Today, we compare two popular travel eSIM providers: Holafly vs Saily. We’ll tell you what each provider offers, their plan types, coverage, purchase process, customer service, and more. Stay until the end, and you’ll have enough information to choose the best eSIM for your travels.
When you set out to explore the world with your backpack and electronic devices, having a stable internet connection is essential. As a digital nomad or remote worker, you know how important this is. Whether you work from a beach, a cabin in the woods, or a café, having your own mobile data is a big advantage. It saves you from relying on insecure and unstable WiFi networks.
A practical way to have your own mobile data is with an eSIM, a digital SIM card that lets you browse the internet, make calls, and more. There are many providers, so we’ll help you choose the best by comparing two top options on the market: Holafly vs Saily. Which One Works Better? Let’s take a closer look.
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What Is Holafly and What eSIMs Does It Offer?
Holafly was founded in 2019 and specialises in selling travel eSIMs that activate digitally without needing a physical SIM card. They also offer monthly subscriptions for frequent travellers like digital nomads, content creators, flight crews, and international students.
In summary, Holafly provides eSIMs for single countries, regions, and global coverage. They also offer a monthly subscription global plan covering most countries worldwide. We’ll discuss each plan in detail later.
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What Is Holafly and What eSIMs Does It Offer?
Saily is a relatively new eSIM store, launching in 2024 to compete with Holafly. It also offers data plans for travel across various countries worldwide. Saily resells eSIMs from 1Global and categorises them into country, regional, and global data plans.
Each eSIM has a fixed duration, ranging from one week to one month. In the next section, we’ll compare Saily’s plans against Holafly’s.
So, if in addition to this comparison you are interested in reading more, here is this review of Holafly.
Holafly vs Saily: Comparing Data Plans
Now that we know today’s main contenders, let’s look at the types of data plans each offers. For this comparison, we chose three countries (United States, Spain, and Japan) and three regions (Europe, Asia, and Latin America). We’ll finish by comparing their global eSIMs as well.
Comparison: Plans and Prices by Country
| Country | Holafly | Saily |
| USA | Unlimited plans by days: Unlimited data from 1 day up to 90 days. Prices: from $6.90 to $139.90. Monthly plans: Unlimited data for $64.90. | Variable GB plans: 1 GB for 7 days, 3 GB for 30 days, 5 GB for 30 days, 10 GB for 30 days and 20 GB for 30. Prices: from $3.99 to $22.99. Unlimited variable plans: Unlimited data for 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 days. Prices: from $35.99 to $71.99. |
| Spain | Unlimited plans by days: Unlimited data from 1 day up to 90 days. Prices: from $6.90 to $139.90. Monthly plans: Unlimited data for $64.90 for 30 days. | Variable GB plans: 1 GB for 7 days, 3 GB for 30 days, 5 GB for 30 days, 10 GB for 30 days and 20 GB for 30. Prices: from $3.99 to $22.99. Unlimited variable plans: Unlimited data for 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 days. Prices: from $35.99 to $71.99. |
| Japan | Unlimited plans by days: Unlimited data from 1 day up to 90 days. Prices: from $6.90 to $139.90. Monthly plans: Unlimited data for $64.90. | Variable GB plans: 1 GB for 7 days, 3 GB for 30 days, 5 GB for 30 days, 10 GB for 30 days and 20 GB for 30 days. Prices: from $3.99 to $24.99. Unlimited variable plans: Unlimited data for 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 days. Prices: from $35.99 to $71.99. |
Comparison: Plans and Prices by Region
| Region | Holafly | Saily |
| Europe | Unlimited plans by days: Unlimited data from 1 day up to 90 days. Prices: from $6.90 to $139.90. Monthly plans: Unlimited data for $64.90. | Variable GB plans: 1 GB for 7 days, 3 GB for 30 days, 5 GB for 30 days, 10 GB for 30 days and 50 GB for 90 days. Prices: from $4.99 to $95.99. Unlimited variable plans: Unlimited data for 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 days. Prices: from $35.99 to $71.99. |
