Staying connected in Cambodia is easy and affordable. Whether you're a tourist visiting Angkor Wat, an expat working remotely, or a digital nomad exploring Southeast Asia, choosing the right SIM card can save money and ensure reliable internet access.
Cambodia has three major mobile network operators:
- Smart (Prefix: 010, 015, 016, 069, 070, 081, 086, 087, 093, 096, 098)
- Cellcard (Prefix: 011, 012, 014, 017, 061, 076, 077, 078, 085, 089, 092, 095, 099)
- Metfone (Prefix: 031, 060, 066, 067, 068, 071, 088, 090, 097)
In addition, international eSIM providers are becoming increasingly popular for short-term visitors.
This guide compares coverage, speed, pricing, tourist plans, and who each provider is best suited for.
Quick Comparison
| Provider | Best For | Coverage | Speed | Tourist Friendly | eSIM | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart | Most tourists | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes | From around USD 3–5 |
| Cellcard | Fast internet & cities | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes | From around USD 3 |
| Metfone | Rural travel | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Limited | From around USD 3 |
| International eSIM | Short trips | Depends on partner network | ★★★★☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes | From around USD 5 |
Smart
Best for:
- First-time visitors
- Tourists
- City travelers
- Budget travelers
Pros
- Excellent coverage in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville
- Competitive tourist packages
- Easy top-up through the Smart app
- Good English customer support
- Available at airports
Cons
- Coverage may be weaker in some remote provinces than Metfone.
Typical tourist packages include generous data allowances (around 20–30 GB for 15 days), making Smart one of the best values for most visitors.
Cellcard
Best for:
- Heavy internet users
- Digital nomads
- Content creators
Pros
- Fast mobile speeds
- Strong 4G/5G in major cities
- Competitive monthly plans
- Local Cambodian operator
- eSIM available
Cons
- Rural coverage is generally not as extensive as Metfone.
Cellcard is frequently recognized for strong performance in urban areas and attractive prepaid packages for travelers.
Metfone
Best for:
- Province travel
- Road trips
- Long-distance drivers
- Rural communities
Pros
- Excellent nationwide coverage
- Strong reception outside major cities
- Reliable along highways
- Good value prepaid plans
Cons
- Mobile speeds may be slower than Smart or Cellcard in urban areas.
If your itinerary includes destinations such as Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, Preah Vihear, Kratie, or remote villages, Metfone is often the safest choice.
International eSIM
If your phone supports eSIM, you can activate service before arriving in Cambodia.
Popular providers include:
- Airalo
- Holafly
- Nomad
- Saily
Pros
- No physical SIM required
- Keep your home SIM active
- Activate before departure
Cons
- Usually more expensive than buying a local SIM
- Data-only plans are common
For trips of less than a week, an eSIM offers maximum convenience. For longer stays, a local SIM is usually more economical.
Coverage Comparison
| Area | Smart | Cellcard | Metfone |
| Phnom Penh | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Siem Reap | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Sihanoukville | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Battambang | Very Good | Very Good | Excellent |
| Kampot | Very Good | Very Good | Excellent |
| Kep | Very Good | Good | Excellent |
| Kratie | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Mondulkiri | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Ratanakiri | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Highways | Very Good | Good | Excellent |
Speed Comparison
| Provider | Estimated Performance |
| Cellcard | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Smart | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Metfone | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Community reports generally place Smart and Cellcard ahead for speed in cities, while Metfone is favored for broader provincial coverage.
Estimated Tourist Prices
| Plan | Approximate Price |
| SIM Card | USD 2–5 |
| 15–30 GB | USD 5–8 |
| Unlimited promotions | USD 8–12 |
| Monthly prepaid | USD 10–15 |
Prices and promotional packages change regularly and may differ between airports and city stores.
Where to Buy
You can purchase SIM cards at:
- Phnom Penh International Airport
- Siem Reap Angkor International Airport
- Sihanouk International Airport
- Official Smart stores
- Official Cellcard stores
- Official Metfone stores
- Mobile phone shops
- Convenience stores
A valid passport is normally required for SIM registration.
Which SIM Card Should You Choose?
Short Holiday (3–7 Days) ✅ Smart Tourist SIM
One to Two Weeks ✅ Cellcard
Backpacking Across Cambodia ✅ Metfone
Digital Nomad ✅ Cellcard
Business Traveler ✅ Smart or Cellcard
Rural Exploration ✅ Metfone
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my passport?
Yes. Cambodian regulations generally require SIM registration using a valid passport for foreign visitors.
Can I buy a SIM card at the airport?
Yes. All major international airports in Cambodia have mobile operator counters.
Is eSIM available?
Yes. Cellcard and Smart offer eSIM options, and international providers such as Airalo and Holafly also support Cambodia.
Which provider has the best rural coverage?
Metfone generally offers the widest rural network coverage.
Which provider is fastest?
Cellcard and Smart are widely regarded as the fastest choices in major cities.
Final Recommendation for TravelKH
- 🏆 Best Overall: Smart
- ⚡ Fastest: Cellcard
- 🌄 Best Rural Coverage: Metfone
- ✈️ Best for Short Trips: eSIM
- 💰 Best Value: Smart Tourist SIM
No matter which provider you choose, mobile connectivity in Cambodia is affordable, reliable in most tourist areas, and easy to set up. Buying a local SIM shortly after arrival is one of the easiest ways to stay connected throughout your trip.
