Saily eSIM Portugal Review 2026: Real Speed Tests, Plans and Coverage
- Nico Dudli
- 2 days ago
- 15 min read
Mobile data is one of the first things most travelers need after landing in Portugal, whether for Google Maps, Uber, hotel messages, translation apps or public transport information.
I tested Saily's eSIM, including the premium Saily Ultra plan, from Zurich Airport to Lisbon Airport, Praça do Comércio and the narrow streets of Alfama. I will continue updating this review as I travel south through Portugal and the Algarve.
For travelers arriving from the United States, using an eSIM can also help avoid expensive international roaming charges from carriers such as AT&T or Verizon. At around $10 per day, a two-week roaming pass can add approximately $140 to the cost of a trip.
New to eSIMs? Start with my guide: What Is an eSIM and How Does It Work?
Quick answer: Is Saily a good eSIM for travelers visiting Portugal?
Yes. Based on my real-world tests in Lisbon, Alcochete and Vila Nova de Milfontes, Saily is a strong eSIM choice for travelers visiting Portugal.
During my trip, Saily connected to both NOS and Vodafone Portugal and reached download speeds of up to 134.74 Mbps. Google Maps, Uber, FaceTime, Google Meet, mobile hotspot use and Netflix all worked without noticeable interruptions.
For most travelers, I recommend:
5 GB for a short 5–7 day trip
10 GB for one to two weeks of normal use
20 GB for regular social media uploads, video calls and hotspot use
Unlimited for intensive remote work or daily streaming
Verified Saily discount for Portugal: The Saily discount code TECHNOVICE gives 10% off eligible Portugal and Europe eSIM plans. I verified the code during checkout in June 2026.
Affiliate disclosure: TechNovice is a Saily affiliate partner. I may receive a commission when the code is used, at no additional cost to you. This does not affect how I conduct or report my tests.
Landing in Lisbon: Saily connected instantly to NOS
I installed and activated the Saily eSIM before departure, as recommended.
The moment I switched off Airplane Mode after landing at Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, the eSIM connected to Portugal's NOS network. The plane was still taxiing when iMessages began arriving. This means travelers can go online immediately without visiting a physical SIM counter or relying on airport Wi-Fi to book a ride.
I ran a speed test while still inside the aircraft.
Metric | Result |
|---|---|
Download | 26.59 Mbps |
Upload | 3.65 Mbps |
Ping | 110 ms |
Packet loss | 9.32% |
Network | NOS |
Device | iPhone 15 Pro |
Connection | LTE |
Date | June 16, 2026, 8:56 PM |
Test ID |
The download speed was already sufficient for messaging, Google Maps, email and ordering an Uber.
The relatively high packet loss may have been caused by the aircraft's metal fuselage, the connection still stabilizing after landing or temporary network conditions. The connection improved significantly after leaving the airport.
Verified test result: Saily connected to Portugal's NOS network within seconds of landing at Lisbon Airport. It recorded 26.59 Mbps download, 3.65 Mbps upload and 110 ms ping on June 16, 2026.
Praça do Comércio: Stable LTE in central Lisbon
Later that evening, I tested the connection again at Praça do Comércio, Lisbon's large riverside square.
Metric | Result |
|---|---|
Download | 62.54 Mbps |
Upload | 47.40 Mbps |
Ping | 110 ms |
Packet loss | 0% |
Device | iPhone 15 Pro |
Connection | LTE |
Date | June 17, 2026, 12:02 AM |
Test ID |
The connection had fully stabilized by this point. The 62.54 Mbps download speed and especially the 47.40 Mbps upload speed were more than sufficient for navigation, video calls, uploading photos and streaming.
A familiar view for San Francisco travelers: From the Lisbon waterfront, the Ponte 25 de Abril may remind visitors of the Golden Gate Bridge because of its suspension design and International Orange color. However, it was built by the same company responsible for the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, not the Golden Gate Bridge. During my test near the Tagus waterfront, Saily recorded zero packet loss.
Alfama speed test: 90 Mbps in Lisbon's old town
Alfama is one of Lisbon's oldest neighborhoods. Its narrow alleys, steep hills, and thick historic stone buildings can make it a challenging environment for mobile reception. It’s also where you’ll be hunting down the famous yellow Tram 28 or stopping at a local bakery for a warm Pastel de Nata (the iconic Portuguese egg tart).
Despite these conditions, Saily performed better in Alfama than it did at Praça do Comércio.
