Saily vs Airalo: which one for your trip?
The two big names in travel eSIMs, compared point by point with today's real prices. No universal winner: the right pick depends on how you travel.
The 30-second verdict
- Pick Saily if you want a full refund as long as the eSIM isn't activated, a more generous unlimited plan in the USA (5 GB/day at full speed) and built-in security features (ad blocker, web protection).
- Pick Airalo if you need calls and texts included (data + minutes + SMS plans), if you want prices in Canadian dollars, or if price comes first: once converted, Airalo is slightly cheaper across our table, and clearly so in Mexico.
Prices compared for 10 GB / 30 days
| Destination | Saily (US$) | Airalo (CA$) |
|---|---|---|
| USA | US$22.99 | CA$32.00 |
| Mexico | US$23.99 | CA$26.50 |
| Costa Rica | US$36.99 | CA$48.50 |
| Dominican Republic | US$37.99 | CA$52.50 |
Mind the currencies: Saily shows US dollars, Airalo shows Canadian dollars to visitors in Canada. Prices read on saily.com and airalo.com on October 3, 2026.
The differences that matter
- Unlimited: Saily gives 5 GB/day at full speed in the USA, then up to 1 Mbps; Airalo slows to 1 Mbps after 3 GB in a day.
- Refunds: per Saily's terms, a full refund if the eSIM isn't installed, or is installed but the plan isn't activated (no extras used). At Airalo, a wrong purchase or change of plans is often refunded in Airmoney credit; technical issues can go back to your payment method.
- Calls and texts: Saily sells data only (with an optional US number since June 2026); Airalo also offers data + calls + SMS plans.
- Costa Rica: Airalo lists ID verification (KYC) for its Costa Rica eSIM.
- Security: Saily includes an ad blocker, malicious-site protection and virtual location.
- Coverage: both list 200+ destinations.
Depending on your trip
- A weekend or week in the USA: a few cents apart; Saily for its 1 GB valid 7 days and its 5 GB/day unlimited plan.
- Two weeks in Mexico: if price is all that matters, Airalo is cheaper; Saily if you want a full refund as long as the eSIM isn't activated.
- A Costa Rica road trip: Airalo slightly cheaper; Airalo lists ID verification for this country.
- A family all-inclusive in the Dominican Republic: similar prices; take 5 or 10 GB to share the connection, with either.
My take
For most Canadians heading south or to the US for a week or two, once currencies are converted, Airalo is 2–3% cheaper in the USA and the Dominican Republic, about 9% cheaper in Costa Rica and nearly 30% cheaper in Mexico. Beyond price, what makes the difference is refund flexibility, how long small plans last (7 days for 1 GB at Saily, 3 days at Airalo) and, in the USA, how generous the unlimited plan is. On those points, Saily has the edge, for a small premium. If you need to make regular phone calls without WhatsApp, go with Airalo.
Frequently asked questions
Saily or Airalo, which is cheaper?
It depends on the destination and data amount. Saily shows US dollars, Airalo shows Canadian dollars in Canada: compare in the same currency before buying. See the table on this page (prices as of October 3, 2026).
Do Saily and Airalo offer unlimited data?
Yes, both. Saily gives 5 GB/day at full speed in the USA, then up to 1 Mbps; Airalo slows to 1 Mbps beyond 3 GB per day.
Can I get a refund?
Per Saily's terms, yes, in full if the plan isn't activated. At Airalo, depending on the reason, refunds are often in Airmoney credit.
Which one includes calls?
Airalo sells data + calls + SMS plans. Saily sells data only, with an optional US number sold separately.
Can I keep my Canadian number with either?
Yes. In both cases your Canadian SIM stays in the phone for texts; the eSIM handles data.
Sources: prices read on saily.com and airalo.com on October 3, 2026; Airalo fair-use policy and help centre (refunds); Saily terms of service (refunds) and security features (saily.com), checked on October 3, 2026; Gizmodo (Saily US number, June 2026); Bank of Canada exchange rate (October 2, 2026).
Affiliate link: if you buy a Saily plan through this link (Impact program), I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Saily has not reviewed this page.