STAY CONNECTED WHEREVER YOU TRAVEL

Learn how travel eSIMs can help you use mobile data abroad without swapping physical SIM cards or relying entirely on international roaming.

Learn About Travel eSIMs
THE BASICS

What Is a Travel eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital version of the SIM card that connects your phone to a mobile network. Instead of removing your regular SIM card and replacing it with a physical travel SIM, an eSIM can be installed digitally on a compatible phone.

For international travelers, a travel eSIM can provide mobile data at your destination so you can use maps, messaging apps, email, transportation apps, websites, and other online services while you're away from Wi-Fi.

No Physical SIM Swap

Install the travel plan digitally without removing your regular SIM card.

Get Connected Abroad

Use mobile data for maps, messages, reservations, directions, and other travel needs.

Prepare Before Departure

In many cases, you can install your eSIM while you're still home and activate the travel data when needed.

TRAVEL SMARTER

Why Use an eSIM When You Travel?

Staying connected can make international travel easier. A travel eSIM gives compatible phones another way to access mobile data while you're away from home.

Stay Connected on Arrival

Have a mobile data option ready for maps, messages, reservations, transportation apps, and other online travel tools when you reach your destination.

Travel Across the World

Travel eSIM providers offer plans for many countries and regions, making them especially useful for international vacations and multi-destination trips.

Know Your Data Cost

Choosing a travel data plan before or during your trip can make it easier to understand what you're purchasing instead of simply relying on standard roaming.

Keep Your Physical SIM in Place

On compatible devices, an eSIM lets you add a digital travel plan without removing and storing your existing physical SIM card.

Before purchasing an eSIM: make sure your phone supports eSIM technology and is eligible to use another mobile network.

OUR RECOMMENDED eSIM

Meet Saily

Our Family Travel recommends Saily as a convenient option for travelers who want mobile data while traveling internationally.

Saily offers travel eSIM plans for more than 200 destinations, allowing travelers with compatible devices to purchase, install, and manage mobile data through the Saily app.

200+ Destinations Find mobile data plans for destinations around the world.
Manage It in the App Purchase and manage your travel data from your compatible device.
Built-In Security Features Saily includes web protection, an ad blocker, and virtual location features.
Prepare Before You Go Install your eSIM before departure so you're ready for your trip.
EASY TO GET STARTED

How to Get Started with Saily

New to eSIMs? The process is easier than it may sound. You can prepare your phone before leaving home so your travel data is ready when you need it.

Choose Your Destination

Visit Saily and select the country or region you're traveling to. Then choose a data plan that fits your destination, trip length, and anticipated data needs.

Install Your eSIM

Follow the instructions in the Saily app to install the eSIM on your compatible phone. It's best to complete the installation while you're still home and connected to reliable Wi-Fi.

Connect at Your Destination

Complete Saily's pre-travel setup instructions before departure. When you arrive at your destination, your Saily plan can connect to a supported local network.

Do the Setup Before You Leave

Don't wait until you're standing in an international airport to install your eSIM. Set it up before your trip, follow Saily's device instructions, and confirm everything is ready while you still have dependable Wi-Fi.

READY TO GET CONNECTED?

Find a Saily plan for your next trip.

Explore Saily Plans

Affiliate Disclosure: Our Family Travel may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through this Saily link.

BEFORE YOU PURCHASE

Will Saily Work With My Phone?

Before purchasing a travel eSIM, take a moment to make sure your phone is ready. There are two important things to check: eSIM compatibility and carrier lock status.

Does Your Device Support eSIM?

Many newer smartphones support eSIM technology, but support varies by manufacturer, model, and sometimes the country or region where the device was sold.

Use Saily's current compatibility checker to look up your exact device before purchasing a plan.

Is Your Phone Carrier-Unlocked?

A phone that is locked to one carrier may prevent you from using a travel eSIM from another provider. Confirm that your device is unlocked before purchasing.

If you're unsure whether your phone is unlocked, check your device settings or contact your mobile carrier.

NOT SURE ABOUT YOUR PHONE?

