A Saily plan is data, so the simplest way to call is an internet calling app such as WhatsApp. For regular phone calls, add Saily’s optional phone number, a US-based number with a minute package, or keep your home SIM on for calls.
The catch: Saily phone number minutes are used by incoming calls too, and the plans cover local calls only, not international ones.
There are three ways to make calls while you use Saily abroad. Which one fits depends on who you’re calling and whether they use the same apps as you. Here’s how each works, based on Saily’s help centre.
Way 1: Call over the internet
Once your Saily eSIM is active, apps that call over the internet work on Saily data just like on Wi-Fi.
- Make sure Saily is your mobile data line and data roaming is on for it.
- Open WhatsApp (or another calling app you use).
- Pick the contact and start a voice or video call.
WhatsApp keeps your usual number, because it only needs the number once to verify. Details in how to use Saily eSIM for WhatsApp. Calls use your data plan, so switch to Wi-Fi when you have it.
Way 2: Add a Saily phone number
Saily’s phone number is an optional add-on that gives you a real, US-based wireless number alongside your data eSIM. You can make and receive voice calls and send SMS.
To get one, open the Saily app, select your eSIM and tap Get number on the eSIM screen. Setting up a number includes an identity check (KYC): Saily won’t activate or show your number until it’s verified.
How the calls work:
- Minutes cover both directions. A 10-minute package covers calls you make and calls you receive.
- Billing starts when the other person answers. Unanswered calls cost no minutes.
- Local calls only. Plans don’t support international calls. The Global plan lets you call in any supported country you travel to.
- Callers may pay more. Because the number is US-based, people calling from a local carrier elsewhere may pay their carrier’s rate for calls to the US.
- Not supported: MMS, premium-rate short numbers, and call forwarding.
Calls work only in countries on Saily’s supported list, which covers parts of Europe, the Americas and Caribbean, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Check your destination on Saily’s help centre before you buy. Prices for phone number plans are in the app.
Way 3: Keep your home SIM for calls
If your phone runs a physical SIM and an eSIM at the same time (Dual SIM Dual Standby), your primary number can still receive calls while Saily handles data. Your home carrier may charge roaming for those calls, so ask them first.
Which way should you pick?
Use the app over Saily data. No extra plan needed.
A Saily phone number lets you call regular phones in supported countries. Remember incoming calls use minutes too.
Keep your home SIM on for calls, and check your carrier’s roaming rates.
Comparing travel eSIMs for calling? See our best eSIM for calling guide.
FAQ
Can you make phone calls with Saily eSIM?
Saily data plans don’t include calls, but you can call over apps like WhatsApp, or add Saily’s optional phone number for regular calls and SMS.
Do incoming calls use Saily phone number minutes?
Yes. Minutes are shared between calls you make and calls you receive. Billing starts only when the call is answered.
Can I make international calls with the Saily phone number?
No. Saily says phone number plans cover local calls only. The Global plan lets you call in any supported country you visit.
Can I forward calls to my Saily number?
No. Call forwarding isn’t supported.
Saily’s Global plan from $8.99 covers 121 countries, with 15% off through our link. Prices checked on saily.com on 24 Oct 2026.