazil, or Australia is no problem. A few destinations are absent, such as Russia and Iran. However, Saily's coverage will cater to most travel itineraries.

Saily also offers regional plans that cross borders. For instance, the European plan covers 36 countries (a much cheaper option than purchasing eSIMs for multiple countries). There are also regional plans for Asia and Oceania (19 countries), Africa (34 countries), Latin America (12 countries), North America (Canada and the USA), and the Middle East and North Africa (19 countries).

The global plan is also worth noting. It's not technically "global" as data plans only cover 113 countries (as of April 2025). Even so, the global plan ranges from Antigua to Iceland. It's a great value option for those with complex travel plans, especially for the year-long plan.

Wherever you travel, Saily seeks to partner with dependable local operators. eSIM vendors rely on their local partners to deliver reliable speeds and connectivity. This inevitably leads to some inconsistency. However, Saily generally chooses its infrastructure partners well. The brand's responsive customer service also handles problems with operators when they arise.

Data plans and pricing

Customers ordering an eSIM have to choose how much data they need and how long they need it for. Saily is flexible on both counts, offering multiple data plans for most destinations.

For example, let's say you are visiting Malaysia. In that case, you can choose one-week or 30-day eSIMs. Data allowances vary from 1 GB for the short plan to 3 GB, 10 GB, or 20 GB for the month-long package. Prices vary depending on your chosen plan, starting at $1.99 per week to $35.99 monthly (with a 20 GB limit) in Czechia, Bulgaria, and Mayotte.

As you can see, Saily customers have plenty of options. You can easily pick a plan for a short stay or a longer visit. Moreover, some destinations offer unlimited data plans, an ideal choice for heavy data users. Regional and global plans also offer 180 or 365-day coverage. That's handy for worldwide adventures.

Another thing to note: Saily customers can easily top up their data via the user-friendly app. Users can check their data on the app and add more when they run low.

Is your device compatible with Saily?

Before ordering an eSIM, customers need to check their device compatibility. This issue confuses many travelers, and it's always annoying. Nobody wants to order an eSIM only to discover it does not work with their smartphone.

The good news is that eSIMs work with most modern smartphone models. If you own a Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, or a recent Xiaomi, iPhone, Huawei P40, or Oppo phone, there shouldn't be any issues. If you have any doubts, check out the list of compatible devices on the Saily website.

Sometimes, customers report that their eSIMs are blocked by network providers. For example, locked Apple iPhones don't allow eSIM installation. Check your phone's settings to verify whether this applies. If so, you may need to ask your network to unblock your phone before proceeding.

Additional features of Saily eSIMs

We know that eSIMs offer flexible internet access without roaming fees. But what more can you expect from Saily eSIMs? Saily's extra edge is all about security.

Saily's relationship with NordVPN makes it one of the most security-conscious eSIM vendors. Security matters in a world of cyber threats and surveillance states. Unsecured mobile data is often exposed via unsafe wi-fi and streaming services.

Saily offers a couple of tools that make travel more secure. Firstly, the Saily app comes with an ad blocker that stops irritating pop-up ads. This makes browsing the web smoother and tends to improve performance. Saily’s ad blocker can also reduce data usage by up to 28.6%, so you save data for what really matters while staying secure and private online.

Online web protection blocks malicious sites and tracking cookies, while users can also change their virtual location. This keeps their identity and activity more secure across public and unsecured networks.

These helpful security features result in an eSIM service that reduces costs and improves convenience while protecting your digital activity. That's a pretty good deal compared with old-style mobile SIMs.

Saily customer support

eSIM customers often encounter problems with the initial setup, connecting to the mobile network, topping up data, and moving between countries. This means that high-quality eSIM providers must provide a responsive support team. This is another area where Saily performs well.

Saily offers 24/7 live chat support and there is a helpful resource center on the brand's website. You can also make contact via email if needed. Customers struggling with a new plan can get in touch via the Saily app and resolve simple issues extremely quickly.

Most Trustpilot review feedback confirms this, with customers reporting quick responses and patient help from the customer service team. Sometimes support doesn't run smoothly. That's unavoidable with complex data plans and managing local providers. However, Saily deals with issues quickly and often compensates unhappy users for their trouble.

Activating and using a Saily eSIM

One reason the Saily support team works smoothly is that using the service is so simple. Customers rarely encounter difficulties during the activation process.

Saily's installation process is highly streamlined. Customers research the right plan on the Saily site. They choose data and duration settings, and purchase their plan before completing the process with the "install eSIM" tool on the Saily app.

After that, users don't need to do anything else. The eSIM is installed automatically and activated when you arrive at your destination. There's no need for manual activation. If you've activated the eSIM beforehand, your device will be connected instantly.

Another bonus is that Saily offers one-time eSIMs. You only need to install one Saily eSIM on your device. The same installation applies as you move between countries and regions. Again, this saves time and makes it easier to manage your data on the move.

Pros and cons of Saily eSIM

*This is accurate as of April 25, 2025. Saily says it is seeking to expand coverage to calls and texts in the future.

Is a Saily eSIM worth it?

If you are planning a trip and regularly use mobile data, we think choosing a Saily eSIM is definitely worthwhile.

For one thing, physical SIM card users will benefit from a new eSIM, whether you choose Saily or another provider. eSIMs are flexible and generally a more cost-effective option than conventional SIMs. You can manage multiple eSIMs and switch carriers easily, and there's no need to worry about losing or damaging physical cards.

Assuming you've decided to go digital, Saily is among the leading contenders and may be the best.

Saily's eSIMs cover almost every destination. They are super-adaptable, with data limits and durations for every schedule. Security options go beyond those of other eSIM providers. Prices are often the lowest around, especially for shorter visits. And if you run into trouble, the support team is always available to help.

Remove data from your travel worries. Wherever life takes you, Saily eSIMs deliver instant connectivity at affordable prices.