Welcome back, travelers and digital nomads. In 2024, traveling without an Internet connection is impossible, and you cannot fully rely on airports’ and hotels’ Wi-Fi. Instead, seasoned travelers choose eSIM for international trips. This technology installs a cell plan in your phone digitally – as a result, you use the local Internet in any part of the world. If you’re interested, let’s explore the youngest virtual SIM company on the market – Saily. In this Saily eSIM review, explore its pricing, data plans, and destinations, and compare Saily to its key competitors.
What’s eSIM, in Essence?
As a new eSIM user, you may wonder – what are they, in fact? Here’s a brief explanation: virtual SIM is a digital analog for a SIM card. Thus, you connect to the Internet and use data plans, but don’t put a plastic card in your phone’s slot. Advantages? There are many:
Saily eSIM card | Plastic SIM card |
Connect to the Internet without putting your original SIM card out | Replace your SIM card with a new card once you’re abroad |
Choose and buy the data plan in advance | Search for a beneficial SIM card at the airport or train station |
Avoid roaming charges | Pay for roaming in case you use the SIM card from your native country |
Pay less for eSIM plans | Pay more |
Receive bonuses for further trips and store all your plans in one place | Buy each SIM separately and receive no perks |
Over this guide, you’ll notice many more advantages of eSIM technologies while traveling. Yet, be ready for two drawbacks:
- Compatibility. Not all phones support the new technology. Ensure yours work with Saily by checking out this list.
- No phone calls. eSIM cannot replace a phone number. These tariffs cover only Internet and in-messenger calls. If you need a virtual number for calls, buy in separately.
Now that you know the basics, let’s see why Saily stands out (or doesn’t) among other virtual SIM providers according to Saily eSIM reviews.
What Does Saily Offer to eSIM Users?
Saily is a new project of NordVPN, released in 2023. This is a basic digital SIM solution for international trips with stable Internet connection in 200+ countries. Although the company doesn’t offer any special formats or services, this is a good eSIM provider for basic needs.
Destinations
Once you open the website, the company offers to choose from 200+ destinations. Enter the country’s name, and you’ll be redirected to the target page.
Regional Plans
According to reviews, many customers asked Saily for regional tariffs. Using this format, you get access to the Internet in several countries, using only 1 eSIM. Finally, the company offered 8 regional data plans:
- Africa;
- Asia;
- Caribbean Islands;
- Europe;
- Global;
- Latin America;
- Middle East and North Africa;
- North America.
It shows how Saily responds to customer complaints and offers. At the beginning of 2024, regional offers were not available. Now, you can connect to the whole continent, using one eSIM.
Speed
Internet speed is more contradicting. While some travelers praise the connection quality, others complain about it. In rare cases, the Internet wasn’t available during the whole trip due to technical issues. Most probably, the situation varies in different countries. The speed and connection were great in Canada and Australia, while the US and Japanese Internet was slow.
Pricing
While some complain about prices without discounts, others notice that local Internet is more expensive anyway. Compared to roaming charges during international travel and local connection and Europe, Saily is much cheaper. Compared to alternative eSIMs – for example, Airalo, the price is indeed a little higher. For example, a single GB of data costs you more than $3. Yet, you can economize by purchasing long-term tariffs. The discounts are also available during peak seasons.
Customer Support
Surprisingly, most of the positive reviews tell about excellent customer support. Some praise particular agents, while others thank the whole team. Saily’s support team is available 24/7, and, according to experience, indeed answers quickly.
Compatible Devices
Not all smartphones and tablets support eSIM technology. Before buying a plan, check if yours is on the list. Otherwise, you’ll lose money. Saily provides a list of compatible phones and regularly updates it. Before confirming your order, the company also asks to check your compatibility.
Installation Process
The service offers convenient installation via an application. You don’t need to scan QR codes or enter the plan details manually. Install, download the program, buy the tariffs, and activate it within several clicks. You will find detailed instructions in the app. However, some users struggle with activation. Luckily, the support team helped in all of the listed cases.
Alternative eSIM Providers
Priorities differ, as well as stings and weak points of eSIM providers. If you’re not satisfied with this company, consider the alternatives.
eSIM company | Why is it better than Saily? | Why is it worse than Saily? |
Yesim | More plan variations;Unlimited Internet plans are available;Loyal program with virtual points;More types of global plans. | Pre-paid data is more expensive. |
Holafly | Unlimited Internet connection;Customizable tariff duration;One plan can be supported on several devices. | No pre-paid data offers;limited hotspot (200 or 500 MB every day). |
Airalo | Cheaper long-term tariffs;For some countries, unlimited connection is available,in-app activation. | Worse speed and connection. |
Nomad eSIM | 3-country regional plans for small trips;short-term tariffs are commonly cheaper. | Negative reviews about customer support;Complicated eSIM installation. |
Final Thoughts on Saily for International Trips
The company is one of the youngest eSIM providers on the market. Thus, there are more features ahead and a few points for improvement. Currently, the provider stands out for caring customer support. Since users asked for regional eSIM offers, the provider introduced 8 plans for different parts of the world. As for the connection, it is sometimes slower compared to other companies. Not enough for working and downloading large files, it is still good for chatting, posting on social media, and using the maps.
Saily is often praised for its excellent customer support. If you have never used eSIM before, consider this company to receive timely assistance.
5G speed is available in most destinations and big cities. Somewhere, the speed may slow down to 4G or 3G.
Use the QR code, sent by the provider. By scanning it, you automatically install the new tariff.