Saily eSIM Review: My Honest Experience in Japan (and Why I Switched to Roambit)

Why I personally switched from Saily to Roambit

I want to be clear: I didn’t leave Saily eSIM because it was a bad product. It worked well, and I had reliable mobile data throughout my Japan trip. But my travel style changed. I started taking longer trips and using more data, and that’s when the math stopped working in Saily’s favor.

Here’s the concrete pricing comparison that made me switch, using Japan as my main example:

For the same 20 GB, Roambit was about $10 cheaper. And for just a bit less than what Saily charged for 20 GB, Roambit offered me 50 GB. That’s a massive difference when you’re staying somewhere for 3-4 weeks.

My typical usage in Japan included streaming some YouTube in the evenings, using Google Maps constantly, checking train routes, uploading photos to cloud storage, and occasionally tethering my laptop. With that kind of usage, 20 GB started to feel tight, and I didn’t want to stress about running out of dependable travel data.

When I did the math for a longer stay, I realized I’d either pay more for several Saily top-ups or switch to Roambit’s 50 GB plan and stop worrying entirely. The choice became obvious.

Features like Saily’s eSIM built-in VPN are genuinely nice. But for me, they weren’t critical. I already have a VPN subscription I use at home, and on mobile I mostly just needed stable, affordable internet . The transparent pricing and lower cost per GB on Roambit fit my needs better. This detailed saily esim review helped me understand the pros and cons clearly before making the switch.

Overall, this saily eSIM review reflects my honest experience comparing it with alternatives for long-term travel data needs.

Saily vs Roambit in Japan: my real-world comparison

I’ve now used both services in similar places: central Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and on Shinkansen routes between cities.

In daily use—Maps, LINE, WhatsApp, Instagram—I honestly didn’t feel a significant difference in internet speed or coverage between the two. Both connected to local networks reliably, and both gave me the reliable connection I needed for navigation and communication.

What did feel different was psychological. With 50 GB on Roambit, I completely stopped checking my data usage every few days. I could stream videos, video call friends back home, and tether my laptop without that nagging worry. For someone who uses their phone heavily while traveling, that peace of mind matters.

Simple summary:

• Saily: Better for travelers who want extra security tools in one app and don’t mind paying a bit more

• Roambit: Better for long trips or heavy users who mainly care about getting more data for less money

Both gave me reliable internet connections in Japan. The difference came down to value for my specific usage pattern.

Quick summary of my Saily eSIM card experience

I’m Emma, and this is my personal Saily eSIM review based on real trips I’ve taken over the past year. This isn’t a sponsored post or a marketing piece. I paid for my own plans, used them in real travel situations, and I’m sharing exactly what worked and what didn’t.

I used Saily in Japan in 2024, spending over two weeks between Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. My phone became my lifeline for everything: Google Maps for navigating the metro, translation apps for reading menus, and work emails when I needed to check in remotely. The Saily app made it easy to stay connected without hunting for a local sim card at the airport.

Here’s my quick verdict: Saily worked well and is genuinely beginner-friendly. The app is clean, the setup is simple, and the built-in VPN is a nice bonus. But I eventually switched to Roambit because the price per GB became hard to ignore on longer trips.

My key takeaways from using Saily:

• Easy to install, even for first-time eSIM users

• Clean, modern app with clear data tracking

• Built-in VPN and web protection included

• Good for short to medium trips (up to about 2 weeks)

• For heavy data use or longer stays, Roambit offers better value

What is Saily eSIM? (explained simply)

An eSIM is basically a digital sim built into newer phones. Instead of popping out a tiny plastic tray and swapping physical sim cards, you download a profile directly to your device. No need to visit a phone shop abroad or fumble with paperwork in a foreign language.

Saily eSIM is an esim app owned by Nord Security, the same company behind NordVPN. They offer unlimited data plan and also normal plans for over 150 countries, which means you can buy data for Japan, Thailand, most of Europe, and many other destinations without leaving your couch. The service uses esim to connect you to leading local networks wherever you travel.

One important thing to know: Saily eSIM is a data only esim. You won’t get a local phone number or traditional SMS. For calls and texts, I used WhatsApp and Signal, which worked perfectly fine over the data connection. If you need a local number for booking reservations or receiving verification codes, you’d need a different solution.

What makes Saily stand out is the combination of a modern, user friendly app and security features. The VPN lets you choose a virtual location, and there’s web protection that can block ads and avoid risky domains. For someone who wants reliable internet connections without worrying about public Wi-Fi security, it’s a nice package.

How Saily eSIM data usage works in real life (my Japan trip story)

Let me walk you through what actually happened on my April 2024 trip to Japan.

I landed at Haneda Airport after a long flight, exhausted and desperate for data only esim. I needed to figure out which train to take into central Tokyo, check my hotel confirmation, and message a friend who was meeting me later. The last thing I wanted was to wander around looking for a SIM kiosk.