Check Your Device Before You Buy

Saily maintains an up-to-date compatibility tool where you can search for your specific phone or device model.

Check Device Compatibility

iPhone User?

On an iPhone, you can check your lock status under Settings → General → About. Look for the carrier or network provider lock information. If it indicates that there are no SIM restrictions, the device is unlocked.

Important: Device capabilities and carrier policies can change. Always verify compatibility for your specific phone before purchasing an eSIM plan.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions About Using Saily?

eSIMs are still new to many travelers. Here are answers to some of the questions you may have before using Saily on your next trip.

Does Saily give me a new phone number?

Saily's standard travel eSIM service is designed primarily for mobile data. Saily also offers a separate phone-number add-on that can provide a U.S.-based number for supported calling and SMS features.

If your goal is simply to use maps, websites, email, messaging apps, and other internet-based services while traveling, a standard Saily data plan may be all you need.

Can I still use WhatsApp or iMessage?

Yes. Services such as WhatsApp and iMessage use an internet connection, so they can work using mobile data from your travel eSIM.

Keep in mind that some apps may initially require a phone number or other verification when an account is first set up, so complete important app setup before leaving home.

When should I install my Saily eSIM?

We recommend installing and completing the required setup before you leave home, while you still have access to a reliable Wi-Fi connection.

Saily currently allows the eSIM to be installed and activated within 30 days of purchase. When properly installed before your trip, the data plan can begin working automatically when you arrive at your destination.

What happens if I run out of data?

You don't necessarily have to install another eSIM. Saily allows you to add more data to an existing eSIM through the Saily app when you need additional data.

You can also check your current plan balance and expiration information in the app so you can keep an eye on your usage during your trip.

Will Saily work while I'm on a cruise?

A regular Saily destination plan uses land-based mobile networks and should not be expected to provide service while your ship is sailing in open water.

Saily is also rolling out separate Cruise eSIM plans that use supported maritime networks. Availability is limited and not every traveler, ship, or cruise line is necessarily supported, so check the Saily app before purchasing.

Cruise traveler? Do not assume a regular destination eSIM replaces your cruise line's Wi-Fi package or provides cellular service while the ship is at sea.

Can I use one Saily plan in several countries?

It depends on the plan you choose. In addition to country-specific plans, Saily offers regional plans that bundle multiple supported countries into one data plan.

This can be especially convenient for European vacations, cruises with several international ports, or other multi-country itineraries. Always check the included destinations before purchasing.

Will using Saily automatically prevent roaming charges?

Not necessarily. Your Saily eSIM and your regular mobile service are separate. If your regular SIM remains active and connects to an international network, your home carrier may still apply roaming charges according to your plan.

Follow Saily's setup instructions carefully and review the international roaming settings for your regular carrier before traveling.

What if I need help while I'm traveling?

Saily provides customer support through live chat and email. Live chat is available through the Saily app.

For setup or connection problems, Saily's Help Center also provides device-specific instructions for iPhone, Android, and Google Pixel devices.

READY FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP?

Stay Connected Wherever Your Travels Take You

Explore Saily's available destinations and choose a travel data plan that fits your itinerary.

Explore Saily eSIM Plans

Affiliate Disclosure: Our Family Travel may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through this Saily link, at no additional cost to you.

ONE MORE THING BEFORE YOU GO

Travel Connected. Travel Prepared.

Having reliable access to maps, reservations, messages, and travel information can make an international trip easier to navigate.

A travel eSIM is one more tool you can add to your pre-travel preparations. Check your device, choose the right plan for your destination, and complete your setup before you leave home.

Explore Saily eSIM Plans More Travel Resources

Affiliate Disclosure: Our Family Travel may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through the Saily link above, at no additional cost to you.

BEFORE DEPARTURE

Your Connection Checklist

  • Confirm your phone supports eSIM
  • Confirm your phone is carrier-unlocked
  • Choose the correct destination or regional plan
  • Install the eSIM before leaving home
  • Review your regular carrier's roaming settings

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