Saily eSIM Review: My Experience From Testing Saily

As someone who is always on the move for work and leisure travel, I rely on staying connected wherever I'm abroad. I've tested scores of eSIMs whenever I get data abroad, and Saily has become one of my favorite eSIM providers (especially for cybersecurity).

It’s not as well-known as names like Airalo or Holafly, but after using it on multiple trips, I can say it’s a reliable option that deserves a closer look. Here’s my take, based on firsthand use.

Why eSIMs are a traveler’s new best friend

Back in the day, I’d land in a new country and make a beeline for the airport SIM card kiosk. Now, thanks to eSIMs, I can sort out my data before I even pack my bags. An eSIM is a digital SIM card you activate through software — no physical card required. It’s a lifesaver for getting online the moment I step off the plane, whether I’m navigating maps or sharing stories from my travels.

Saily is one of several providers offering eSIMs, alongside carriers or platforms like Airalo. While eSIMs can cost slightly more than local SIMs, I find the convenience of setting everything up in advance worth every penny.

First, just make sure you have a smartphone that supports eSIMs. Read my full list of eSIM-compatible phones.

What you get with Saily

Saily, launched in 2024 by the team behind NordVPN, is a relatively new player in the eSIM world but feels polished and reliable. I’ve used their app to buy, install, and manage eSIMs, and it’s been a smooth process every time.

Saily partners with top mobile networks in nearly 200 countries, delivering solid LTE connections (and 5G in some places). Their plans range from 1GB to 20GB, with durations of 7 to 30 days, giving me flexibility depending on my trip.

I’ve tried their local eSIMs for single-country stays. They have regional plans for multi-country European adventures and even a global plan for trips that span continents. Each has its place, depending on where you're headed and how long you're staying.

Ease of use

The heart of my experience with Saily is their intuitive app. Like other top eSIM apps, its a one-stop shop for purchasing, installing, and managing eSIMs, and it’s remarkably easy to navigate. Whether I’m buying a plan or reaching out to customer support, the app streamlines everything.

Saily partners with leading mobile networks in nearly 200 countries, which has consistently delivered reliable LTE and, in some cases, 5G connections during my travels. Their plans are flexible, offering data options from 1GB to 20GB with durations ranging from 7 to 30 days, catering to a variety of travel needs.

Local eSIMs

These plans, available for 7 to 30 days, provide access to local LTE networks, with 5G available in select destinations. I used a local eSIM in France and enjoyed fast, stable internet for my weekend stay.

Saily eSIMs are data-only, so I rely on apps like WhatsApp for communication since local calls and texts aren’t supported.

Regional eSIMs

These plans cover entire regions, allowing you to stay connected without needing a new eSIM for each country. Currently, Saily only offers a Europe regional plan, which covers 35 countries.

Regional eSIMs come at a higher cost than local ones, but it's usually just a few dollars or euros more to get that multi-country coverage. Here are the options for Saily's Europe plan:

• 1 GB, 7 days, USD 4.99
• 3 GB, 30 days, USD 12.49
• 5 GB, 30 days, USD 19.49
• 10 GB, 30 days, USD 35.99
• 50 GB, 90 days, USD 95.99
• Unlimited GB, 15 days, USD 49.99 (duration is adjustable)

Global eSIMs

Saily’s global eSIMs, covering 113 countries, keeps you connected across continents. Priced at $8.99 for 1GB over seven days, the global plan is pricier than local or regional options, so reserve it for trips where you're moving quickly between countries in different regions.

For whirlwind global adventures, like a world cruise, the global eSIM is a fantastic option — just double-check that your destinations are covered by Saily’s network.

Are Saily's prices competitive?

eSIMs do often come with a slightly higher price tag than local SIM cards bought in-country. That said, Saily’s pricing is very competitive when compared to other eSIM providers. In my experience, their rates are particularly competitive in Asia, making them a go-to for trips to places like Japan or India.

To give you a sense of their pricing, here are some examples of Saily’s 7-day plan prices (as of November 2024):

Prices can fluctuate, so I always check Saily’s website directly before a trip to confirm the latest rates. Better yet, use the Simsurf comparison tool to see how Saily stacks up against other eSIM providers in real-time — it’s saved me a few bucks on more than one occasion.