Metric | Result |
|---|---|
Download | 90.48 Mbps |
Upload | 72.42 Mbps |
Ping | 120 ms |
Packet loss | 0% |
Network | NOS |
Device | iPhone 15 Pro |
Connection | LTE |
Date | June 17, 2026, 10:31 AM |
Test ID |
A download speed of 90.48 Mbps and upload speed of 72.42 Mbps are enough for:
4K video streaming
Google Meet and Zoom calls
FaceTime
Uploading large photos and videos
Using a laptop through a mobile hotspot
Cloud-based work
The connection remained stable, with no packet loss during the test. This was more than sufficient for Google Maps, uploading photos, video calls and hotspot use while walking through Alfama's narrow streets.
Verified test result: Saily recorded 90.48 Mbps download, 72.42 Mbps upload and 0% packet loss in Lisbon's Alfama district on June 17, 2026.
Coverage outside Lisbon
After testing Saily across Lisbon, I continued south and ran additional speed tests in Alcochete and Vila Nova de Milfontes.
Freeport Outlet, Alcochete: Just across the Tagus from Lisbon, Saily connected to Vodafone Portugal instead of NOS — a useful reminder that Saily roams across multiple local networks depending on location.
Metric | Result |
Download | 130.01 Mbps |
Upload | 5.26 Mbps |
Ping | 123 ms |
Packet loss | 2.64% |
Network | Vodafone Portugal |
Date | June 17, 2026, 2:23 PM |
Test ID |
Vila Nova de Milfontes: My first real test outside the greater Lisbon area — a small coastal town on the Alentejo coast. Saily connected here to NOS.
Metric | Result |
Download | 134.74 Mbps |
Upload | 13.61 Mbps |
Ping | 122 ms |
Packet loss | 0% |
Network | NOS |
Date | June 17, 2026, 6:45 PM |
Test ID |
Both tests show that Saily also performed well during the first part of my journey outside Lisbon. The strongest result so far was 134.74 Mbps with zero packet loss in Vila Nova de Milfontes.
I am continuing south through Portugal and will update this review with results from the Algarve and additional coastal locations. The current findings cover Lisbon, Alcochete and the Alentejo coast, but they should not be interpreted as a complete nationwide coverage test.
Real-world use: Hotspot, FaceTime, Google Meet and Netflix
Speed tests are useful, but they do not always show how an eSIM performs during everyday use.
During my Lisbon test, I used Saily for:
Google Maps and navigation
Uber
iMessage
FaceTime calls
Google Meet
Email and cloud applications
Mobile hotspot use
Netflix streaming
I used my iPhone as a hotspot for a Google Meet call to catch up on some remote work. The call ran without noticeable lag, dropped audio or connection interruptions.
FaceTime calls back home also worked without problems. In the evening, we streamed Netflix over the same connection without buffering.
My test used Saily Ultra, which gave me enough data to test streaming and hotspotting without worrying about a fixed data allowance.
Important: Saily is data-only
Saily does not normally include a Portuguese phone number, traditional phone calls or SMS.
You can keep your regular SIM active for your existing number and use the Saily eSIM only for mobile data. On an iPhone, your regular number can remain connected to iMessage and FaceTime while Saily handles the mobile data connection.
On an iPhone, make sure that:
your normal SIM remains selected for calls and SMS
Saily is selected for mobile data
data roaming is enabled for the Saily line
data roaming is disabled for your home SIM, unless your normal plan includes Portugal
Setup guides:
Saily Portugal plans and prices in 2026
The following prices were checked during checkout in June 2026. For complete plan options, you can read my comprehensive guide to Saily eSIM plans.
Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
1 GB | 7 days | $3.99 |
3 GB | 30 days | $7.99 |
5 GB | 30 days | $9.99 |
10 GB | 30 days | $16.99 |
20 GB | 30 days | $27.99 |
Unlimited | 10 to 30 days | From $48.99 |
The Saily discount code TECHNOVICE gives 10% off eligible Saily Portugal and Europe eSIM plans. I verified the discount during checkout in June 2026.
Prices and available packages can change, so check the current checkout price before purchasing.
How much data do you need for Portugal?
The right package depends more on your usage than on the number of days you are traveling.
Trip and usage | Recommended data |
|---|---|
Weekend with maps and messaging | 1 GB |
5 to 7 days with light use | 3 to 5 GB |
7 to 10 days with social media | 5 to 10 GB |
10 to 14 days with normal use | 10 to 20 GB |
Frequent video calls and hotspot use | 20 GB |
Daily streaming or intensive remote work | Unlimited |
For most travelers spending around two weeks in Portugal, the 20 GB plan for $27.99 is likely the most balanced option.
