Buy a plan for your destination, install the eSIM from the Saily app at home, and turn on data roaming for the Saily line. It activates on its own when you land, and you check or top up your data in the app.
The catch: plans are data only. A US phone number for calls and texts is a separate add-on in the app.
Saily is a prepaid eSIM from Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN. It gives your phone mobile data abroad without swapping SIM cards. Here is the whole process, from checking your phone to topping up mid-trip.
How Saily eSIM works
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. Saily adds a data line next to your normal SIM. If your phone supports dual SIM, you can keep your regular SIM in the phone and use the Saily line for travel data.
Saily sells data plans in over 200 countries and regions, plus regional plans such as Europe and Global.
Step 1: Check your phone
Your phone must support eSIM and be carrier-unlocked. On iPhone, check Settings → General → About for SIM restrictions. On Android, look for Add eSIM under Settings → Connections → SIM manager. The install guide explains both checks.
Step 2: Buy a plan
- On saily.com, pick the country you’re visiting, choose a plan and the number of eSIMs, and click Go to checkout.
- Or in the Saily app, tap Explore plans, select your country and tap Continue to check out.
- At checkout, tap Got a coupon? and enter DEAL15 for 15% off.
Step 3: Install the eSIM
Open the Saily app on Wi-Fi, tap Install eSIM and follow the prompts. The app walks you through turning on the line and picking Saily for mobile data. Full steps: iPhone and Samsung.
Step 4: Before you leave, turn on data roaming
Saily needs data roaming switched on for its line.
- iPhone: Settings → Mobile Service → your Saily eSIM → Data Roaming on.
- Android: Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Data roaming on. Steps can differ by device.
You have 180 days from purchase to activate. If you don’t, the plan activates automatically.
Step 5: When you land
The plan activates automatically when you arrive and connect to a supported network. Then:
- Turn off your personal SIM. With dual SIM, you can just turn off its data roaming.
- Turn off mobile data switching (iPhone: Allow Mobile Data Switching), so the phone only uses Saily for data.
- Check that the Saily eSIM is on and data roaming is enabled for it.
On Android, if the Saily APN is missing, open the Saily app and keep it open for up to 5 minutes. It sets the APN for you. On iPhone, contact Saily support if the APN is missing.
Step 6: Track your data and top up
Open the Saily app: your remaining data shows in the middle of the screen, under your eSIM. Select the eSIM to see the balance and expiry date.
Running low? Select your eSIM, tap Add data, choose the location and plan, and pay. Saily also offers auto top-up, explained in our auto top-up guide. When the validity period ends, the plan and any unused data expire.
Calls, messages and extras
WhatsApp and iMessage work over data, so they keep working on Saily. Read how to make calls with Saily eSIM for the options.
The app also has Web protection, an Ad Blocker and virtual locations. Turn the first two on under Security on the home screen.
FAQ
Can I keep my regular SIM while using Saily?
Yes, if your phone supports dual SIM. Your main number can still receive calls, but your own carrier may charge roaming for that.
Does the plan start as soon as I install it?
No. It activates when you arrive at your destination and connect to a supported network, as long as the eSIM is installed and data roaming is on.
Can I pause a Saily plan?
No. Saily says an activated plan can’t be paused.
What happens if I run out of data?
Top up in the app: select your eSIM, tap Add data and pick a plan.
Plans from $3.99 for 1 GB (7 days) in Turkey or Spain, checked on saily.com on 24 Oct 2026.