Cambodia – known for its (massive) temples, cultural heritage & it is one of the countries that never had a McDonald's.
Yes, that somewhat terrifying clown could never set foot in this country.
Unlike other countries in the region, Cambodia did not enjoy an early growth in tourism arrivals.
But in recent years, more travelers have flocked to the country, except for the pandemic years, of course.
Why is that? It is because Cambodia has a lot to offer.
Of course, you cannot leave Cambodia without visiting Angkor Wat – a beautiful and insanely huge temple.
But besides the numerous temples the country has to offer, visit Kaoh Tonsay and Otres Beach for the beach-life experience you cannot experience elsewhere in the country.
And do not forget about Ream National Park – you can even get a boat tour there.
Being bored in Cambodia? No way! No reason to be.
Another thing you should not do when in Cambodia is roam internationally – International roaming can be expensive.
That is why I always recommend local prepaid SIM cards or eSIM and even travel eSIMs so that you can enjoy low rates for data, minutes & SMS.
Fortunately, mobile data rates are low in Cambodia – one of the lowest in the region, for that matter.
So, how much do SIM cards cost in Cambodia?
You can get a Cambodian SIM card for 1 USD or 2 USD from Metfone, Smart & Cellcard in their stores. Smart and Cellcard also have tourist SIM cards for 5 USD and 6 USD, respectively. SIM cards are also sold at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) and Siem Reap International Airport (REP).
Those prices are low, indeed – just wait until you find out that the cost of mobile data is low too.
Especially for those coming from Europe and North America.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Cambodia. Let's go.
Original publication: 9th of November 2019. Last updated: 30th of May 2023.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Cambodia?
Anyone living in or visiting Cambodia can buy a Cambodian SIM card from the mobile network operators (Metfone, Smart & Cellcard) with no restrictions.
You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Moreover, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Cambodia).
Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Cambodia?
You can get a Cambodia SIM card in Metfone, Smart & Cellcard stores. SIM cards are also sold at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) and Siem Reap International Airport (REP).
You can expect to pay the following for Cambodian SIM cards:
- Metfone: between 1 USD and 2 USD (depending on how premium your phone number is)
- Smart Cambodia: 1 USD
- Cellcard: 1 USD
The following Cambodian mobile operators also have SIM cards targeting tourists:
- Metfone: N/A – although SIM cards are sold at airports)
- Smart Cambodia: Free! & 5 USD (Basic SIM)
- Cellcard: 6 USD
For up-to-date USD:your currency (let's say VND) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Can You Use Your Phone in Cambodia?
Cambodia uses GSM technology for mobile communications. CDMA phones will not work in Cambodia. If your phone has a SIM card slot, then it supports GSMA (99% of the phones do support GSM nowadays).
Traditional European frequencies are used in Cambodia, which are mostly used in ITU Regions 1 and 3 (Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania).
The Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2) use American frequencies, which differ from the European ones.
If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 and 3), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in Cambodia.
If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in Cambodia or can only use slower networks (3G or 2G).
If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Cambodia (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Cambodia
Cambodia has three mobile operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- Metfone
- Smart Cambodia
- Cellcard
The following frequencies are used in Cambodia:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in Cambodia, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).
Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).
If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.
A Note about Yes 018 (formerly Seatel Cambodia)
Yes 018, formerly Seatel Cambodia, is the fourth mobile operator in Cambodia.
It is a 4G/LTE-only mobile operator with no national roaming agreement, meaning you will not have any 2G or 3G fallback in areas Yes 018 does not cover (yet).
Currently, Yes 018 has the fastest 4G/LTE speeds in the country, and calls can be made with VoLTE (Voice over LTE – more about that feature later).
So, why did I not mention Yes 018 yet?
That is because it still has limited coverage throughout the country.
Moreover, only supported devices can use Yes 018's network.
Although it is an extensive list, mostly budget and mid-range phones are supported.
Especially from brands like Huawei, OPPO & Samsung A & J series.
Does that mean phones like iPhones and Samsung Galaxy Notes are not supported?
No, they actually are supported… but only the older devices.
In the case of iPhones, only those up to the X series are supported; the 11-, 12-, & 13 series are not.
The same counts for the newer Samsung Galaxy Notes.
