Are you going to travel to Cambodia but do not know how to stay connected with people around? If yes, you should not miss our detailed Cambodia SIM card blog! Today, we would like to introduce the types, prices, where to buy, and a detailed guide to using Cambodia SIM cards. Let’s discover together!
In this article
There are different places and methods for people to get Cambodia SIM cards like via online shops, at Cambodia Airport, or in the cities.
You can get a prepaid digital Cambodia eSIM card from companies like GIGAGO eSIM online before your trip. However, you should remember to activate and download the eSIM profile before your flight.
Pros: You do not need to find kiosks to buy Cambodia SIM cards upon arrival. With an eSIM, travelers can get connectivity as soon as they land in Cambodia. Plus, their price is affordable to meet your needs. Especially, they do not need to spend time on paperwork and queues when buying an eSIM.
Cons: Your phone model must be high-end to support eSIM. Moreover, an eSIM will offer lower data limit options and it is difficult for you to switch to another network operator after that.
Cambodia SIM cards can be bought at several airports in Cambodia such as Phnom Penh airport, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville international airports.
You can purchase a prepaid SIM card online, via some providers’ websites such as Cellcard, Metfone, Smart, etc. Then, the SIM will be delivered. You will receive it at the airport or visit their stores in the city.
To buy physical Cambodia SIM in the city, you can visit official stores of Cellcard, Metfone, and Smart networks. However, you need to represent your passport details, select the data package, and then make payment. Also, you may find SIMs at small shops and stalls but prices may be higher than official stores.
Pros: You can find it everywhere in the city, so it is easy for you to buy. Normally, you will find low prices at official stores – about $1-2 for Cambodia SIM cards. Especially, SIMs have large data packages for $5-10 valid for 30+ days. And there is a customer services department at the stores to support you.
Cons: You have to look for stores upon arrival and SIM will have different coverage outside cities.
► Our recommendation: the best selection for tourists is to buy physical Cambodia SIM cards from an official store location in Cambodian cities for the lowest prices, the largest data packages, and the ability to get support if needed. Plus, an eSIM is also highly recommended for you if your devices support it. You will experience the best service and not waste time although the data cap may be lower.
Good to know: $1 = 4,084.077452 KHR. 10,000 HKD = $2.44 (as of January 2024)
Cambodia has the top 3 mobile Internet providers including Metfone, Smart Axiata, and Cellcard. You can find more details about prices of SIM card services in Cambodia below.
You can find the detailed information for prepaid Cambodia SIM card plans from Metfone below:
Metfone has the most unique and extensive coverage through Cambodia including remote areas, which is a perfect service for travelers, especially backpackers.
Insight: Metfone is the best option for people tending to travel to rural areas in Cambodia due to its wide range of coverage.
Here is some information about the Smart Axiata SIM card plan:
Insight: Smart provides nationwide connectivity but there is a lack of special offers for tourists and their service is not good enough to ensure a smooth trip.
You can refer to below Cambodia Cellcard SIM card plans and prices for the best option:
Insight: Cellcard SIM cards are considered the top overall experience for tourists in Cambodia when providing a good balance for most travelers’ needs.
► Our recommendation: The best operator is Cellcard – which offers the most competitively priced and easily available plans suitable for most travelers’ needs. Metfone is reliable for its wide coverage but plans lack tourist focus. Smart’s airport has only Cambodia SIM cards and their SIMs are less convenient. Overall, Cellcard will be the best choice for SIMs in Cambodia.
Yes. We recommend buying a SIM card for your Cambodia travel.
Hence, it is useful for you to buy Cambodia SIM cards for the best Cambodia trip for below reasons:
When preparing to buy a prepaid SIM card in Cambodia, consider the following:
If you find the SIM buying process complicated and prefer not to share personal information from your passport, consider purchasing an eSIM if your phone supports it. This is likely the most convenient option for you.
There are 02 major types of Cambodia SIM cards: prepaid physical SIM cards and prepaid tourist eSIM in Cambodia.
First, prepaid physical Cambodia SIM cards are known as one of the most common types in Cambodia. It is a type of module (SIM) card to identify subscribers under a prepaid service. People use them by inserting them into their devices like their phones.
