Counter 08 · eSIM & Connectivity
Verified 06 Aug 2026
Saily
SANord Security's travel eSIM app
Saily is built by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN, and applies the same app-first, no-fuss approach to travel data plans. Coverage runs across 150-plus destinations with both fixed-data and unlimited options depending on the country. Familiarity with NordVPN's app quality is the main draw here over pure price.
What Saily eSIM Is
Saily is a data-only travel eSIM app from Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN. It sells prepaid mobile data plans for more than 150 countries and lets you install one straight from your phone, no shop visit, no physical SIM swap. Pick a country or regional bundle in the app, pay, and the eSIM activates over Wi-Fi or existing roaming within a few minutes.
Why It Matters for Digital Nomads
If you're landing in a new country every few weeks, the draw is one app and one account instead of relearning a local carrier each time. Saily sells regional bundles too, so a Southeast Asia loop or a run through the Schengen zone can run on a single multi-country plan rather than country-by-country buys. Most markets carry both a fixed-data tier and a separate unlimited option, though unlimited plans aren't sold everywhere Saily operates, so check the destination before assuming it's on offer.
The Catch
Saily is data only. There's no phone number attached, so anyone who needs a local number for banking checks, ride-hailing sign-up, or two-factor codes still needs a second option: a physical SIM or a VoIP number. You also need internet access to install the eSIM in the first place, so buy and activate it before you fly, or use airport Wi-Fi the moment you land, because you can't set it up once you're already offline. Speeds depend on the local partner network Saily leans on in each country, so they can vary from place to place. That's true of any reseller eSIM, not just Saily.
Pricing Reality
Saily has no subscription. You buy a data package for a country or region, use it, then buy again for the next stop. That suits anyone who wants to pay only for the trips they're actually taking, but it can also cost more than a single flat annual plan if you're crossing several countries in a short stretch. If you're weighing it against Airalo or Holafly, check current per-GB pricing for your specific route first. It varies by country and shifts over time, so we won't quote a number that could be stale by the time you read this.
What works
- One app and one account across 150+ countries, so there's nothing new to learn at each border
- Built by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN, so it comes from an established operator rather than an unknown startup
- Regional multi-country bundles exist alongside single-country plans, useful for a Southeast Asia or Europe loop rather than staying in one place
- No subscription: pay only for the data you use on each trip
What to watch
- Data-only: no calls or SMS number, so you still need a separate solution for local phone verification or two-factor codes
- You must activate the eSIM while you still have internet access, so activating after landing offline isn't possible
- Pay-as-you-go pricing can cost more than a flat annual plan if you're crossing many countries in quick succession, and unlimited-data tiers exist in only some markets
Questions at the counter
Is Saily worth it for digital nomads?
It's worth it if you'd rather have one consistent app across 150+ countries than chase the cheapest possible per-GB rate. Frequent movers save the hassle of learning a new local carrier each time, but heavy data users on a tight budget should compare per-country pricing against competitors before committing.
How many countries does Saily cover?
Saily covers more than 150 countries and destinations with a mix of single-country and multi-country regional plans. Coverage and plan type (fixed-data versus unlimited) vary by country, so check the specific destination in the app before buying.
Does Saily eSIM support calls and texts?
No. Saily plans are data-only with no phone number attached for calls or SMS. If you need a local number for banking, ride-hailing sign-up, or two-factor authentication, you'll need a separate SIM or VoIP number alongside Saily.
Is Saily better than Airalo?
Neither wins outright; both are data-only reseller eSIMs competing closely on coverage. Saily's edge is coming from Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN. The better deal usually comes down to which is cheaper for your specific country and data amount at the time you buy, so compare both before a big trip.