Having mobile data in Cambodia makes life so much smoother—from booking a tuk-tuk on PassApp (yep a new app to use) to finding temples off the tourist trail. The good news is that SIM cards are easy to buy and affordable, but there are a few things worth knowing before you pick one up.

Buying a SIM Card at the Airport in Cambodia

When you land in Phnom Penh (PNH) or Siem Reap (REP), you’ll see kiosks in the arrivals hall selling tourist SIM cards. They’ll set it up for you immediately so you can get online before leaving the airport.

👉 Downside: Airport SIM cards cost more than those you’ll find in town. If you can wait until you reach the city, you’ll usually save money.

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Buying a SIM Card at A LAnd Border

If you’re arriving by land from Vietnam or Thailand, you’ll often see people selling SIM cards at the border. Prices and reliability vary, so it can be hit-or-miss. For peace of mind, many travellers wait until they reach an official store in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.

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Buying a SIM Card in Town

The cheapest and most reliable option is to go directly to an official carrier store rather than a random mobile shop. When I crossed into Cambodia by bus from Vietnam, I went straight to the Cellcard store in Phnom Penh.

• The staff handled everything, including registration.
• Prices were fair and transparent.
• By comparison, a local mobile shop I checked wanted an extortionate price for the same package.

⚠️ Tip: Always bring your passport, as it’s required for SIM registration.

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Which Network Should You Choose?

Cambodia has three main providers:

• Smart Axiata – Popular with tourists, great speeds, and wide coverage in cities.
• Metfone – The largest provider, best for rural coverage and remote provinces.
• Cellcard – Affordable, with strong coverage, especially if you’re heading to the islands.

👉 If you’re planning to visit Koh Rong or Koh Rong Samloem, Cellcard is the best option for reliable signal on the islands.

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How Much Does a SIM Card Cost in Cambodia?

Prices are very budget-friendly compared to Western countries. Expect:

• 7–15 days unlimited data: $3–5 USD
• 30 days unlimited data: $5–10 USD

Airport and mobile shops may charge more, which is why official carrier stores are the best value.

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Local SIM vs eSIM in Cambodia

If your phone supports eSIM, it’s worth considering:

• Convenience: No need to hunt down stores—buy and activate before you arrive.
• Cost: eSIM packages are often competitively priced compared to tourist SIMs.
• Coverage: Many eSIMs connect you to Smart or Metfone, offering strong nationwide service, but may not offer Cellcard.

👉 For short stays, an eSIM is often the most stress-free solution—you’ll be connected the moment you arrive. You can use my code EMILYV3 for $3 off your first Airalo eSim.

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Quick Tips for Getting a SIM in Cambodia

• Bring your passport – required for SIM registration.
• Go to an official carrier store – cheaper and more reliable than mobile shops.
• Choose Cellcard if heading to Koh Rong – the best signal on the islands.
• Smart Axiata is best for city travellers, while Metfone covers rural regions.
• Consider an eSIM – especially if you’re short on time or arriving late.

Getting a SIM card in Cambodia is cheap and straightforward, but where you buy it matters. Airport kiosks and mobile shops can overcharge, while official carrier stores like Cellcard in Phnom Penh offer the fairest prices and smoothest setup.

For most visitors, Cellcard is ideal for the islands, while Smart Axiata and Metfone perform better in cities and rural areas. And if you’d rather skip the hassle of searching for a store, an eSIM is a quick, reliable alternative.

Either way, staying connected will make travelling Cambodia easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

Enjoy your Travels!

Em x

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FAQs

Does Your Phone Need to Be Unlocked? 
Yes — this is worth checking before you travel. If your phone is locked to a specific network (common with phones bought on contract in the UK), it won’t accept a foreign SIM card. You can usually get your phone unlocked for free by contacting your provider before you leave. If you’re not sure, check in your phone settings or Google your specific phone model and network.

How Long Does Setup Take? 
Barely any time at all. At an official store like Cellcard in Phnom Penh, the staff register the SIM using your passport, insert it for you, and you’re connected within minutes. It’s genuinely one of the most straightforward things you’ll do on your trip.

Travelling Multiple Countries in Southeast Asia? 
If Cambodia is just one stop on a longer Southeast Asia trip — which for most backpackers it is — it’s worth knowing that Airalo offer regional eSIMs that cover multiple countries in one plan. Rather than buying a new SIM at every border, you stay connected throughout. Use code EMILYV3 for $3 off your first Airalo eSIM.

Can You Top Up? 
Yes, easily. You can top up at official carrier stores, convenience stores, and many guesthouses. That said, most backpackers find that a single 30-day package covers their whole stay without needing to top up at all given how affordable the plans are.

What Data Speeds Are Actually Like? 
In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap you’ll get solid 4G speeds — perfectly fine for maps, messaging, and booking accommodation on the go. Out in rural areas and smaller towns it drops off, which is where Metfone’s wider coverage becomes useful. On Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem signal exists but it’s not going to be lightning fast — manage your expectations, embrace the island life, and download anything you need before you get on the boat.

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