The phones I use for testing, Google Pixel 6, OnePlus 7 Pro & OnePlus 9 Pro, are not supported at all – not even the older versions of these brands.
So yeah, that is why Yes 018 is not included in this guide.
However, it can, at times, be the cheapest option in Cambodia during promotions.
And you can have a smooth experience in urban areas with Yes 018.
VoLTE & VoWiFi in Cambodia
Both VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G) – also known as HD Voice) and VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi – also known as WiFi calling) are available in Cambodia. However, not all mobile operators offer both services.
This means that your phone does not have to downgrade to 2G or 3G when making a call in Cambodia (unlike mobile operators that do not support VoLTE).
The following mobile operators offer VoLTE and VoWiFi in Cambodia:
- Smart Cambodia
The following mobile operators offer VoLTE only in Cambodia:
- Metfone
The following mobile operators do not offer VoLTE or VoWiFi to prepaid customers in Cambodia:
- Cellcard
VoWiFi is, as the name implies, calling on a WiFi connection as opposed to on a cellular network.
5G NR in Cambodia
5G NR is not available in Cambodia as of 2022, and the Cambodian government has not made any indications of when they will auction 5G licenses.
Best SIM Card in Cambodia
If you want to buy the best SIM card in Cambodia, I recommend going with Metfone or Smart. Metfone has the best overall coverage, but Smart has the best 4G/LTE availability. Smart also has the fastest speeds.
Best eSIM in Cambodia
Metfone, Smart & Cellcard offer eSIMs to prepaid customers.
Note that the Cambodian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards (will be discussed later).
However, you can also get a travel eSIM from various eSIM providers.
The list below is not exhaustive – many more providers have eSIMs for Cambodia.
But these are the ones I have tried and had pleasant experiences with.
Moreover, they are reasonably priced, which I find very important (you will not see me recommending an eSIM I would not buy myself).
So here are the 11 best eSIMs for Cambodia:
- Airalo Connect Cambodia eSIM with 3 choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (best value for money)
- Holafly Cambodia eSIM with one 8 GB option (generous data eSIMs)
- Nomad Cambodia eSIM with 3 choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (expensive eSIMs, unfortunately)
- Airalo Asialink eSIM with six choices between 1 GB and 100 GB (best value for money for 14 East- and Southeast Asian countries)
- AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM through SimOptions with one 6 GB option (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported Asian countries (12/32) at a reasonable price but with a short validity – SimOptions does sell other Asian eSIMs, but they are not as good as AIS)
- Holafly Asia eSIM with two choices between 6 GB and 10 GB (reasonably prices eSIMs for 11 East- and Southeast Asian countries, but Phone Travel Wiz readers like the eSIM somehow)
- Ubigi Asia Plans (extensive Asia coverage (24 countries)
- Airalo Discover Global eSIM with five choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (reasonable global coverage (85+ countries) at attractive prices) – read my ongoing Airalo Discover Global eSIM review too!
- AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions with one 6 GB option (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (50/123) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)
- Nomad Global eSIM with three choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (extensive global coverage (110 countries) at high(er) prices)
- Ubigi World Plan (most extensive global coverage (175+ countries) at the highest prices)
Because this is the SIM card buying guide for Cambodia, I will not spend too much time about travel eSIMs here and throughout this guide (but I will still do here and there).
If you want to learn more about the best eSIMs for Cambodia, you better check out my Cambodia eSIM buying guide.
It is as helpful and comprehensive as this guide but about eSIMs instead 😜.
SIM Card Registration in Cambodia
SIM card registration with your passport information is mandatory in Cambodia. It will be done at the point of sale.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Cambodia Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
Cambodia is one of the cheaper countries in Southeast Asia for travel.
And the same can be said for mobile data in the country.
The average price for 1 GB of data in Cambodia is 0.42 USD, below the Asian average of 1.47 USD. The world average is 3.12 USD.
In fact, Cambodia is the 9th lowest mobile data rate in Asia (excluding the Middle East).
It is not uncommon to spend only 10 USD for 15 GB of data (Canadians are probably jealous when they read this).
Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country with a lower average cost for 1 GB of data (0.38 USD).
