Blog

My Personal Experience with eSIMs

Hello, I’m Anna – a passionate traveler who has been exploring the world while testing different eSIM providers. Over the last few years, I’ve tried more than 10 different eSIM services, and one of the most common questions I get is: “Saily vs Airalo – which one should I choose for my trip?”

In this article, I’ll share my real experience using both Saily and Airalo, highlight their differences, and explain why, in most cases, Airalo is the smarter choice for international travelers. If you’re in a hurry and want to check Airalo plans directly, click here to explore affordable eSIMs on Airalo.

What Are Saily and Airalo?

Before diving into the comparison, let’s quickly clarify:

• Saily is an eSIM service launched by NordVPN, focusing on global coverage with a simple app interface.

• Airalo is one of the most established eSIM marketplaces, offering local, regional, and global eSIMs with over 200+ country options at competitive prices.

Both help you avoid roaming charges and physical SIM cards, but their features and pricing differ significantly.

Saily vs Airalo: Key Differences

Pricing: Why Airalo Wins for Most Travelers

One of the biggest differences between Saily vs Airalo is pricing.

• Saily offers one-size-fits-all global packages, which may look convenient but usually cost more, especially if you’re only visiting one or two countries.

• Airalo, on the other hand, allows you to buy local eSIMs per country (like France, Japan, USA) or regional eSIMs (Europe, Asia, Latin America). This means you only pay for what you actually use.

💡 Example: On my trip to Italy, Airalo’s local eSIM cost me less than $5 for 1GB, while Saily would have charged me much more for a global plan I didn’t fully need.

Coverage & Flexibility

Both Saily and Airalo work in many countries, but their approach is different:

• Saily: You get a single global plan that works almost everywhere, but you have no flexibility if you want just local coverage.

• Airalo: You can choose between local, regional, or global eSIMs depending on your trip. This flexibility is what makes Airalo the better option for budget-conscious travelers.

✈️ As someone who hops between countries, I found Airalo’s regional eSIMs super convenient when traveling across Europe – no need to switch or overspend.

App Usability

Both apps are beginner-friendly, but Airalo’s app gives you much more control:

• Easily check remaining data

• Top up instantly without reinstalling

• Collect loyalty points (Airmoney) for discounts

👉 For me, Airalo’s extra features felt more practical in real-world travel.

Mid-Content Trust Boost (Personal Note)

As someone who has used more than five different eSIMs while traveling in Europe and Asia, I realized that price and flexibility matter the most. Saily felt too restrictive for my needs, while Airalo let me adapt based on my travel style. That’s why I ended up relying on Airalo for most of my trips.

Pros and Cons: Saily vs Airalo

Saily Pros

• Simple global coverage (no need to choose)

• Backed by NordVPN (strong brand trust)

Saily Cons

• More expensive than competitors

• No local or regional plans

• Fewer app features

Airalo Pros

• Wide range of local, regional, and global plans

• Affordable pricing (as low as $4.50 per eSIM)

• User-friendly app with loyalty rewards

• Trusted by millions of travelers worldwide

Airalo Cons

• Need to choose the right plan before buying (but this is also a benefit for budget travelers)

Which One Should You Choose?

• Choose Saily if you want a “set it and forget it” solution, don’t care about pricing, and prefer something backed by NordVPN.

• Choose Airalo if you want flexibility, affordability, and wide options tailored to your destination.

For me – and probably for most travelers – Airalo wins hands down. It simply offers more value, especially if you’re visiting one region or just one country.

👉 Check Airalo’s plans here and pick the right eSIM for your trip.

FAQs

1. Can I use both Saily and Airalo on the same phone?
Yes, as long as your phone supports multiple eSIM profiles.

2. Is Airalo cheaper than Saily?
In most cases, yes. Airalo’s local and regional plans are far more affordable.

3. Does Saily work everywhere?
Yes, but at a higher cost compared to Airalo’s localized pricing.

Conclusion: Why Airalo Is My Top Pick

I’m Anna, and after testing both services, I can confidently say that Airalo offers the best balance of price, coverage, and user experience. While Saily may suit business travelers who don’t want to think too much, Airalo is the smarter, budget-friendly option for everyday travelers like us.

If you’re planning your next trip, don’t overpay – give Airalo a try. You’ll likely save money and enjoy smoother connectivity.

👉 Get your Airalo eSIM here before your next adventure.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Home – Airalo Esim Review – Airalo Reviews –  –  –  –