Smart Axiata is the best mobile network in Cambodia for city travelers, while Metfone leads in rural coverage. Tourist SIM cards start at just $5 for 30GB of data and are available at the airport upon arrival. This guide breaks down every option so you can stay connected from day one, whether you’re exploring Angkor Wat, the streets of Phnom Penh, or remote provinces off the beaten track.
Mobile Operators in Cambodia
Cambodia’s telecom market has consolidated from nine operators down to five main players: Metfone, Smart Axiata, Cellcard, Yes, and Cootel. The first three dominate and are the most relevant options for tourists. Yes (formerly Seatel) operates exclusively on 4G/LTE but has limited retail presence, while Cootel targets price-sensitive users with a smaller network footprint.
One practical note before you buy: Cambodia uses GSM technology, so CDMA phones are not compatible. Nearly all modern smartphones (roughly 99%) support GSM. If your phone was purchased in the Americas and is a low/mid-range device without Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you may be limited to slower 3G or 2G speeds. Always ensure your phone is unlocked before traveling, a locked phone will be restricted to international roaming, which is significantly more expensive.
Comparison of Cambodia’s Mobile Operators
| Operator | Network Strength | Best For | Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Axiata | Best 4G availability (95%+ of the time on 4G); fastest speeds in cities | Digital nomads, city travelers, social media users, business travelers | Slightly less rural reach than Metfone; pricier |
| Metfone | Widest overall coverage, strongest in rural & remote areas | Budget travelers, off-the-beaten-path explorers, longer stays | Weaker urban performance vs Smart |
| Cellcard | Competitive speeds in cities; fastest raw download speeds (22 Mbps) | Short-term tourists, budget-conscious city travelers | Weakest overall coverage among the three |
| Yes (018) | 4G/LTE-only network | Tech-focused users needing fast data | Limited stores, less tourist support |
| Cootel | Competitive pricing | Secondary/backup SIM | Smallest footprint, rarely recommended for tourists |
So, Which Mobile Network is Best in Cambodia?
For most tourists: Smart Axiata. Based on OpenSignal benchmarks and real traveler experiences, Smart consistently wins in:
- 4G Availability (connected to 4G 95% of the time)
- Voice App Experience (WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram calls)
- Consistent Quality (most reliable connection overall)
- Video and Live Video Experience
But the right choice depends on your trip:
| Your travel style | Recommended network |
|---|---|
| Staying in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville | Smart Axiata |
| Exploring rural provinces, Cardamom Mountains, Koh Ker | Metfone |
| Short trip on a tight budget | Cellcard |
| Heavy data user (photographer, content creator) | Cellcard (100GB for ~$10) |
| Arriving by flight and need internet immediately | Smart (best airport availability) |
In raw download speed tests, Cellcard currently leads at 22 Mbps, followed by Smart at 18.8 Mbps and Metfone at 13 Mbps. However, Smart provides the most consistent quality across the widest range of locations.
Is There 5G Network in Cambodia?
Yes, but it’s still limited. Smart Axiata was the first to roll out 5G in Cambodia, with Cellcard also deploying the technology. As of 2025, 5G coverage is primarily available in parts of Phnom Penh and a handful of other urban centers.
What you need to know about 5G in Cambodia:
- Coverage is concentrated in Phnom Penh; most tourist destinations run on 4G LTE
- You need a 5G-compatible device that supports the specific frequency bands used locally
- For the vast majority of travelers, 4G LTE is more than sufficient for navigation, video calls, and streaming
- Cambodia is ranked among the world’s top countries for affordable mobile data: 4G speeds of 10-25 Mbps in cities are standard
Where to Buy SIM Card in Cambodia?
Buying a SIM card in Cambodia is straightforward. Bring your passport, registration is required by law, and operators will need to verify your identity before activation.
- Buying at the airport (Phnom Penh / Siem Reap): This is the most convenient option for immediate connectivity. Smart, Cellcard, and Metfone all have official booths in arrival terminals. One caveat: some travelers report overpricing and pushy upselling at airport kiosks, compare prices before committing.
- Official carrier stores in the city: Generally the safest and most reliable option for proper registration, activation support, and English-speaking staff. Smart and Cellcard have visible stores in shopping malls and commercial districts in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
- Convenience stores and supermarkets (Lucky Supermarket, Aeon Mall, etc.): SIM cards are widely available, though prices may vary and counterfeit products occasionally circulate.
- Street vendors: Available but not recommended, stick to official sources for a properly registered card.
Pro tip from experienced travelers: If you’re worried about airport scams, use a travel eSIM (such as Airalo on Smart’s network) to stay connected from landing until you can visit a city store 1–2 days later.
How Much is a SIM Card in Cambodia?
SIM cards in Cambodia are among the most affordable in Southeast Asia.
