Saily eSIM Review 2026: Tested in 12 Countries + Discount Code
- Nico Dudli
- May 14
- 12 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Quick Answer: Is Saily Worth It in 2026?
Yes. Based on my real-world tests across 12 countries, Saily is a strong option for travelers who want simple installation, mobile hotspot support, reusable eSIM setup and built-in privacy features.
It performed particularly well in cities, tourist regions and remote-work situations. As with every mobile provider, performance became less predictable in rural areas and depended on the available local network.
Testing note: This review is based on my own Saily tests across 12 countries, including speed measurements, hotspot use and real travel situations. Current Saily offer details are tracked separately in my Saily Coupon & Discount Guide.
The 35% discount was verified at checkout on July 1, 2026. The 20 GB North America plan dropped from $54.99 to $35.74.
Affiliate disclosure: TechNovice is a Saily affiliate partner. I may earn a commission when you use a Saily discount code or link from this site, at no additional cost to you. This does not change the testing criteria or the advantages and disadvantages described in this review.
New to eSIMs? Start here: eSIM Explained: How It Works
My Saily Verdict
Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5
Best for:
international travelers
remote workers
people using mobile hotspots
multi-country trips
travelers who want one reusable eSIM profile
Main advantages:
simple installation
plans for more than 200 destinations
support for mobile hotspots
regional and global plans
built-in Ad Blocker
Web Protection
Virtual Location
one eSIM profile for future trips
Main disadvantages:
most packages are data-only
no standard local phone number
performance depends on local partner networks
small packages are not always the cheapest option
rural coverage can vary considerably
Where I Tested Saily
This review is based on practical use across 12 countries:
I did not only test whether the eSIM connected after landing.
I used Saily for:
booking Grab and Uber rides
navigating with Google Maps
accessing banking and travel apps
joining Google Meet and online teaching sessions
working remotely from cafés and hotels
sharing data with laptops and additional phones
traveling by train, bus and car
using mobile data in cities, mountain regions and on islands
The results in this article describe my individual tests. They do not guarantee identical speeds in every location because mobile performance depends on the device, local operator, congestion and geographic coverage.
Saily eSIM Key Facts
Category | Details |
|---|---|
Provider | Saily by Nord Security |
Coverage | More than 200 destinations |
Plan types | Country, regional, global and subscription plans |
Network speeds | Up to 4G and 5G, depending on location |
Hotspot sharing | Supported |
Calls and SMS | Data-only on most plans |
Reusable eSIM | Yes |
Security features | Ad Blocker, Web Protection and Virtual Location |
Best for | Travelers and remote workers |
Latest tested offers | |
Standard discount | Check current coupon verification |
What Is Saily?
Saily is a travel eSIM service developed by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN.
Instead of buying a physical SIM card after arriving, you install the Saily eSIM through the app before departure and purchase a plan for your destination.
Saily offers plans in more than 200 destinations. Once the eSIM profile is installed, you can add plans for future trips without installing a new profile every time.
Its main differentiator is the combination of mobile data and optional app-level privacy features:
Ad Blocker
Web Protection
Virtual Location
These features provide additional protection and convenience, but they should not automatically be treated as a complete replacement for a full VPN.
Saily Field Test: Results Across 12 Countries
Performance Overview
Country | My rating | Test summary |
|---|---|---|
5/5 | Reliable remote work and hotspot performance | |
Spain | 5/5 | Stable during online teaching and video calls |
5/5 | Strong urban and island coverage | |
5/5 | Reliable in major travel destinations | |
5/5 | Excellent measured speeds in St. Gallen | |
Singapore | 5/5 | Immediate and stable connection during transit |
United Kingdom | 4.5/5 | Reliable in cities and suitable for regular work |
4.5/5 | Strong performance in cities and northern regions | |
Austria | 4.5/5 | Reliable for navigation and road travel |
Italy | 4/5 | Good in cities, less consistent in remote locations |
UAE | 4/5 | Stable during airport and transit use |
Germany | 3.5/5 | Strong urban speeds, weaker rural and rail coverage |
France: Remote-Work and Hotspot Test
I used Saily while working from Montpellier, Paris and Bordeaux.