So you pay peanuts for data-featured plans in Cambodia, but will your speeds be slow?
Unfortunately, yes.
Cambodia's median mobile download speed is around 17 Mbps.
For reference, the global median download speed is around 31 Mbps at the moment.
Cambodia has the slowest median download speed compared to its neighbors (Laos, Thailand & Vietnam).
Even then, Cambodia's mobile download speeds have increased by 25.6% year on year.
Okay, now it is time to know which mobile operator is the fastest in Cambodia.
That would be Smart, with an average download speed of 14.2 Mbps. Followed by Cellcard (13.1 Mbps) and Metfone (10.3 Mbps).
The mobile operator with the best 4G/LTE speeds is Cellcard, with an average download speed of 15.7 Mbps.
It is followed by Smart (15.1 Mbps) and Metfone (11.6 Mbps).
So what about coverage? Which mobile operator has the best coverage?
Honestly, the three mobile operators cover almost all of Cambodia.
They have an availability score of 93.6%-95%.
Smart has a 4G/LTE availability score of 93.9%. Followed by Metfone (86.1%) and Cellcard (79.3%).
So what about overall network performance by the Cambodia mobile operators?
Smart is the winner of the Cambodia Mobile Experience Awards of August 2022.
Basically, you cannot go wrong with Smart.
With low SIM card prices, practically perfect nationwide coverage, slow mobile download speeds, and incredibly low mobile data rates, you should have a good network experience in Cambodia.
Currency in Cambodia
Cambodia uses the Cambodian Riel with the symbol KHR (which will be used throughout this guide).
However, prices are often listed as ៛. For example, 25 KHR = ៛ 25.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between KHR and USD (US Dollars):
- 100 KHR = 0.02 USD
- 1000 KHR = 0.25 USD
- 10 000 KHR = 2.45 USD
- 100 000 KHR = 24.75 USD
For up-to-date KHR:your currency (let's say VND – Vietnamese Dong) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
But you may have noticed that I listed some prices in USD instead of KHR – what gives?
Since the 1980s, the USD was introduced in Cambodia and has been used ever since.
Yes, even the mobile operators accept USD – they even list prices in USD instead of KHR.
The retail exchange rate between KHR and USD is 4000:1, meaning that 4000 KRH is 1 USD or 1 USD is 4000 KHR.
Even though the official rate, according to the National Bank of Cambodia, is 4100 KHR:1 USD.
In (very) remote parts of Cambodia, merchants may want KHR instead of USD (or Thai Baht along the border), but mobile operators will always accept USD.
In some cases, the mobile operator may list the price of a plan in KHR instead of USD.
In that case, I will list both prices for consistency.
And you will see that even they use the 4000:1 retail rate instead of the rate mentioned by the central bank.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.
Their fees are MUCH lower than banks and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).
I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.
Cambodian Prepaid SIM Cards
Below, I will guide you through Metfone, Smart Cambodia & Cellcard, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
With that being said, let’s see what Cambodia has to offer to us.
Metfone
Metfone is the largest mobile operator in Cambodia.
It has a market share of around or more than 50%, telling you that it is loved by the locals.
But why is that?
Metfone is backed by Viettel from Vietnam.
The mobile operator, backed by the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence, usually enters the market by building coverage in rural and underserved parts of the country with basically no competition before heading to urban areas.
That way, mobile operators started or backed by Viettel gain a userbase quickly because the population of rural areas has no to spotty coverage to begin with.
So Metfone is certainly recommended if you plan on visiting rural Cambodia.
Moreover, Metfone purchased Beeline Cambodia back in 2015, which is another reason it has such a large subscriber base.
Metfone uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Metfone:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Metfone SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Metfone
Metfone has the best general availability in Cambodia.
This was also confirmed by Opensignal.
Below is Metfone's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Metfone's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Metfone
You can get a Metfone SIM card for 1 USD or 2 USD, depending on how premium the phone number is, in Metfone stores. Metfone SIM cards are also sold at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) and Siem Reap International Airport (REP).
Dial *99# to see your Metfone phone number.
Call 421 to change the system's language to English (and 1770 if you want it back to Khmer again).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
It is possible to get a Metfone eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.