There are some important features of prepaid physical Cambodia SIM cards that you should know:
| Prepaid physical SIM cards in Cambodia | |
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| – Prepaid physical Cambodia SIM cards are affordable to anyone because their prices are reasonable for all walks of life. | – It wastes time for people to wait for delivery or set up process. – The owners can lose Cambodia SIM cards easily if they forget them when removing them from the devices. – One phone will have one SIM card available only. |
A prepaid tourist Cambodia eSIM is a digital SIM card like a chip embedded inside your devices. Moreover, users can buy it easily via online shop and receive the QR code to activate an eSIM. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of eSIM:
| Prepaid Tourist Cambodia eSIM | |
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| It is extremely suitable for tourists because you can purchase it online. An eSIM has no complicated setup, just by scanning the QR code. It is available for using two SIMs – a physical SIM and an eSIM or two eSIMs at the same time. | – Only devices with high-end models can use an eSIM such as iPhone 13, and 14,15. – To use an eSIM’s function, you have to unlock your phone first. |
► Our recommendation: It is incredible if you have suitable devices to use an eSIM for the best experience.
A prepaid eSIM is an ideal option for travelers visiting Cambodia. Unlike physical SIMs or relying on WiFi connections, eSIMs will ensure that you always stay connected with the surrounding world immediately.
Visitors can purchase prepaid plans from providers like Gigago before departing. By this way, you do not need to wait too long for local SIMs in Cambodia. Devices are easy to set up the virtual eSIM profile via QR codes. Also, eSIMs have no risk of physical loss, damage, or extra baggage weight for tourists.
Especially, Gigago eSIM – as a worldwide eSIM provider, is a good option for you to buy an eSIM. They offer different packages that suit all budgets, with the package starting from a 5-day plan with 1GB per day for $5 with $4.50 . They also have 7-day, 15-day, and 30-day plans ranging from 1GB to 50GB of total data, or 1GB to 3GB per day, with prices from $5 up to $89.50.
► Visit eSIM Cambodia to see more details about plan features and prices.
A tourist SIM card in Cambodia generally lasts 7 to 30 days. Key points include:
A tourist SIM card in Cambodia can last from a week to a month or more, depending on the specific terms of the card you purchase and your adherence to top-up requirements. Always check the terms and conditions provided by the SIM card provider for precise details.
At first, you need to power off your phone, and then insert Cambodia SIM cards into your device. After that, let’s turn on your phone and your device including the SIM will connect to the Cambodia network automatically.
Next, check your balance and expiry then enjoy your phone to make calls and send texts.
Important Note: If you lose your SIM, please inform the provider right away to ensure security! After finishing your vacation, you can continue using it and keep the SIM card for future use or you can dispose of it if you want.
If you want to use an eSIM, first you should check your phone model whether your devices can activate an eSIM or not. If yes, you can buy an eSIM online or in stores. After purchasing, you will receive your eSIM via email including a QR code.
Then, let’s unlock your phone to activate an eSIM and open eSIM settings from your phone. You can add an eSIM by scanning the QR code. Finally, let’s follow the instructions shown on your device screen to finish the eSIM profile. Then, you can restart your device and use it to make calls or surf the web.
Smart SIM cards will be the best choice for tourists because they offer reliable network coverage and a good value package of 30GB of data valid for 7 days for only $5.
There are two ways to buy a SIM card in Cambodia: buying via online shops or visiting local stores such as Smart, Metfone, and Cellcard. However, the best way to buy is to purchase online from these retailers to prevent registration or you can buy an eSIM if your devices support it.
No. You can’t use a Vietnam SIM in Cambodia since the network platforms are different. You have to purchase a local SIM card once you get to Cambodia to access network access there.
In conclusion, buying a prepaid Cambodia SIM card or eSIM is necessary for travelers who travel to Cambodia. From our articles, you can consider choosing between Smart and Metfone for the best coverage nationwide.
A Cambodia eSIM from providers like Gigago can be purchased online before travel, providing instant connectivity with a better experience. We hope that this article will help you have the best selection for yourself and we wish you the best trip with Cambodia SIM cards.
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