Best Tourist Sim Cards in Cambodia in 2024
Choosing a sim card is hard. We've analysed the best tourist sim cards in Cambodia across pricing, coverage and data. Find out the best pick!
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If you plan on visiting Cambodia, having a sim card is essential. With internet access, navigating new cities becomes a breeze. You can easily find the top-rated restaurants, get directions to your accommodation, book a taxi, and even share photos with your loved ones while on the move.
While roaming is an option, the costs can quickly add up when traveling internationally. That’s why we highly recommend either getting an eSIM or a local sim card to enjoy local phone rates.
Fortunately, obtaining either option in Cambodia is incredibly convenient, but it’s important to know which one suits you best. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with all the information you need about purchasing a sim card in Cambodia, including the latest pricing and the absolute best sim card for your needs.
The best sim card in Cambodia is the prepaid sim card offered by Smart. The $5 USD sim card offers 25GB data which is extremely cheap and a better deal than Metfone.
Metfone and Smart have the best network coverage and reliability across Cambodia so I always recommend sticking to these two operators.
eSims in Cambodia are not at all competitively priced, so if budget is a concern to you then you should stick to the local sim cards. However, if you are just visiting Cambodia on a short holiday I recommend checking out Airalo’s Cambodia eSim. For $9 USD you’ll get 3GB of data which is more than enough for a quick trip to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
With the eSim you won’t need to visit a store in Cambodia, register with your passport or install a physical sim card. It’s up to you whether you value the convenience.
A Tourist Sim Card in Cambodia costs $5 USD in April 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.
Alternatively, an eSim in Cambodia will cost between $4.50 USD and $13.50 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.
I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting Cambodia which includes 5GB of data which is valid for 30 days and costs $13.50 USD.
In Cambodia, there are three main SIM card providers that dominate the telecommunications market: Metfone, Smart, and Cellcard. Metfone, a subsidiary of the Vietnamese military-run telecom group Viettel, is one of the most popular choices among locals and tourists. Offering affordable data packages and extensive network coverage, Metfone serves a vast customer base across the country.
Smart, owned by the Malaysian telecommunication giant Axiata Group, is another prominent player in Cambodia. With its cutting-edge technology and competitive rates, Smart attracts users with its reliable network and attractive data plans.
Cellcard, previously known as Mobitel, is the oldest telecom operator in Cambodia. It holds a strong position in the market, focusing on providing reliable voice calls and high-quality data services to its users.
These three providers, Metfone, Smart, and Cellcard, compete fiercely amidst an ever-growing demand for telecommunications services in Cambodia.
Metfone is a leading telecommunications company in Cambodia that offers a range of services, including tourist sim cards for travelers. Their sim cards provide reliable network coverage across the country, allowing tourists to stay connected during their trip. With affordable data and call plans, Metfone’s sim cards are a convenient option for tourists to access the internet, make local and international calls, and share their experiences in Cambodia on social media platforms.
The price of a Metfone tourist sim card in Cambodia is $5 USD.
The plan offered by Metfone stores includes 5GB data valid for 30 days.
Smart is a leading telecommunications company in Cambodia, offering convenient and affordable tourist SIM cards. With excellent network coverage, tourists can stay connected with their loved ones and easily navigate through Cambodia. From unlimited calls and texts to high-speed data, Smart’s tourist SIM cards enable seamless communication and internet access throughout the country. Enjoy the vibrant culture and explore the picturesque landscapes of Cambodia while staying connected with Smart’s reliable and cost-effective tourist SIM cards.
The price of a Smart tourist sim card in Cambodia is $5 USD.
The plan offered by Smart stores offers 25GB data valid for 15 days.
Cellcard is a leading telecommunications company in Cambodia that offers tourist SIM cards specifically designed for travelers. With extensive coverage across the country, Cellcard ensures tourists have reliable and affordable connectivity during their stay. These SIM cards provide data, voice, and text services, along with exclusive benefits such as free international calls and access to various digital platforms. Cellcard’s superior network quality and dedicated customer support make it a popular choice for tourists visiting Cambodia.
The price of a Cellcard tourist sim card in Cambodia is $5 USD.
The plan offered by Cellcard stores includes 25GB data + 2500 minutes + 2500 SMS valid for 30 days.
