Stay Connected in Cambodia
Network coverage, costs, and options
Connectivity Overview
Cambodia's mobile connectivity has improved quite a bit over the past few years, though it's still a bit of a mixed bag depending on where you're headed. In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, you'll generally find decent 4G coverage that works well enough for navigation, messaging, and video calls. The main carriers have been expanding their networks pretty aggressively, so you're usually fine in tourist areas and along major routes. That said, coverage gets spotty once you venture into more remote provinces or countryside areas - something to keep in mind if you're planning temple-hopping off the beaten path. The good news is that mobile data is relatively affordable here, and getting connected is pretty straightforward whether you go the eSIM route or pick up a local SIM card.
Get Connected Before You Land
We recommend Airalo for peace of mind. Buy your eSIM now and activate it when you arrive—no hunting for SIM card shops, no language barriers, no connection problems. Just turn it on and you're immediately connected in Cambodia.
Network Coverage & Speed
Cambodia's mobile market is dominated by three main carriers: Cellcard, Smart Axiata, and Metfone. All three offer 4G/LTE coverage in urban areas, with Smart and Cellcard generally considered to have the most extensive networks. In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, you can typically expect speeds around 10-30 Mbps on 4G, which handles most travel needs without issue - maps, social media, booking apps, and even streaming if you're patient.
Coverage along the main highways connecting major cities is actually pretty reliable these days. Where things get interesting is in rural areas and some coastal regions - you might drop down to 3G or lose signal entirely in places like the Cardamom Mountains or remote parts of Ratanakiri Province. The islands (Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem) have improved but can still be hit-or-miss depending on which beach you're on. Worth noting that 5G is starting to roll out in Phnom Penh, though it's not something most travelers need to worry about yet. For typical tourist circuits - Angkor Wat, riverside towns, beach destinations - you'll be connected just fine.
How to Stay Connected
eSIM
eSIMs have become a genuinely convenient option for Cambodia, especially if your phone supports them (most iPhones from XS onwards and newer Android flagships do). The main advantage is that you can get connected before you even land - no hunting for SIM shops, no language barriers, no worrying about whether the airport kiosk is trying to upsell you. Providers like Airalo offer Cambodia-specific plans that you can activate instantly, which is pretty handy when you step off a long flight and just want your ride-hailing app to work.
The trade-off is cost - eSIMs typically run a bit more expensive than local SIMs for the same amount of data. You might pay $15-20 for a week's worth of data via eSIM versus $5-8 for a local option. That said, the convenience factor is real, and for shorter trips (under two weeks), the price difference isn't huge in the grand scheme of travel expenses. The peace of mind of having connectivity sorted before arrival is worth something.
Local SIM Card
Getting a local SIM in Cambodia is pretty straightforward if you don't mind the extra step. You'll find official carrier shops right in the arrivals area at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports, plus countless mobile shops throughout any city. Smart and Cellcard are your safest bets for coverage. You'll need your passport for registration - it's a legal requirement, though enforcement varies.
Prices are genuinely cheap: expect to pay around $5-8 for a tourist package with 10-20GB of data valid for 7-30 days, depending on the carrier and current promotions. The airport shops are convenient but might charge a dollar or two more than shops in town - not a huge markup, honestly. Activation is usually done for you on the spot, and most staff at tourist-area shops speak enough English to help you out. The main hassle is just the time it takes (15-30 minutes if there's a queue) and keeping track of another physical SIM card if you need to swap it out.
Comparison
Here's the honest breakdown: Local SIMs are the cheapest option hands-down, usually running $5-8 for a week versus $15-20 for comparable eSIM plans. International roaming from your home carrier is almost always the most expensive unless you've got some special travel plan. The eSIM middle ground makes sense when you value convenience over saving a few dollars - you're connected immediately, no airport queues, no fumbling with SIM tools. For trips under two weeks, that convenience premium is pretty reasonable. Longer stays tilt toward local SIMs since the cost difference adds up.
Staying Safe on Public WiFi
Public WiFi in Cambodia - hotels, cafes, airports - comes with the usual security risks that travelers sometimes forget about. When you're logging into banking apps, booking accommodations, or accessing anything with passport information, you're potentially exposing sensitive data on networks that aren't exactly locked down. Hotels especially tend to have pretty basic WiFi security, and you never quite know who else is on that network.
Using a VPN encrypts your connection and makes it significantly harder for anyone to intercept your data. It's one of those things that seems paranoid until you remember how much sensitive information you're actually accessing while traveling. NordVPN is a solid option that works reliably in Cambodia and doesn't noticeably slow down your connection. Not trying to be alarmist here - just practical. If you're doing anything beyond casual browsing on public WiFi, encryption is worth having.
Protect Your Data with a VPN
When using hotel WiFi, airport networks, or cafe hotspots in Cambodia, your personal data and banking information can be vulnerable. A VPN encrypts your connection, keeping your passwords, credit cards, and private communications safe from hackers on the same network.
Our Recommendations
First-time visitors: Honestly, go with an eSIM from Airalo. You'll land after a long flight, possibly jet-lagged, dealing with visa-on-arrival, and the last thing you want is navigating SIM card shops while trying to figure out Cambodian riel. Having your phone working immediately for maps and transportation apps is genuinely valuable, and the extra $10-15 over a local SIM is pretty negligible against your overall trip budget.
Budget travelers: If you're on a really tight budget, local SIMs are cheaper - that's just the reality. You'll save maybe $10-15 over a week, which matters if every dollar counts. That said, factor in the time and hassle of dealing with it, especially if you're arriving tired. The convenience of eSIM might actually be worth the premium even on a budget.
Long-term stays (1+ months): Get a local SIM. The cost savings become significant over time, and you'll probably want the flexibility to top up easily at any corner shop. The initial hassle is worth it for extended stays.
Business travelers: eSIM is really your only sensible option. Your time is valuable, you need connectivity the moment you land for work communications, and the cost difference is negligible in a business context. Sort it before you leave home and don't think about it again.
Our Top Pick: Airalo
For convenience, price, and safety, we recommend Airalo. Purchase your eSIM before your trip and activate it upon arrival—you'll have instant connectivity without the hassle of finding a local shop, dealing with language barriers, or risking being offline when you first arrive. It's the smart, safe choice for staying connected in Cambodia.
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