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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.
How To Use Cell Phone In Cambodia 2024: Traveler’s Guide To Stay Connected
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Going to travel Cambodia? Wonder if you can use your phone in Cambodia? Indeed, you need to prepare your cellphone in advance so as to stay connected throughout your trip in Cambodia. This article will guide you how to use cell phone in Cambodia as a tourist, helping you save effort and money while maintaining connectivity in the country. Let’s take a look!
In this article
I. Highlights of Phone Compatibility, Frequencies, and Networks in Cambodia
Here are the highlights of Phone Compatibility, Frequencies, and Networks in Cambodia based on the source:
- Phone compatibility: Most phones will work in Cambodia as modern networks support popular GSM standards like 900/1800MHz. It’s best to check your phone’s frequency bands match those used in Cambodia which are 900/1800MHz.
- Phone frequencies in Cambodia: The main mobile frequencies used in Cambodia are 900MHz and 1800MHz. Cambodia uses GSM and 3G networks on these standards. 4G/LTE is also available in urban areas on 2100MHz.
- Major mobile networks: The three main mobile networks in Cambodia are Cellcard, Smart, and Metfone. Between them, they serve over 90% of mobile phone users. Many Cambodians have SIM cards for multiple networks to ensure good coverage nationwide.
- Network coverage: Cellcard and Smart are considered to have the best coverage in major cities and tourist areas. Metfone has the most extensive nationwide coverage, useful for travel off the beaten path. Coverage can be patchy in rural areas for all networks.
- Buying a Cambodia SIM card: International Cambodia SIM cards are available at the airports. Local SIM cards providing data packages can also be purchased easily at phone shops in cities and towns. Having a Cambodian SIM card can avoid roaming charges.
II. Will My Cell Phone Work In Cambodia?
Here’s an overview of whether you can use cell phone in Cambodia based on the source provided:
- Yes, you should generally be able to use your mobile/cellphone in Cambodia as network coverage is widespread in larger cities and towns.
- However, coverage may be patchy or unavailable in some rural areas. Global roaming can also be costly.
- To avoid roaming charges, buying a local Cambodia SIM card upon arrival is best. SIMs can be used on most unlocked GSM phones from Europe, Asia, Australia, and some North American phones.
The major networks in Cambodia are Cellcard/Mobitel, Metfone, and Smart. They have good coverage in major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. SIM cards can be purchased at airports on arrival or by visiting mobile company stores in cities/towns. Some photo IDs may be required.
| Phone operators | Technology | |||
| Band 5G | Band 4G | Band 3G | Band 2G | |
| Cellcard | X | B3 (1800), B8 (900) | B1 (2100), B8 (900) | B3 (1800), B8 (900) |
| Metfone | X | B3 (1800) | B1 (2100) | B3 (1800), B8 (900) |
| Smart | X | B3 (1800) | B1 (2100) | B3 (1800), B8 (900) |
III. Do I Need An International Plan In Cambodia?
Certainly, it is essential for everyone, particularly tourists, to have an international plan when traveling in Malaysia because international roaming plans from your home service can result in substantial costs.
While travelers can leverage Free Wifi for internet access, there are certain limitations. For instance, access to Wifi is restricted to areas with a Wi-Fi hotspot, and using Wifi poses security risks for personal information.
Therefore, if you are contemplating the use of international data plans, it’s crucial to learn how to optimize your data usage to prevent incurring roaming fees. Consider connecting to Wi-Fi for free internet browsing, and downloading offline maps of your destination before your trip using a mapping app.
Enable data-saving settings on your device and apps to minimize data usage. Additionally, exploring options such as local SIM cards or travel data packages is worth considering.
IV. What Are Options To Use Cellphones In Cambodia For Tourists?
To use cell phones in Cambodia, there are 03 main choices for you, including eSIM, SIM card, and pocket Wifi.
1. eSIM Plan for Cambodia
An eSIM plan is suitable for your Cambodia trip due to the following reasons. First, tourists do not need to wait for delivery like buying a SIM card. They can buy an eSIM via an online shop. Moreover, it is very easy to set up and activate an eSIM by scanning the QR code.
Moreover, eSIM is suitable for anyone, especially tourists and backpackers to enjoy the best trip. However, you should check your model to ensure that your device is compatible with an eSIM.