During one café test in Montpellier, I measured:
download: 70.94 Mbps
upload: 35.61 Mbps
I used the connection for content management, web work, video calls and hotspot sharing.
The connection was reliable enough for my normal agency work. However, this result represents one location and one test environment, not a guaranteed nationwide speed.
Read the complete Saily France review for the detailed test results.
Spain: Live Online Teaching
In Mallorca, including Port de Sóller, I used Saily while teaching an online class.
The session included:
video
audio
screen sharing
approximately 25 participants
The connection remained stable throughout the session.
This was one of the most demanding real-world tests because interruptions would have immediately affected the lesson.
Portugal: Detailed Speed & Performance Tests
Portugal: Fast Results in Lisbon and Along the Alentejo Coast
I tested Saily at five locations in Lisbon, Alcochete and Vila Nova de Milfontes. During these tests, the eSIM connected to both NOS and Vodafone Portugal.
My measured results included:
26.59 Mbps immediately after landing at Lisbon Airport
62.54 Mbps at Praça do Comércio
90.48 Mbps in Alfama
130.01 Mbps at the Freeport Outlet in Alcochete
134.74 Mbps in Vila Nova de Milfontes
The fastest result was recorded in Vila Nova de Milfontes, where Saily reached 134.74 Mbps download with 0% packet loss.
I also used the connection for Google Maps, Uber, FaceTime, Google Meet, mobile hotspot use and Netflix. These services worked without noticeable interruptions during my tests.
The results show that Saily performed well in both central Lisbon and the first locations tested farther south. However, these measurements should not be interpreted as a complete nationwide coverage test.
Read my complete Saily eSIM Portugal Review for all speed tests, current Portugal plans, coverage observations and links to my latest Saily coupon verification.
Thailand: Cities, Islands and Bus Travel
I tested Saily in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Kood and Koh Chang.
In Bangkok, one speed test reached approximately 84 Mbps over 5G.
I also used the connection:
during a bus journey between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
as a hotspot for travel planning
on Koh Kood
in busy accommodation environments
while using work and banking services
Coverage naturally weakened when traveling by boat far from the coast. This was expected because there were fewer nearby mobile towers.
Switzerland: Local Test
Switzerland is my home market, allowing me to test Saily repeatedly rather than during a short holiday.
I disabled mobile data on my normal Swiss SIM and used Saily as the primary data connection on an iPhone.
During tests in St. Gallen, I measured download speeds between 271 and 370 Mbps on Salt 5G.
I also tested connectivity:
around St. Gallen
near Lake Constance
during hiking in the Alpstein region
at approximately 1,500 metres above sea level
The results were strong, but performance in Switzerland still depends on the available local network, terrain and location.
Read the complete Saily Switzerland review for speed measurements and rural coverage observations.
Germany: Strong Cities, Weaker Transit
I tested Saily in Munich, Hamburg, Berlin and during train travel.
Urban performance was generally strong. Tests in central Munich reached approximately 181 to 183 Mbps.
During an ICE journey between Hannover and Hamburg, I measured a peak speed of 54.6 Mbps. The connection still dropped in areas with weak local mobile coverage.
This is an important distinction: an eSIM cannot create a signal where the underlying mobile network has no sufficient coverage.
Vietnam: Fast Connection After Arrival
In Vietnam, Saily connected quickly after arrival in Hanoi.
I used it for:
booking Grab rides
navigation
messaging
travel planning
mobile data in Sapa and northern regions
My experience was positive, including outside the largest cities.
See my Best eSIM for Vietnam review for my travel test from Hanoi to Con Dao.
Italy, Austria, the UK, Singapore and the UAE
In Italy, the connection was reliable in urban and tourist areas but less consistent in remote locations. For a dedicated provider comparison, see my guide to the best eSIM for Italy.
