Saily in brief
Travel data eSIM provider Saily is created by the same company as NordVPN and offers a top-notch app with sophisticated features and fast customer support.
Pros and cons
Saily review contents
Introduction
Saily eSIM is a modern provider of data eSIMs for travel, created under the wing of NordVPN. Although it's a relatively new player in the market (founded in March 2024), it's quickly gaining attention thanks to its sophisticated app and quality services. If you're looking for a reliable virtual SIM card for your trips abroad, Saily is worth considering.
With coverage in 180 countries worldwide, Saily offers a wide range of data packages - from local eSIMs for individual countries to regional packages and global solutions. Thanks to NordVPN's technological background, Saily also brings several interesting additional features, such as integrated VPN or ad blocking for data savings.
In this review, we'll look at all aspects of the Saily service - from the purchase process through installation and usage to customer support. For a quick comparison of all available eSIMs for your destination, we recommend using our eSIM comparison tool, where you can filter by required data size, validity, and country - even multiple countries at once.
eSIM offering in a nutshell
- Cheapest plan:
- Cheapest plan 1GB:
- Plan with the most GB:
- Cheapest plan 5GB:
- Most with the longest validity:
- Cheapest plan 10GB:
- Cheapest GB per 1$:
- Cheapest plan 20GB:
Purchase process
Saily's website is very clear and easy to navigate, which corresponds to the company's technological background. The purchasing process is designed with an emphasis on simplicity and speed:
- Option to sign in using Google and Apple accounts
- Google Pay support for fast payments
- Clear selection of countries and data packages
- Clear information about coverage and conditions
During our testing, however, we encountered two problematic aspects:
- Under the login form, it's stated in small print that the company will send you marketing messages, with unsubscribing only possible via email. This approach is problematic from a GDPR and personal data protection perspective.
- After completing the purchase, it's necessary to download the Saily app to get the eSIM, as the QR code and activation details are not sent by email. This can be impractical if you prefer installation without the need for another app.
The payment process itself is very fast and trouble-free thanks to Google Pay integration. Overall, the purchasing process is at a good level, but the need to install the app to get the eSIM may be an obstacle for some users.
To compare different eSIM providers and their purchasing processes, we recommend using our eSIM comparison tool, which will help you find the most suitable solution for your trip.
App
The Saily app is one of the strongest aspects of this service. The app design follows the clean and clear style of the website and offers an intuitive interface that even less tech-savvy users can handle.
Main advantages of the Saily app:
- Clean, modern design with intuitive navigation
- Clear display of purchased eSIMs and their data usage
- Automatic data top-up feature when reaching the limit
- Integrated VPN thanks to connection with NordVPN
- Ad blocking and web protection for data savings
- Option to set virtual location using VPN
When opening the app, you'll find your purchased plan and information that installing the eSIM doesn't automatically start the data plan, which is a big advantage over some competing providers (for example, Yesim starts the plan immediately after purchase). This allows you to install the eSIM in advance and activate it only when you actually need it.
The only disadvantage of the app is that it stops working after data depletion and doesn't support "zero-rating," meaning access to the app without active data. This means that if you use up your data limit, you won't be able to use the app to purchase more data without WiFi access.
For comparison with other eSIM providers and their apps, check out our reviews of Airalo or Yesim.
eSIM installation
The Saily eSIM installation process is one of the smoothest we've ever tested. The entire process takes place directly in the app and is designed to be as simple as possible even for users without technical knowledge.
eSIM installation takes place in several simple steps:
- Select your purchased data plan in the app
- Click the button to install the eSIM
- The app guides you through the entire installation process
- At the end of installation, you get a reminder to turn on data roaming
It's important to mention that although the app installs the eSIM very smoothly, it doesn't turn it on automatically. To complete activation, you need to go to your phone's settings, turn on the newly installed eSIM, and set which SIM card will be used for data.
The reminder about the need to turn on data roaming is very useful, as it's the most common problem why newly installed eSIMs don't work. This detail shows that Saily truly thinks about user experience and tries to prevent common problems.
If you have a specific type of phone and need more detailed instructions on installing eSIMs, check out our guides on how to add eSIM to iPhone or how to add eSIM to Samsung. To check your phone's compatibility with eSIM technology, visit our list of phones with eSIM support.
Customer support
Customer support is one area where Saily truly excels. The support system is very well thought out and efficient, which is key especially when traveling, when you need quick solutions to potential problems.
Saily's customer support offers a multi-level approach:
- Help center with frequently asked questions and solutions
- Chatbot that tries to solve common problems
- Human support that takes over communication if the chatbot can't help
During our testing, we were very satisfied with the speed and quality of responses. Human support responded quickly, asked for necessary screenshots, and provided useful advice. Communication took place in a neutral, respectful tone, and we had no objections to the help provided.