Note that the Cambodian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Cambodia without personal detail capturing, you can get Cambodia Connect Cambodia eSIMs from Airalo (three options):
- 1 GB/7 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 3 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 5 GB/30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in May based on data up to the 17th of May (2023 data only).
No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.
If you plan on visiting other neighboring European nations, consider the Airalo Eurolink eSIM to be used in 39 European countries with six variants:
- 1 GB/7 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 3 GB/30 days
- 5 GB/30 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 10 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 50 GB/90 days
- 100 GB/180 days
Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Airalo review!
By the way, you get free 5G NR access in 22 of the 39 supported countries!
I have used the Airalo Eurolink eSIM in 11 countries so far, and my goal is to test it in all supported countries.
- Be sure to check out my Airalo Eurolink eSIM review for my insights!
Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Cambodia.
You can read about them in my Best Cambodia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.
Note that Metfone offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings but no VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Metfone
Metfone top-up vouchers are sold in Metfone stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Cambodia.
The following (online) Metfone top-ups are available:
| Top-Up | Validity |
|---|---|
| 0.50 USD | 3 days |
| 1 USD | 7 days |
| 2 USD | 14 days |
| 5 USD | 30 days |
| 10 USD | 60 days |
| 20 USD | 100 days |
| 50 USD | 200 days |
To top up your Metfone SIM card, dial *1203*VoucherCode# or call 1529, select option 1, and enter the VoucherCode#
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *1203*123456# or call 1529, select option 1 and enter 123456# (including the #).
Dial *1201# to check your Metfone balance.
You can top up your Metfone SIM card on the CamID app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Metfone
Metfone has one data-featured prepaid plan: Limited Plans (daya-only). It includes data (without 5G NR access).
I will list all the prices in USD (US Dollar) and KHR (Cambodian Riel) at times.
To convert USD/KHR to your currency (let's say VND – Vietnamese Dong) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
The following Limited Plans are available, which can be activated by dialing Activation Code:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.10 USD | MID | 100 MB | 1 day | *1522*1*1# |
| 1 USD | MI1 | 700 MB | 30 days | *1522*1# |
| 1 USD | MI4E1 | 1500 MB | No expiry | *1522*41# |
| 1 USD | MIW | 4 GB 1 | 7 days | *1522*1*71# |
| 2 USD | MI2 | 1.5 GB | 30 days | *1522*2# |
| 2 USD | MI4E2 | 3500 MB | No expiry | *1522*42# |
| 3 USD | MI3 | 4 GB | 30 days | *1522*1*3# |
| 5 USD | MI5 | 7 GB | 30 days | *1522*5# |
| 10 USD | MI10 | 15 GB | 30 days | *1522*105# |
| 20 USD | MI20 | 30 GB | 30 days | *1522*20# |
1 +399 on-net minutes & 399 on-net SMS
APN/Internet Settings – Metfone
- Name: metfone
- APN: metfone
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Smart (Axiata) Cambodia
Smart (Axiata) Cambodia, just Smart and not to be confused with Smart in the Philippines, is the second-largest mobile operator in Cambodia.
It also is the best overall mobile operator in the country.
The Axiata group, from Malaysia (as Celcom), is active in Cambodia (as Smart), Indonesia (as XL Axiata), Nepal (as Ncell) & Sri Lanka (as Dialog).
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
- VoLTE: Yes
- VoWiFi: Yes
This is what you will learn about Smart:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Smart SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Smart Cambodia
Smart has the best 4G/LTE availability in Cambodia.
This was also confirmed by Opensignal.
Below is Smart's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Smart's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Smart Cambodia
You can get a Smart SIM card for free (yes, really) or for 1 USD in Smart stores. Smart SIM cards are also sold at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) and Siem Reap International Airport (REP).
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Smart Traveler SIM card – Smart's tourist offering.
The following two Smart Traveler SIM cards are available:
| Price | SIM Card | Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net/International Minutes 1 | On-Net SMS | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free! | Free SIM | 100 MB | 10 minutes | N/A | 10 SMS | 3 days |
| 5 USD | Basic SIM | 30 GB | Unlimited | 10 minutes | Unlimited | 7 days |
1 to Brunei, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States & Vietnam
Yes, the Free SIM is truly free – and the salespeople often will not push you to get the Basic SIM or a regular Smart SIM card instead.