Before my flight, I’d bought a Japan plan in the Saily app while sitting on my couch at home. I installed the esim over my home Wi-Fi and let it sit ready on my phone. When the plane touched down, I turned off airplane mode, switched my cellular data to the Saily line, and was online within about a minute. No kiosk hunting, no passport photocopies, no waiting in line.

Here’s what I actually used my data for in Japan:

• Google Maps for Tokyo metro transfers (essential when you’re tired and the station has 15 exits)

• NaviTime and HyperDia for Shinkansen routes and local train connections

• Google Translate for reading menus, signs, and ticket machines

• Booking apps for reserving cafés, attractions, and last-minute accommodations

• Brief laptop tethering in a Kyoto café when I needed to send work files

Network performance was solid. I had mostly 4G and sometimes 5G in Tokyo and Osaka. On trains and in smaller streets, speeds dropped a bit but stayed good enough for maps, messaging, and scrolling Instagram. The Saily app let me track usage easily: I could see my remaining data and expiry date right on the home screen, and toggle the VPN on or off with one tap.

Installation and setup: was Saily really that easy?

Let me describe the actual install process in simple terms, because I know this is where people get nervous about esim technology.

I downloaded the Saily app from the App Store, opened it, and selected Japan as my destination. Then I chose a data plan (20 GB for 30 days), paid with Apple Pay, and tapped “Install eSIM.” My iPhone showed a couple of confirmation screens asking things like “Add eSIM card?” and “Use this line for data?” The Saily app guides you through each step with clear prompts, so I just followed along.

The whole process took about 5 minutes, including payment. I did it at home on stable Wi-Fi, which Saily recommends, and that’s definitely the smart approach. You don’t want to be standing in an airport with no internet trying to download an esim profile.

I kept my physical simcard active for my home number and set Saily as my esim card data line only. This meant friends could still reach me on my normal number through iMessage and WhatsApp, while all my internet came through the Saily esim.

One small hiccup: I had to manually enable Data Roaming the first time. My phone didn’t switch it on automatically, so I got no connection until I went into Settings and toggled it. Once I did that, everything worked perfectly with the esim card.

Quick tips for installation:

• Install the esim card at home before your flight, on Wi-Fi

• Make sure Data Roaming is enabled for your Saily esim line

• Keep your physical sim for calls if you want your regular number active

Overall, for someone who’s comfortable with apps but not technical, the esim card setup process felt simple. The Saily app guides you through everything, and you don’t need to understand anything complicated about how esim technology works.

Using the Saily app day to day

The Saily app has a clean, minimal layout. The home screen shows your current esim plan, how much data you have left (like “7.3 GB remaining”), and how many days until it expires. That’s really all you need to know at a glance.

Topping up is done entirely inside the app. If I needed more data for Japan or wanted to buy an esim plan for another country, I could do it in a few taps. One thing I appreciated is that Saily lets the same esim work across multiple countries if you buy regional plans or a global plan. You don’t have to delete and reinstall new esim profiles every time you cross a border.

The design feels more like a tool than a marketing platform. There are no annoying banners or constant upsell notifications. You open the app, check your data usage, maybe adjust the VPN settings, and close it. That’s exactly what I want from a travel utility.

Pricing and plans: is Saily's mobile Data really affordable?

Saily’s eSIM card pricing is competitive, but it’s not always the cheapest option out there, especially if you’re a heavy data user like me.

When I checked for my Japan trip in mid-2024, Saily offered about 20 GB for roughly $24.99 USD for 30 days on their data plan. That’s the main number I’ll reference throughout this review because it’s a typical mid-range esim plan for a popular destination.

Most destinations follow a similar pattern: data plans ranging from 1 GB up to around 20 GB, valid for 7 to 30 days. There are also regional esim plans (like all of Asia or Europe) and sometimes global esim options if you’re hopping between continents.

Part of why Saily isn’t rock-bottom pricing is what’s included: the built-in VPN, ad blocking, and web protection features are baked into the esim service. For travelers who want those security extras without juggling separate apps, that adds real value.

Who benefits most from Saily’s pricing:

• Short city breaks (3-7 days) where you won’t use much esim data

• 1-2 week holidays with moderate usage (maps, messaging, social media) on the esim

• People who value built in security features and easy esim setup over squeezing every dollar

When I started planning longer trips and realized I’d burn through 20-50 GB per month, the price difference versus alternatives like Roambit became too significant to ignore. But for lighter travel, Saily’s esim pricing felt reasonable for the convenience and features.