In Austria, it worked well during road trips and navigation.
In the United Kingdom and Scotland, it was suitable for regular travel use and basic remote work.
In Singapore and Abu Dhabi, activation and connectivity were quick during airport transit.
Hotspot and Remote Work
Saily supports mobile hotspot sharing.
During my tests, I connected:
laptops
additional phones
work devices used by more than one person
Hotspot performance depends on the included data volume and the underlying local mobile network.
For remote workers, I recommend checking:
how much data is included
whether you regularly upload large files
how many devices you will connect
whether video calls are part of your work
whether an unlimited or fixed-data plan is more suitable
Saily worked well for my normal remote-work requirements, including video calls, web applications and content management.
Saily Security and Privacy Features
Saily includes app-level security and privacy features such as Ad Blocker, Web Protection and Virtual Location.
Ad Blocker
The Ad Blocker prevents many intrusive advertisements from loading.
This can:
reduce unnecessary data use
improve page loading
block some potentially harmful advertising content
It may not block advertisements hosted directly by the website being visited.
Web Protection
Web Protection is designed to help block malicious or phishing websites.
It adds a useful layer of protection, but users should still apply normal online-security practices.
Virtual Location
Virtual Location routes traffic through a selected remote server location.
This can change the apparent browsing location and provide additional privacy.
These features are useful additions, but Saily's standard plans should not simply be described as a full VPN service.
Saily vs Airport SIM Cards
A travel eSIM avoids several disadvantages of buying a physical SIM after arrival.
With Saily:
you can install the eSIM before departure
your normal SIM can remain in the phone
you do not need to visit an airport mobile shop
you can connect shortly after arrival
you avoid physically swapping SIM cards
you can continue using your normal number for supported calls and SMS
Be careful with data settings. Your normal SIM may still create roaming costs if the phone switches mobile data back to your home carrier.
How to Install Saily
The basic process is:
Download the Saily app.
Create an account.
Choose your destination.
Select a data plan.
Enter the discount code shown in this review, or check my Saily Coupon & Discount Guide for the latest verified offer before checkout.
Install the eSIM profile.
Assign mobile data to the Saily line.
Enable data roaming for the Saily eSIM.
Disable data roaming for your normal SIM to reduce the risk of unexpected roaming charges.
Install the eSIM before traveling while you still have a reliable internet connection.
For detailed instructions, use the dedicated guides:
Saily Data Plans
Saily offers several plan categories:
individual country plans
regional plans
global plans
unlimited options in selected destinations
Saily Ultra subscriptions
The right package depends on:
trip duration
destination
number of countries
expected data use
hotspot requirements
whether you travel repeatedly
As a general guide:
light users: approximately 3 to 5 GB
standard travelers: approximately 5 to 10 GB
hotspot and video users: 10 GB or more
frequent travelers: compare standard plans with Saily Ultra
Read the complete Saily plans guide before choosing your package.
Saily Discount Codes and Checkout Verification
Saily discount codes can change by plan, region and campaign. In this review, I include a checkout-tested TECHNOVICE North America offer from July 1, 2026. During that test, the North America Regional Plan covering the USA, Canada and Mexico received a 35% discount at checkout. For the latest tested Saily promo codes, regional offers and checkout screenshots, check my dedicated Saily Coupon & Discount Guide before purchasing.
Verified Checkout Example
Detail | Result |
|---|---|
Plan | North America Regional Plan |
Data | 20 GB |
Original price | $54.99 |
Discount | $19.25 |
Final price | $35.74 |
Effective discount | 35% |
Test date | July 1, 2026 |
Discount availability and eligibility may change. Always confirm the final price before completing the purchase.
See my Saily Coupon & Discount Guide for the latest tested promo codes, current conditions, regional offers and checkout screenshots.
Saily vs Airalo and Holafly
Saily is not automatically the best choice for every traveler.
