Cambodia is much more connected than one might think. 4G covers major cities, the Angkor archaeological park, and most tourist routes. For a short stay, an eSIM activated from France is the most convenient solution. For a longer stay, a local SIM remains unbeatable in price.
Network coverage in Cambodia
4G/LTE coverage is excellent in the following areas:
- Phnom Penh — almost 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 variable signal on the river
- National roads — 3G/4G on most major routes
In deep rural areas (northeast, Mondulkiri forests, border zones), coverage drops to 3G or even EDGE. For a hike in the forest, don’t rely on the network.
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 hassle-free solution
The eSIM (embedded 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.
Choosing an eSIM for Cambodia
Among the eSIM providers we have tested, prioritize those whose plans rely on the Smart network — the best local operator. Activation takes just a few minutes from your phone, with no physical card to insert.
Indicative eSIM prices in Cambodia (2026)
Phone calls are generally not included in eSIM plans — but with WhatsApp or Messenger on 4G, this is rarely an issue for a tourist. If you need to make local calls, it’s better to opt for a physical SIM.
How to activate an eSIM
- Choose an eSIM provider and download its app (or follow the link received by email)
- Search for "Cambodia" and select 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 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 fastest-growing operator outside major cities. Plans start at 2–3 USD for 5 GB. Available at Phnom Penh airport right after immigration.
Cellcard
Good network in the city, similar rates to Smart. Some advantages on international calls. Less present in rural areas. Consider if you mainly stay in Phnom Penh.
Metfone (Vietnamese operator)
The cheapest of the three, but weaker coverage outside main routes. Interesting if you frequently travel between Cambodia and Vietnam — cross-border plans can be advantageous.
Prices for a local SIM
- Starter SIM pack (with some credit): 1–2 USD
- 5 GB data plan — 30 days: 2–4 USD
- 20 GB data plan — 30 days: 6–10 USD
- Recharges can be purchased everywhere (grocery stores, gas stations, shops)
eSIM vs Local SIM — our comparison
Our recommendation for most travelers: an international eSIM for a stay of one to four weeks. It’s 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 cafés
Wi-Fi is available in almost all hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and tourist cafés. 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 move, local 4G is your best friend.
Avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi (airports, cafés) for your 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, 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.