This article is for travelers visiting Cambodia, 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. Get advice on top carriers, SIM card plans, prices, and what to prepare to easily purchase a SIM card in Phnom Penh to stay connected on your trip.
Staying connected while traveling is crucial. This is also true for those visiting Phnom Penh. Buying a SIM card for Cambodia travel in Phnom Penh is a convenient and cost-effective connectivity option. Here’s why:
The only thing you need to know before deciding to buy a SIM card in Phnom Penh is to warrant that your phone is unlocked so it can receive the signals of Cambodia mobile networks.
There are 04 major mobile network operators in Phnom Penh: Cellcard, Smart, Metfone, and QLC. These operators offer mobile internet services along with voice and text options for tourists.
Here’s a table comparing these network operators based on the suggested criteria:
| Criteria | Cellcard | Smart | Metfone | QLC |
| Coverage | Extensive | Good | Good | Limited |
| Speed | Fast | Very fast | Fast | Fast |
| Reliability | Good | Very good | Good | Moderate |
| Popularity | Most popular | Popular | Popular | Less popular |
| Tourist plan | 7-day Happy Tourist SIM: 100GB data, 100 mins call, 100 SMS for $10 | Smart Tourist SIM: 30GB data, unlimited calls to Smart numbers, 100 SMS for $7 | Metfone Tourist SIM: 20GB data, 100 mins call, 100 SMS for $8 | QLC Tourist SIM: 15GB data, 50 mins call, 50 SMS for $5 |
It’s hard to decide which mobile internet carrier is the best in Cambodia as it depends entirely on your individual needs and priorities.
Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
Consider your priorities (coverage, speed, price, etc.) and research the latest plans offered by each carrier before making your choice.
If you want to know more about each of major mobile network operators in Cambodia, read some useful information about Cellcard, Metfone, and Smart Axiata SIM cards that we have compiled. This will also help you make better decision on choosing which carrier to go for.
Choosing the best SIM card for your trip to Phnom Penh depends on your data needs and budget. Here’s a summary of popular tourist plans offered by the major providers:
Metfone:
Cellcard:
Smart: 30-day Tourist SIM: $10, with unlimited calls/texts in Cambodia, 60GB data, and unlimited data for Facebook, WeChat, WhatsApp, and Viber.
Additional options:
Notes:
Two main ways to get a SIM card in Phnom Penh: at the airport upon arrival or at locations in the city center.
Tourists can purchase a SIM card at Phnom Penh Airport. This option is the most convenient, especially for immediate internet access. Prepare your passport and Cambodian Riel (KHR) for purchase. Cellcard and Smart booths in the arrival hall provide tourist SIM cards with different data packages.
Pros: Convenient, quick
Cons: Limited options, slightly higher prices than in the city center
This option offers more variety and potentially better deals but requires some effort to find a store. Here are your options:
Recommendation: For convenience, get a SIM card at the airport upon arrival. Or buy an eSIM online from a reputable provider before your trip (avoid direct purchases from carriers due to potential passport registration).
Note: If using an eSIM, check if your phone is named in our list of eSIM compatible devices.
If your phone supports eSIM, there’s no reason not to try it for your trip to Phnom Penh. It eliminates the need for a physical SIM card, saving you the hassle of switching cards and the risk of losing it.
Here are your options for getting an eSIM in Phnom Penh:
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. Remember, you still need to provide identification during the purchase process, even for eSIMs.
Key things to prepare before buying a SIM card in Phnom Penh, Cambodia:
Here are practical tips for buying a SIM card in Phnom Penh:
Unused credit on your SIM card typically expires after a certain period of inactivity (usually 30-90 days). You can check the specific policy of your chosen operator.
Many mobile network stores in Phnom Penh offer designated bins for used SIM cards. Look for recycling options to avoid electronic waste.
It’s crucial to carefully read the terms and conditions before purchasing any SIM card. Be mindful of potential charges like top-up fees, international call rates, and data roaming outside Cambodia.
Yes, many offer tourist SIM card packages with pre-loaded data for short stays (usually 7-30 days). Convenient, but not the most cost-effective for longer trips with heavy data needs.
If you’re heading to or thinking about living in bustling Phnom Penh, it’s important to stay connected. Buy SIM card in Phnom Penh to make sure you’re always in touch locally and internationally.
This not only helps you get around the city easily but also keeps you linked with family and work contacts. Keep your time in Phnom Penh stress-free by getting a local SIM card as soon as you arrive.
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