| Asia | Unlimited plans by days: Unlimited data from 1 day up to 90 days. Prices: from $6.90 to $219.90. Monthly plans: Unlimited data for $64.90. | Variable GB plans: 1 GB for 7 days, 3 GB for 30 days, 5 GB for 30 days, 10 GB for 30 days, 50 GB for 90 days and 100 GB for 180 days. Prices: from $4.99 to $179.99. |
| Latin America | Unlimited plans by days: Unlimited data from 1 day up to 90 days. Prices: from $9.90 to $269.90. Monthly plans: Unlimited data for $64.90. | Variable GB plans: 1 GB for 7 days, 2 GB for 15 days, 3 GB for 30 days and 5 GB for 30 days. Prices: from $13.99 to $57.99. |
Comparison: International Plans and Prices
| Plan | Holafly | Saily |
| global eSIM | Monthly plans: Unlimited data for $64.90. Unlimited plans by days: Unlimited data from 1 day up to 90 days. Prices: from $9.90 to $353.90. | Variable GB plans: 1 GB for 7 days, 2 GB for 15 days, 5 GB for 60 days 10 GB for 180 days and 20 GB for 365 days. Prices: from $8.99 to $66.99. |
Conclusion from the Comparison Tables Holafly offers data plans for travellers who value convenience and peace of mind, whether for one country, a region, or global coverage. On the other hand, Saily focuses on providing affordable plans with limited data for travellers who only need occasional connections abroad.
Holafly also shines in flexibility. It lets you customise your plan so you don’t lose unused days and pay a fixed price. In contrast, Saily offers plans for a set number of days. Depending on your trip, you may have leftover days, run short, or need to top up your plan.
So, if your priority is comfort and the peace of mind that comes with unlimited data at a fixed price, Holafly is your best choice. If you want to spend less and manage top-ups, data use, and phone limits during your trip, Saily may suit you better.
Holafly vs Saily: Evaluating Country Coverage
Besides plans and prices, it’s important to assess coverage, real browsing speeds, and local carrier partnerships for both Holafly and Saily.
For Holafly, the eSIM provides coverage at maximum speeds (4G LTE or 5G, depending on availability). Connection stability is very good, thanks to partnerships with leading local operators in each country. They also provide information about the local operators your purchased eSIM will connect to.
For Saily, speeds and connections are also generally good. Depending on the local provider, the eSIM connects to 3G, 4G LTE, or 5G networks. However, it’s unclear which network your purchased eSIM will use.
Let’s look at this more clearly in a comparison table:
| Feature | Holafly | Saily |
| Available Speeds | 4G, LTE, and 5G in most destinations. | 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G, depending on the local provider. |
| Connection Stability | High, thanks to agreements with leading operators in each country. | Variable, depends on the quality of local providers. |
| Number of Operators per | Multiple operators per country, including leaders like Orange, Vodafone, Movistar, TIM, and SFR. | Connects to available operators in each country. However, it’s unclear which specific operators the eSIM will connect to. |
| Network Redundancy | High, can switch between operators to maintain the best signal. | Variable, depends on availability and quality of local operators. |
Geographic coverage
What About Geographic Coverage? Both providers offer good coverage, as shown in the following table:
| Region | Holafly | Saily |
| Global | 170 countries | 113 countries |
| North America | 3 countries | 2 countries |
| Europa | 40 countries | 35 countries |
| Asia | 41 countries | 19 countries |
| Latin America | 18 countries | 12 countries |
| Africa | 31 countries | 34 countries |
Considering everything, Holafly is ideal for stable, fast 4G or 5G connections with top local operator agreements. Its coverage is extensive, especially in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, and it offers unlimited data in all destinations.
Saily, on the other hand, is an excellent option if you plan to travel to Africa, where it provides broader coverage. Connection quality may vary depending on the country and local operator.
If you choose a global eSIM, Holafly covers over 170 countries with monthly plans. It’s perfect for digital nomads, students, remote workers, and frequent travellers wanting 24/7 connectivity.