It should provide enough data for Google Maps, messaging, browsing, social media, occasional video calls, some hotspot use, and occasional streaming. Saily also marks the 20 GB package as its recommended choice for Portugal.
My own test used Saily Ultra rather than the fixed 20 GB package, so I did not measure whether my total consumption stayed below exactly 20 GB.
Portugal plan or Europe Regional Plan?
Choose a Portugal-specific plan when Portugal is your only destination.
Choose the Europe Regional Plan when you will use the same eSIM in several European countries, for example Portugal, Spain and France.
Saily Europe Regional Plan prices
Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
1 GB | 7 days | $4.99 |
3 GB | 30 days | $12.49 |
5 GB | 30 days | $19.49 |
10 GB | 30 days | $35.99 |
50 GB | 90 days | $95.99 |
Unlimited | 7 to 30 days | From $49.99 |
The Europe Regional Plan covers 35 destinations using one eSIM profile. However, the regional packages are noticeably more expensive than Portugal-only plans at the same data level.
For example:
Package | Portugal plan | Europe plan |
|---|---|---|
1 GB | $3.99 | $4.99 |
3 GB | $7.99 | $12.49 |
5 GB | $9.99 | $19.49 |
10 GB | $16.99 | $35.99 |
Simple rule: If Portugal is the only country where you need data, buy the Portugal plan. Choose the Europe plan only when you are crossing borders and want to keep using the same package.
Read my broader test here: Saily eSIM Europe Review
Is unlimited data worth it in Portugal?
Unlimited data is mainly useful for travelers who work remotely every day, frequently use their phone as a hotspot, stream several hours of video, or do not want to monitor data consumption.
For normal holiday use, a fixed 10 GB or 20 GB package will usually be cheaper.
Saily's Unlimited plans include 5 GB of high-speed data per day. After that daily allowance has been used, speeds may be reduced to 1 Mbps until the allowance resets. This means unlimited data does not necessarily mean unlimited data at maximum speed.
Saily Ultra vs. a normal Portugal eSIM
Saily Ultra combines international mobile data with several additional travel and security benefits.
Tier | Monthly price | High-speed data | Additional benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
Ultra Standard | $29.99 | 5 GB | Lounge access, fast-track, Nord security tools, cashback |
Ultra Plus | $44.99 | 10 GB | Lounge access, fast-track, Nord security tools, cashback |
Ultra Premium | $59.99 | 30 GB | Lounge access, fast-track, Nord security tools, cashback |
The Ultra plans cover more than 121 destinations, including Portugal. Depending on the selected tier and availability, benefits can include airport lounge access, airport fast-track, lounge access after qualifying flight delays, NordVPN, NordPass, NordLocker, Incogni, and cashback on additional data.
A standard Portugal package is usually cheaper for a single holiday. Saily Ultra may offer good value for frequent travelers who would otherwise pay separately for airport lounge access, VPN software and other security services.
Saily Ultra lounge test at Zurich Airport
Before flying to Lisbon, I used the lounge benefit included with my Saily Ultra plan at Zurich Airport. This can be useful for travelers with a longer layover before continuing to Portugal.
I opened the lounge voucher in the Saily app and presented the QR code at the entrance to the Aspire Lounge, which was available through Saily's partner platform. The process worked without problems. The lounge offered food, Swiss specialties, drinks, beer and a stable Wi-Fi connection.
While in the lounge, I also ran a Swisscom 5G speed test.
Metric | Result |
|---|---|
Download | 317.95 Mbps |
Upload | 39.86 Mbps |
Ping | 22 ms |
Packet loss | 0% |
Network | Swisscom |
Date | June 16, 2026, 2:53 PM |
Test ID |
This Swisscom test does not represent Saily's performance in Portugal. It only documents the connection available before departure and forms part of my separate Saily Ultra test.
Read the full review: Saily Ultra Review
Battery test with dual SIM
I kept my normal Swiss SIM active alongside the Saily eSIM throughout the day.
We left the hotel at approximately 11 AM and did not recharge the phone until around 11 PM. At that point, my iPhone 15 Pro still had approximately 30% battery remaining.
During that time, I heavily used navigation, mobile data, photography, FaceTime, Google Meet via hotspot, messaging, and regular browsing. Based on this test, using Saily alongside a normal SIM did not cause a noticeable or unusual level of battery drain, even while navigating the steep, cobblestone ascents of Lisbon.