Tourist SIM Card Prices
| Operator | SIM Price | Tourist Package | What’s Included | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Axiata | Free – $1 | $5 | 30GB data + calls | 15 days |
| Cellcard | $1 | $6 | Unlimited data + calls | 7 days |
| Cellcard (heavy users) | $1 | $10 | 100GB data | 30 days |
| Metfone | $1-$2 | $5-$8 | Various combo plans (data + calls) | 7-30 days |
For stays under two weeks, a tourist SIM package is the best value by far. For longer stays, buy a regular SIM and pick a monthly plan that matches your usage. Topping up is easy, you can reload credit at convenience stores, phone shops, and even via app almost anywhere tourists go.
eSIM Options for Cambodia
If your phone supports eSIM (most iPhones from XS onwards, and many newer Android flagships), this is worth considering, especially for travelers who want connectivity the moment they land without hunting for a physical SIM.
| eSIM Provider | Network Used | Starting Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo | Smart Axiata | ~$4.50 (1GB/7 days) | Reliable, widely used |
| Holafly | Varies | From ~$6 | Good for heavy data users, unlimited plans |
| Nomad | Varies | From ~$5 | Wide range of plan sizes |
| Local operators (Smart, Metfone, Cellcard) | Own network | Same as physical SIM | Require passport for activation |
Important: Most travel eSIMs are data-only, no local phone number. For most travelers using WhatsApp and messaging apps, this is not an issue. If you need a local Cambodian number, buy a physical SIM.
eSIMs cost more per GB than local physical SIMs, but the convenience of activating before departure and avoiding the SIM-swap hassle can make them worthwhile for short trips or multi-country itineraries.
What About the WiFi and Internet?
Public WiFi Availability
WiFi is widely available in Cambodia’s tourist areas:
- Hotels and Guesthouses: Most accommodations offer free WiFi, though quality varies significantly.
- Cafes and Restaurants: Western-style cafes and restaurants, particularly in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, typically provide reliable free WiFi.
- Shopping Malls: Major shopping centers in urban areas offer free WiFi services.
- Coworking Spaces: Cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have numerous coworking spaces with high-speed internet for digital nomads.
However, public WiFi can be inconsistent in terms of speed and reliability, and coverage is limited in rural areas.
Mobile Data Options
For consistent internet access, mobile data is the most reliable option:
- Prepaid SIM Cards: As detailed above, local SIM cards offer generous data packages at affordable prices.
- eSIM Options: For travelers with eSIM-compatible devices, Cambodia now offers eSIM plans that can be purchased and activated before arrival. This eliminates the need to physically swap SIM cards. Companies like CambodiaeSIM.com offer plans starting from $6.50 for 3 days of data.
- International Roaming: While more expensive, using your home carrier’s international roaming service is an option if you prefer to keep your original number active.
Average internet speeds in urban areas of Cambodia range from 10-25 Mbps on 4G networks, sufficient for most online activities including video calls, streaming, and social media.
Calling in Cambodia
There are several options for making calls during your stay in Cambodia:
Local Calls with Cambodian SIM Cards
All three major operators offer affordable call packages with their SIM cards:
- Prepaid Credit: You can load credit onto your SIM card and pay per minute for calls.
- Combo Packages: Most tourist SIMs include some call minutes to local numbers.
- Special Call Rates: Some packages offer discounted rates for international calls to specific countries.
Internet-Based Calling
With good data coverage in most tourist areas, internet-based calling is popular:
- WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram: These services work well throughout Cambodia wherever you have a data connection.
- Zoom, Google Meet, Skype: Video conferencing services function reliably in areas with strong 4G coverage.
International Calls
For calling outside Cambodia:
- International Calling Packages: Available from all carriers, but typically more expensive than internet-based options.
- International Calling Cards: Available in convenience stores and markets.
Emergency Numbers in Cambodia
| Service | Number | Notes |
| General Emergency | 119 | Central emergency hotline |
| Tourist Police | 097 778 0002 | English-speaking officers |
| Ambulance | 119 | Or contact your hotel directly |
| Fire Department | 118 | Response times vary by location |
| Calmette Hospital (Phnom Penh) | 023 426 948 | Best equipped hospital in the capital |
| Royal Angkor International Hospital (Siem Reap) | 063 761 888 | 24-hour emergency service |
| Cambodia Emergency Services | 012 855 525 | Private ambulance service |
Always save these numbers on your phone before traveling to Cambodia, and preferably have them written down as well in case your phone battery dies.
Can I Use Vietnam SIM in Cambodia?
Yes. Vietnamese SIM cards from Viettel, Vinaphone, and Mobifone support international roaming in Cambodia, but you must activate the roaming service before leaving Vietnam. Each operator offers different roaming packages; check with your provider for current pricing.
While convenient for short border crossings or day trips, international roaming costs significantly more than buying a local Cambodian SIM. For stays of three days or more, a local SIM is almost always better value.
>> Read more: Which is the best mobile network in Vietnam?
Quick Summary: Which SIM Should You Get?
| Situation | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| First-time visitor, city-based trip | Smart Axiata tourist SIM ($5) |
| Rural or off-grid travel | Metfone |
| Heavy data user or photographer | Cellcard 100GB plan ($10) |
| Multi-country trip, want connectivity on arrival | Travel eSIM (Airalo / Holafly) |
| Vietnamese traveler, short visit | Vietnam SIM with roaming |
| Budget traveler, urban areas | Cellcard tourist SIM ($6) |
Cambodia consistently ranks among Southeast Asia’s most affordable destinations for mobile data, prices are expected to remain stable or improve through 2026-2027 as operators compete for market share. Whether you’re spending a week at Angkor Wat, island-hopping off Sihanoukville, or working remotely from Phnom Penh’s cafes, staying connected here is easy and inexpensive.
Indochina Voyages specializes in tailor-made tours across Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. If you need personalized advice for your upcoming Cambodia trip, contact our Travel Consultants here or drop us an offline message on the screen, we’ve been on the ground and know exactly what travelers need.
