The Saily Ultra eSIM plan offers a compelling package for globetrotters, boasting not just decent connectivity but also a suite of valuable perks beyond just data.
During testing in the UK and brief stints in Europe, the Premium plan proved quick and easy to set up via the Saily app. It consistently provided connectivity, delivering speeds up to around 300 Mbps on 5G in urban areas, though rural locations saw a drop to 4G and approximately 15 Mbps, as is typical with local network performance. Saily operates by connecting to local providers, with EE and Vodafone being the main networks encountered during the testing period.
The Ultra plan includes a substantial 30 GB of high-speed data. While "high-speed" here means unfettered usage, actual speeds depend entirely on local coverage. Once the 30 GB allowance is used, users get unlimited data throttled to 1 Mbps. This slower speed is adequate for basic tasks like messaging, browsing, and navigation, but less suitable for data-intensive activities like video streaming.
It's crucial to note that the 30 GB limit is monthly. While this sounds generous, considering most users consume around 20 GB monthly and are often connected to Wi-Fi at home or work, this allowance can deplete rapidly when traveling, especially when Wi-Fi isn't readily available. Planning ahead by downloading content and maps when connected to Wi-Fi is a smart travel strategy.
For travelers visiting only one or two countries, region-specific pay-as-you-go plans might be more economical. For instance, Saily offers unlimited UK data for 15 days at $49, but with a fair usage policy throttling after 5 GB daily. Similar unlimited European data for a month costs $72 with the same daily cap. Alternatively, 20 GB for 30 days is available for $23 in France or $31 in the UK.
Compared to other international eSIM and SIM services, Saily offers strong performance and ease of use, though it comes at a relatively higher price point. However, this premium is offset by a generous bundle of extras not typically found with competitors.
Beyond data, the Saily Ultra plan shines with its plentiful perks, appealing to frequent travelers. These include, but are not limited to, priority customer support, an integrated ad blocker that also conserves data, and an 8% cashback in Saily credits. These credits can be redeemed for future data plans or additional perks, such as airport lounge passes. Notably, lounge and fast-track benefits can be rolled over for up to three months if unused, though they are non-transferable. While a ClassPass subscription was listed on their website, it was not available during the testing period. Users should verify current perk offerings at the time of purchase, as these are subject to change.