Carrier-lock warning for US travelers
Your phone must be carrier-unlocked before you can install and use most travel eSIMs. This is particularly important for travelers using phones purchased through AT&T, Verizon or another carrier installment plan.
Before departure, check whether your device is unlocked. An active carrier lock can prevent Saily from installing or connecting even when the phone technically supports eSIMs.
For troubleshooting, see my guide: Saily eSIM Problems and Fixes
Saily vs. Airalo vs. Holafly for Portugal
Saily, Airalo and Holafly use different pricing models, so the cheapest option depends on your data consumption and trip length.
Saily mainly offers fixed data packages. Airalo and Holafly also offer unlimited packages priced according to the number of travel days.
Saily Portugal
Saily is generally most attractive when a fixed amount of data is enough.
Examples:
Plan | Price |
|---|---|
5 GB for 30 days | $9.99 |
10 GB for 30 days | $16.99 |
20 GB for 30 days | $27.99 |
Unlimited | From $48.99 |
The Saily discount code TECHNOVICE gives 10% off eligible Portugal and Europe eSIM plans. Verified during checkout in June 2026.
Airalo Portugal
The following Airalo Portugal prices were checked during checkout in June 2026.
Validity | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
3 days | Unlimited | $11.50 |
5 days | Unlimited | $19.00 |
7 days | Unlimited | $27.00 |
10 days | Unlimited | $35.00 |
15 days | Unlimited | $49.00 |
30 days | Unlimited | $69.00 |
Airalo's Portugal eSIM can connect to NOS and additional partner networks. Using the same Portuguese network does not necessarily mean that Saily and Airalo will provide identical performance. Speeds and latency can differ due to routing, network agreements, prioritization and the eSIM provider's infrastructure.
Holafly Portugal
Holafly offers both short-term travel eSIMs and monthly subscription plans.
Plan | Price | Included |
|---|---|---|
Portugal travel eSIM, 6 days | $23.90 | Unlimited data |
Holafly Plans Light | $49.90/month | 25 GB |
Holafly Plans Unlimited | $64.90/month | Unlimited data and phone number |
The 6-day travel eSIM is aimed at a single Portugal trip. The monthly Holafly Plans products are better suited to longer trips, frequent travelers or people who want one ongoing international subscription.
Code NOVICE gives 5% off Holafly travel eSIMs and 10% off Holafly Plans for the first 12 months. The discounts were verified during checkout in June 2026.
Comparison for a 10-day Portugal trip
Provider | Package | Price before discount |
|---|---|---|
Saily | 10 GB for 30 days | $16.99 |
Saily | 20 GB for 30 days | $27.99 |
Saily | Unlimited for 10 days | From $48.99 |
Airalo | Unlimited for 10 days | $35.00 |
Holafly | Unlimited | Check exact 10-day checkout price |
For normal use, Saily's 10 GB or 20 GB packages are cheaper than Airalo's 10-day unlimited package. Airalo may be more suitable when you want unlimited data and do not want to monitor consumption. Holafly can also be attractive for heavy users.
My recommendation for travelers
For most travelers spending 7–14 days in Portugal, Saily's 10 GB or 20 GB plan offers the best balance of price, coverage and practical usability.
Choose Airalo if unlimited data is more important than the lowest price. Choose Holafly if you prefer an unlimited travel plan or an ongoing subscription.
The Saily discount code TECHNOVICE gives 10% off eligible Portugal plans.
Where each provider is strongest
Choose Saily when:
you want an affordable fixed data package
you mainly use maps, messaging and social media
you need occasional hotspot access
10 GB or 20 GB is enough
you want the option to upgrade to Saily Ultra
Choose Airalo when:
you want unlimited data for a clearly defined number of days
you do not want to monitor data usage
you prefer a simple daily travel package
Choose Holafly when:
unlimited data is your main priority
you prefer its monthly subscription model
you want a plan that can include a phone number
Read the full comparisons:
Frequently asked questions
Does Saily work in Portugal?
Yes. During my tests, Saily connected within seconds of landing and worked reliably in Lisbon, Alcochete and Vila Nova de Milfontes. It connected to both NOS and Vodafone Portugal and reached speeds of up to 134.74 Mbps.
Which network does Saily use in Portugal?
During my tests, Saily connected to NOS in Lisbon and Vila Nova de Milfontes and to Vodafone Portugal in Alcochete. The selected network can vary by location, availability and current roaming agreements.
Does Saily support 5G in Portugal?
My Lisbon tests connected over LTE rather than 5G. The speeds were still strong, reaching up to 90.48 Mbps in Alfama. 5G availability may depend on your specific location, device, plan and local network conditions.
