Saily Review: Is It the Best Travel eSIM Solution for You?

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Written by Maria Gomez
Aug 22, 2024 7-min read

Saily is NordVPN's newly launched eSIM, tailored for global travelers. 

But is it the right fit for your travels, and which plan is best? If these are your questions, you've come to the right place. 

Our review thoroughly examines Saily's features, coverage, and pricing, providing the essential insights to determine if this is the best eSIM option. Let’s get started!

Saily eSIM Home

What is Saily eSIM?

Introduced in 2024 by NordVPN, Saily eSIM is available in over 150 countries. It leverages eSIM technology, enabling you to activate and manage mobile data plans through an intuitive app, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards.

What is eSIM?

An eSIM, or embedded SIM, allows you to activate your cellular data plan directly on your device without needing a physical SIM. This is particularly advantageous for you as it removes the complications and risks of obtaining local SIM cards wherever you travel.

Many eSIM providers cater to international travelers. For example, iRoamly offers services across over 100 countries with various data packages, including local, regional, and global plans, featuring daily, total, and unlimited data options to suit various needs.

Next, we'll examine Saily's features and offerings to better understand their eSIM service.  

eSIM Icon

Methodology and Our Conclusion

Following our introduction to Saily eSIM and its basic functionalities, this review will further dissect its pros and cons, aiming to analyze its services comprehensively. Our goal is to present a balanced overview that will help you gauge whether Saily eSIM effectively meets your needs.

  • Pros and Cons: First, we outline the advantages and disadvantages of using Saily eSIM. This gives you a snapshot of what to expect.

  • Detailed Analysis: We will then delve into each aspect, including packages and data plans, pricing, operators, coverage, data speeds, and additional services such as app functionality, activation time, data management tools, and customer support.

Research Methodology

Pros:

  • Worldwide Availability: Saily is accessible in over 150 countries, making it highly versatile for international travelers.

  • User-Friendly App: The Saily app supports Android and iOS and is designed for easy use, ensuring quick setup and activation within minutes.

  • Transparent Pricing: Saily stands out for its straightforward pricing with no hidden fees, which enhances users' budget management.

  • Reliable Support: Around-the-clock live chat support can assist with any inquiries or issues.

  • Hotspot Capability: Supports mobile hotspot usage, allowing you to share your data connection with other devices.

  • Trusted Brand: Backed by NordVPN, known for its strong security and reliability.

Saily eSIM App Google Play

Cons:

  • Limited Functionality: Saily supports data-only plans, meaning no phone calls or SMS capabilities are included.

  • No unlimited or daily data plans are available.  

  • Limited Plan Options: The range of plans is somewhat restricted, which could be a drawback for users seeking more flexibility.

  • App Dependency: To activate and manage your eSIM, using the Saily app is essential, which might not suit everyone's preferences.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the specifics of Saily's offerings.

Saily eSIM Packages, Coverage & Data Plan

Data Plans:

Understanding the different types of data plans available is crucial as it affects how you use your device abroad. Typically, eSIM providers offer three main types of data services:

Cellular Data Icon

  • Data Only: This plan provides internet access but doesn’t support voice calls or SMS.

  • Data & Call Only: This includes internet and voice calls but excludes SMS.

  • Data, Call, & SMS: The most comprehensive, covering data, voice calls, and text messaging.

Based on the typical offerings, data plans can be categorized into three general types: Daily, Total, and Unlimited. While the naming may vary, the core concept remains consistent across different providers.

Saily eSIM Data Plans Available

Data Plan

Explain

Is ByteSIM Available

Validity Periods Range

Daily

Fixed data amount per day, resets every 24 hours.

No

N/A

Unlimited

Unlimited data usage but may experience throttling.

No

N/A

Total

Total data allowance with no daily limits.

Yes

Mainly 7/15/30 days, up to 365 days

Saily eSIM Packages Coverage

Package Type

Explain

Saily eSIM - Data Allowance

Saily eSIM - Data Coverage

Saily eSIM - Data Plan

Local eSIMs

Offers data service within a specific country.

1/3/5/10/20GB

150+ countries

Data only, Total plan

Regional eSIMs

Covers several countries within a region.

1/3/5/10/20/50/100GB

Asia, Africa, Middle East, etc

Data only, Total plan

Global eSIMs

Provides connectivity across multiple continents.

1/3/5/10/20GB

105 countries

Data only, Total plan

Summary of Saily eSIM's Offerings:

  • Data Type: Saily provides data-only options, meaning that voice calls and SMS are not supported.

  • Data Allowance: The primary offerings range from 1GB to 20 GB. Larger packages are scarce and typically confined to certain regions, with no options for daily or unlimited plans.

Saily eSIM Turkey Data Plans

  • Plan Flexibility and Duration: Most packages for specific countries or regions are available for fixed periods of 7 or 30 days, whereas global packages can extend from 7 to 365 days. Options within these durations are limited, usually with just one data plan available per duration, although 30-day plans may present more variety.

