Note : This is not a sponsored post and none of my posts ever will be, these are my opinions based on actual experiences, however if you want to try an eSIM with Saily then use this code LEETEH3165 for $5 off
When traveling, staying connected abroad has always been a priority. My journey with travel eSIMs began with Holafly, but led me to discover Saily – and what a difference it made!
My Holafly Experience: Unlimited Data with Major Compromises
My first travel eSIM was Holafly, and while they promised unlimited data (which sounds fantastic on paper), I quickly discovered several concerning issues:
The Hong Kong Problem
Despite traveling to completely different destinations, my point of presence (POP) address was consistently set to Hong Kong. This suggested that Holafly had outsourced to a cheap proprietary data company, raising serious questions about what happened to my data. This meant I had to:
- Keep my VPN running constantly
- Worry about the security and integrity of my data
- Deal with potential privacy issues
Customer Support Disappointments
The support experience was equally frustrating:
- Only had access to sales representatives initially
- Received responses that were tailored to tell me exactly what I wanted to hear (even when untrue)
- Had to persistently advocate to reach technical or developer resources
- Experienced significant delays in getting actual technical assistance
Making the Switch: Why I Chose Saily
After my Holafly experience, I needed a reliable alternative. Several eSIM providers caught my attention, but I needed assurance that the service would work as expected. That's when I discovered Saily, which appears to be backed by Nord VPN – a name I trust in the VPN space.
What Set Saily Apart
- Transparent Communication: Their support team answered all my pre-purchase questions comprehensively
- Professional Support: Direct access to helpful staff through web chat without the sales runaround
- Clear Process: Step-by-step guidance that made sense
Application Features That Made the Difference
The Saily app comes packed with user-friendly features:
- Real-time data tracking: Monitor your usage across multiple eSIMs
- Easy eSIM management: Simple interface for activating/deactivating eSIMs
- Multiple device support: Manage several eSIMs for different devices
- Instant activation: No waiting period once you arrive
- Balance notifications: Get alerts when your data is running low
- Top-up options: Add more data without purchasing a new eSIM
- Global coverage: Access to networks in multiple countries
- 24/7 in-app support: Help available whenever you need it
Built-in Security & Privacy Features
Unlike Holafly's security concerns, Saily comes with robust protection:
- Ad and tracker blockers: Powered by NordVPN Threat Protection, enhancing privacy and reducing data usage by up to 21%
- Web protection: Automatically blocks malicious or phishing websites
- Virtual location feature: Allows access to region-specific content by routing traffic through servers in different countries
These security features meant I didn't need to constantly run a separate VPN like I did with Holafly – the protection was built right in!
Setting Up Saily: A Seamless Experience
The setup process was refreshingly straightforward:
- Download the application
- Purchase the eSIM
- Install the eSIM on your phone
- Automatic activation upon installation
- Confirm connection capability by allowing network access
- Disable the eSIM before travel
- Upon arrival at destination:
- Enable the Saily eSIM
- Disable your normal eSIM (EE in my case)
- Enjoy data in your destination
My Special Setup: Multiple Devices
I had a unique requirement – I needed two travel eSIMs:
- One for my primary phone
- One for my driving phone (connected to CarPlay)
The process was simple: just buy duplicate eSIM cards and activate only the card on the phone where it's needed. The Saily app allows easy tracking of data usage across all your eSIM packages.
Reality Check: Do You Really Need Unlimited Data?
While unlimited data sounds appealing, the reality is different, I think you’ll find that “marketing term” give you a dopamine rush:
- I chose the 10GB package for a 12-day holiday
- Used my phones constantly for:
- Navigation
- Photography
- Google Assistant
- Watching videos
- Barely used 3.5GB of data
My advice: Unless you're planning to upload 4K footage or binge-watch in 4K (which defeats the purpose of traveling), a limited data package is more than sufficient. You're there to enjoy the sights and experiences, not to replicate your home streaming habits!
The Saily Advantage: Reliable Connectivity
Unlike my Holafly experience where I had to drive around to find a decent connection, Saily delivered:
- Immediate 5G connectivity
- Download speeds comparable to UK standards
- Consistent coverage – no dead zones
- No need to hunt for signal
Bonus Feature: No Unwanted Communications
I appreciated that travel eSIMs don't come with phone numbers or SMS capabilities. This means:
- No 2 AM calls from people forgetting time zone differences
- Continuing to use WhatsApp and Signal with your regular number
- Peace of mind during your holiday
Final Thoughts 💭
After experiencing both Holafly and Saily, I can confidently say that Saily is my go-to travel eSIM provider. The combination of reliable connectivity, transparent practices, excellent support, and reasonable data packages makes it a clear winner. For anyone planning international travel, I highly recommend giving Saily a try – your holiday connectivity shouldn't be a source of stress!