How much does Saily cost in Portugal?
Portugal packages started at $3.99 for 1 GB with seven days of validity when checked in June 2026. Other options included 3 GB for $7.99, 5 GB for $9.99, 10 GB for $16.99, 20 GB for $27.99, and Unlimited data from $48.99.
Which Saily plan is best for seven days in Portugal?
For light use, 3 GB may be sufficient. For maps, messaging, social media and regular browsing, 5 GB is a safer option. Choose 10 GB if you plan to make video calls, stream content or use a mobile hotspot.
Which Saily plan is best for 14 days?
For two weeks of normal travel use, 10 GB to 20 GB is the safest range. The 20 GB package is the most flexible fixed-data choice if you plan to use social media, video calls or a hotspot.
Is the Portugal plan cheaper than the Europe plan?
Yes. The Portugal-specific package is significantly cheaper than the Europe Regional Plan at the same data level. The Europe plan only makes sense if you will also use the eSIM in other supported European countries.
Is Saily data-only?
Yes. Saily primarily provides mobile data. It does not normally provide a Portuguese phone number, traditional calls or SMS. Apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, iMessage, Signal and Microsoft Teams still work over mobile data.
Can I use Saily as a hotspot?
Yes. Hotspotting worked during my Lisbon test. I used the connection for a Google Meet call without noticeable lag or dropped audio.
Is Saily Unlimited really unlimited?
The package provides unlimited total data, but high-speed data is subject to a daily allowance. After 5 GB of high-speed usage in one day, speeds may be reduced to 1 Mbps until the daily allowance resets.
Is Saily or Airalo cheaper in Portugal?
For travelers who can stay within a fixed data allowance, Saily is generally cheaper. For example, Saily's 20 GB package cost $27.99, while Airalo's unlimited 10-day package cost $35.00 when checked in June 2026.
Is Saily or Holafly better for Portugal?
Saily is usually more affordable for travelers who only need 5 GB, 10 GB or 20 GB. Holafly may be more suitable for travelers who want unlimited data or an ongoing monthly plan.
Can I keep my normal phone number?
Yes. You can leave your normal SIM active for calls, SMS and your existing phone number while using Saily for mobile data. Be careful to disable data roaming on your home SIM to avoid unexpected roaming fees.
Does Saily drain the battery?
I did not notice unusual battery drain during my test. After approximately 12 hours of dual-SIM use, my iPhone 15 Pro still had around 30% battery remaining.
Saily Portugal discount code for 2026
The Saily discount code TECHNOVICE gives 10% off eligible Saily Portugal and Europe eSIM plans. I verified the discount during checkout in June 2026.
To use the discount:
1. Select a Saily Portugal or Europe eSIM plan.
2. Continue to checkout.
3. Enter TECHNOVICE in the promo code field.
4. Confirm that the discount appears before payment.
The code does not increase the normal price. TechNovice may receive an affiliate commission when it is used, at no additional cost to you.
For the latest verification status, visit my Saily discount code page.
Final verdict: Is Saily worth it for Portugal?
Based on my tests in Lisbon, Alcochete and Vila Nova de Milfontes, Saily is a reliable and competitively priced eSIM for travelers visiting Portugal.
It connected within seconds of landing, worked on both NOS and Vodafone Portugal and reached download speeds of up to 134.74 Mbps.
Hotspotting, Google Meet, FaceTime, Google Maps and Netflix all worked without noticeable interruptions.
For most travelers, I recommend:
5 GB for a short 5–7 day trip
10 GB for one to two weeks of normal use
20 GB for frequent social media uploads, video calls and hotspot use
Unlimited for intensive remote work or daily streaming
For most travelers, the 10 GB or 20 GB Portugal plan offers the best balance of price and data.
A standard Portugal package is the best-value choice for most one-time trips. Saily Ultra can make sense for frequent travelers who will also use the airport lounge access, fast-track benefits and Nord security tools.
The current tests cover Lisbon, Alcochete and Vila Nova de Milfontes. I will continue updating the review with results from the Algarve and additional locations across southern Portugal.
The Saily discount code TECHNOVICE gives 10% off eligible Portugal plans. I verified the code during checkout in June 2026. You can also check my regularly updated Saily discount code page for the latest verification status.
More Saily guides
About the author: I'm Nico Dudli, Programme Lead for Marketing and Digital Technologies at BVS St. Gallen and founder of TechNovice. I test eSIMs and digital travel services under real-world conditions and document both the strengths and limitations I experience.