So, where to buy eSIM in Cambodia? You can buy Cambodia eSIMs from mobile service providers in Cambodia, such as Smart Axiata eSIM, Cellcard eSIM, and Metfone eSIM. But, buying eSIM from local network carriers require you to show personal information like passport for registration. To avoid this registration scheme, you can buy eSIMs from an online eSIM provider like GIGAGO. Below we will explain further.
2. International SIM Card for Cambodia
An international Cambodia SIM card can be used as another option for tourists. If you use a SIM card, you can modify your budget to not cost too much for roaming charges. Also, you can choose different prepaid options for international SIM cards in Cambodia. Nevertheless, this type of SIM card has a local phone number limitation and the setup process is complicated.
Tourists can buy SIM cards online platforms via mobile service providers in Cambodia, such as Smart Axiata, Cellcard, and Metfone as well as buy them from retailers or stores at Cambodia airports.
Moreover, a SIM card will be suitable for visitors or travelers who would like to enjoy a short trip to Cambodia.
3. Pocket WiFi
The last option is to use pocket Wifi to get Internet in Cambodia. Using pocket WiFi in Cambodia is so useful for tourists when it provides them with reliable connectivity. Plus, tourists can save the budget when using pocket wifi because they can control the cost and data usage.
However, it is not convenient for travelers to carry an additional device and the use time will be limited due to depending on battery energy.
Tourists can buy pocket wifi from mobile service providers such as Smart Axiata, Cellcard, and Metfone, as well as online platforms.
A pocket Wifi will be suitable for groups of travelers. Plus, pocket wifi will work well with devices incompatible with local SIM cards or eSIMs.
V. Will My Local Network Work In Cambodia?
Most likely possible. You can use cell phone in Cambodia with the local network but it also depends on your home network and service provider. If you have an unlocked multi-band phone that supports GSM networks, it should work in Cambodia.
Plus, major networks in Cambodia use GSM 900/1800MHz bands, so a phone compatible with those standards may work on roaming. However, roaming charges from your home carrier can be very high.
Moreover, If your phone is locked to your home network, it may not work in Cambodia even with a local SIM unless your carrier has agreements with the Cambodian providers.
Advice:
- It is best to purchase an international Cambodian SIM card upon arrival to avoid expensive roaming fees.
- Remember to check your phone and service compatibility with networks in Cambodia.
VI. Gigago Cambodia eSIM – An Alternative To Get Internet In Cambodia With Your Cell Phone
An eSIM will be chosen to be the main alternative option to get Internet when you travel to Cambodia because it is easy to buy and set up with several package plans for you.
So, which Cambodia eSIM plan is the best for your trip? Consider using Gigago Cambodia eSIM because it has a wide range of plans to choose from, not mention to the affordable prices along with professional customer service.
For Cambodia, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 3GB for 5 days with $4.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Cambodia eSIM 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.
Note: To use eSIM, your phone needs to be unlocked and eSIM-compatible. Learn how to check if your phone is carrier-unlocked and support eSIM. If you want to quickly check, refer our list of eSIM compatible devices.
VII. Extra Tips To Use Cell Phone in Cambodia
Here are some quick tips for using your cell phone in Cambodia:
- Bring your charger and a power adapter as Cambodia uses 220v sockets.
- Download offline maps/translation apps before your trip.
- Coverage is good in cities but spotty rurally.
- Consider a dual SIM phone for local and home numbers.
- Top up prepaid data as needed. Keep emergency contacts local.
- Be wary of public WiFi security and unknown third-party apps.
- Guard your device in public to avoid theft. Use hotel safes.
VIII. FAQs about How to Use Cell Phone in Cambodia
What networks are available in Cambodia?
The major networks are Cellcard/Mobitel, Metfone, and Smart. They provide good coverage in major cities and tourist areas but service can be limited in rural villages.
Which phones will work in Cambodia?
Unlocked multi-band GSM phones that support 900/1800MHz will work with a local SIM. Check if your phone supports Cambodian networks before traveling.
Can I use my home network in Cambodia?
You can roam but the charges will be very expensive. It’s cheaper to purchase a local prepaid SIM like from Cellcard which costs around $5 for calls and data.
IX. Conclusion
It is essential to use a cell phone in Cambodia to get connected with everyone through the Internet. In Cambodia, the best options for tourists are a local prepaid SIM or eSIM for affordable access to GSM networks. You can buy from mobile operators like Cellcard/Mobitel, Metfone, and Smart or online at the GIGAGO website
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