Cambodia is much more connected than one might think. 4G covers major cities, the Angkor archaeological park, and most tourist roads. For a short stay, an eSIM activated from France is the most convenient solution. For a long stay, a local SIM remains unbeatable in price.
Network coverage in Cambodia
4G/LTE coverage is excellent in the following areas:
- Phnom Penh — nearly complete 4G coverage in the city
- Siem Reap & Angkor — very good coverage, including in the archaeological park
- Sihanoukville & Koh Rong — 4G in the city, 3G/4G on the islands depending on the area
- Kampot & Kep — 4G in the city, more erratic signal on the river
- National roads — 3G/4G on most major routes
In deep rural areas (northeast, Mondulkiri forests, border zones), coverage degrades to 3G or even EDGE. Don’t rely on the network for hiking in the forest.
Living between Siem Reap and Kampot, we use Smart as our main operator. The difference in signal quality with other operators is especially noticeable outside city centers.
eSIM — the effortless solution
The eSIM (digital SIM) allows you to activate a Cambodian plan from your couch in Paris, even before boarding the plane. As soon as you land in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, you have network coverage. No lines at the airport counter, no SIM to insert.
Why we recommend Airalo
Among the eSIM providers we have tested, Airalo offers the best value for money for Cambodia. Their plans rely on the Smart network — the best local operator — and the app is user-friendly even for the less tech-savvy.
Plans starting from 4.50 USD · Smart network · Instant activation · Compatible with iPhone & Android · No commitment
Indicative Airalo Cambodia prices (2026)
Phone calls are generally not included in eSIM plans — but with WhatsApp or Messenger on 4G, this is rarely a problem for a tourist. If you need to make local calls, opt for a physical SIM.
How to activate your Airalo eSIM
- Download the Airalo app on your phone
- Search for "Cambodia" and choose your plan
- Pay by credit card
- Scan the installation QR code from your phone settings
- Activate the eSIM when you depart (or upon arrival in Cambodia)
Local SIM — Cambodian operators
If you stay longer than a month, need to make local calls, or if your phone is not eSIM compatible, a local SIM is the most economical solution. It can be purchased at the airport, in operator shops in the city, or at newsstands.
The three main operators
Smart (Cellcard) — our favorite
Best overall coverage, including in rural areas. Smart is the operator that is expanding the fastest outside major cities. Plans start from 2–3 USD for 5 GB. Available at Phnom Penh airport right after immigration.
Cellcard
Good network in the city, similar prices to Smart. Some advantages for international calls. Less present in rural areas. Consider this if you mainly stay in Phnom Penh.
Metfone (Vietnamese operator)
The cheapest of the three, but weaker coverage outside major routes. Interesting if you make trips between Cambodia and Vietnam — cross-border plans can be advantageous.
Prices for a local SIM
- Starter SIM pack (with some credit): 1–2 USD
- Data plan 5 GB — 30 days: 2–4 USD
- Data plan 20 GB — 30 days: 6–10 USD
- Top-ups are available everywhere (grocery stores, gas stations, shops)
eSIM vs Local SIM — our comparison
Our recommendation for most travelers: Airalo eSIM for a stay of one to four weeks. It costs 5–15 USD depending on the duration, you have network coverage as soon as you land, and you don’t have to juggle two physical SIMs.
Wi-Fi in hotels and cafes
Wi-Fi is available in almost all hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and tourist cafes. The quality varies greatly depending on the establishment — in good hotels in Phnom Penh, you will have fast fiber. In a seaside guesthouse, expect something slower.
For video calls, work meetings, or large downloads, hotel Wi-Fi is generally more reliable than mobile 4G. But when on the go, local 4G is your best friend.
Avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi (airports, cafes) for banking operations. If you frequently use public networks, a VPN is highly recommended — some services are filtered in Cambodia, and it also protects you while traveling.
Questions fréquentes
Most recent smartphones are: iPhone XS (2018) and later, Samsung Galaxy S20 and later, Google Pixel 3 and later, as well as the majority of high-end phones from the last two years. Check in your settings under "Mobile Network" or "Cellular" — if there is an option "Add Data Plan" or "eSIM", your phone is compatible. Your phone must also be unlocked.
Yes. The coverage is very good throughout the Angkor archaeological park, including Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and the grand circuit. Smart is the best-represented operator. You can share your photos in real-time and use Google Maps without any issues.
Yes. We have been using and recommending Airalo since 2023 for travelers passing through. Their Cambodia eSIM relies on the Smart network, the best local operator. Support is available in English and troubleshooting is efficient via the app.
Yes, directly at the immigration exit. Smart and Cellcard have clearly visible counters. Expect to pay 2–4 USD for a SIM with a basic data plan. In Siem Reap, there are also counters at the airport exit.
Activate your Cambodia eSIM from France. Smart 4G network, flexible plans from 1 to 30 days, interface in English. No physical SIM to insert.