Country guide · AsiaLocal SIM Cards in Cambodia: Carriers, Plans & Prices (2026)
Tourist SIM cards in Cambodia start at $2.5 from Cellcard. Buy at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airport arrivals. Passport required for registration. For instant data without a store visit, a HelloRoam eSIM costs from $2.58 and activates in 2 minutes. See the comparison table below.
- Recommended
- HelloRoam eSIMfrom $2.58, instant activation
- Setup time
- Under 2 mininstall before your flight
- Physical SIM from
- $2.5 USDCellcard
- Network
- 4G LTECellcard
Cambodia is one of the cheapest countries in the world for mobile data. A week of service with 6 GB costs $3 USD, and a full month with 15 GB runs $6 USD. The entire economy operates in US dollars alongside the Cambodian riel, and SIM cards are priced in USD at tourist-facing kiosks. Cellcard is the dominant carrier with the widest coverage, including rural provinces like Kampot, Battambang, and the Cardamom Mountains routes. Smart Axiata is competitive in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Both carriers have kiosks at Phnom Penh International Airport and Siem Reap International Airport. The registration requires your passport. Signal at Angkor Wat and the main temple complex of Angkor Thom is reliable with Cellcard.
Cambodia has five carriers, with Smart Axiata and Cellcard leading in coverage. Phnom Penh International and Siem Reap Angkor International airports have SIM counters in arrivals. No ID is required. Most travelers combine Cambodia with Vietnam and Thailand as part of a Southeast Asian circuit.
eSIM for Cambodia: the fastest option
Travel eSIMs skip the physical SIM process entirely. Buy online, scan a QR code, and your phone connects to a local network. No passport check, no airport queue, no SIM ejector tool. Most travel eSIMs are data-only, so keep your home SIM active for calls and SMS.
Local SIM is very cheap at $3 USD and easy to buy. eSIM is practical for travelers combining Cambodia with Vietnam or Thailand who want a regional plan rather than a third physical SIM.
HelloRoam Cambodia eSIM: our tested pick
HelloRoam scored 8.8/10 in our testing, connects to Smart Axiata in Cambodia, and achieved 31/31 activation success. Convenient for short Angkor Wat trips where buying a local SIM is an unnecessary step.
Affiliate link. Commissions never affect our rankings or editorial findings.
| Provider | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamOur pick | 1 GB | 7 days | $2.58 |
| Airalo | 3 GB | 30 days | $8 |
| Holafly | Unlimited | 7 days | $19 |
eSIM provider comparison
| Provider | Price | Data | Validity | Activation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HelloRoamTop rated | $2.58 | 1 GB | 7 days | Instant | 8.8/10 |
| Airalo | $8 | 3 GB | 30 days | Instant | 8.8/10 |
| Holafly | $19 | Unlimited | 7 days | Instant | 8.6/10 |
Scores based on activation speed, network coverage, support response time, and pricing across 14 countries. HelloRoam (8.8/10, 31/31 activations) is the top-rated provider. All provider links marked as affiliate.
See full eSIM guide for Cambodia →
eSIM vs physical SIM card in Cambodia
Here is how a HelloRoam eSIM compares to buying a local SIM card in Cambodia across the factors that matter most to travelers.
| Feature | HelloRoam eSIM | Local SIM Card |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | Under 2 minutes | 15-60 minutes |
| Available before travel | Yes, install up to 30 days early | No, buy on arrival |
| ID required | No | Yes, passport |
| Price from | $2.58 USD | $2.5 USD |
| Data included | 1 GB to unlimited | Varies by plan |
| Hotspot | Included | Included on most plans |
| Support | 24/7 English | Local language, business hours |
| Local phone number | No, data only | Yes, included |
| Voice calls | Data only, use WhatsApp/FaceTime | Included |
Best SIM cards for tourists in Cambodia
Cambodia has 2 providers offering tourist-friendly prepaid SIM cards. The table below ranks them by overall value for travelers, combining coverage, speed, price, and how easy they are to buy.
| Provider | Type | Network | Cheapest plan | Plans | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CellcardTop pick | major | 4G LTE | $3 USD / $3 | 2 | Airport, Carrier Store |
| Smart Axiata | major | 4G LTE | $2.50 USD / $2.5 | 2 | Airport, Carrier Store |
SIM card plans compared
Below are every available tourist plan across all providers in Cambodia, sorted by price. Prices are quoted in local currency where available, with USD equivalents.
Cellcard
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist 6GBBest value | 6 GB | $3 USD | 7 days | 15 min local | 15 SMS |
| Tourist 15GB | 15 GB | $6 USD | 30 days | 30 min local | 30 SMS |
Smart Axiata
| Plan | Data | Price | Validity | Calls | SMS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist 5GBBest value | 5 GB | $2.50 USD | 7 days | 10 min local | 10 SMS |
| Tourist 10GB | 10 GB | $5 USD | 30 days | 30 min local | 30 SMS |
Where to buy a SIM card in Cambodia
The best place to buy is Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airport arrivals. Here is what each channel offers and what to expect.
Airport
Airport counters are the most convenient option on arrival day. Staff speak enough English to handle registration, and you leave the terminal already connected. Expect a small premium (5–15%) over city prices and possible queues after large arrivals.
Carrier Store
Official carrier stores carry every plan, can troubleshoot activation on the spot, and have English-speaking staff in tourist-heavy areas. Prices match the carrier website.
Convenience Store
Convenience stores stock prepaid SIM cards near the checkout. Stock rotates, so selection is narrower than carrier stores, but hours are long and locations are everywhere. Bring your passport.