Identify mobile providers: Metfone, Smart and Cellcard are your best options in Cambodia.
Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can usually be found in major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. If possible, I always recommend to to avoid airports and head in to an official store in the city.
Bring the necessary documents: It is always a good idea to carry your passport or identification documents for sim card registration purposes. We’ve found most providers will need to confirm your identity to provide a sim card and it can be a major hassle to head to a store only to have to come back again later with your passport.
Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are a good starting point, but the staff will usually be able to suggest the best option.
Pay and activate your card: Pay for the SIM card and plan, and the staff will activate it for you.
Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always search for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine.
Buying a prepaid sim card for Cambodia at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.
However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.
In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.
If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in Cambodia then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Cambodia have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.
If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.
I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as Metfone, Smart and Cellcard. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in Cambodia are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.
Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.
If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in Cambodia with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.
The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.
The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!
An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.
We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to Cambodia. The Airalo Cambodia eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.
In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim, all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $13.50 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in Cambodia without having to venture outside.
Our preferred eSim provider in Cambodia is Airalo. We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Cambodia and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.
Airalo’s Cambodia eSim uses the Smart Axiata network to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the Smart Axiata networknetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Cambodia.
Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Cambodia eSim:
1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $4.50 USD
3GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $9 USD
5GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $13.50 USD
For most travellers we recommend the 5GB data plan for $13.50 USD which is valid for 30 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.
An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.
Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s Cambodia eSims offer unlimited data.
Holafly’s Cambodia eSim uses the CamGSMnetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Cambodia
Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Cambodia eSim:
8GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $47 USD
An eSIM, also known as an embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that is built into a device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, there is no need to physically insert or remove the eSIM from the device.
Instead, the eSIM is integrated into the device’s hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This means that users can easily switch between different mobile networks or plans without the hassle of changing physical SIM cards.
The advantages of eSIM technology include convenience, flexibility, and ease of use, particularly for travelers or individuals who frequently switch between different mobile networks or travel internationally. With an eSIM, there is no need to purchase and insert physical SIM cards, making it much more convenient to manage multiple mobile connections on a single device.
To activate an eSIM, users simply need to scan a QR code provided by their mobile network operator or enter the activation details manually. Once activated, the device can connect to the desired mobile network and enjoy voice, data, and messaging services, just like with a traditional SIM card.
eSIMs offer several benefits, including convenience, dual SIM functionality, space-saving, remote provisioning, and future-proofing.
Firstly, using an eSIM eliminates the need to physically insert or remove a SIM card when switching networks or plans, which is particularly useful for frequent travelers.
Secondly, eSIMs allow for dual SIM functionality, meaning you can have two active mobile numbers on the same device. This is helpful for separating personal and work numbers or managing multiple phone lines.
Additionally, eSIMs are embedded within the device, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card slot and freeing up space within the device.
Moreover, eSIMs can be activated or managed remotely over the air, without the need for a physical SIM card or visiting a store. This provides greater flexibility and convenience in managing your mobile connectivity.
Lastly, using an eSIM-compatible device ensures that you can take advantage of new services and offerings as eSIM technology gains traction among mobile networks and service providers.
In conclusion, eSIM technology offers flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity, making it a compelling choice for many users.
eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:
Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.
Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.
Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.
OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.
Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.
These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones.
Using an eSim is new for many travellers, however, the good news is it’s surprisingly easy to get set up – even for the technologically challenged!
Here’s a general guide on how to use an eSIM:
Check eSIM Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Many newer smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices are eSIM compatible including all iPhones produced since 2018.
Obtain an eSIM: There are multiple ways to acquire an eSIM. You can purchase an eSIM online from a provider like Airalo (which we recommend) or directly from a mobile network operator. Some devices also allow you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download the eSIM profile.
Activate the eSIM: Your eSim provider will send you instructions to activate the sim. This will usually involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading the eSIM profile directly onto your device.
Set up the eSIM: Once activated, your device will guide you through the eSIM setup process. This typically involves selecting the eSIM as your preferred mobile plan, configuring settings like data roaming, and entering any necessary authentication details.
Enjoy the Connection: Once the eSIM is set up, you can use it as you would with a physical SIM card. Make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use data services as needed. You can also switch between eSIM profiles if you have multiple eSIMs installed on your device.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.
Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is.
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