There’s no faster mood-killer than coming home from the trip of a lifetime to receive the notification “you’ve incurred $300 in roaming charges.”
Though international roaming may seem like the most convenient way to get mobile data abroad, it can be an absolute budget drainer. Getting a local SIM card used to be the crafty traveler’s solution to getting high-speed internet without breaking the bank.
But what if you could get all the perks of a SIM card without the card?
That’s precisely what eSIM apps like Saily aim to give users. But how does Saily compare with competing eSIM services? Let’s do a deep dive to see if Saily is the best eSIM app on the market.
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM (embedded subscriber identity module) works exactly like a traditional SIM card minus the hassle of researching, buying, and inserting a physical card into your phone.
To get an eSIM, you download an eSIM app, choose a mobile data plan, install the eSIM, and activate your data plan through the app (or, in Saily’s case, it will automatically activate once you land in your destination). The whole process from start to finish should only take a couple of minutes.
Once you have your eSIM, you can get high-speed internet without having to turn on your international roaming.
eSIM Benefits
- Eliminate expensive international roaming fees.
- Avoid getting overcharged at the airport for a SIM card.
- Prevent your SIM card from being lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Get a more reliable connection than from public Wi-Fi.
- Protect yourself from cybersecurity risks that come with using public Wi-Fi.
- Save time — it’s faster than getting a physical SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi router.
- Reduce plastic waste — eSIMs are a plastic-free option!
The Saily eSIM app at a glance
Saily is on a mission to save travelers from outrageous roaming fees by offering affordable mobile data plans in selected countries across the globe. The app was created by Nord Security, the prestigious cybersecurity experts behind NordVPN. At a glance, Saily offers:
- Mobile data plans in 160+ destinations.
- Plans starting as low as $3.99.
- Plans ranging from 1 GB to unlimited data.
- Regional and global plans, which is great if you’re planning on visiting multiple countries.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes Saily stand out in the eSIM app market.
Saily Benefits
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Data plans in 160+ destinations | Stay connected worldwide — whether you’re soaking up the sun in Bali or trekking through the Andes. |
| Automatic activation | Forgot to activate your plan? No problem! Saily detects the moment you reach your destination and activates your plan for you. |
| Easy top-ups | If you’re running out of data, you can easily purchase more through the app with just a couple of taps. |
| One-time installation | You’ll only have to install an eSIM once, and then you can purchase and activate all future plans in the app. |
| Referral program | When you refer a friend to download the Saily app, they get $3 off their first data plan purchase and in turn, you get $3 off. These referrals are unlimited, so social butterflies could theoretically get free mobile data! |
| Data usage reminders | Saily notifies you when you’ve used 80% of your data. That way, you can top up on more data in the app or use your data more mindfully for the rest of your trip. |
| Regional plans | You can get regional plans for Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, the Caribbean, and North America. |
| Global plans | If you’re hopping between continents, you can get a global eSIM plan that covers 105 destinations. |
| Unlimited plans | Plan on streaming lots of music and videos? Enjoy unlimited data plans in selected countries across the globe. |
How is Saily different from its competitors?
- Automatic activation — the moment you arrive at your destination, your plan activates. No extra steps required!
- One-time eSIM installation — some providers require you to install a new eSIM with each new data plan, which can be a hassle since installation requires a stable network. With Saily, you install an eSIM only once, and then you can switch between data plans in the app.
- Plans for unique destinations — currently, some destinations like the Solomon Islands, Sudan, South Sudan, and Vanuatu are not covered by Saily’s top competitors.
When can you use an eSIM besides when you’re traveling?
Although eSIMs are most appealing to travelers looking for affordable mobile data while they’re on the go, using an eSIM app like Saily comes in handy in other situations, such as:
At the airport. Some airports only offer Wi-Fi access for an hour, or it can be very slow and unreliable. In this case, it is cheaper to get an eSIM than paying for premium Wi-Fi or getting a pocket Wi-Fi router.
In student accommodations. Students in crowded dormitories can struggle with spotty Wi-Fi due to the volume of people connected at once. If deadlines are imminent, an eSIM could be the quickest solution.
While working remotely. For students and professionals alike, using public Wi-Fi at cafes or other facilities comes with cybersecurity risks. It’s crucial to avoid situations that give cyber attackers opportunities to steal sensitive and personal information.
Final verdict
Is Saily the best eSIM app on the market? We’d say it’s definitely up there.
Saily offers mobile data plans in 160+ destinations, including regional, global, and unlimited plans.
It’s created by Nord Security, which is revered for its cybersecurity knowledge. It’s reasonable to expect that Saily will launch features in the future that make it more secure than its competitors.
Lastly, Saily has unique features that other eSIM apps lack, like activation on arrival and one-time eSIM installation to access any mobile data plan.
All in all, the Saily eSIM app is a great choice if you’re looking for short-term, affordable mobile data plans.
Mitchell is a tech enthusiast and travel writer who specializes in the latest gadgets that enhance the travel experience. He’s spent years backpacking through Europe and Asia, always on the lookout for the next big thing in travel technology.
