Cambodia SIM Card 2026: Complete Guide for Tourists

1. Why is a SIM card needed in Cambodia?

Cambodia is still a developing country, so internet infrastructure can be inconsistent. In major cities like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, most hotels and cafés offer Wi-Fi, but the connection is often slow or unstable during busy hours. Even on islands such as Koh Rong, Wi-Fi exists but speeds are usually limited.

From what I see locally, many travelers quickly realize that relying only on public Wi-Fi is inconvenient. Getting a Cambodian SIM card is a much more reliable option. With a Cambodian SIM card, you can access mobile data almost everywhere, make cheaper calls, and stay connected throughout your trip.

Another reason many visitors choose a Cambodian SIM card is the price. Data packages are affordable, and local operators usually provide quicker support if you encounter connection issues.

2. Which Operator Is the Most Recommended in Cambodia?

• For most travelers, Smart is a popular choice and works well in major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, offering stable speeds and good coverage in tourist areas.
• From feedback I often hear from our customers, Metfone tends to work better in rural or remote provinces where other networks may lose signal. Cellcard can be decent in cities and suburbs, but coverage is usually less reliable in the countryside.

In short: Smart for cities, Metfone for rural travel.

• Metfone - the largest telephone operator in the country  

Metfone, a subsidiary of the Vietnamese military network Viettel, stands out for its robust coverage across most of Cambodia, having become the largest telecommunications network in the country, with more than 50% market share in coverage, revenue, and subscribers.

According to OpenSignal, its 5G speeds are offset by extensive coverage, making Metfone attractive to travelers. This well-established operator offers excellent, extensive network coverage and competitive rates.

However, it offers few prepaid plan options, focusing more on long-term use, mainly for phone calls.

• Cellcard - the fastest mobile network in Cambodia

Since the introduction of its 5G network in 2026, Cellcard has continued to strengthen its position and quickly became the fastest 5G network in Cambodia.

Their cell towers now cover more than 80% of the country, offering attractive deals for residents and travelers alike. They have recently won awards for their speed.

>>> Learn more about: Cambodia Visitor Guide

• Smart - The best economic operator in Cambodia

Smart is not only a popular mobile operator, but it is also recognized as the leading budget operator in Cambodia. Since 2021, Smart has expanded its 4G network coverage in various provinces in Cambodia by adding more than 300 new base stations.

These additional locations have significantly improved Smart's 4G LTE network coverage, as well as the overall user experience. It operates on 3G, 3.75G, and 4G/LTE, 5G networks, and they are actively developing 5G in Cambodia.

Prepaid SIM cards offer excellent coverage and affordable rates. They also offer unlimited data plans for those who need constant connectivity. 

3. Which mobile plan is best for Cambodia?

3.1 Metfone

You can purchase a Metfone SIM card for $1 or $2, depending on the premium level associated with the phone number, in Metfone stores. It is also possible to get a Metfone eSIM for the same price as a standard SIM card. Metfone now offers Data Osja Plus plans ranging from $1 for 8 GB valid for 7 days to $10 for 100 GB valid for 30 days.

Please note that Cambodia mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIM and physical SIM cards.

Once you have a Metfone SIM card, you can top up your balance via the official Metfone website at the following address: Metphone website. Then, you can select from the different packages below:

3.2 Cellcard

Cellcard offers a variety of offers specially designed for tourists, including the following packs:

• 7-Day Plan ($5): 30 GB data
• 15-Day Plan ($10): 60 GB data
• 30-Day Plan ($15): 100 GB data
• Traveller SIM ($7): 7 GB high-speed data + 70 on-net minutes + 70 SMS + Grab ride discounts

Other details

• Activation: Insert SIM → dial *1333#
• Balance check: Dial *1201#
• Registration: Passport required
• eSIM: Available via the Cellcard app
• Coverage: Strong in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville

3.3 Smart 

• You can get a Smart Axiata prepaid SIM card from their store or via eSIM activation.
•  Physical SIMs can be exchanged for eSIM profiles with a $2 top-up. 
• The Smart eSIM is also available at any Smart Shop nationwide.
• Alternatively, you can get it for FREE via the SmartNas app.

Smart also offers two types of SIM cards specially designed for travelers, called "Traveler SIM":

• Free: Includes 10 minutes of calls on the same network, 10 messages, and 100 MB of data, valid for 3 days, using 2G/3G exclusively.
• $5 plan: Includes 30 GB of data, 300 minutes of on-net calls, 300 on-net SMS, and 30 minutes of off-net and international calls, valid for 15 days. This SIM card can be obtained at Smart Booths in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap International Airports. For more details, visit the Smart Traveller SIM page.

Prepaid Lines, How to Switch Between Lines and Top Up (Click here to read) 

1. Prepaid Lines:

• Flexi1000: Offers a 1000% bonus on every top-up for on-net voice/SMS/data at standard rates.
• XtraLong: Provides 10 free on-net SMS daily, and any top-up over $2 extends validity by at least 90 days.
• OsPaNhaHa: Weekly plan with unlimited Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, 5GB of other data, and 500 on-net SMS and voice minutes.
• StreamOn: Unlimited access to Facebook, WhatsApp, WeChat, Line, and TikTok. Bonus credit available weekly or monthly.
• ThomMorng: Recurring “exchange” promotion that converts cash balance to on-net voice/SMS/data credit with shorter validity³.

