This article is for travelers visiting Cambodia in 2024, looking to learn how to buy SIM card in Phnom Penh. Getting mobile internet access abroad can be tricky due to unfamiliar carriers and plans.
Best Pocket Wifi for Cambodia Rental & Alternatives: Travelers Guide 2024
Pocket WiFi is a good tool for travelers to access the Internet, avoid high data roaming charges and stay connected with people. Especially, for those who travel to Cambodia in groups, pocket WiFi rental for Cambodia is essential. This article will provide you with all the information about pocket WiFi for Cambodia and why it is necessary for people traveling to Cambodia.
In this article
I. What is pocket WiFi for Cambodia?
Pocket WiFi is a portable device for people to get Internet. A pocket wifi can be known as a WiFi hotspot using cellular data. Moreover, this device will allow multiple devices to use the Internet. Hence, pocket wifi is a good way for tourists, especially backpackers to discover Cambodia.
II. Why Renting a Pocket WiFi for Cambodia Travel?
There are a lot of reasons why people would like to rent a pocket WiFi for Cambodia travel. However, the main reason is to get access to the Internet and stay connected with people.
1. Benefits of Pocket Wifi for travelers to Cambodia
Here are the top benefits for travelers when using pocket wifi in Cambodia:
- Help tourists to save money and prevent roaming charges when traveling internationally.
- Connect different devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
- Easy for tourists to carry around during trips.
- Ensure your privacy with a secure WiFi connection.
- Widely connect everywhere in Cambodia including cities and remote areas when using pocket wifi.
2. Pocket WiFi vs. Other Connectivity options
Here is the table comparing the pros and cons of pocket wifi and other connectivity options such as Cambodia SIM card, eSIM, etc.
Connectivity options | Pros | Cons |
SIM card | – Wide coverage within Malaysia – Familiar technology – Prepaid/contract plans available – Easy to buy and cheap price | – Requires physical SIM card – Hard to switch providers – Waiting for a long time if buying online |
eSIM | – No physical SIM needed – Switch providers digitally – Multiple providers – Easy to buy and activate SIM | – Require devices with a high-model |
Roaming data | – Use the same provider when traveling internationally | – More expensive than local plans – Speeds may be slower – Limited data |
Public wifi | – Free connectivity | – Security risks – Limited speeds – Usage data caps are often low |
Pocket wifi | – Portable access to the Internet – Connect multiple devices – A good idea for traveling in groups | – Additional rental/device costs – Security risks – Speeds may vary depending on the location |
► Our recommendation: Using pocket wifi is more convenient for tourists and allows many people to use it at the same time. However, it is not the best option because people have to pay for rental costs. If you have devices supporting eSIM, you can buy eSIM to experience the best service.
III. Cambodia eSIM – Alternative to Pocket WiFi to Get Internet in Cambodia
You do not need to carry a pocket WiFi for Cambodia travel every day if you use an eSIM for your devices. It is very useful for tourists because they can easily buy and set up online. Moreover, an eSIM will provide people with a consistent speed, not relying on the location like a pocket Wifi. However, to use eSIM for Cambodia travel, you need to have an unlocked and eSIM-supported device.
Now if you are considering where to buy eSIM for Cambodia, we suggest Gigago as an eSIM provider with different data plans that cater your needs.
GIGAGO is known as one of the top eSIM providers in the world that offer eSIM plans for more than 200 countries and regions, including Cambodia.
For Cambodia, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 3GB for 5 days with $4.50 . What is great about Cambodia eSIM of Gigago is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, vary between $4.50 – $36.00 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Cambodia, there is always an option for you with Gigago.
IV. How to Get a Pocket WiFi for Travelers to Cambodia?
How to get a pocket wifi for travelers? You can pre-order it at home and pick it up at the airport. After using it, you have to give pocket wifi back to the provider. This is the easiest way for you.
To rent a pocket wifi in Cambodia, please follow the below steps:
- Find a Cambodia pocket WiFi rental provider and choose a plan according to details like duration, data limit, and the number of connected devices needed.
- Pick up the pocket WiFi (choose between Cambodia hotel, the provider’s office, or at the airport)
- Remember to charge the device before use.
- Entering the WiFi name/password to connect with your devices such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
- Carry the pocket WiFi with you during your Cambodia trip and do not forget to return the pocket WiFi when finishing your journey.