But if 100 MB is enough for you… that is a different question.
Be aware that if you decide to switch from the Free SIM or Basic SIM to another plan, you will be charged a switch fee of 0.50 USD.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
It is possible to get a Smart eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.
Note that the Cambodian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Cambodia without personal detail capturing, you can get eSIMs from Holafly (one option):
The best part is that you can get 5% off using code PHONETRAVELWIZ on each Holafly eSIM purchase!
No idea what or who Holafly is? Check out my Holafly review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than ten countries over two years.
If you plan on visiting other neighboring European nations, consider the Holafly Europe eSIM to be used in 32 European countries, also with unlimited data, with seven variants:
- Unlimited/5 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/10 days
- Unlimited/15 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Unlimited/20 days
- Unlimited/30 days
- Unlimited/60 days
- Unlimited/90 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in March based on data up to the 7th of March.
Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Holafly review!
Remember to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off each Holafly purchase!
Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Cambodia.
You can read about them in my Best Cambodia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.
Note that Smart offers VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G)) if your phone supports it and you have enabled it in the settings.
Oh, you can also use VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi).
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Smart Cambodia
Smart top-up vouchers are sold in Smart stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Cambodia.
The following (online) Smart top-ups are available:
- 0.50 USD
- 1 USD
- 2 USD
- 5 USD
- 10 USD
- 20 USD
- 50 USD
- 100 USD
To top up your Smart SIM card, dial *888*VoucherCode# or *1203*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *888*123456# or *1203*123456#.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial *888# to check your Smart balance.
You can top up your Smart SIM card on the SmartNas app (Android/iOS).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Smart Cambodia
Smart has seven data-featured prepaid plans:
- OsPaNhaHa! (combo)
- SurfLikeCrazy (data)
- Extra Add-Ons (combo add-ons)
- LateNightOwl Add-Ons (nighttime data)
- TikTok Unlimited
- SocialPack Unlimited
- StreamOn (social data)
Smart plans can be activated by dialing the Activation Code.
I will list all the prices in USD (US Dollar) and KHR (Cambodian Riel) at times.
To convert USD/KHR to your currency (let's say VND – Vietnamese Dong) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
OsPaNhaHa! Plans – Smart Cambodia
The OsPaNhaHa! plans are, as the name implies, combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following OsPaNhaHa! Plans are available, which can be activated by dialing *1700*5000#:
| Price | Data | Social Data 1 | On-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5000 KHR/1.25 USD | 3 GB | Unlimited | 500 minutes/day (3500 minutes) | 500 SMS/day (3500 SMS) | 7 days | *1700*5000# |
1 for TikTok & YouTube (sometimes Facebook as well, depending on ongoing promotions)
SurfLikeCrazy Plans – Smart Cambodia
The SurfLikeCrazy plans are, as the name implies, data-only bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following SurfLikeCrazy are available, which can be activated by dialing Activation Code:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.10 USD | 100 MB | 1 day | *1700*087*10# |
| 0.25 USD | 250 MB | 1 day | *1700*087*25# |
| 1 USD | 500 MB | 30 days | *1700*087*101# |
| 1 USD | 1 GB | 1 day | *1700*087*101# |
| 3 USD | 2 GB | 30 days | *1700*087*300# |
| 5 USD | 4 GB | 30 days | *1700*087*500# |
| 10 USD | 8.5 GB | 30 days | *1700*087*1000# |
| 15 USD | 13 GB | 30 days | *087*1500# |
| 25 USD | 25 GB | 30 days | *1700*087*2500# |
Extra Add-Ons – Smart Cambodia
The Extra Add-Ons are, as the name implies, combo add-ons with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS. They cannot be purchased as standalone plans.
The following Extra Add-Ons are available, which can be activated by dialing Activation Code:
| Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.20 USD | 500 MB | 10 minutes | 50 SMS | 1 day | *1705*20# |
| 0.50 USD | 1.50 GB | 25 minutes | 100 SMS | 3 days | *1705*50# |
| 1 USD | 3 GB | 50 minutes | 200 SMS | 7 days | *1705*100# |
LateNightOwl Add-Ons – Smart Cambodia
The LateNightOwn Add-Ons are, as the name implies, data-only add-ons (without 5G NR access) for between 1:00 and 5:00. They can be purchased as standalone plans.
