Saily review in 2024 – is the new eSIM by NordVPN good?

Saily has made waves in the growing eSIM market, but is it worth your time in 2024? Designed for travelers, Saily ensures that you can use your data in over 150+ countries through its eSIM offerings.

Before you choose Saily over other eSIM providers, you might have a few questions. Is Saily legit? What are their prices like? Do they cover my data needs? In this full Saily review, we’ll analyze its performance and usability to help you determine if Saily is the eSIM for you. 

What is Saily eSIM?

Saily is a travel-oriented eSIM service provided by NordVPN, a well-known name in cybersecurity. Launched to address the needs of global travelers, Saily offers a streamlined experience for staying connected abroad, offering data plans covering over 150 countries.

No matter what provider you go with, eSIMs eliminate the need for physical SIM cards. As a result, you can switch between SIM profiles and use different networks or data plans. It opens up a whole new world of flexibility when it comes to browsing.

So, you won’t get a physical Saily SIM card. But, you will get flexible data packages, 24/7 customer support, and access to the web while traveling.

In this review, we’ll dive into the particularities of Saily to see if it’s the right eSIM for you. We’re experts when it comes to eSIM reviews, with a well-developed testing methodology to compare the top providers. Here’s what you need to know.

saily sim card

Saily eSIM pros and cons

Every eSIM provider has strengths and weaknesses. Saily reviews often highlight its standout features, but you also need to know how this eSIM might fall short.

Here’s how Saily stands up against its competitors.

Pros of Saily eSIM

• Easy to install: Users consistently praise how easy it is to install and activate the eSIM, even for those who are less tech-savvy.
• Affordable data plans: Saily’s competitive pricing caters to a variety of different budgets and travel needs.
• Wide coverage: With service in over 150 countries, Saily ensures reliable coverage for global travelers.
• 24/7 in-app support: The convenience of having customer support in your pocket through the app means you always have assistance when you need it.

Cons of Saily eSIM

• No regional plans: Unlike other eSIM providers, Saily doesn’t currently offer regional data packages, limiting flexibility for users traveling to specific regions.
• App reliance: If you prefer web-based interfaces, you might be disappointed by Saily’s app-focused approach.
• Limited features: While Saily delivers when it comes to basic eSIM functionality, it lacks some advanced features and options that you may find with other eSIMs/

Saily features overview

At the end of the day, the features are what make you choose any given eSIM provider over another. Saily has a number of tools and services that make it an attractive option for travelers, but understanding them will give you a better sense of whether it’s the right choice for your needs.

We’ll cover Saily’s features in a few different categories, exploring how these might impact your user experience.

Saily price and plans

Like many eSIM providers, Saily caters to travelers. As a result, it has several different packages covering various regions and amounts of data. In fact, Saily covers 150+ countries, which means most destinations fall under its remits.

Here’s how the data packages stack up in each region:

The price varies based on data, destination, validity, and time allowance. So, you’ll need to check your specific destination on the Saily website for a more details breakdown.

Generally, prices for 1GB start at $3.99, which is a competitive price compared to other providers. You can often get up to 10GB if you need it, which means heavy data users are also covered to some extent. That being said, some providers like Airalo offer up to 50GB.

Saily country availability

Saily provides global coverage in 150 countries, ensuring travelers can stay connected across multiple regions. This level of availability puts Saily in line with other prominent eSIM providers, making it a strong option for international travel.

Here are some of the main regions and countries:

With such broad availability, you can get Saily in most destinations unless you’re traveling somewhere niche.

Saily coverage and internet speed

Saily ensures 3G, 4G, and LTE connections in most locations. While 5G is available in some regions, it’s not widespread and largely depends on the country’s local network infrastructure. Saily is working on expanding its 5G coverage, but currently, you can expect to rely on LTE for your travels.

When it comes to internet speed, the performance of Saily’s eSIM depends heavily on the local carriers in the country you’re visiting. Speeds can vary depending on the quality of the local network infrastructure. So, in rural regions, for example, your coverage and speeds will be slower.

In general, Saily is a solid option for travelers seeking consistent coverage, but the exact speed depends on local factors. 

Saily device compatibility

These days, most cell phones support eSIM technology. In fact, some tablets and smartwatches are also eSIM-compatible. Saily, like most other providers, is compatible with any phone that allows eSIM technology, including models from popular brands like Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Google, and many more.

Saily keeps an updated list on its website of eSIM-compatible devices. Or, you can check under your device’s settings. If there’s an option to add or manage an eSIM, then your device is eSIM-compatible.

