How to Get and Activate Metfone SIM Cards and eSIM: 2024 Guide for Tourists

Travelers in Cambodia often struggle to set up a reliable, budget-friendly mobile data connection. Understanding Metfone SIM card & eSIM options and the activation process can be challenging. 

This article will walk you through everything about using the Metfone network in Cambodia, covering connectivity choices, expenses, and steps for activating physical SIM cards and eSIMs for a smooth digital experience.

I. Quick Facts about Metfone

Metfone is one of the biggest mobile operators in Cambodia. Below is some facts about it:

• Founded year: 2009
• Full company name: Metfone C-OOML Co., Ltd.
• Service: Mobile telecommunications services (voice, data, and mobile money)
• Subscribers: Over 9M (as of 2023)
• Coverage: Nationwide coverage across all 25 provinces in Cambodia
• Stores and partners: Over 10,000 sales outlets and partners across the country
• Customer support: 24/7 customer service hotline, online support, and service centers
• Awards:
  • Best Customer Service Provider (Cambodia ICT Awards 2020)
  • Best Mobile Operator (Cambodia ICT Awards 2019)
  • Best Mobile Money Service Provider (Cambodia ICT Awards 2018)
  • Best Customer Service Provider (Cambodia ICT Awards 2017)

II. Why Metfone When Traveling Cambodia – Coverage and Speed

Metfone is known for its high-quality telecommunication services in Cambodia. This section will reveal to you the coverage and speed of Metfone. 

1. Metfone Coverage in Cambodia

Metfone boasts the widest mobile network coverage in Cambodia, offering 2G, 3G, 4G, and even 5G services in major cities. Over 118,519 user-reported data points contribute to their coverage map.

Key points:

• Metfone’s network covers over 98% of Cambodia.
• In 2021, their 4G LTE network reached 95% of the population, one of the country’s largest.
• Metfone is a top mobile operator in Cambodia for coverage and performance.

They invest in expanding and upgrading network infrastructure, with initiatives like:

• 5,000+ 4G LTE base stations by 2022.
• Collaborations with Huawei and ZTE.
• 5G trials leading to future nationwide deployment.

Metfone stands out as a reliable mobile network provider in Cambodia, offering extensive coverage and advanced technology.

2. Metfone Speed

According to Opensignal’s February 2023 report on mobile network experience in Cambodia, Metfone did not win any awards for download or upload speed. The report offers insights into Metfone’s performance:

• Download Speed: Metfone’s average: 11.1 Mbps, trailing Cellcard (18.8 Mbps) and Smart (15.7 Mbps).
• Upload Speed: Metfone’s average: 5.5 Mbps, same as Cellcard and Smart.
• Video Experience: Metfone: 55.9 points, showing average streaming quality.
• Consistency: Cambodia’s overall score: 69.2 points, relatively consistent.

While not the fastest, Metfone offers consistent service. 

III. What are the Best Connectivity Options of Metfone for Travelers to Cambodia?

Choosing the right connectivity option in Cambodia depends on your data needs, budget, and travel style. Here’s a breakdown of Metfone’s options for travelers:

Connectivity Option	Pros	Cons
SIM Card	– Affordable  – Widely available  – Good coverage, especially in rural areas	– Limited data packages for calls and SMS  – Slower speeds compared to some competitors
Pocket Wi-Fi	– Share data with multiple devices – Convenient for groups	– More expensive than a SIM card  – Battery life to manage
Roaming	No need to purchase a local SIM card	– Expensive  – Limited data allowances  – May not have reliable coverage in remote areas

► Recommendation: Buying a SIM card is always the best option.

IV. Best Metfone SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

Here’s a table with the available plans, prices, and details:

Plan Name	Validity	Data Allowance	On-Net Calls	Off-Net Calls	Price (USD)
Tourist SIM Card	30 days	5 GB	Unlimited	$0.05/min	$5
Tourist SIM Card Plus	30 days	10 GB	Unlimited	$0.05/min	$10
Tourist SIM Card Premium	30 days	20 GB	Unlimited	$0.05/min	$15

V. Does Metfone Support eSIM in Cambodia?

Yes, Metfone, the leading mobile operator in Cambodia with over 10M subscribers, supports eSIM technology. 