Saily Referral Programme

Unlike Airalo and some other eSIM marketplaces, Saily unfortunately does not have a loyalty programme. However, you can make use of the referral programme if you recommend the eSIM marketplace to friends or acquaintances. For every successful referral, you will receive $5 from Saily, which you can spend on new eSIMs. This can be particularly worthwhile for users who have a large network of friends and acquaintances.

Customer feedback and my thoughts

Having relied on Saily for staying connected during several trips, I can confidently say it’s one of the most reliable eSIM providers I’ve used. The app’s user-friendly design is intuitive and doesn’t require any technical expertise to get up and running.

Here’s what I’ve found particularly impressive about Saily:

• Lightning-Fast Setup: Installing an eSIM is a breeze, taking just a few minutes whether I use a QR code or the automatic setup option.
• Outstanding Support: Their 24/7 customer service is quick and effective. On one occasion, I reached a real person in under 10 minutes to resolve a query.
• Seamless Plan Management: The app makes it simple to monitor and manage my data plan, topping it up, and tracking my data use.
• Competitive Pricing in Asia: Saily’s rates, particularly for Asian countries, often beat other providers, making it a budget-friendly choice.

I’ve had very little to critique about Saily. Once, I encountered a brief connection glitch shortly after activating an eSIM, but their support team helped me sort it out in minutes.

My positive experiences seem to echo what others are saying online — Saily has earned an impressive 4.5/5 stars from around 15,000 reviews on the Google Play Store and a strong 4.1/5 from over 1,000 reviews on Trustpilot.

These ratings reflect the consistent reliability and user-friendly experience I’ve enjoyed, making Saily a provider I can wholeheartedly recommend.

Is Saily really the most trustworthy provider available?

As a frequent traveler, I’m always cautious about the services I trust with my data, especially in unfamiliar places where cybersecurity risks feel heightened. Saily quickly won me over as the most secure eSIM provider I’ve reviewed.

Backed by NordVPN — a global leader in cybersecurity with over 15 million users and excellent Trustpilot ratings — Saily builds on a solid foundation of expertise. What sets Saily apart, and why I recommend it above all other eSIMs I’ve tested, is its suite of advanced security features that go beyond standard connectivity, making it a standout choice for travelers who prioritize privacy and safety.

Not only does Saily’s app uses HTTPS and modern encryption to protect my data, but NordVPN’s reputation for cutting-edge cybersecurity takes it a step further.

Ad Blocker for data savings and smoother browsing

One of Saily’s game-changing features is its built-in ad blocker, powered by NordVPN’s Threat Protection technology. With a single tap in the app, I can block intrusive ads, which not only makes browsing less annoying but also saves significant data. Independent testing by West Coast Labs in March 2025 found that Saily’s ad blocker reduces mobile data usage by up to 28.6%.

Virtual Location for enhanced privacy

Saily’s virtual location feature lets me mask my real location by routing my connection through one of over 115 servers worldwide, from the US to Japan. This isn’t a full VPN — it doesn’t encrypt all traffic — but it’s a powerful privacy tool that lets me browse as if I’m in another country, accessing geo-restricted content like my home streaming services without needing a separate app.

Web Protection against malicious threats

Saily’s web protection feature is another reason it’s my top pick. Using DNS-based filtering, it blocks malicious websites, phishing attempts, and trackers before they reach my device. This is especially reassuring when I’m connecting to unfamiliar networks abroad, where risks like malware or scams are higher. NordVPN’s Threat Protection shields users from an average of 220 daily tracking attempts, and in my experience, this feature made browsing feel safer, especially when booking accommodations or checking emails on the go.

Why Saily stands out

After testing providers like Airalo, Holafly, and Jetpac, I can say Saily’s security features — ad blocker, virtual location, and web protection — are its defining edge. No other eSIM I’ve reviewed offers this level of built-in cybersecurity at no extra cost, making it a two-in-one solution for connectivity and privacy.

The app’s seamless integration of these tools, backed by NordVPN’s expertise, means I don’t need to juggle multiple services to stay secure. For travelers like me who value both reliable data and robust protection, Saily goes above and beyond, earning my highest recommendation as the best eSIM for security-conscious travelers.

Whether you’re exploring one country or many, Saily’s reliability, ease of use, and competitive pricing make it a solid choice. It’s particularly cost-effective for Asian destinations, and their local eSIMs are perfect for stays of a week or longer.

My tip? Use Simsurf to compare Saily’s plans with other providers to find the best fit for your itinerary.