Saily strengths and weaknesses (my honest pros and cons)

Pros of Saily eSIM (from my trips)

• Very beginner-friendly app and setup, perfect for a first esim experience

• Clean, modern interface with clear data tracking and expiry dates

• Smooth experience in Japan and other major destinations with generally fast, stable connections

• One esim profile works across many countries by just adding new esim plans (no constant reinstalling)

• Built-in VPN and enable web protection tools included at no extra cost, backed by Nord Security

• 24/7 support team available via chat if something goes wrong

• No need to visit SIM shops, show passports, or deal with language barriers

Cons of Saily eSIM (things I noticed)

• Data-only service: no local phone number, so calls and SMS need apps or a separate SIM

• For heavier data use (20 GB+), prices are noticeably higher than some esim companies like Roambit

• Coverage isn’t absolutely everywhere; some smaller or remote countries still require a local esim or physical sim

• The VPN, while useful, does consume some data overhead

• You need internet to download the profile initially, so install before your flight

Saily is a solid, legitimate service. I’d still recommend it to friends who are trying an eSIM for the first time, especially if they want the peace of mind that comes with Nord Security’s reputation and built-in protection tools.

Saily eSIM FAQ (based on what friends ask me)

Is Saily eSIM legit and safe?

Yes, absolutely. Saily is owned by Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN, which is a trusted name in online privacy. The app has built in security features including VPN and web protection. I used it myself across multiple countries without any issues, and there are plenty of positive reviews from other travelers. This positive feedback is a key reason why many turn to Saily, as highlighted in numerous saily esim review articles.

Does Saily eSIM give me a phone number?

No. Saily esim service provides just data—mobile data for internet access only. You won’t get a local number for voice calls or SMS. For communication, use apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, or FaceTime over your data connection. If you specifically need a local phone number, you’d need a different provider or a separate physical sim. This limitation is often mentioned in a typical saily esim review, so it’s important to be aware before purchasing.

Can I use Saily eSIM in Japan?

Yes, Saily works in Japan. I used it across Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto with reliable connection for maps, translation, and social apps. Speeds were good in urban areas—mostly 4G/5G. Always check the current country list and available data plans in the Saily app before purchasing, as coverage and pricing can change. Many saily esim review users have confirmed the strong cell service in Japan and other major destinations.

Can I keep my regular SIM active while using Saily?

Yes, if your phone is esim compatible and supports dual-SIM. I kept my existing saily esim (actually my home carrier’s SIM) active for calls and texts, and set the Saily line for data only. This way, people could reach me on my normal number while I used Saily for internet. Check your phone settings under Cellular or SIM Manager. This setup is often praised in positive saily esim review feedback for its convenience.

How long do Saily plans last?

Most Saily plans are valid for 7 to 30 days depending on the destination and data amount. Unused data typically doesn’t roll over after expiry. If you need more data during your trip, you can top up or buy new esim plans directly inside the app—no need for switching esim plans or reinstalling anything. This flexibility is a highlight in many saily esim review discussions.

What happens if Saily eSIM data doesn’t work when I land?

First, restart your phone—this fixes most issues. Then check that Data Roaming is enabled for your Saily line in your phone settings. If you’re still having trouble, try manually selecting a network (Settings > Cellular > Network Selection). Saily also has 24/7 chat support in the app, and I’ve heard their support team is responsive. Installing before your flight and testing briefly is the best way to avoid roaming fees and last-minute stress.

Does using an eSIM drain my battery faster?

No. According to Saily’s own documentation, eSIMs don’t drain more battery than a physical sim card, and the signal strength isn’t weaker. If you experience a slow network or connectivity issues, it’s usually due to local coverage or congestion, not the embedded sim technology itself.

Is Saily cheaper than regular roaming?

Almost always, yes. Traditional carrier roaming fees can be extremely expensive—sometimes $10-15 per megabyte. Saily’s esim data plans cost a fraction of that. However, compared to other esim companies like Roambit, Saily isn’t always the cheapest per GB. It depends on your destination and data needs.

Conclusion: is Saily eSIM worth it?

Saily eSIM is worth it for many travelers, especially if you’re new to eSIMs and want a simple, secure experience. It worked well for me in Japan and other destinations, delivering reliable mobile data without the hassle of finding a local sim card at the airport.

The strengths are real: the Saily app is clean and user friendly, installation takes about 5 minutes, and the built-in VPN and web protection add genuine value for security-conscious travelers. If you’re taking a short to medium trip and don’t plan to stream videos constantly or tether your laptop all day, Saily offers dependable travel data at reasonable prices.

That said, I switched to Roambit because my travel patterns changed. For longer trips with heavier data usage, the price difference became too significant. Paying about $24.99 for 20 GB on Saily versus $14.99 for the same amount on Roambit—or getting 50 GB for $19.99—just made more sense for how I travel now. The affordable pricing and straightforward international esim plans from Roambit fit my needs better.

My honest recommendation: if you value the simplicity and security extras that come with Saily, and you’re not a heavy data user, it’s a great choice. If you’re like me and mainly care about maximum data for the lowest cost, especially in places like Japan where you might use 20-50 GB, Roambit is worth considering.

Whichever you pick, having an eSIM ready before you land makes international travel so much less stressful. No more jet-lagged wandering through airport terminals looking for SIM kiosks. Just turn off airplane mode, and you’re connected.