Should You Buy Using an eSIM for Travel? Real Hands-On Review After 30 Days
I’ll be honest—I was a die-hard physical SIM card fan. The ritual of landing in a new country, hunting down a local telecom kiosk, and fumbling with a paperclip to swap SIMs was part of my travel routine. But after a month-long trip through Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, I finally made the switch to an eSIM. And honestly? I’m never going back.
In this review, I’m breaking down my 30-day experience using an eSIM for travel, specifically through the Saily platform. I’ll cover the setup, the data speeds, the hidden costs, and whether it’s actually worth your money.
Quick Verdict: Should You Buy It?
⚡ Quick Verdict
Rating: 9.2/10 – Highly Recommended for Frequent Travelers
The Saily eSIM is a game-changer for anyone who travels more than twice a year. It eliminates the hassle of physical SIM swaps, offers competitive pricing, and delivers reliable 4G/5G speeds in most regions. The only downside is that it requires a compatible unlocked phone—if you have one, this is a no-brainer purchase.
Best for: Digital nomads, frequent flyers, and anyone who hates airport SIM kiosks.
Skip if: You have a locked carrier phone or travel to extremely remote areas with zero network coverage.
My 30-Day Experience: The Reality Check
I tested the Saily eSIM across three countries with distinct network infrastructures. Here’s how it actually performed, not just what the marketing says.
Day 1-7: Portugal (Lisbon & Porto)
Activation took exactly 2 minutes after scanning the QR code. I landed in Lisbon, switched off airplane mode, and immediately had 5G connectivity. I ran speed tests near the city center: downloaded 120 Mbps, uploaded 30 Mbps. Google Maps, WhatsApp calls, and Instagram stories all loaded flawlessly. No dropped connections during the entire week.
Day 8-21: Spain (Barcelona & Madrid)
Roaming across the Spanish border was seamless—no re-authentication, no extra fees. I used roughly 8GB of data in two weeks (heavy video streaming and navigation). Speeds dipped slightly in crowded metro stations but remained usable. I even used it as a hotspot for my laptop for a few hours without any throttling.
Day 22-30: Morocco (Marrakech & Chefchaouen)
This was the true test. Network coverage in North Africa can be spotty, but Saily connected to the local Orange network. Speeds were slower (around 20 Mbps), but voice calls via WhatsApp were crystal clear. In the Atlas Mountains, I lost signal for about 30 minutes, but that’s expected in remote terrain.
Pros and Cons: The Honest Breakdown
✅ Pros
- Instant activation – QR scan and you're live in under 3 minutes
- No physical SIM swaps – Keep your home number active for SMS
- Competitive pricing – Cheaper than most international roaming plans
- Multi-country coverage – Works across 100+ destinations with one plan
- Data-only flexibility – Choose from 1GB to 50GB packs
- Hotspot tethering allowed – Share your connection with other devices
- 24/7 customer support – Live chat resolved my query in 4 minutes
❌ Cons
- Requires eSIM-compatible phone – iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3+ and newer
- No voice/SMS – Data-only plans, so you need WhatsApp or Skype for calls
- Not ideal for long-term stays – Plans max out at 30 days
- Initial setup confusion – Took me 10 minutes to find the QR code in my email
- No coverage in some African/Asian countries – Check the coverage map first
Pricing Comparison: Is It Actually Cheaper?
I compared Saily’s pricing against three alternatives: traditional roaming, local SIM purchase, and other eSIM providers. Here’s the real-world cost breakdown for a 10-day European trip with 5GB data usage.
| Option | Cost | Setup Time | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saily eSIM (5GB) | $19.99 | 2 minutes (QR scan) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Traditional Roaming (Verizon) | $100+ (daily pass fees) | None (automatic) | ⭐⭐ |
| Local SIM (Vodafone) | $25-35 | 30-60 mins (store visit) | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Competitor eSIM (Airalo) | $24.00 | 2 minutes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Verdict: Saily is $4 cheaper than Airalo for the same data volume and significantly cheaper than carrier roaming. The only way local SIMs win is if you’re staying 30+ days in one country and need voice minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an eSIM safe to use for banking apps?
Yes. The eSIM uses the same secure element as a physical SIM. I used banking apps, PayPal, and Apple Pay throughout my trip without any security issues. The connection is encrypted just like a regular cellular network.
Can I keep my WhatsApp number with an eSIM?
Absolutely. I kept my physical SIM in the phone (dual SIM mode) to receive SMS verification codes, while using the eSIM for data. WhatsApp continued working with my home number, and calls went through the data connection.
What happens if I run out of data mid-trip?
You can top up directly from the Saily app. I ran out of data on Day 12 in Spain and had a new 3GB pack active within 60 seconds. No need to buy a whole new plan.
Will the eSIM work in multiple countries?
Yes, if you buy a regional plan (e.g., Europe or Global). I used one plan across Portugal, Spain, and Morocco without any manual switching. The eSIM automatically connects to local networks.
Can I install the eSIM before I travel?
Yes, I installed mine 3 days before departure. It activates only when you connect to a supported network, so there’s no risk of wasting data before your trip.
Is the setup complicated for non-tech-savvy users?
If you can scan a QR code with your phone camera, you can set this up. The Saily app guides you through every step with visual instructions. It took my 68-year-old father less than 5 minutes to set up on his iPhone.
Who Is This eSIM For?
Perfect for:
- Business travelers who need instant connectivity on arrival
- Backpackers hopping between multiple countries
- Anyone tired of paying $10/day roaming fees
- Travelers who value convenience over saving $5 on a local SIM
Not ideal for:
- People with locked carrier phones (check compatibility first)
- Long-term expats needing a permanent local number
- Travelers to countries with no eSIM infrastructure (e.g., some parts of Central Asia)
Final Thoughts: My Honest Recommendation
After 30 days of real-world testing, I can confidently say that using an eSIM for travel is the smartest connectivity decision I’ve made. The Saily eSIM delivered on all its promises: fast speeds, easy setup, and fair pricing. The minor inconveniences (no voice calls, phone compatibility) are far outweighed by the convenience of landing in a new country and having internet access immediately.
If you’re planning a trip and your phone supports eSIM, do yourself a favor and skip the airport SIM kiosk chaos. The 2-minute setup is worth it alone.
Disclaimer: This review contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. All opinions are based on my personal 30-day testing experience.