Holafly vs Saily: Refund and Return Guarantees
When buying a digital service like an eSIM, it’s important to know what support you have if issues arise. Can you get a refund if you don’t use the eSIM? What happens if you experience technical problems?
Next, we analyse Holafly’s and Saily’s refund policies so you clearly understand each brand’s offer if things go wrong.
| Feature | Holafly | Saily |
| Situations Eligible for Refunds | Service cancellation (if you change plans and no longer want the eSIM). Device incompatibility. Connectivity issues. | Data plans not activated or barely used. |
| Conditions for Full Refund | eSIM not activated or data not consumed. Request within six months of purchase. Purchased directly from Holafly’s website. | Data plan not activated. Unable to use data due to quality issues related to Saily. |
| Refund Request Period | Up to six months from purchase date. | Up to 30 days from purchase date. |
| Application process | Through 24/7 customer service via website, app, or WhatsApp. | Through the app or by submitting a request via the Help Centre. |
| Estimated Resolution Time | Between 10-15 business days. | Not specified; depends on case. |
Reviewing the table and refund policies, we conclude Holafly offers more flexibility with refunds up to six months. They provide full or partial refunds depending on the situation. Their policy is clearly explained on their website, which helps clear doubts from the start.
Saily’s policy is stricter, with a 30-day refund window and specific conditions for partial refunds. Their policy information is also clearly stated on their website.
Holafly vs Saily: How Is Their Customer Service?
Another crucial factor affecting service quality is customer support. Good support can make all the difference, especially when you’re abroad and need quick solutions. Do they respond in your language? How fast are their replies?
Do they offer 24/7 support?
Now we’ll review Holafly’s and Saily’s customer service channels, response times, and factors affecting support quality.
| Feature | Holafly | Saily |
| Available Support Channels | Live chat 24/7 on the website. Live chat 24/7 in the app. Email support. Help centre on the website. 24/7 WhatsApp messaging. | Help centre requests via the website. Live chat (only in its app). |
| Available languages | Spanish, English, and others. | Spanish, English, and others. |
| Average response time | Fast, immediate live chat support. | Moderate, can take a few hours. |
| Availability | 24/7 | 24/7 |
Holafly stands out for its fast, efficient customer service available in several languages and through multiple channels. It holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.6. We especially value their WhatsApp support, which Saily does not offer. Holafly’s website is very clear, with a comprehensive FAQ section that helps resolve common questions about the service and eSIM usage.
Saily’s customer service is also good, with a 4.2 rating on Trustpilot. They offer a help centre on their website with FAQs and a request form for specific questions. One area for improvement is that Saily doesn’t provide WhatsApp support, and live chat is only available through their app – not on the website.
Holafly vs Saily: Comparing the Purchase and Activation Process
When you’re about to travel, the last thing you want is a complicated eSIM installation. That’s why it’s key to know how easy it is to buy, install, and activate the service with each provider. Below, we explain the step-by-step process for Holafly and Saily.
Requirements to Make a Purchase
| Provider | Holafly | Saily |
| Account Registration | Not required, you can buy directly on the website. | Requires creating an account on the app or website. |
| Payment Methods | Credit/debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay. | Credit/debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay. |
| Purchase Platform | Mobile app or website. | Mobile app or website. |
At this stage, there are no major differences between the providers – except that Saily requires you to create an account before purchasing. Holafly lets you buy without registering, making the process simpler and more private.
Requirements to Install the eSIM
| Proveedor | Holafly | Saily |
| App Download Required | No | Yes |
| Installation Method | Scan QR code sent by email. | Install directly from the app or scan QR code. |
| Compatibility | iOS and Android. | iOS and Android. |
| Internet connection | Required to download and install eSIM. | Required to download and install eSIM. |
Both services work similarly by scanning a QR code. The process is straightforward and easy. Each website provides detailed step-by-step instructions on how to install and start using the eSIM. You can also check if your device is compatible before buying, as eSIMs only support smartphones.