  • Coverage: Saily offers regional and global packages for over 150 destinations. However, its global coverage is limited to 105 countries, and the range of available regional data plans is somewhat restricted.

Saily eSIM Global Pacakge Supported Countries 105

Final Thoughts:

Saily provides a range of fixed options with moderate coverage best suited for travelers, with itineraries lasting from a week to a month. The data allowances are generally modest, with 1GB plans being ideal for those looking to manage their data usage without wastage.

However, the limited flexibility and lack of higher data allowances could pose constraints for those requiring more versatile or extensive data needs. Always verify that your destination is adequately covered by Saily’s services to ensure seamless travel connectivity.

Saily eSIM Pricing

Having examined Saily eSIM's packages and coverage, let's now focus on another critical aspect: pricing.  

Rising Cost Icon

Methodology

To provide a clear view of Saily eSIM's pricing, we've organized tables showing the costs for Local, Regional, and Global plans. 

These tables emphasize the most popular travel destinations, primarily featuring 1GB or 1-day plans for straightforward comparison. In cases where these aren't available, we list the smallest package, such as 3GB, to maintain clarity.

Here's how Saily eSIM's plans are priced across various prominent travel destinations:

Local Plans (USD)

Plan

United States

France

Japan

Spain

China

Portugal

United Kingdom

Colombia

Indonesia

Canada

1 GB - 7 days

$3.99

$3.99

$3.99

$3.99

$4.49

$3.99

$4.49

$6.99

$4.79

$5.29

Regional eSIM Plans (USD)

Plan

Africa

Asia

Caribbean Islands

Europe

Latin America

Middle East and North Africa

1 GB - 7 days

$26.79

$4.99

$14.99

$4.99

$13.99

$13.99

Global Plans Pricing (USD)

1 GB - 7 days

1 GB - 15 days

3 GB - 30 days

5 GB - 60 days

10 GB - 180 days

20 GB - 365 days

$8.99

$16.49

$23.49

$33.99

$56.99

$66.99

Conclusion on Saily eSIM’s Price

Starting price: Saily's starting price is quite reasonable at around $3.99. 

Regional Price Differences: However, regional price variations are significant. For instance, while 1 GB for 7 days costs $26.79 in Africa, it is much cheaper in Egypt at $6.29. This suggests that if your travel is limited to a few countries, opting for country-specific packages might be more cost-effective.

Saily eSIM 1GB 7 Days Price Africa vs Egypt

Recharge Costs: Additional costs may accrue from top-ups, especially if opting for smaller, weekly plans.

Final Thoughts

Prices are generally moderate, but some are higher. The 1GB options help manage costs effectively. 

When selecting a plan, consider your travel itinerary, data needs, and how the price per GB or day compares to other eSIM providers, especially for regional and global packages where the possibility of needing a top-up should be weighed carefully.

  • Evaluate the ease of switching between plans or carriers as your travel needs change.

  • Look for additional benefits such as free trials, bundled services, or exclusive deals that could enhance the value of your eSIM purchase.

Saily’s Operators, Coverage, Data Speeds, and More

After delving into pricing details, it’s crucial to explore Saily eSIM's network support features, which directly affect your overall experience.

Overview

Feature

Description

Operators

Varied and solid, depending on the destination.

Support Countries

Coverage in over 150 countries.

Offered Cellular Networks

Includes 5G, 4G, 3G, and LTE, varies by destination.

Phone Call & SMS

Not available; Saily offers data-only plans.

Device Support

Extensive; includes a compatibility list for eSIM-capable devices.

Operating System Compatibility

Supports iOS, Android, Google, and more.

Summary

Saily eSIM provides robust network support with coverage in over 150 countries and access to high-speed networks, including 5G, depending on your destination. 

5g Signa

However, it’s important to note the absence of voice and SMS services, which could be a drawback for users needing comprehensive communication options.

Additional Features Evaluated

Moving on, let's consider the additional features that enhance the usability and functionality of Saily eSIM.

Overview

Feature

Description

App

Available; enhances plan management and user experience.

Activation Time/ How to Use It

Quick activation via QR code or manual setup in phone settings.

Data Management Tools

Comprehensive tools to monitor and manage data usage.

Customer Support Channel

It includes 24/7 live chat, a help center, email, and FAQs; no phone support exists.

Setup and Activation Guide

Detailed guides are available to facilitate setup.

Hotspot

Supported; allows sharing of internet connection.

Summary

Saily eSIM’s additional features are strong, with a user-friendly app, efficient setup and activation options, and robust data management tools. 

Hotspot Icon

The support channels are comprehensive, though the lack of phone support might be a limitation for some users.

The Bottom Line

This wraps up our review of the Saily travel eSIM. 

We've spotlighted its extensive network coverage in over 150 countries, competitive pricing, and useful features. Nonetheless, the limitations in data plan variety, lack of voice and SMS capabilities, and the necessity for app-based management are factors to weigh carefully when selecting your travel eSIM solution. 

Happy travels!