The following LateNightOwn Add-Ons are available, which can be activated by dialing Activation Code:
| Price | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.10 USD | 1 GB | 1 night (1:00 – 5:00) | *1700*087*11# |
| 0.40 USD | 5 GB | 1 night (1:00 – 5:00) | *1700*087*55# |
LateNightOwl Add-Ons auto-renew. To disable auto-renewal, dial *087*0#.
TikTok Unlimited Plans – Smart Cambodia
The TikTok Unlimited plans are, as the name implies, data-only bundle (without 5G NR access).
The following TikTok Unlimited are available, which can be activated by dialing 1700*997*1#:
| Price | TikTok Data | Validity | Activation Code | Deactivation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.04 USD | Unlimited | 1 day | *1700*997*1# | *1700*997*0# |
The SocialPack Unlimited plans are, as the name implies, data-only bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following SocialPack Unlimited are available, which can be activated by dialing Activation Code:
| Price | Social Data 1 | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.05 USD | Unlimited | 1 day | *998*91# |
| 1 USD | Unlimited | 30 days | *998*82# |
1 for Line, WeChat & WhatsApp
StreamOn Plans – Smart Cambodia
The StreamOn plans are, as the name implies, data-only bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following StreamOn are available, which can be activated by dialing Activation Code:
| Price | Plan | Social Data 1, 2 | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 USD | StreamOn 2 | Unlimited | 7 days | *1700*700*777# |
| 8 USD | StreamOn 8 | Unlimited | 30 days | *1700*700*3333# |
1 for Line, TikTok, WeChat & WhatsApp
2 you also get free subscriptions to JaiKon TV, Pleng Pro & Soyo
APN/Internet Settings – Smart Cambodia
- Name: Smart
- APN: smart
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Cellcard
Cellcard is the smallest mobile operator in Cambodia.
It does have the fastest 4G/LTE speeds in the country.
Cellcard uses the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 MHz & 1800 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Cellcard:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Cellcard SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Cellcard
Cellcard has the worst coverage in Cambodia.
However, its coverage is still extensive.
Below Cellcard's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see Cellcard's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – Cellcard
You can get a Cellcard SIM card for 1 USD in Cellcard stores. Cellcard SIM cards are also sold at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) and Siem Reap International Airport (REP).
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Cellcard Tourist SIM Pack – Cellcard's tourist offering.
For 6 USD, you get 1 USD credit, unlimited data, unlimited on-net minutes & unlimited on-net SMS for 7 days.
Now, you do not get truly unlimited allowances because an undisclosed Fair Use Policy (FUP) exists.
Still, the allowances are generous (based on my experience).
Note that although the Tourist SIM Pack expires after seven days, you can purchase most Cellcard plans once the pack expires – the SIM card itself is valid for 30 days and cannot be extended.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
It is possible to get a Cellcard eSIM for the same price as a regular SIM card.
Note that the Cambodian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Cambodia without personal detail capturing, you can get eSIMs from Nomad (three options):
The best part is that you can get 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off using code ADU123 on your first Nomad eSIM purchase!
Promo: until the 31st of May, you can get 15% off plans with 10 GB of data or more (Asian eSIMs only). If you do not need that much data, you can still use code NOMADASIA for the discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.
No idea what or who Nomad is? Check out my Nomad review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over two years.
If you plan on visiting other neighboring European nations, consider the Nomad Europe eSIM to be used in 25 or 35 European countries, depending on the plan, with eight variants:
- 1 GB/7 days (25 countries – new)
- 1 GB/7 days (35 countries)
- 3 GB/30 days (25 countries – new)
- 3 GB/30 days (35 countries)
- 5 GB/30 days (25 countries – new)
- 5 GB/30 days (35 countries) – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers (that was before the 25 countries options were added)
- 10 GB/30 days (25 countries – new)
- 10 GB/30 days (35 countries) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers (that was before the 25 countries options were added)
Remember to use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad purchase!