2. Switching Between Lines:

• You can switch between lines using USSD codes:
  • XtraLong: *203# (SIM must be active for 90 days, $2 change fee).
  • Flexi1000: *500# (First-time change is free).
  • OsPaNhaHa: *5000# (Free).
  • StreamOn 2: 700777# ($0.50 fee if changing from Traveller SIM).
  • StreamOn 8: 7003333#.
  • ThomMorng Daily: 13331#.
  • ThomMorng Weekly: *1333# or 13337# (for no auto-renewal option).

3. Top-Ups:

• Top-ups can be made at Smart outlets ($1-50) to extend SIM validity (8 to 200 days).
• To top up, dial 888<13-digit PIN code>#.
• To check balance, dial *888#.

4. Which SIM card is best suited?

In my experience, prepaid SIM cards are the most common option in Cambodia. Operators like Metfone, Cellcard, and Smart also offer tourist SIMs, but a regular local SIM usually works just as well and is often cheaper.

But eSIM is often the best option if your phone supports it, since you can activate it instantly without visiting a shop or swapping SIM cards.

Metfone, Smart & Cellcard offer eSIMs to prepaid customers. Note that Cambodian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs. 

Alternative solutions like Airalo, Holafly, Nomad offer regional eSIMs that include coverage in both Cambodia and Vietnam.

Activating an eSIM for travel typically involves the following steps:

• Purchase an eSIM plan from a provider with international coverage.
• You will receive a QR code or other activation details from the provider.
• On your eSIM-compatible device, go to the settings related to mobile networks or cellular plans.
• Select the option to add a new cellular plan or scan the QR code provided by the eSIM provider.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the activation.
• Make sure your device's network settings are configured correctly for the destination country.

It's important to note that not all devices are compatible with eSIMs, so be sure to check your device's compatibility before choosing an eSIM.

5. Where can you buy a SIM card in Cambodia?

• Mobile phone stores:

You can find stores of Cellcard, Smart, and Metfone operators in most major cities and shopping malls such as AEON Mall, Ratana Plaza, MiDTown Mall, or Big Tree Mall. 

• On arrival at the Cambodia airport:

If you prefer to avoid the hassle of searching for a cell phone store, you can purchase a SIM card at the airport. Both international airports in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have mobile phone stands where you can purchase a SIM card and airtime credits.

• Online:

If you prefer to purchase a SIM card before traveling to Cambodia, you have the option of purchasing one online. Several websites offer Cambodian SIM cards, including SimOptions and SimCorner. When you buy a SIM card online, it will be mailed to you before you leave. This means you won't have to search for a cell phone store when you arrive in Cambodia.

6. How to Topping Up a Phone in Cambodia?

• Buying scratch Cards:

  • Widely available at mom-and-pop stores, roadside stands, and supermarkets.
  • Typical values include $1, $1.25 (5,000 KHR), or higher.
  • Instructions are printed on the card:
    • For Smart or Metfone: Dial *1203*<scratch card code># and press call (📞). Example: *1203*12345678912345#.
• Shops with Card Machines: Some shops generate a receipt-style voucher with a top-up code. Use the same method as scratch cards to redeem it.
• Bank ATMs: ACLEDA Bank ATMs or Sacombank allow direct phone top-ups. Useful if you have a local bank account.

• Convenience Stores: Some stores like Circle K or Family Mart may not sell scratch cards. Opt for smaller local shops or roadside stands instead.
• Banking Apps: Wing, ABA, or ACLEDA and KB PRASAC Mobile apps allow users to top up any number directly. Deposit funds into your account and use the app to recharge.
• Apps for Tourists: Use apps like Ding or BOSS Revolution or Xoom (belongs to Paypal) to send credit to Cambodian phones. Input the recipient’s phone number and the amount to top up.
• eSIM Providers: If you’re using eSIMs like Airalo, top-ups can be done via their app or website. Packages are the same price and duration as the initial purchase.

7. What should you know before purchasing?

Check coverage

Before buying a Cambodia SIM card, check if the network works where you’re going. Rural areas may still have weak signal, so look at the coverage map or ask locals and travelers.

Topping up

Recharging is easy. You can buy scratch cards from small shops or mini-markets, or top up at phone stores. Chains like Circle K and FamilyMart are usually reliable. If language is a problem, use Google Translate. For longer stays, apps like Wing or ABA make top-ups simple.

Buying the SIM

SIM cards are sold almost everywhere, from phone shops to street kiosks. You’ll need your passport for registration, and staff usually help set it up. Some operators deactivate SIMs if you don’t top up for a while. In big cities the process is quick, while in small towns it may take a bit more patience.

8. Tips for Saving Data

To maximize your prepaid data on a Cambodia SIM card:

1. Use Free WiFi: Connect to WiFi in cafes and hotels to save on data.
2. Enable Data Saver: Activate data saver in your phone settings to reduce bandwidth use.
3. Download Maps Offline: Use Google Maps offline to navigate without data.
4. Limit Streaming: Reduce streaming of videos and music; download content instead.
5. Disable Background Syncing: Turn off background app syncing and sync only on WiFi.
6. Monitor Usage: Frequently check your data balance with *101#.

Our last words

After two weeks of exploring Cambodia, I confirm that purchasing a SIM card in Cambodia is not only necessary but also an excellent option to stay connected throughout your stay.

I hope the information shared above was helpful and will enable you to choose the best SIM card for your needs, ensuring you have a reliable connection during your trip to Cambodia

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