If you’ve ever landed in a new country, turned on roaming, and panicked at the thought of outrageous charges, you’re not alone. The future of connectivity while traveling isn’t plastic SIM cards—it’s eSIMs. One provider leading the charge is Saily, a travel eSIM service backed by Nord Security (creators of NordVPN).

This guide covers everything you need to know about Saily—its origins, how eSIMs work, how Saily compares to competitors like Airalo, and most importantly, how to maximize savings using coupon codes, referral credits, and student offers.

And don’t forget: with the coupon code GC5, you’ll get an extra 5% discount on any Saily plan, worldwide. For the latest codes, visit Saily coupons.

What Is Saily, and Who Owns It?

Saily launched in 2024 under Nord Security, the Lithuanian-founded cybersecurity giant behind products like NordVPN, NordPass, and NordLocker. Nord Security was established in 2012 by entrepreneurs Tomas (Tom) Okman and Eimantas Sabaliauskas, and it has since grown into one of Europe’s most trusted online privacy and security companies.

Saily is an extension of that mission—making global connectivity simple, affordable, and safe. Instead of juggling SIM cards at airport kiosks, you simply download the Saily app, install an eSIM, and connect.

eSIMs vs SIM Cards: What’s the Difference?

SIM Cards

  • Small, removable chips are inserted into your phone.

  • Store your subscriber identity and authenticate on networks.

  • Require physical purchase, often ID checks abroad.

  • Easy to lose or damage.

eSIMs

  • Embedded chips already built into your phone (eUICC).

  • Profiles are downloaded digitally, no physical card required.

  • Allow multiple plans on one device (great for dual-SIM setups).

  • Environmentally friendly—no plastic, no shipping waste.

  • More secure: updates and provisioning are encrypted via GSMA standards.

Key Takeaway

eSIMs don’t just replace SIMs—they unlock flexibility. Keep your home SIM active for calls and texts, while Saily handles affordable global data.

Saily Standard Plans

Saily offers three categories of plans:

  1. Country Plans – Best for short trips in one destination (cheapest option).

  2. Regional Plans – Perfect for multi-country tours (e.g., Europe, Southeast Asia).

  3. Global Plans – One eSIM covers 200+ destinations worldwide.

Pricing Snapshot

  • As low as $3.99 for 1 GB in the US or Japan (7-day validity).

  • Regional plans for Europe/Asia start at $20–$50, depending on size.

  • Global plans can range $70–$90 for large bundles.

Spotlight on Saily Ultra Plan

For frequent travelers, Saily created the Ultra Plan—a subscription service that goes beyond prepaid bundles.

Cost

  • $59.99/month (all fees included).

  • With GC5 coupon: $56.99/month.

Data

  • 30 GB high-speed data per month.

  • Unlimited data at reduced speed (1 Mbps) after the cap.

Perks

  • NordVPN subscription included.

  • 8% cashback in Saily credits monthly.

  • Premium support (priority assistance).

  • Airport lounge access (coming soon).

  • Fast-track airport services (coming soon).

Who It’s For

  • Digital nomads.

  • Frequent business travelers.

  • Long-term student exchange participants.

  • Families traveling across multiple countries.

With NordVPN bundled (normally $12/month), plus cashback, Ultra quickly justifies its price for regular flyers.

Referral Program: Earn $5 Every Time

Saily’s referral program is simple and effective:

  • Refer a friend → They get $5 off their first plan.

  • You earn $5 in Saily credits.

  • Credits can be applied to your next plan (or stacked).

For families or groups traveling together, this is especially powerful. Four referrals = $20 in credits, enough to pay for a small plan outright.

StudentBeans Offer: Discounts for Students

Saily partners with StudentBeans to provide student travelers with an extra layer of affordability.

  • Verified students receive up to 5% cashback in Saily credits when purchasing plans.

  • These credits stack with referral bonuses and coupons.

Example Savings for Students

  • European regional plan: $49.

  • Apply GC5: $46.55.

  • Student cashback: ~$2.30 credits.

  • Refer two classmates: $10 credits.

  • Effective cost: ~$34.

For students traveling on tight budgets, stacking these savings is game-changing.

Cashback System

Beyond coupons and referrals, Saily’s Ultra plan includes 8% cashback in credits every month. This makes Saily one of the few providers rewarding repeat customers, not just first-time buyers.

Comparison: Saily vs Airalo

Both Saily and Airalo are top-tier eSIM providers. Each has unique strengths:

Saily

  • Generally cheaper per GB ($3.99 vs $4.50 in many countries).

  • Built-in ad blocking and web protection.

  • 24/7 live chat support, highly rated on Trustpilot (~4.0).

  • Strong backing by Nord Security.

Airalo

  • Established in 2019, with 20+ million users.

  • Highly polished app UX with broad adoption.

  • Airmoney loyalty credits for repeat purchases.

  • Some plans include calls and SMS (Discover+).

Bottom Line

  • Saily shines with affordability, security perks, and fast support.

  • Airalo wins on scale, polish, and loyalty programs.

  • No winner—your choice depends on whether you value price and extras (Saily) or polish and scale (Airalo).

How to Maximize Your Savings

  1. Apply GC5 → Always save 5% upfront.

  2. Use Referrals → $5 credits per referral, unlimited potential.

  3. Claim Student Cashback → 5% in credits if eligible.

  4. Upgrade to Ultra → Unlimited data, NordVPN, 8% cashback.

  5. Stack Offers → Combine GC5 + credits + cashback for maximum savings.

Final Checklist Before You Travel

  • Confirm your phone supports eSIM.

  • Install your Saily eSIM before departure.

  • Label it clearly (e.g., “Saily Data”).

  • Turn off roaming on your home SIM to avoid charges.

  • Apply coupon GC5.

  • Use referral and student credits to cut costs.

  • Enjoy instant connectivity on arrival.

Read: Airalo eSim Guide

Conclusion

Saily is not just another eSIM—it’s a complete travel connectivity solution. Backed by Nord Security, it combines affordability, security, and a user-first design. With standard plans for short trips, Saily Ultra for heavy travelers, a referral program, student deals, and cashback, it’s one of the most rewarding ecosystems in the eSIM space.

And the best part? You don’t just save once—you save every time you use Saily. Whether you’re a student backpacker, a corporate frequent flyer, or a family exploring new countries, Saily ensures you’ll stay connected affordably and securely.

Start your journey smarter with Saily today, and don’t forget to apply GC5 for an extra 5% off at Saily coupons.