This article is written to help understand the current state of mobile internet in Cambodia and explore connectivity options, especially for tourists visiting the country.
Many travelers struggle with accessing affordable and reliable internet while abroad. Readers will learn about Cambodia’s mobile internet coverage, speed, and pricing, as well as their options for getting connected during their stay.
In this article
Mobile internet coverage has significantly expanded across Cambodia in recent years, though connection speeds still lag behind regional peers due to underdeveloped infrastructure in rural areas.
Let’s see the overall coverage and speed of mobile internet in Cambodia in this section.
Cambodia boasts nearly 100% population coverage for mobile networks, but choosing the best operator depends on your specific needs and location. Here’s a breakdown:
You can see that for the fastest speeds and reliable urban coverage, Smart is your best bet. For wider rural coverage, choose Metfone. If you prioritize value for money and balanced performance, Cellcard is a good option.
Based on Speedtest Global Index data from Q4 2023, here’s a quick overview of Cambodia’s mobile internet landscape:
► Recommendations:
Note: Speedtest data is based on user-submitted tests and may vary depending on factors like location, network congestion, and device.
Navigating a foreign country is easier with reliable internet access. But with so many options, choosing the right connectivity in Cambodia can be confusing. This guide will break down your choices, helping you stay connected conveniently and cost-effectively.
| Option | How it Works | Cost (USD) | Where to Buy | Convenience |
| SIM Card Cambodia | Insert into your phone and purchase data packages. | $5-20 (varies with data amount) | Airports, convenience stores, phone shops. | Widely available, good value for data. |
| eSIM Cambodia | Download and activate it on your eSIM-compatible phone. | $5-20 (varies with data amount) | Online retailers and some travel websites. | Easy setup, no need for a physical card. |
| Pocket Wifi | Rent a portable wifi device with data allowance. | $5-15/day (varies with data amount) | Airports, travel agencies, online rentals. | Connects multiple devices, convenient for groups. |
| Public Wifi | Connect to free wifi hotspots in cafes, hotels, etc. | Free (slow and unreliable) | Ubiquitous in major cities, limited elsewhere. | Free, but often slow and insecure. |
| Roaming | Use your home phone plan in Cambodia. | Varies greatly by carrier and plan. | N/A | No additional setup, but potentially expensive. |
► Recommendation: For most travelers, buying a local SIM card with data offers the best balance of convenience and cost. You’ll get ample data for navigation, communication, and social media at a reasonable price.
In addition to that, eSIM is the optimal solution if:
Note: Before buying a SIM card for Cambodia, you need to check if the phone is unlocked. If using eSIM, check if your phone is in your list of eSIM compatible devices. Then, you should
Internet rates in Cambodia is rather affordable, especially when compared to global standards. For mobile internet rate (or mobile data), the data plans can start as low as several dollars each month for basic data. More comprehensive plans with larger volume of data and higher speeds range from $10 – $30 for 30 days of usage.
Below we will compare the rates between different mobile internet options, public WiFi, and pocket WiFi for Cambodia, helping you make an informed decision.
However, it’s important to remember that rates and plans can change frequently, so it’s crucial to double-check directly with the providers before your trip for the most up-to-date information.
| Option | Description | Rates (USD) |
| SIM card Cambodia | Purchase a local SIM card from providers like Smart, Cellcard, or Metfone. | * 4GB data for 7 days – $5-7 * 8GB data for 30 days – $7-10 |
| eSIM Cambodia | Purchase a virtual SIM card online or upon arrival. | * 5GB data for 7 days – $6-8 * 10GB data for 30 days – $8-12 |
| Roaming with Metfone | Use your existing mobile network’s roaming service. | * 1GB/day package – $1.96 * 5GB/week package – $8.58 * 20GB/month package – $19.62 |
| Roaming with Cellcard | Use your existing mobile network’s roaming service. | * 1GB/day package – $2.45 * 5GB/week package – $11.03 * 20GB/month package – $24.51 |
| Roaming with Smart Axiata | Use your existing mobile network’s roaming service. | * 1GB/day package – $1.96 * 5GB/week package – $8.58 * 20GB/month package – $19.62 |
| Public WiFi | Free WiFi is available in some cafes, hotels, and public areas, but unsecured and unstable. | $0.49-1.23/hour |
| Pocket WiFi | Rent a portable WiFi device for your trip. But it requires effort to bring it along. | $2.45-3.68/day |
► Our conclusion: From the table above, it is evident that SIM cards and eSIMs are two connectivity options with the best harmony between quality and rate.
Here are suggestions of several data SIM card packages offered by Cambodia’s leading mobile operators: Metfone, Cellcard, and Smart Axita:
1. Metfone
2. Cellcard
3. Smart Axita
When traveling to any country, we just want to encourage you to use eSIM due to several benefits:
There are two main options for tourists:
Operators offering eSIM services:
How to buy: Visit a physical store of the chosen operator in Cambodia.
Note: You will need to show your passport or ID card for registration (exceptions may apply, check with the operator).
Pros:
Cons:
This is considered the most convenient and easiest option, especially for:
Here, we highly recommend you buy an eSIM from Gigago – one of the most reliable eSIM providers in the world. The buying process is very easy:
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.
4G network coverage is fairly reliable in major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. However, coverage is more sporadic in rural areas. Download speeds also vary depending on location and network congestion.
Popular apps in Cambodia include Facebook, Facebook Messenger, TikTok, TrueMoney for mobile payments, Grab for transport and food delivery, Shopee for e-commerce, and now increasingly Zalo, Cambodia’s version of WhatsApp. English is widely used online as well.
Most affordable prepaid mobile data packages in Cambodia have Fair Usage Policy (FUP) limits, typically 1-5GB per day. Once exceeded, speeds will slow down dramatically. Unlimited plans are also available but at a higher price.
To sum up, opting for mobile internet in Cambodia stands out as the top choice for accessing the web using either a SIM Card or eSIM, based on your device.
Cambodia boasts a well-developed mobile setup for easy internet availability. Also, the progression of mobile Internet in Cambodia caters to the demands of global visitors and explorers.
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