This means you can use their mobile services without a physical SIM card, offering:

• Convenience: No need to carry or swap physical SIM cards.
• Security: eSIMs are tamper-proof and cannot be easily lost or stolen.
• Flexibility: Allows managing multiple mobile plans on a single device.

However, ensure your phone is compatible with eSIM technology before subscribing to Metfone’s eSIM service.

VI. Where to Buy a Metfone SIM card and eSIM?

Please read this section carefully because it will tell you where to get a SIM card/eSIM of Metfone in Cambodia. For general understanding about SIM card/eSIM in Cambodia, you should read our detailed guide Cambodia (e)SIM.

1. Where to Buy Metfone SIM Card for Cambodia?

Metfone SIM cards can be easily purchased at various locations across Cambodia, including

• Official Metfone stores in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, and Sihanoukville
• Airports: You can buy SIM card at Phnom Penh International Airport, Siem Reap International Airport
• Shopping malls: Aeon Mall (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap), Olympia Mall (Phnom Penh), Central Market (Phnom Penh), Old Market (Siem Reap)
• Convenience stores: Lucky Supermarkets, Bread Talk outlets

2. Where to buy Cambodia Metfone eSIM?

For those who prefer the convenience of an eSIM, Metfone also offers eSIM options that can be purchased and activated online before your trip or upon arrival in Cambodia. Here’s where you can buy a Metfone eSIM:

• Metfone’s official website or mobile app
• Online eSIM stores, eSIM providers like Gigago

Gigago is always considered as the most reliable eSIM provider in the world. For Cambodia, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB/day for 5 days with $4.50 . 

What is great about Gigago’s Cambodia eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $4.50 – $36.00 . Thus, it does not matter how many Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Cambodia, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

VII. How to Activate Metfone SIM/eSIM in Cambodia?

Using a SIM card or an eSIM is pretty simple. It helps you connect to a mobile network and access different services. Here’s how you can activate and start using your Metfone SIM or eSIM:

1. How to Use Metfone SIM Card in Cambodia?

• Insert the Metfone SIM card into your unlocked device.
• Power on to let it detect the Metfone network.
• Follow the prompts to select a language, data plan, or top-up.
• Once activated, start making calls, sending messages, and browsing with Metfone.

2. How to Activate Metfone eSIM?

• Visit Metfone’s website or a trusted eSIM store/ provider to buy your chosen plan.
• Follow the instructions to scan the QR code or enter the activation code for installing the eSIM profile.
• Select the Metfone eSIM as your primary or secondary line when prompted.
• Complete activation by following on-screen directions.
• Once activated, use Metfone eSIM for voice, data, and messaging.

VIII. How to Top-up Metfone SIM/eSIM?

Topping up your Metfone SIM card or eSIM is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in an easy method and a few simple steps. 

• Scratch Card:
  • Dial 1203 followed by the 16-digit scratch card code and #.
  • Example: Dial 120312345678912345#
• Anypay:
  • Visit any Metfone Point of Sale (POS) or showroom nationwide.
  • Currently not available for online top-up.
• eMoney:
  • Dial *1568#.
  • Reply with “3”.
  • Enter your phone number.
  • Enter the top-up amount.
  • Enter your eMoney PIN code.
  • Reply with “1” to confirm.
• Validity: Top-up validity varies depending on the amount:
  • Below $1: 3 days
  • $1 – $1.99: 7 days
  • $2 – $4.99: 14 days
  • $5 – $9.99: 30 days
  • $10 – $19.99: 60 days
  • $20 – $49.99: 100 days
  • Above $50: 200 days

IX. FAQs about Metfone SIM Card & eSIM in Cambodia

X. Conclusion

In a nutshell, getting and setting up a Metfone SIM Card & eSIM in Cambodia is super easy and opens up a whole new world of connectivity and convenience for users. 

Whether you like the classic SIM card or you’re into the techy eSIM, Metfone offers simple and user-friendly options. Just follow the easy steps for activation, and you can stay connected hassle-free in the lively scenes of Cambodia.