Cambodia SIM Card 2024: Complete Guide for Tourists

Cambodia, a neighboring country of Vietnam on the Indochina Peninsula, was on my travel bucket list. Before my trip, I wondered about the necessity and process of getting a local SIM card. After some research, I found the essential information. If you're planning to travel to Cambodia, getting a SIM card is crucial for staying connected and avoiding high roaming charges. In this article, I’ll share my experience on how to get a SIM card in Cambodia. Follow along for useful tips!

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 16-07-2024

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1. Why is a SIM card needed in Cambodia?

First of all, it is essential to understand that Cambodia is a developing country with less advanced telecommunications infrastructure than other nations. Therefore, finding free Wi-Fi or reliable internet cafes to connect to the Internet can be difficult. Additionally, international calls are often expensive and unreliable.

In major cities such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville, as well as tourist destinations, most hotels, cafes, and guesthouses offer Wi-Fi access.

However, the quality of the connection may vary depending on the number of users, sometimes slow or intermittent. Even on islands like Koh Rong, it is relatively easy to find Wi-Fi hotspots, but access speed remains limited and unstable due to the distance from the mainland.

This is where the SIM card comes in. By purchasing a local SIM card, I was able to easily access the Internet using local mobile data networks. Additionally, I was able to make local and international calls at cheaper rates than with a foreign SIM card.

It's also worth noting that Cambodian SIM cards are often affordable, providing a budget-friendly option for budget-conscious travelers while still staying connected.

Finally, purchasing a local SIM card allows you to benefit from better customer service if there is a problem with your Internet connection or phone line. Local operators are generally more responsive and efficient in resolving problems than foreign operators.

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2. Which Operator Is the Most Recommended in Cambodia?

If you plan to travel to the country for an extended period, you should know that Metfone is renowned for offering the most reliable coverage across Cambodia. However, it is important to note that its speed is sometimes lower than that of its competitors.

Cellcard emerges as the leader in Cambodia's Download Speed Experience in 2023, surpassing Smart with an impressive average speed of 18.8Mbps, a notable 5.8Mbps increase. Both Cellcard and Smart now share the Video Experience and Games Experience awards, highlighting their competitive edge. Cellcard also excels in Consistent Quality, leading in Excellent Consistent Quality, while Smart dominates in Core Consistent Quality.

Metfone and Smart maintain their dominance in coverage categories, with Smart leading in Voice App Experience, showcasing superior performance.

If in doubt, you can check out a detailed comparison of the most popular phone carriers below. 

• 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.

4G speeds, while slightly slower than the competition, 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. I didn't find any specific package offers for tourists on the Metfone website. 

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• Cellcard - the fastest mobile network in Cambodia

Since the introduction of its 4G network in 2015, Cellcard has continued to strengthen its position and quickly became the fastest 4G 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 and seem destined to become the leading force among Cambodia's mobile networks.

>>> Learn more about: Cambodia Visitor Guide: Essential Information Before Your Trip

In addition to its fast network, Cellcard offers competitive rates and attractive offers. Another advantage of choosing Cellcard is the quality of its customer service, with a team available to answer your questions and quickly resolve your problems. 

• 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 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: pay. metfone. 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:

• Free SIM: 100 MB, 10 minutes of call, 10 SMS, valid for 3 days.
• $3 pack: 15 GB + 15 GB (for the first subscription only), 100 minutes, 100 SMS, valid for 7 days.
• $5 pack: 25 GB + 25 GB (for first subscription only), 2,500 minutes and SMS, valid for 30 days.
• $10 pack: 50 GB + 50 GB (for first subscription only), 5,000 minutes, and SMS, valid for 30 days.

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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?

Telephone operators in Cambodia offer two types of SIM cards: the eSIM (Virtual SIM) and the prepaid physical SIM card.

In my experience, the physical prepaid SIM card is the most suitable, popular, and commonly chosen in Cambodia. Metfone, Cellcard, and Smart also sell SIM cards for tourists, but I opted for one just for locals, which worked well during my stay.

Normally, physical SIM card comes in three popular formats: standard, micro, and nano. To fit the size of your phone's SIM card slot, simply cut it out and insert it.

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If you prefer to use an eSIM rather than a physical SIM card, this will allow you to use your cell phone without having to change 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. When you visit one of these stores, make sure you have your passport on hand and be prepared to pay a small fee for the SIM card.

• 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. The advantage of purchasing a SIM card at the airport is that you can start using your cell phone as soon as you arrive in Cambodia.

• 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.

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6. What should you know?

It is essential to check the network coverage of the operator in the region you plan to travel to. Some remote areas may have limited network coverage, which may affect the quality of your internet connection and phone calls. You can view carriers' network coverage maps or ask locals or other travelers for recommendations.

Once you have used up your credit or your plan has expired, you will need to top up your SIM card to continue using it. Operators offer different recharge options, including online, in stores, or by purchasing prepaid recharge cards.

Be sure to check how long your credit is valid, as some carriers may deactivate your SIM card if you don't top up within a certain time frame.

Purchasing a SIM card in Cambodia is relatively simple. You can go to the operators' stores or the numerous points of sale located throughout the country. You will need to present your passport and complete a registration form. Once you have purchased the SIM card, you must activate it following the instructions provided by the operator.

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7. 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#.

By following these tips, you can avoid overages and stay connected affordably.

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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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