Comparing GigSky vs Saily: Coverage, Pricing, and Setup Explained

The moment you land in a new country, connectivity becomes everything.

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How do you book that Uber? Navigate to your hotel? Check in for your meeting?

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For modern travelers, these questions have driven the rapid adoption of eSIM technology, eliminating the hassle of airport kiosk lines, language barriers, and surprise roaming charges.

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In the growing eSIM ecosystem, two providers have captured travelers' attention: GigSky and Saily.

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Both promise seamless global connectivity, but they take different approaches to solving the same problem.

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This GigSky vs Saily guide will help you understand which solution aligns best with your travel style and connectivity needs.

Quick Background: Experience vs Innovation

GigSky has been in the game since 2010, that's 15 years of experience keeping travelers connected.

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In 2018, Apple invited GigSky to help shape the eSIM standard when launching the first eSIM-compatible iPhone (the iPhone XS), integrating GigSky into Apple's ecosystem.

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Today, GigSky is recognized as the only eSIM provider offering connectivity both on land and at sea, with service across 200 destinations and coverage on 200+ cruise ships.

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Saily, by contrast, launched in 2024 under Nord Security, the digital security company behind NordVPN. As a newer entrant, Saily brings fresh energy to the space and leverages its parent company's privacy expertise.

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This GigSky vs Saily comparison highlights how experience and innovation create different value propositions for travelers.

Saily eSIM vs GigSky eSIM: Feature Comparison

Free Trial Data

One of the most significant differences between these providers centers on risk-free testing.

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GigSky offers a free trial of 100 MB across 125 destinations, with no credit card required.

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Travelers heading to Europe can access 500 MB free across 43 countries. This approach allows you to verify connectivity quality, test speeds in your specific location, and confirm the service meets your needs before committing to a paid plan.

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For Visa Infinite and Signature cardholders, the benefits expand further. Through an exclusive partnership, eligible cardholders receive between 1–3 GB of free data in 175 countries, plus 20–30% discounts on all travel data plans.

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The program works with any Visa Infinite or Signature card issued in the US, Canada, Latin America, or the Caribbean, regardless of the issuing bank. If you hold multiple eligible cards, each qualifies for the free data benefit independently.

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Saily, meanwhile, requires an upfront purchase to test service quality. 

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For travelers visiting destinations with strict regulations (such as Turkey, where eSIM restrictions apply), this difference becomes relevant when evaluating which provider offers greater flexibility.

Network Model

The technical foundation separating these providers directly impacts your user experience.

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GigSky operates as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), keeping direct partnerships with local networks worldwide.

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This structure enables GigSky to control how your device connects and automatically switches to the strongest available network based on real-time signal quality.

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When you arrive at your destination, connectivity begins immediately without manual intervention.

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Saily functions as a reseller, working through intermediary partnerships.

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This model requires travelers to manually configure their eSIM upon arrival, adding setup steps to the beginning of each trip.

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In destinations with connectivity restrictions or when you need immediate access to navigation and communication tools, this distinction becomes meaningful.

Coverage

Both providers deliver global reach, but with different geographic priorities.

Coverage Comparison

GigSky leads in coverage across Europe, Latin America, North America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia.

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For European travel, GigSky's 41-country coverage includes Turkey, while Saily's 35-country footprint excludes certain popular destinations.

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This gap matters when purchasing regional plans, as you'll want to confirm your destinations are included.

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To Saily's credit, the provider has invested more heavily in Middle Eastern and Oceanic infrastructure, offering broader reach in countries across 19 destinations in each region compared to GigSky's 9.

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Additionally, GigSky extends connectivity to maritime environments with coverage across 200+ cruise ships, a unique capability for travelers combining land and sea itineraries. Saily focuses on land-based connectivity.

Data Plans & Pricing

When comparing Saily eSIM vs GigSky eSIM data plans, both providers offer flexible options for different travel needs, from short-term trips to long-term usage.

Short-Term Plans

GigSky's plans range from 1 GB to 100 GB or unlimited data, with pricing starting at $3.74.

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Saily offers 1 GB to 50 GB or unlimited options, with plans beginning at $3.99.

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Both companies provide regional and country-specific packages, giving travelers the flexibility to match their data allocation to trip length and usage patterns.

Long-Term (Subscription) Plans

For frequent travelers, both providers launched subscription models in 2025.

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GigSky One starts at $29.99 monthly for 25–75 GB across 120+ countries.

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If you use your high-speed data allocation, connectivity continues at reduced speeds (up to 1 Mbps) rather than cutting off entirely.

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Subscriptions can be paid monthly, quarterly, or yearly, with cancellation available anytime without penalties.

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Saily Ultra Plan begins at $59.99 monthly for 30 GB across 113 countries, also including unlimited reduced-speed data (up to 1 Mbps) after the primary allocation is consumed.

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The pricing structure reflects each provider's positioning: GigSky emphasizes value for diverse travel patterns, while Saily targets travelers prioritizing the privacy credentials of Nord Security's ecosystem.

Setup & Ease of Use

The Saily eSIM vs GigSky eSIM setup process shows how both providers eliminate physical SIM cards through app-based eSIM management.

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Install once, reuse across all covered destinations, a feature travelers appreciate for preserving device storage and simplifying the travel experience.

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GigSky's setup process centers on simplicity. You install your eSIM once before your first trip (either through the app or via QR code), and it remains on your device for use across 200+ countries and 200+ cruise ships.

