SIM Cards & Internet in Cambodia
Stay connected in Cambodia with affordable SIM cards starting at $3. Compare Smart, Cellcard, and Metfone, plus eSIM options and WiFi availability across the country.
Overview
Cambodia has surprisingly good mobile connectivity for a developing country. Three major providers — Smart, Cellcard, and Metfone — offer 4G coverage in all cities and most rural areas, with 5G rolling out in Phnom Penh.
Tourist SIM cards are cheap ($3-5 for 20-30GB), easy to buy at airports, and work immediately. For digital nomads, unlimited data plans are available for under $10/month. eSIMs from international providers are also an option if your phone supports them.
Mobile Providers
| Provider | Market Share | Network | Coverage | For Tourists | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart | ~45% | 4G/5G | Excellent | Best overall | $2-10 |
| Cellcard | ~30% | 4G/5G | Excellent | Good | $2-8 |
| Metfone | ~25% | 4G | Good | Budget | $1-5 |
Smart (Recommended)
Cambodia's largest mobile network with the best 4G/5G coverage. Their tourist SIM is the most popular among travelers — $5 for 30GB with free social media data. Available at all airports and thousands of shops. Best speeds in most areas.
Cellcard
Cambodia's oldest mobile operator. Strong network, good tourist packages, and competitive pricing. Slightly less coverage in remote areas compared to Smart but excellent in cities. 5G available in Phnom Penh.
Metfone
State-backed operator with the cheapest plans. Good basic coverage but slower data speeds in some areas. Best for budget travelers who primarily need calling and messaging. Surprisingly good coverage in rural areas.
Data Plan Comparison
| Provider | Plan | Data | Validity | Price | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart | Tourist SIM | 30GB | 30 days | $5 | Free Facebook, Telegram |
| Smart | Big Data | 60GB | 30 days | $8 | 4G priority |
| Cellcard | Tourist Pack | 25GB | 30 days | $5 | Free WhatsApp |
| Cellcard | Super Data | 50GB | 30 days | $7 | 4G/5G |
| Metfone | Visitor SIM | 20GB | 30 days | $3 | Cheapest option |
| Metfone | Data Plus | 40GB | 30 days | $5 | Good rural coverage |
eSIM Options
If your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones since XS, Samsung S20+, Google Pixel 3+), you can skip the physical SIM card entirely and buy data before you arrive.
Popular eSIM Providers
- Airalo: Cambodia-specific plans from $4.50 for 1GB. Multi-country Asia plans also available.
- Holafly: Unlimited data plans from $19 for 5 days. No throttling in most cases.
- Nomad: Good Cambodia plans from $5 for 3GB/7 days.
- aloSIM: Budget option with flexible day passes.
eSIM vs Physical SIM
eSIMs are more convenient (set up before arrival) but typically cost 50-100% more per GB than local SIM cards. For stays under 7 days, eSIMs are great. For longer stays, a $5 local SIM card is better value.
Where to Buy
At the Airport
All three airports (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville) have SIM card counters in the arrivals hall. Staff speak English and will set up the SIM for you. Bring your passport for registration.
In Cities
- Brand stores: Smart, Cellcard, and Metfone have branded shops in all cities
- Phone shops: Small mobile phone shops sell SIMs everywhere
- Markets: Available at Central Market, Russian Market, etc.
- Convenience stores: Some 7-Elevens and Circle K stores carry top-up cards
Airport Recommendation
Buy at the airport. It's quick (5 minutes), prices are the same as in-city stores, and you'll have data immediately for Grab/PassApp rides to your hotel.
Internet Speeds by City
| City | Download | Upload | 4G Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh | 25-60 Mbps | 10-20 Mbps | Excellent | 5G available in central areas |
| Siem Reap | 15-40 Mbps | 5-15 Mbps | Very Good | Strong 4G throughout |
| Sihanoukville | 10-30 Mbps | 5-10 Mbps | Good | Can be spotty on islands |
| Kampot | 10-25 Mbps | 5-10 Mbps | Good | Reliable in town center |
| Battambang | 10-20 Mbps | 5-10 Mbps | Good | 4G in city, 3G rural |
| Islands | 3-15 Mbps | 1-5 Mbps | Variable | Koh Rong has improved; remote islands weak |
WiFi Availability
Cambodia has good WiFi infrastructure in tourist areas. Most accommodation, restaurants, and cafes offer free WiFi. For reliable work-quality internet, use coworking spaces.
- Hotels/hostels: Free WiFi standard, 5-30 Mbps typical
- Cafes: Most have WiFi, speeds vary (5-20 Mbps)
- Coworking spaces: Best speeds (20-100 Mbps), $3-10/day
- Restaurants: Usually available, ask for password
- Shopping malls: Free WiFi in AEON Mall, The Point, Exchange Square
Tips & Tricks
Do
- • Buy a SIM at the airport on arrival
- • Top up via USSD codes (*888#) or provider apps
- • Use WiFi for video calls to save mobile data
- • Download offline maps before leaving WiFi
- • Check your phone is unlocked before traveling
Avoid
- • Using international roaming (extremely expensive)
- • Buying SIMs from unofficial street vendors
- • Connecting to unsecured public WiFi networks
- • Streaming HD video on mobile data
- • Letting your SIM expire (numbers recycled after 90 days)
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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