This approach to customer support is significantly better than many competing eSIM providers. If you're traveling and need quick and efficient help, Saily is a very reliable choice in this regard.
To compare different eSIM providers and the quality of their customer support, we recommend using our eSIM comparison tool, which will help you find a provider with the best support for your destination.
Speed tests
To test the connection speed of Saily eSIM, we used a 5G network with good signal and direct visibility to the transmitter. The results were solid, but not fully utilizing the potential of the 5G network.
Measured values:
- Download speed: 174 Mbps
- Upload speed: 70 Mbps
These values are definitely sufficient for normal internet use, including high-definition video streaming, video calls, or downloading larger files. However, compared to the full potential of a 5G network, these speeds are still limited. For comparison, a local Swiss SIM card from Swisscom achieved speeds approaching 1 Gbps in the same environment.
An important finding was that data was precisely terminated after the limit was exhausted (in our case 1 GB and 7 MB). There is no reserve or gradual speed reduction - the connection simply turns off. Moreover, although the 5G and mobile data indicators were still on, the Saily app stopped working because it doesn't support "zero-rating."
For a better understanding of differences in mobile technologies, check out our articles 4G vs. LTE or 4G vs. 5G. If you need to estimate how much data you'll need on your trip, read our guides 2 GB of data - what it's enough for, 5 GB of data - what it's enough for, or 10 GB of data - what it's enough for.
Prices
Saily offers competitive prices for its data packages, which are often more advantageous than many other eSIM providers, especially in Asian countries. The pricing policy is transparent and offers good value for money.
Saily offers several types of eSIM packages:
- Local eSIM - valid in one country, ideal for stays longer than 7 days
- Regional eSIM - valid in all countries of a given region (Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Europe, etc.)
- Global eSIM - valid in 105 countries around the world
Prices vary by destination, but for an idea, here are a few examples (prices as of November 2024):
- USA: 1 GB / 7 days for $3.59
- United Kingdom: 1 GB / 7 days for $4.49
- Japan: 1 GB / 7 days for $3.99
- Global eSIM: 1 GB / 7 days for $8.99
Local eSIMs are the most cost-effective if you're staying in one country. Regional and global eSIMs are more expensive but offer flexibility when traveling between multiple countries. For short stays in several countries (e.g., a cruise), regional or global eSIMs may be more practical and economical.
Unlike some competitors like Airalo, Saily doesn't have a loyalty program, but it offers a referral program - for each successful referral, you get a $3 credit for new eSIMs.
To find the best price for your destination, we recommend using our eSIM comparison tool, which allows you to compare offers from various providers including Saily.
Customer feedback
Customer feedback is an important indicator of service quality. Saily has excellent ratings in app stores:
- Google Play Store: 4.8 out of 5 stars from approximately 17,000 reviews
- Apple App Store: 4.6 out of 5 stars from approximately 2,000 reviews
- Trustpilot: 4.1 out of 5 stars from more than 1,000 reviews
Positive feedback often mentions:
- "Intuitive app that can be used without any prior technical knowledge."
- "Very quick eSIM installation."
- "Excellent customer service."
- "Very attractive prices, especially in Asia."
- "Easy eSIM management in the app."
Negative feedback often mentions:
- "Connection problems in some locations."
- "Need to download the app to get the eSIM after purchase."
- "App doesn't work after data depletion."
- "Lower speeds than expected in some destinations."
Overall, customers are very satisfied with Saily's services, especially appreciating the intuitive app and quality customer support. Occasional connection or speed issues are common with other eSIM providers as well and often depend on the specific location and local network conditions.
For more information about alternative providers, check out our reviews of Airalo, Holafly, or eSIM4Travel.
Result (summary)
Saily eSIM is a relatively new but very high-quality provider of travel data eSIMs. Although it has only been on the market since March 2024, thanks to NordVPN's background, it brings a technologically advanced and user-friendly solution.
Main advantages of Saily:
- Clear and intuitive app with modern design
- Very fast and efficient customer support
- Smooth eSIM installation directly from the app
- Integrated VPN and ad blocking for data savings
- Competitive prices, especially in Asian countries
- Wide range of local, regional, and global plans
Shortcomings to consider:
- Need to install the app to get the eSIM after purchase
- Underutilized 5G network potential in some locations
- App doesn't work after data depletion (no zero-rating)
- Problematic personal data processing from GDPR perspective
Saily is an excellent choice for travel, especially if you appreciate a quality app and fast customer support. The user experience is at a very high level and at least comparable to established providers like Airalo. Connection speeds are sufficient for normal use, although they don't utilize the full potential of 5G networks.
To find the best eSIM for your specific needs, we recommend using our eSIM comparison tool on vefru.com, which allows you to filter offers by required data size, validity, and destination.
If you're planning a trip and want to learn more about connectivity options abroad, read our comprehensive guide eSIM for travel or check out frequently asked questions about eSIM.