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The app-based installation method proves particularly reliable, as it eliminates the email delivery issues that occasionally occur with QR codes.

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Upon arrival at any destination, your device connects automatically without requiring settings adjustments or manual plan activation.

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Saily requires additional configuration steps when you reach your destination.

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For destinations with pre-arrival setup requirements (such as Turkey's eSIM regulations), this difference becomes operationally significant.

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The manual activation process adds a layer of complexity during the crucial first moments of a trip when travelers typically prioritize getting oriented rather than troubleshooting connectivity.

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The activation window also differs meaningfully. GigSky provides a 12-month window from purchase to first use, allowing you to buy plans during sales or well in advance of travel.

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Saily's one-month activation window means plans automatically begin consuming data if not used within 30 days of purchase, requiring more precise timing for trip planning.

Performance & Reliability

This Saily vs GigSky comparison of performance reveals important differences in network reliability. 

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Both services connect to local LTE and 5G networks, delivering speeds suitable for streaming, navigation, and communication in urban areas.

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GigSky reviews highlight reliable performance across North America, Europe, and major Asian markets.

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In maritime environments, shipboard connectivity typically reaches approximately 3 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload speeds—sufficient for browsing, messaging, and hotspot usage, though cabin location and coastal proximity can influence consistency.

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Saily delivers strong performance in city centers but doesn't support maritime connectivity. Rural and remote area performance may vary, as is common with reseller-based models that depend on intermediary network relationships.

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For travelers whose itineraries include sea routes, coastal regions, or locations requiring guaranteed immediate connectivity, GigSky's infrastructure provides a subtle edge in coverage scenarios beyond standard land-based travel.

Customer Support

Both brands provide 24/7 global support through chat and email channels, but their support infrastructure reflects their operational models.

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GigSky's network operator status helps streamline troubleshooting. When connectivity issues arise, support teams can directly investigate network relationships and switching behavior, offering multilingual assistance with shorter resolution pathways.

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Saily's reseller structure requires coordination with upstream partners for certain technical issues, which can extend resolution timelines. 

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The company emphasizes structured, policy-driven support to keep consistency across cases.

Refund Policies

Both providers offer refund options with different frameworks.

Saily's 30-day refund window offers full refunds for uninstalled or unactivated eSIMs.

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For activated plans, refunds apply only when data usage remains below 1% or legitimate service issues occurred.

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GigSky evaluates refund requests based on individual circumstances without rigid deadlines, accepting submissions through multiple channels.

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Once approved, funds arrive within one week, compared to Saily's 30-day processing period.

Partnerships

GigSky keeps carrier-level partnerships with Apple and Google, stemming from its role in shaping early eSIM standards.

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These relationships facilitate deeper integration with device ecosystems and provide travelers using Apple or Google devices with optimized experiences.

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The Visa partnership extends practical benefits to millions of cardholders across the Americas.

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Eligible users receive free data and ongoing discounts without additional enrollment requirements, your existing Visa Infinite and Signature card automatically qualifies you for the program.

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Saily has not publicly disclosed partnership relationships, focusing instead on leveraging Nord Security's privacy and security reputation as its primary differentiator.

Which Provider Fits Your Travel Style?

This GigSky vs Saily analysis shows both providers solve the core challenge of staying connected abroad through eSIM technology. The right choice depends on how you travel and what you prioritize.

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GigSky is suited for travelers who:

• Take frequent international trips and want a single eSIM that works everywhere
• Value the ability to test service quality risk-free before purchasing
• Travel to cruise destinations or combine land and sea itineraries
• Prefer automatic connectivity without manual setup steps
• Hold Visa Infinite or Signature cards and want to maximize complimentary data benefits
• Need maximum flexibility with a 12-month activation window
• Travel to destinations with complex eSIM regulations requiring pre-arrival setup

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Saily works well for those seeking:

• A newer provider backed by Nord Security's privacy credentials
• Strong coverage specifically in Middle Eastern or Oceanic regions
• Land-only connectivity without maritime requirements
• A straightforward reseller model with structured policies

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For travelers prioritizing coverage, operational simplicity, and the flexibility to test before committing, GigSky's network operator infrastructure and partnership ecosystem offer advantages that align with real-world travel scenarios.

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The free data plans, automatic connectivity, and extended activation windows reduce friction throughout the entire journey, from planning to arrival.

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Ultimately, this GigSky vs Saily comparison demonstrates the best eSIM provider is the one that matches your specific destinations, usage patterns, and travel style.

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Consider where you travel most frequently, whether you need maritime connectivity, and how important try-before-you-buy flexibility is to your decision-making process.

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Ready to stay connected on your next trip? Download the GigSky app to explore free data plans and see how automatic connectivity can simplify your travel experience.

FAQs

Is GigSky better than Saily?

GigSky offers broader coverage, free trials, and automatic setup across 200+ destinations and cruise ships.

Should I use Saily or GigSky eSIM?

GigSky suits frequent travelers wanting automatic connectivity and free trials; Saily works for simpler trips.

Which eSIM is best for travelers Saily vs GigSky?

GigSky leads with 200+ countries, maritime coverage, 12-month activation, and risk-free testing options.

How to choose between Saily and GigSky eSIM?

Consider destinations, need for cruise connectivity, free trial access, and preference for automatic setup.