Saily website and application

Saily’s website is easy to use, but the dedicated Saily eSIM application is much more straightforward. Both platforms are designed to streamline the process for travelers who need quick and reliable connectivity.

On the website, it’s easy to find information about the available plans and pricing. You can browse by destination to see the different plans available, compare options, and purchase an eSIM in just a few steps. There’s also a helpful FAQ section to help you troubleshoot any issues.

Meanwhile, the Saily app mirrors the simplicity of the website, but it gives you better management over your eSIM profiles. It’s available for both iOS and Android, and is easy to install on both.

The app automates the eSIM purchasing and activation process, and you can even track your usage and manage your plans all in one place. Plus, the app includes 24/7 chat support. 

Overall, the app is more useful than the website, but both are simple and easy to use, so this is a plus for Saily.

Saily customer support

Saily offers multiple channels for customer support, so you can resolve issues quickly and by the method of your choice. For example, there’s a help center, 24/7 live chat, and email support. 

The live chat is particularly helpful, with near-instant responses of 1-2 minutes. So, if you have an immediate concern while you’re on the go, it’s pretty easy to fix!

There’s no direct phone line, but the other options should have you covered.

Where to buy Saily eSIM

If you’re interested in buying the Saily eSIM for all your roaming needs, the easiest way to do so is via the website or app. It’s a pretty simple process:

1. Explore the options and choose your data plan, based on your destination and needs.
2. Add the eSIM to cart and proceed by following the on-screen instructions.
3. Saily will send your eSIM via email or the Saily app, ready for you to activate.

There are multiple payment methods available, too.

Remember that you need to buy an eSIM suited to your destination. For example, you need to choose between an eSIM in Europe or an eSIM in the USA; purchase the wrong one, and you won’t be able to connect to the local network. Saily might not always be the best option for these locations, so it’s worth investigating your other options, too.

How to activate Saily eSIM

After buying your eSIM, you’ll need to activate it. The easiest way to do this is via the app. Start by downloading the app to your iPhone or Android device, then follow these instructions.

Activate Saily eSIM on Android device

Android devices can vary slightly. However, these are the general instructions you’ll need to activate your eSIM.

1. Open the Saily app and select Check your eSIM plan. 
2. The screen will say that your eSIM is ready to be installed. Tap Install eSIM.
3. A prompt will pop up asking if Saily can use your phone’s eSIM. Tap Allow.
4. Wait for the eSIM to install, and do not close the app. 
5. When complete, the screen will say “eSIM installed.” Tap Close. 

Your eSIM is now activated. When you get to your destination and connect to the network, your plan will automatically begin.

Activate Saily eSIM on iPhone device

The process of activating a Saily eSIM on your iPhone is very simple. Here’s how:

1. Open the Saily app and select Check your eSIM plan.
2. The screen will say if your eSIM is ready to be installed. Tap Install eSIM.
3. When prompted by the pop-up box, tap Allow.
4. Wait a few moments for the eSIM to activate, following any on-screen instructions.
5. Choose your main SIM card for the Default line, and for Mobile Data, select your eSIM.
6. When the screen says the eSIM is installed, tap Close.

Now that your eSIM is activated, you can enjoy roaming when you arrive at your destination.

Saily alternatives

If Saily isn’t the perfect match for your needs, there are several alternatives to consider. If you’re a frequent flyer looking for global eSIM options, Holafly is a top recommendation, known for its unlimited data plans and coverage in over 190 countries. It’s an ideal option for those seeking global connectivity, particularly in areas where Saily doesn’t have the best coverage.

Other options include Airalo, which is budget-friendly and affordable. Nomad is another great alternative, with an easy set-up process. While Saily is app-only, Nomad’s flexibility can help out less tech-savvy eSIM users.

Of course, eSIMs aren’t the only way to travel. You can also turn to alternatives like local SIM cards, free local WiFi in public places, or even pocket WiFi. Depending on your needs, these options may be more cost-effective, so it’s worth researching all your options.

Saily review – conclusion

Saily is a solid eSIM provider that offers good value and great ease of use. While it might not have the most extensive features compared to some competitors, its reliability and good coverage make it a worthy option. 

Whether you’re looking for simple data plans or exploring alternatives like Holafly or Airalo, the choice ultimately depends on your travel needs and budget. Whichever method you choose, staying connected has never been easier.

Saily eSIM FAQs

Alessia Copolla

I’m Alessia Coppola, and I combine my love for writing with a passion for travel and staying connected. Through my work, I guide readers to the best solutions for staying connected while on the move, covering options like eSIMs, SIMs, and pocket Wi-Fi. My goal is to help travelers stay connected easily and seamlessly, no matter where they are in the world.