How to Get Mobile Internet in Cambodia for Travelers: What Option to Choose?

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.

I. Mobile Internet in Cambodia – Coverage and Speed

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.

1. Cambodia Mobile Internet Coverage

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:

• Smart: Fastest download speeds (14.2 Mbps) & strong 4G coverage in cities & tourist spots. Speeds may drop in rural areas.
• Metfone: Widest 3G rural coverage, reaching 92% population. 4G network less developed with 10.3 Mbps average download speeds.
• Cellcard: Balanced 3G & 4G coverage, decent speeds in urban & rural areas (13.1 Mbps average download). Reliable network but speeds can vary.

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.

2. Cambodia Mobile Internet Speed

Based on Speedtest Global Index data from Q4 2023, here’s a quick overview of Cambodia’s mobile internet landscape:

• Fastest Provider: Cellcard takes the crown with a median download speed of 33.74 Mbps, edging out competitors like Smart and Metfone.
• Consistency: Metfone shines here, boasting 80.8% of results exceeding the 5 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload minimum threshold.
• Overall Ranking: Cambodia ranks 119th globally for mobile speeds, placing it in the lower-middle tier.

► Recommendations:

• Speed: Opt for Cellcard if raw speed is your priority.
• Reliability: Metfone offers the most consistent performance, ensuring a stable connection.
• Consider Usage: Analyze your data usage patterns and choose a plan that best fits your needs. Both Cellcard and Metfone offer competitive data packages.

II. What are the Connectivity Options for Tourists to Cambodia?

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:

• Your phone is eSIM-compatible: Check with your manufacturer for confirmation.
• You prioritize ease of setup: No need to wait for physical delivery or change SIM cards.
• You want flexible data options: Top up easily online as needed.

III. Internet Rates in Cambodia

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.

IV. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in Cambodia

Here are suggestions of several data SIM card packages offered by Cambodia’s leading mobile operators: Metfone, Cellcard, and Smart Axita:

1. Metfone

• Happy Tourist SIM:
  • 6GB data + 100 local call minutes + 100 SMS (valid for 7 days) – 38,000 KHR (~ $9.31)
  • 12GB data + 200 local call minutes + 200 SMS (valid for 15 days) – 58,000 KHR (~ $14.21)
• Happy Tourist Max SIM: Unlimited data + 100 local call minutes + 100 SMS (valid for 30 days) – 78,000 KHR (~ $19.12)

2. Cellcard

• Happy Tourist SIM:
  • 5GB data + 100 local call minutes + 100 SMS (valid for 7 days) – 39,000 KHR (~ $9.58)
  • 10GB data + 200 local call minutes + 200 SMS (valid for 10 days) – 59,000 KHR (~ $14.46)
  • 15GB data + 300 local call minutes + 300 SMS (valid for 15 days) – 79,000 KHR (~ $19.36)
• Tourist Prime SIM: Unlimited data (speed capped at 5 Mbps) + 100 local call minutes + 100 SMS (valid for 30 days) – 98,000 KHR (~ $24.02)

3. Smart Axita

• Travel SIM
  • 2GB data + 50 local call minutes + 50 SMS (valid for 7 days) – 39,000 KHR (~ $9.58)
  • 4GB data + 100 local call minutes + 100 SMS (valid for 10 days) – 59,000 KHR (~ $14.46)
  • 6GB data + 150 local call minutes + 150 SMS (valid for 15 days) – 79,000 KHR (~ $19.36)
• Tourist MAX Unlimited SIM: Unlimited data (speed capped at 5 Mbps) + 100 local call minutes + 100 SMS (valid for 30 days) – 88,000 KHR (~ $21.57)

V. Data eSIM for Cambodia – Best Option to Get Mobile Internet for Tourists

When traveling to any country, we just want to encourage you to use eSIM due to several benefits:

• No need to swap physical SIM cards while traveling.
• Purchase eSIMs online anytime, anywhere.
• Scan a QR code and get connected instantly.
• Store multiple eSIMs on one phone (useful for roaming with different networks).

There are two main options for tourists:

1. Buy eSIM from Cambodian Operators

Operators offering eSIM services:

• Smart Axiata
• Cellcard
• Metfone

How to buy: Visit a physical store of the chosen operator in Cambodia. 

Pros:

• May offer slightly cheaper plans compared to eSIM providers.
• Directly connected to the local network.

Cons:

• Requires visiting a physical store, which can be inconvenient.
• Passport or ID verification needed (exceptions may apply).

2. Buy eSIM from eSIM Providers

This is considered the most convenient and easiest option, especially for:

• Travelers who want a 100% online, hassle-free experience (no ID, no waiting for delivery).
• Tourists who want immediate internet access upon arrival in Cambodia.

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:

1. Go to Gigago’s website.
2. Search for the country “Cambodia” 
3. Choose a plan that suits your needs, budget, and trip duration.
4. Make the payment.
5. Wait to receive an email with the eSIM information.
6. Scan the QR code or manually enter the activation code.
7. Turn on data roaming on your phone.

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.

VI. FAQs about mobile internet in Cambodia

VII. Conclusion

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.