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Saily is a relatively new eSIM provider that launched in spring 2024, owned by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN. This data-only service covers over 200 countries worldwide and offers flexible prepaid plans for travelers looking to avoid expensive roaming charges.
What sets Saily apart from competitors like Airalo and Holafly is its integration of cybersecurity features directly into the eSIM service, including ad blocking, web protection, and virtual location capabilities—all at no extra cost.
The service targets budget-conscious travelers with plans starting as low as $1.99 for 1GB. Saily’s unique selling point lies in combining reliable global connectivity with Nord Security’s expertise in online privacy and security.
However, it does have limitations—it’s data-only, meaning you can’t make traditional calls or send text messages over SMS. And, some destinations still lack coverage in their regional plans.
Saily: Plans and pricing
Saily’s pricing structure offers excellent value for money, particularly for short-term travelers. The service consistently undercuts competitors like Holafly, which focuses exclusively on unlimited plans at higher price points. For example, while Holafly charges $74.90 for unlimited data in France for one month, Saily offers 20GB for just $31.99.
Region | Data Amount | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
US | 3 GB | 30 days | $8.99 |
UK | 3 GB | 30 days | $8.99 |
UK | Unlimited | 15 days | $71.99 |
Australia | 3 GB | 30 days | $7.99 |
Japan | 3 GB | 30 days | $6.99 |
India | 20 GB | 30 days | $38.99 |
China | 3 GB | 30 days | $9.99 |
You can choose exactly what amount of data you need, rather than being locked into unlimited plans that might exceed your actual usage. Regional and global plans provide additional savings for multi-country trips, with options extending up to a year for long-term travelers. However, the unlimited plans offer 5GB/day at full speed, then soft-capped at 1 Mbps.
Saily: Features
With recent updates, Saily is one of the most feature-rich eSIM services available. It goes beyond basic connectivity to offer integrated security and privacy tools, thanks to its connection to NordVPN.
Virtual location
Saily’s virtual location feature lets you browse from over 115 different locations worldwide, effectively masking your real location. This feature operates at the network level rather than through a traditional VPN app, meaning it works seamlessly with mobile hotspots and doesn’t register as a VPN to your device. You can access geo-restricted content, use home services while abroad, or simply browse more privately with just a few taps in the app.
Ad blocker
The built-in ad blocker uses DNS filtering to remove intrusive advertisements, helping you save valuable mobile data while browsing. Unlike browser-based blockers, this works at the network level, blocking domain-hosted ads across all apps and browsers on your device. While some website-hosted ads may still appear, the feature significantly reduces data consumption and improves browsing speeds.
Web protection
Saily automatically blocks access to known malicious websites and limits online tracking, providing an extra layer of security while traveling. This feature works in the background without requiring manual setup, helping protect against phishing attempts and malware. The web protection is powered by NordVPN’s anti-phishing technology, ensuring you’re protected by industry-leading security protocols.
Seamless network integration
The service automatically connects to the best available local network in your destination, eliminating manual configuration. Saily partners with major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Vodafone, and Orange to ensure reliable coverage. The app intelligently selects the optimal network based on your location, whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote area.
Flexible plan management
Saily allows multiple eSIMs under a single account and offers easy top-ups through the app. You can purchase plans up to 30 days before activation, and they’ll automatically activate when you reach your destination. It even provides real-time data usage tracking and sends notifications when you’ve used 80% of your plan.
Saily: Installation
Saily offers one of the most user-friendly setup experiences in the eSIM market. The app features a clean, minimalistic interface that makes navigation intuitive even for first-time eSIM users. You can download the Saily app from Google Play or the App Store. After that, the entire setup process takes just a few minutes.
The onboarding flow is very streamlined, unlike some competitors. While most eSIM providers require you to scan QR codes, Saily automates the installation process with a single tap.
After purchasing your plan, the app provides clear on-screen instructions for eSIM installation directly within the interface. You simply navigate to your device settings and follow the prompts—no technical knowledge required.
Saily lets you set up the eSIM before departure, ensuring connectivity upon arrival at your destination. This is important since eSIM activation requires an active internet connection. The app clearly explains this requirement and guides you through the pre-installation process.
Saily: Performance
Saily delivers solid performance across its extensive network of over 200 destinations worldwide. The service partners with major local carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, Vodafone, and Orange, to ensure reliable coverage. You can expect 5G speeds where available, though actual performance varies by location and local infrastructure.
But coverage quality shows some regional variation. In Thailand, Saily connects to the True network, one of the country’s top providers, delivering reliable LTE and 4G service even in remote areas like Khao Yai National Park.
However, some destinations present challenges—users reported connectivity issues at Hanoi airport in Vietnam, where the service struggled to connect beyond 3G on Vietnamobile.
Saily: Customer support
Saily offers 24/7 live chat assistance directly through their app. Response times are impressively fast, with users reporting connections to human agents within minutes rather than hours.
The support team demonstrates patience and persistence—reviewers note how the team doesn’t give up even when initial troubleshooting fails, ultimately resolving connectivity issues.
Support channels include both live chat and email options, with the app-based chat being the primary method. People consistently praise the helpfulness and responsiveness of the support team across multiple reviews.
Saily also provides comprehensive setup guides and troubleshooting resources within the app, helping users resolve common issues independently.
Saily: Competition
Saily faces a few common eSIM limitations that some competitors address better. The service is data-only, meaning you can’t make traditional calls or send text messages. It’s a drawback compared to providers like Airalo and Holafly, which include phone numbers in certain destinations.
Also, while Saily’s coverage spans 200+ countries, Airalo and Airhub offer better coverage quality across many locations, giving them an edge for travelers visiting more remote areas of the world.
That said, most eSIM providers lack Saily’s integrated security features like ad blocking and virtual location services. This is a direct benefit of being part of the NordVPN family, since Saily is able to draw from the VPN’s strong online security and privacy features.
Saily: Final verdict
Saily offers excellent value for travelers seeking secure yet affordable mobile data, with unlimited plans and global coverage. And with the addition of Nord Security’s privacy features, it’s a standout choice for travellers visiting politically conflicted regions or places with strong censorship.
While the data-only limitation and occasional regional connectivity issues prevent it from being perfect, Saily’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
The exceptional customer support and user-friendly app experience make it ideal for both eSIM newcomers and experienced travelers. For most international trips, Saily delivers the connectivity you need at prices that won’t break your budget.
Saily: FAQs
Can I make phone calls or send SMS messages with Saily eSIM?
No, Saily is a data-only eSIM service, which means you cannot make traditional phone calls or send SMS messages through the Saily connection. However, you can still use VoIP apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, Skype, or FaceTime to make calls and send messages.
Do I need the internet to activate my Saily eSIM?
Yes, you need an active internet connection to activate your Saily eSIM, which is why it’s recommended to set up your plan before departure. But luckily, Saily doesn’t actually activate the eSIM.
Can I reinstall my Saily eSIM on a different device?
Yes, Saily allows you to reinstall your eSIM on different devices as long as you’re using the same email address to log into the Saily app. However, keep in mind that you can only use the eSIM on one device at a time. Reinstallation also requires an active internet connection, so make sure you have a data source available when switching devices.
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