Buying experience
At Siem Reap Airport arrivals, the Cellcard and Smart kiosks are right after the customs exit. The transaction is entirely in USD. You hand over three dollars, show your passport, and the SIM goes in your phone. Data is active within two minutes. Staff speak enough English to walk you through the plan options. In Phnom Penh, phone shops along Street 51 in the Boeung Keng Kang district sell SIMs and can also configure APN settings if your phone has trouble connecting. Top-up cards are sold at every minimart and they cost exactly what is printed on the card, no premium.
Coverage & network in Cambodia
Cambodia operates on 4G LTE networks. Coverage quality varies by provider and region.
Coverage Map for Cambodia
Visit each carrier's website for their interactive coverage map
Cellcard
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Strong
Smart Axiata
major carrier
Urban
Strong
Rural
Moderate
Cellcard leads on overall coverage with a rating of 5/5 for reach and 4/5 for speed. In cities, all providers perform similarly. Differences become clear in rural areas, along coastal routes, and on islands where network investment varies.
Real-world connectivity
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap both have good Cellcard 4G with average speeds of 15-30 Mbps. Angkor Wat complex has solid signal in the main temple areas. The road from Siem Reap to Battambang on National Road 6 has consistent Cellcard coverage. Kampot and Kep on the south coast have reliable signal. The Cardamom Mountains and Kirirom National Park have coverage near park headquarters but nothing on the trekking trails. Ratanakiri province in the far northeast, including Virachey National Park, has very limited coverage. Mondulkiri is covered in the town of Sen Monorom but the surrounding jungle forests have no signal. Download offline maps for any off-road travel.
Our verdict on SIM cards in Cambodia
Best for: Angkor Wat visitors on short trips, Regional travelers combining Cambodia with Vietnam and Thailand, Budget backpackers who want pre-arrival connectivity.
Local SIMs cost $2-3 for 5-10 GB, making Cambodia one of the cheapest countries for data anywhere. eSIM costs $5-10, a significant premium percentage-wise. For solo Cambodia trips, a local SIM wins on price. For multi-country Southeast Asian travel, a regional eSIM plan saves the hassle of managing three physical SIMs.
Activation & registration
Check your phone is unlocked
Your device must be carrier-unlocked to accept a Cambodia SIM. Check Settings or contact your home carrier before you leave.
Choose a plan before you buy
Decide on data volume and validity period. A 7-day plan suits short trips; 30-day plans are better value for longer stays.
Bring your passport
Registration is mandatory. The vendor scans your passport ID page and enters details into a government portal. Keep your passport accessible.
Insert and configure
Insert the nano-SIM using the ejector tool. Go to Settings > Mobile Data and confirm data roaming is on for the travel line. Run a speed test to confirm you are connected.
Tips for travelers in Cambodia
Cambodia is one of the cheapest countries for SIM cards. You can get a week of data for under $3.
Many transactions in Cambodia use US dollars, and SIM cards are often priced in USD.
Cellcard has the widest coverage, including rural areas around Siem Reap and Battambang.
Coverage at Angkor Wat and surrounding temple complexes is generally good with Cellcard.
Top up at any phone shop or convenience store. USD is accepted everywhere.
Common mistakes to avoid
Not getting a SIM at the airport. Finding official carrier stores in town can be harder than expected.
Expecting strong signal in very remote provinces like Ratanakiri or Mondulkiri.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a SIM card cost in Cambodia?
Tourist SIM cards in Cambodia start at $2.50 USD for 5 GB / 7 days. This makes Cambodia one of the most affordable countries for mobile data.
Will my phone work at Angkor Wat?
Yes, all major carriers have 4G coverage at Angkor Wat and the surrounding temple complex. Cellcard provides the most reliable signal throughout the archaeological park.
Do I pay in US dollars or Cambodian Riel?
SIM cards and data plans in Cambodia are typically priced and paid in US dollars. Cambodia uses both currencies interchangeably, but USD is standard for tourist services.
Which carrier is best in Cambodia?
Cellcard has the widest coverage across Cambodia, including rural areas. Smart Axiata is a good budget option with strong coverage in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
Can I keep my Cambodian number for a return visit?
SIM cards in Cambodia stay active for 180 days after the last top-up. If you plan to return within 6 months, keep your SIM and top up remotely via the carrier app.
Which eSIM provider is best for Cambodia?
HelloRoam is our top-rated eSIM for Cambodia (8.8/10). It connects to Smart Axiata and activates in under 2 minutes with no passport required. Airalo and Holafly also offer Cambodia coverage.
Which eSIM is best for Cambodia?
HelloRoam connects to Cambodia's 4G LTE network and plans start at $2.58 for 1 GB over 7 days. It works well for travelers who want data active before landing. Airalo offers a wider range of plan sizes at competitive prices. Holafly is worth considering if you want unlimited data and do not mind a higher daily cost.
Should I buy a SIM card or eSIM for Cambodia?
Local SIM is very cheap at $3 USD and easy to buy. eSIM is practical for travelers combining Cambodia with Vietnam or Thailand who want a regional plan rather than a third physical SIM. A local SIM from Cellcard starts at $2.5 and requires passport registration. Choose eSIM if your phone supports it and you value convenience. Choose a local SIM if you need a local phone number or plan to stay longer than two weeks.
Helpful guides
- eSIM vs Local SIM: Which to Choose
- eSIM Setup Guide (iPhone and Android)
- SIM Registration Requirements
- eSIM Guide for Asia
SIM card guides for nearby countries
Traveling beyond Cambodia? These guides cover nearby destinations.