Moreover, you can also rent it when arriving in Cambodia. However, this way will take you a lot of time to get to the cities and buy or rent one. Hence, pre-ordering will be a smarter way for you to use pocket wifi before arrival.
V. How Many Devices Can Connect to a Cambodia Pocket WiFi?
Pocket WiFi in Cambodia can connect with at least 5 different devices and up to 15 devices. However, the figure for connected devices will rely on the rental provider and plan chosen by users.
If you travel in a large group of about 10 or more people, a pocket WiFi that supports 10+ connections will suit you. Moreover, you also pay more money to choose the best pocket to meet the needs of more than 10 people.
► Our recommendation: Pay attention to the device number allowed to access the Internet when buying.
VI. How Much Does a Pocket WiFi for Cambodia Cost?
The price of a pocket WiFi will depend on the providers and the rental plans that you would like to buy. Normally, the price will range from $30 to $100 or more. Moreover, this price can be varied depending on brand, features, and data plans.
However, if you rent pocket WiFi, the price will be cheaper depending on the data limit, duration for rental, number of devices, speed, and delivery option. Hence, you should consider and choose the most suitable one according to your needs and travel plan.
VII. Best Wifi Pockets for Cambodia travel – Which to choose?
The best pocket wifi providers in Cambodia include SmileWifi and Klook. Here are the detailed information about their pocket wifi rental plan:
SmileWifi
- Speed: 4G LTE unlimited data (no speed throttling or FUP limits)
- Cost: Regular rate THB 480/day, special rate THB 200/day
- Max devices: Not specified
- Delivery: Free transfer at airport counters
- Battery: Not specified
Klook
- 4G Cambodia Pocket WiFi (Delivery in Manila, Philippines)
Speed: 4G
Cost: Starts at PHP 150/day (around USD 2.7/day)
Max devices: Up to 5 devices
Delivery: Two-way delivery in Manila, Philippines
Battery: Up to 16 hours - 4G Cambodia Pocket WiFi (Delivery in Singapore)
Speed: 4G
Cost: Starts at SGD 4.9/day (around USD 3.5/day)
Max devices: Up to 8 devices
Delivery: Delivered in Singapore within 3 working days of travel
Battery: Up to 16 hours
- 4G Cambodia Pocket WiFi (Delivery in Australia)
Speed: 4G at controlled speeds
Cost: Starts at AUD 7.4/day (around USD 5/day)
Max devices: Up to 5 devices
Delivery: Delivered in Australia 2 business days before departure
Battery: Up to 10 hours
VIII. How to use your Cambodia pocket Wifi?
To use a pocket wifi in Cambodia, please follow the guidelines below:
- Power on the pocket WiFi.
- Ensure that you have SIM cards to insert into pocket wifi then check for a signal indicator to ensure the pocket wifi shows display bars or other symbol strength of the cellular signal.
- Find the Wifi setting and the network name (SSID) of your pocket WiFi from your devices.
- Choose the pocket WiFi network and enter the provided password if required to access it, then you can use the Internet by pocket wifi.
However, if you think these stages are quite difficult, you can try buying an eSIM for more convenience.
IX. FAQs about Cambodia Pocket Wifi Rental
Why should I get a pocket WiFi instead of a SIM card in Cambodia?
A pocket WiFi for Cambodia allows you to share an internet connection with your travel companions without everyone needing a SIM card. It’s also more flexible if your travel dates change compared to prepaid SIM cards with fixed data plans.
How do I connect to a pocket WiFi in Cambodia?
You simply turn on the pocket WiFi device to broadcast its WiFi signal. Then go to your device’s WiFi settings and select the network name of the Cambodia pocket WiFi to connect. No passwords are needed.
How much data do I need in Cambodia?
Most tourists get by with 1-2GB per day as browsing the internet, using maps and messaging don’t use much data. Video streaming uses more. 5-10GB per week would suffice for moderate use. Unlimited plans offer peace of mind.
X. Conclusion
To sum up, a pocket WiFi for Cambodia is truly useful for tourists with multiple devices or traveling in groups. However, if you want to get Internet upon arrival in Cambodia without having to carry anything, consider Cambodia eSIM, but make sure that your phone can work with eSIM.