Saily top up: How to add data and what it costs
Topping up a Saily eSIM takes a few taps in the app. Here is how to add data, what it costs by destination, and when a different plan suits you better.
Yes, you can top up a Saily eSIM, as long as your plan supports it. Open the Saily app, select your plan, tap Add Data, and choose how much you want to add. A top-up is priced the same as a new plan. The cost depends on the destination, the data amount and the plan length.
Below is the full walkthrough, plus what a top-up costs across single-country, regional and Global plans. It also covers how long the data you add stays valid. If you hold a Saily Ultra subscription, unlimited data is already included and there is nothing to top up.
We’ll also introduce Holafly, another provider worth knowing. Holafly offers eSIMs for 200+ destinations, mostly with unlimited data. So you don’t need to worry about topping up.
Can I top up a Saily eSIM?
Yes, you can top up your Saily eSIM. If your plan supports this feature, you will see an Add Data button in the Saily app. Keep in mind that the Saily Ultra subscription includes unlimited data. If that is the plan you have, there is nothing to top up.
Two things are worth knowing before you add data. You can only top up a Saily data plan. Calls and texts need a separate Saily phone number plan. There are also no hotspot restrictions on Saily plans, so data you add can be shared with a laptop or a traveling companion.
How to top up a Saily eSIM or add more data
To top up your plan, follow these steps:
- Open the Saily app on your smartphone.
- Find your current eSIM plan and select it.
- Tap on Add Data.
- Choose the location for which you want to top up your plan.
- Choose the amount of data you want to add and tap on Continue.
- Confirm your selection and complete the payment. Saily top-up is done!

Note: Once the Saily top-up is successful, your data or plan duration is extended, and your device will automatically recognize the new balance.
Saily eSIM top-up costs
The price of a Saily top-up depends on the destination, the amount of data and the plan length. A top-up costs the same as buying the equivalent plan outright.
Disclaimer: The data in this article is accurate as of October 14, 2026, and is subject to change.
Single-country plans start at US$1.99 for 1 GB over seven days. That price applies in Austria, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic. The same plan costs US$8.99 in Egypt, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, and Jamaica. Three common examples sit in between: Thailand US$2.99, the United States US$3.99 and the United Kingdom US$4.49.
Regional plans, covering a group such as Europe or Asia, generally start at around US$4.99 for 1 GB.
Global plans cover 121 destinations on a single eSIM. The ladder starts at US$8.99 for 1 GB over seven days, and runs up to US$129.99 for 50 GB over 365 days, with several tiers in between.
Every Saily plan also returns 3% in Saily credits toward your next purchase. Referring a friend adds US$5.00 more.
How long does a Saily top-up last?
Data you add through a top-up follows the validity of the plan you bought. A seven-day plan stays a seven-day plan, and a 30-day plan stays a 30-day plan. Topping up extends what you have rather than resetting the clock.
Saily plans also carry a 180-day activation window. If you buy a plan and do not use it, it activates automatically after 180 days, and the validity period begins from that point. That matters if you buy ahead of a trip that later moves.
Should you top up or switch to an unlimited eSIM?
Choosing the right option depends on your travel habits, data needs and budget. Both topping up your existing plan and switching to the best unlimited data plan that suits your needs.
The table below sets out the trade-offs of each approach so you can see which fits your situation.
| Option | Topping up your eSIM | Switching to an unlimited eSIM |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | More affordable for limited data needs. Flexible; add only the data you require. Ideal for occasional travelers or short trips. Keeps your current plan active without switching. | No worries about running out of data. Perfect for heavy data users or long-term travel. One plan covers all your needs without frequent top-ups. |
| Cons | Limited data; may need to top up multiple times on long trips. Additional costs can add up with frequent top-ups. Not suitable for large or continuous data needs. | Usually more expensive upfront. Not cost-effective if your usage is low. Less flexible if you only need limited data for a short period. |
To help you compare the costs, here is an estimate of the approximate expenses for limited and unlimited plans over different durations in the same destination:
| Destination | Duration | Cost of limited plan | Cost of unlimited plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | 7 days | $3.99 for 1 GB | $23.99 |
| France | 30 days | $8.99 for 3 GB | $59.99 for unlimited data |
| France | 30 Days | $16.99 for 10 GB |
Fixed-data plans cost less upfront on a short trip. They suit travelers who know roughly how much data they use. On a longer trip, or one where usage is hard to predict, repeat top-ups add up. An unlimited plan removes the need to track an allowance at all.
The same question comes up for other providers. Nomad eSIM top up prices its add-ons the same way, at the cost of the equivalent plan.
Check out our breakdown of Holafly vs Saily to see which one better fits your travel needs.
Get unlimited travel data with Holafly
Saily’s top-up system suits travelers who like paying for data in increments and know roughly what they use. It keeps costs visible and lets you add only what you need.
If you would rather not track an allowance at all, a Holafly travel eSIM takes the opposite approach. One eSIM covers 200+ destinations with unlimited data. You choose the validity rather than the data tier, from one to 90 days. Speeds run up to 5G where the local network supports it, and 24/7 support is there in live chat, WhatsApp and email. It works on any eSIM-compatible smartphone or smartwatch.
Holafly Plans is a monthly subscription covering 160+ destinations on one eSIM. It suits travelers who are away often enough that per-trip plans get repetitive. There is no long-term contract, and no local address or ID is required.
Every Holafly eSIM also includes Always On: 1 GB of monthly backup data across 150+ destinations, at no added cost. It stays active for as long as the eSIM is installed. It covers the gap between landing and sorting out a plan, and the day a trip runs longer than expected.