When Does the Service Start? With Saily, the plan activates automatically when you arrive at your destination or 30 days after purchase. With Holafly, activation happens when you scan the QR code, so it’s best to do this as soon as you arrive.
Holafly is ideal if you want a quick purchase without registering or downloading an app. Installing via QR code is simple, and 24/7 support gives peace of mind if problems arise. Saily is also a good option, especially if you prefer managing everything from an app. Although it requires creating an account, installation and activation are automatic, making it easier for less tech-savvy users.
Advantages of Holafly vs Saily
We’re nearing the end of this comparison, but first, let’s highlight each product’s strengths. Both Holafly and Saily offer effective travel solutions but with different advantages. Let’s take a closer look:
| Holafly Advantages | Saily Advantages |
| Unlimited data in most plans. | 100% management through the mobile app. |
| Customisable plans by days. | Plans optimised for light mobile data users. |
| Allows you to check network coverage before buying. | Offers annual plans. |
| Provides a monthly eSIM plan covering more than 170 destinations. Ideal for multi-destination trips. | Allows multiple eSIMs on the same account. |
| 24/7 customer support in Spanish with quick responses. | Lightweight app with a modern interface. |
| No registration required to purchase. | Affordable prices. |
| Flexible refund policies (up to six months). | Good reputation and Trustpilot rating (4.2/5 for Saily). |
| Good reputation and Trustpilot rating (4.6/5 for Saily). | ? |
Good reputation and Trustpilot rating (4.6/5 for Holafly). Holafly stands out for offering unlimited data in single-country, regional, global, and monthly subscription plans. Its support is highly rated, and the purchase process is straightforward, ideal for those who prioritise speed and simplicity.
Saily is a great choice for light data users who are comfortable managing eSIMs via apps. While Saily doesn’t offer unlimited data in all plans, its range adapts to users with different needs. In short, both options are good but suit different user profiles.
Disadvantages of Saily vs Holafly
Like any service, both have areas for improvement. Here is a table with the main limitations of each. Not all are deal-breakers, but it’s worth knowing them before choosing.
| Holafly Disadvantages | Saily Disadvantages |
| No plans by GB. | Cannot check network quality before purchase. |
| Data sharing has limits in some plans. | Data plans are fixed and cannot be customised. |
| No direct installation from the app. | No clear refund policy; refunds are hard if the service fails. |
| Higher prices. | Customer service requires account registration. |
In conclusion, Saily has more disadvantages that may affect the user experience. These include lack of transparency about operators and limited support. Holafly, despite some limitations, offers a simpler, more direct, and reliable experience for users who want a ready-to-use service.
Holafly vs Saily: Which Is Better and Why?
Both eSIMs are good but suit different types of travellers. Below, we help you choose the best one based on your profile:
| Type of users | Best Option | Why’s that? |
| Frequent traveller, digital nomad, students, remote workers | Holafly monthly plans | Unlimited data, global coverage in 170 countries, 24/7 support in Spanish. |
| Tourist who prefers comfort and security | Holafly eSIM | Unlimited data, WhatsApp support, easy installation, activates on arrival. |
| Tourist who prioritises price over comfort and security | Saily | Affordable GB plans. Pay for only the data you need. |
| User who values reliable support | Holafly | Excellent reputation, extended guarantees, service in your language. |
| Advanced tech user | Saily | Full-featured app to manage multiple lines and settings. |
As you can see, both eSIMs are valid options for mobile data during your travels. However, the biggest advantage that tips the scale towards Holafly is plan customisation, highly rated customer service, unlimited data, and flexible refund policies.
Why is this important? Having these benefits removes the worry of losing internet or lacking support when using maps, video calls, or working remotely. Holafly offers a smooth experience focused on service quality and user care. While Saily suits moderate users, many travellers value the peace of mind that comes with unlimited data.
If you want an eSIM that works instantly, with solid coverage and no data worries, Holafly is the most reliable choice. If you prefer to pay less and use the internet only occasionally, Saily may be enough. The best choice depends on your profile, but overall, Holafly delivers a more complete and robust experience.
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