Choose Saily if you want:
medium or large data packages
reusable eSIM installation
hotspot sharing
built-in privacy features
regional plans
access to current tested Saily discount offers
Consider Airalo if you want:
a very small short-term package
AirMoney rewards
selected plans with calls and SMS
Consider Holafly if you want:
unlimited data
duration-based plans
less need to monitor remaining gigabytes
Read the complete comparisons:
Common Saily Problems
The most common setup problems include:
mobile data still assigned to the normal SIM
data roaming disabled for the Saily line
incorrect APN settings
eSIM installed but not activated
unsupported or carrier-locked device
weak local coverage
insufficient data remaining
Most issues can be solved through the phone settings or the Saily app.
Read the complete Saily problems and troubleshooting guide for step-by-step fixes.
Saily Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
easy app-based setup
coverage in more than 200 destinations
reusable eSIM profile
hotspot support
regional and global plans
built-in privacy features
good performance in my city and travel tests
straightforward top-ups
24/7 support
Disadvantages
data-only on most plans
no standard local phone number
reliance on the Saily app
performance depends on local networks
rural dead zones remain possible
small packages are not always the lowest-priced option
privacy tools do not replace a complete VPN in every situation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saily Legit?
Yes. Saily is operated by Nord Security and offers plans in more than 200 destinations.
My own tests across 12 countries showed that the service worked reliably in most cities, tourist areas and remote-work situations.
Is Saily Worth It?
Saily is worth considering if you want simple setup, hotspot sharing, reusable installation and built-in privacy tools.
It may be less suitable if you need a local phone number or the absolute cheapest small data package.
Does Saily Support 5G?
Saily can connect to 5G where the selected local partner network, location, plan and device support it.
5G is not guaranteed in every destination or location.
Can I Use Saily as a Hotspot?
Yes. Saily supports hotspot sharing.
Data used by connected devices is deducted from the package allowance.
Does Saily Include Calls and SMS?
Most Saily plans are data-only.
You can keep your normal SIM active for supported calls and SMS while assigning mobile data to Saily.
Check your home carrier's roaming charges before doing so.
Can I Keep My Normal Phone Number?
Yes. Most dual-SIM phones allow you to keep your normal SIM active while using Saily for data.
WhatsApp and similar services generally remain connected to the existing number.
What Happens When My Data Runs Out?
You can normally purchase additional data through the Saily app without installing a new eSIM profile.
Is Saily Better Than Airalo?
Saily is my preferred choice for medium and large packages, hotspot use and built-in privacy features.
Airalo can be attractive for small packages, AirMoney rewards and selected plans with calls and SMS.
Where Can I Find the Latest Verified Saily Discount Code?
Saily discount codes can change by plan, region and campaign. I keep my latest verified Saily promo codes, regional offers and checkout test results in my dedicated Saily Coupon & Discount Guide. This review may include older checkout-tested examples, but the coupon guide is the page I update first.
Final Verdict: Is Saily Worth It in 2026?
Yes. After testing Saily across 12 countries, I consider it a strong travel eSIM for most international travelers and remote workers.
Its biggest strengths are:
easy installation
reliable urban performance
hotspot support
reusable eSIM profile
regional coverage
built-in privacy tools
convenient top-ups
Its main limitation is the same as with other travel eSIMs: performance depends on the available local network.
Saily is not always the cheapest option for very small packages, and most plans do not include a phone number. However, it provides a strong overall combination of usability, performance and features.
Saily discount codes can change by plan, region and campaign. I keep my latest verified Saily promo codes, regional offers and checkout test results in my dedicated Saily Coupon & Discount Guide.
🔗 More Saily Guides on TechNovice
Looking for more detailed breakdowns? Here are all my tested Saily guides for 2026:
About the Author
Nico Dudli is a lecturer in business informatics, digital technologies and AI at Swiss higher professional education institutions. He is the founder of Heyweb GmbH and TechNovice.net.
Based in St. Gallen, Switzerland, he tests digital tools and travel technology under real-world conditions and writes about AI, cybersecurity, eSIMs and practical digital trends.
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