Global nonprofit organizations should switch to an eSIM app — here’s why

A reliable internet connection is crucial for global nonprofits

An aid worker in rural Tanzania consults with a vaccination specialist in New York. On the Indian coast, volunteers coordinate cyclone relief with a London NGO. Time and time again, a dependable internet connection facilitates the work of nonprofits around the world. 

Global nonprofits — the kind that travel internationally to deliver aid, run educational programs, or support marginalized communities — are all too familiar with the struggle of finding reliable internet access in remote locations. While international roaming may seem like an easy way to get an internet connection, roaming fees can cost you a fortune and quickly eat away at your budget. The most practical, streamlined internet solution isn’t found with local SIM cards but rather in an eSIM app. 

Why global nonprofits would benefit from an eSIM app over SIM cards during expeditions

Both local SIM cards and eSIMs (virtual SIM cards) help your team stay online without having to hunt for public Wi-Fi. However, the difference between these two mobile data options is that traditional SIM cards either need to be purchased in person or shipped to you from an online order. With an eSIM app, you can skip the finicky logistics and receive an eSIM seconds after purchasing a prepaid data plan. All you need to do is download an eSIM app, buy a plan for the country your team is traveling to, and you’ll immediately receive instructions on how to install your eSIM on your device. Once you get to your destination country, your data plan will either automatically activate or you’ll have to activate it manually (depending on the eSIM service provider), and that’s it — you’ve got fast, reliable internet access to manage your project and stay connected with your team. 

If your nonprofit’s work takes you across borders, you can benefit from using an eSIM app in the following ways: 

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  On-demand data keeps your team’s operations running smoothly. Access emails, communication channels, and any other essential platforms without searching for public Wi-Fi or local SIM cards.

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  Pre-deployment provisioning of mobile data eliminates field logistics. If you purchase data plans before deployment and have your team install their eSIMs on their devices, they’ll have internet access the moment they arrive at the project destination — no need to buy SIM cards on-site.

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  Regional eSIM plans streamline administration for multi-country projects. With a regional eSIM plan, you can get reliable internet access across multiple countries within a continent or region. 

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  You can top up on data without commuting to the city. With a SIM card, you might have to head into the city just to top up on data if your plan runs out — not an ideal scenario when you’re working in a rural area. But with an eSIM app, you can top up on your team’s data plans right from your phone or tablet. 

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  You’ll cut down on plastic waste. eSIMs are plastic free, unlike traditional SIM cards, and don’t require shipping boxes. Using an eSIM app is more environmentally friendly and might save you some money on shipping costs.

One thing to keep in mind about using an eSIM vs. a physical SIM card is that many eSIM apps offer data-only plans, while SIM cards usually come with a local phone number. However, if you opt for a data-only eSIM plan, you can still use VoIP apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, or Signal to send messages and make calls without needing a local number. 

Why the Saily eSIM app is a great fit for nonprofit organizations

Switching from physical SIM cards to an eSIM app streamlines the process of keeping your team online during expeditions abroad. But why choose Saily specifically? 

The Saily eSIM app offers affordable mobile data plans for over 200 destinations worldwide. Depending on the destination, you can choose plans starting from as little as 1 GB or unlimited data per day and enjoy a fast, reliable internet connection. Saily notifies you when you’ve used up 80% of your data plan so you can top up in advance, right from your device, without having to head into the city or buy a new physical SIM card.

On top of that, Saily is the only eSIM app on the market that offers three built-in security features: an ad blocker, a virtual location changer, and web protection against malicious sites and trackers. At no extra cost, Saily’s security features add a layer of online privacy to your team’s connection so you can manage sensitive projects with more confidence. Saily’s ad blocker also helps you use up to 28.6% less data when enabled, stretching your plan further. 

The 2025 Myanmar and Philippines Earthquakes: A Saily Nonprofits case study

In emergency situations, reliable internet can be critical. Teams need to communicate quickly, coordinate aid, and share updates with partners and affected communities. Saily jumped into action after two major earthquakes in 2025. After the March 2025 earthquake in Myanmar, Saily worked with Access Now — a nonprofit organization focused on the digital rights of people and communities at risk — to provide data plans to journalists and activists covering the disaster and to displaced people in Thailand, helping communities stay connected during the relief effort. In October 2025, the Philippines were hit by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake — Saily responded by sharing a code on Reddit to provide free data to help those affected.  

Field research and program monitoring also benefit from stable connectivity. Many nonprofits rely on networks of volunteer reporters to track public health data and other essential metrics. Arranging physical SIM cards for these on-the-ground reporters can be slow and costly — unlike an eSIM. 

Even routine work trips are simpler with Saily. Volunteers and staff can navigate unfamiliar cities with online maps, check in with colleagues while attending conferences, and view important documents or communications from the train. Saily ensures that teams focus on their work rather than worrying about unsecure Wi-Fi and patchy internet.

And if you’re part of a nonprofit team, you have one extra reason to choose the Saily eSIM app to support your team’s mission.

The Saily eSIM app offers discounts for eligible nonprofits

Saily Impact: Supporting changemakers through mobile connectivity.

Saily believes everyone deserves secure and open internet access, no matter their circumstances or where they come from. That’s why we work with international partners to offer discounted data plans for eligible nonprofit organizations in need. Because cost is a concern for many nonprofits, Saily offers discounted plans to make international connectivity more accessible. These plans are structured to meet the needs of organizations operating in different environments, from busy urban centers to remote regions with limited network infrastructure. Read more about who qualifies for discounted mobile data plans in our Saily Impact article. 

Apply for the Saily Nonprofits program today

Would your organization benefit from internet access at a discounted rate? If you think you’re eligible, please introduce yourself at [email protected] and tell us how Saily data plans would help you achieve your mission!