Saily eSIM Review: Is It a Good Travel eSIM?

If you travel internationally and want to avoid expensive roaming charges, Saily is one of the travel eSIMs worth considering. It offers data plans in more than 200 destinations, regional options, an easy app-based setup, and several built-in security features.

But is Saily actually a good choice for travellers, or are there better options? Here is what I would consider before buying.

Before choosing a provider, read our guide to choosing the right travel eSIM to understand device compatibility, coverage, data allowances and pricing.

What Is Saily eSIM?

Saily is a prepaid travel eSIM service from Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN. It provides mobile data plans that you can purchase before travelling and install directly on an eSIM-compatible, unlocked phone.

The main advantage is convenience: you don't need to find a local SIM card shop after landing. You can have your data plan ready before your trip.

Saily currently lists 209 destinations, including individual countries and regional/global plans.

How Does Saily Work?

The process is straightforward.

You choose your destination, select a plan and purchase it through the Saily website or app. The eSIM can then be installed through the app, and Saily recommends completing the setup before travelling.

For a typical trip, I would do this:

1. Buy the Saily plan before departure.
2. Install the eSIM while connected to Wi-Fi.
3. Keep your primary SIM available for calls if needed.
4. Select Saily for mobile data when you arrive.
5. Enable data roaming for the Saily eSIM.
6. Disable mobile-data switching so your phone doesn't accidentally use your primary SIM for data.

Saily specifically recommends disabling mobile-data switching to help prevent unexpected roaming charges.

Is Saily Good for International Travel?

Yes, particularly if you want a simple data-only eSIM.

Saily has plans for individual destinations as well as regional options. This can be useful when a trip involves several countries.

For example, instead of buying separate eSIMs for every destination on a multi-country trip, you can choose an appropriate regional plan where available. Saily says its regional plans bundle multiple countries into one data plan.

However, coverage isn't identical across every plan. Before purchasing, check that your specific countries are included.

Saily Pricing and Plans

Saily's pricing varies significantly depending on the destination, amount of data and validity period.

Its current destination list shows plans starting from around US$1.99, although many destinations start at higher prices. Regional and global plans also have different pricing.

That means I wouldn't judge Saily simply by its cheapest advertised plan.

Instead, compare:

• How much data you get
• Plan validity
• Countries covered
• Network availability
• Whether hotspot is supported
• Whether you need calls/SMS
• The price compared with competing eSIMs

That's a much better way to determine whether Saily represents good value for your particular trip.

Not sure how much data you'll need for your trip? Our guide to estimating mobile data usage while travelling can help you choose a suitable allowance.

Before purchasing, compare the cost with your regular mobile carrier's international roaming options using our guide to travel eSIM vs international roaming.

Saily's Built-In Security Features

One thing that makes Saily different from a basic travel eSIM is its additional security features.

Saily currently offers virtual location, ad blocking and web protection as built-in features.

The web protection feature uses DNS-level filtering to block certain malicious domains and trackers, while the ad blocker can reduce the amount of advertising content downloaded.

There is an important distinction, though: Saily is not a full VPN. Saily itself says its virtual-location feature doesn't provide the same privacy guarantees as a dedicated VPN.

So I would treat these features as useful extras rather than a replacement for a dedicated VPN.

Is Saily Easy to Install?

Yes.

The Saily app guides you through installation, and the service supports compatible iPhone, iPad, Android and other eSIM-enabled devices.

You do need:

• An eSIM-compatible device
• An unlocked phone
• An internet connection during installation

Saily recommends installing and activating the eSIM before travelling so you're ready when you arrive.

For travellers, that's an important advantage. I would rather spend a few minutes configuring an eSIM at home than troubleshoot mobile connectivity after landing.

What About Calls and SMS?

Standard Saily travel eSIM plans are primarily data plans.

That means services such as WhatsApp, Signal and other internet-based communication apps can be used over the data connection. Some newer Saily offerings also include an optional phone-number add-on for calls and SMS in supported circumstances.

So if you specifically need a traditional local phone number, check the exact Saily product you're purchasing rather than assuming every plan includes voice and SMS.

Saily vs eSIM.dog

If you're comparing Saily with another travel eSIM, eSIM.dog is worth considering too. The right choice depends on your destination, data allowance, pricing and the features you need.

For a broader comparison that also includes MyEsimGlobal, read our Saily vs eSIM.dog vs MyEsimGlobal comparison.

Compare the actual plans available for your destination rather than choosing solely on brand reputation or advertised coverage.

Pros and Cons of Saily

Pros

• Coverage across 200+ destinations
• Simple app-based installation
• Country and regional plans
• Built-in security features
• Useful for avoiding international roaming
• Hotspot support on supported plans
• 24/7 customer support according to Saily

Cons

• Standard plans are primarily data-only
• Prices vary considerably by destination
• Coverage depends on local network partners
• Your phone must support eSIM and be unlocked
• Saily's security features aren't a replacement for a full VPN

Is Saily eSIM Worth It?

For most travellers looking for a convenient travel data eSIM, Saily is a good option.

I particularly like the combination of wide destination coverage, straightforward installation and built-in security features. The regional plans can also make sense for multi-country trips.

But don't buy an eSIM based only on the provider's global coverage number. Check the exact destination, data allowance, validity and price before purchasing.

If Saily's plan is competitively priced for your destination, I'd have no problem considering it for an international trip.

Before buying, check our travel eSIM promo codes guide to see whether a discount is available for your selected provider. Confirm the code's eligibility and terms at checkout.

Want a More Detailed Saily Review?

I've also published a detailed Saily eSIM review on BeingOptimist, where you can get more information before making a purchase.

Read the detailed Saily eSIM review on BeingOptimist

Ready to Check Saily's Plans?

If Saily covers your destination and its data allowance and pricing suit your trip, check Saily's current plans.

At checkout, you can try the promo code BEINGOPTIMIST10 for a potential discount. Check whether the code is accepted and what terms apply before completing your purchase.

Final Verdict

Saily is a strong travel eSIM choice for people who value convenience, broad coverage and additional security features.

It isn't necessarily the cheapest option for every destination, so comparing the actual plan you're considering is important. But if the pricing works for your trip, Saily offers a straightforward way to stay connected without relying on expensive international roaming.

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