Promo: until the 31st of May, you can get 15% off plans with 10 GB of data or more (Asian eSIMs only). If you do not need that much data, you can still use code NOMADASIA for the discounted rates mentioned above – you are welcome 😜.
I have used the Nomad Europe eSIM in eight countries so far, and my goal is to test it in all supported countries.
- Be sure to check out my Nomad Europe eSIM review for my insights!
Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Cambodia.
You can read about them in my Best Cambodia eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE or VoWiFi with Cellcard.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Cellcard
Cellcard top-up vouchers are sold in Cellcard stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Cambodia.
The following (online) Cellcard top-ups are available:
| Top-Up | Validity |
|---|---|
| 1 USD | 7 days |
| 1.25 USD | 8 days |
| 2 USD | 15 days |
| 2.50 USD | 15 days |
| 5 USD | 30 days |
| 10 USD | 40 days |
| 20 USD | 60 days |
| 50 USD | 180 days |
To top up your Cellcard SIM card, dial *123*VoucherCode#.
For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *123*123456#.
You can also recharge online with (international) debit and credit cards.
Dial #823# to check your Cellcard balance.
You can top up your Cellcard SIM card on the Cellcard app (Android/iOS/Huawei AppGallery).
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Cellcard
Cellcard has three data-featured prepaid plans:
- PlayGame Unlimited (combo)
- Time to Rise (combo)
- iNET (data)
Cellcard plans can be activated by dialing the Activation Code.
I will list all the prices in USD (US Dollar) and KHR (Cambodian Riel) at times.
To convert USD/KHR to your currency (let's say VND – Vietnamese Dong) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
PlayGame Unlimited Plans – Cellcard
The PlayGame Unlimited plans are, as the name implies, combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following PlayGame Unlimited are available, which can be activated by dialing Activation Code:
| Price | Data | Game Data 1 | On-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 USD | 5 GB | Unlimited | 210 minutes | 210 SMS | 7 days | *1688*01*1# |
| 5 USD | 25 GB | Unlimited | 900 minutes | 900 SMS | 30 days | *1688*01*2# |
1 for Garena Shells, Mobile Legends, PUBG Mobile & two other games I do not know/recognize (I am not a mobile gamer 🗿)
Time to Rise Plans – Cellcard
The Time to Rise plans are, as the name implies, combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
The following Time to Rise are available, which can be activated by dialing Activation Code:
| Price | Data | Social Data 1 | On-Net Minutes | On-Net SMS | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4000 KHR/1 USD | 5 GB | Unlimited | 500 minutes | 500 SMS | 7 days | *1788*1# |
| 24 000 KRH/6 USD | 40 GB | Unlimited | 4000 minutes | 4000 SMS | 35 days | *1788*2# |
1 for Spotify
iNET Plans – Cellcard
The iNET plans are, as the name implies, data-only bundles (without 5G NR access).
The following iNET are available, which can be activated by dialing Activation Code:
| Price | Plan | Data | Validity | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 KRH/0.25 USD | DATA+ | 1 GB | 1 day | *1610*1# |
| 2 USD | iNET 200 | 4 GB | 7 days | #1610#200# |
| 5 USD | iNET 500 | 8 GB | 30 days | #1610#500# |
| 10 USD | iNET 1000 | 18 GB | 30 days | #1610#1000# |
| 20 USD | iNET 2000 | 40 GB | 30 days | #1610#2000# |
APN/Internet Settings – Cellcard
- Name: Cellcard
- APN: cellcard
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Cambodia
Getting a SIM card from Metfone or Smart would do you well when considering a Cambodian SIM card.
Local Prepaid SIM Card in Other Asian Countries
Visiting other countries in Asia? Check out my region-specific SIM card buying guides:
- Central Asia
- East Asia
- (Middle East)
- South Asia
- Southeast Asia (revamped in September 2022)
- West Asia
Or check out my SIM card buying guides for individual Asian countries:
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:
Support Phone Travel Wiz
It takes a lot of time to analyze, translate & review the SIM card options worldwide (especially to test them out).
Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need to recommend international SIM cards as the best local SIM card (but some of them CAN be useful).
Every Ko-Fi donation, one-time or monthly, helps me to spend more time creating local SIM card buying guides.
Check Out My Resource Page
Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience?
Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel!
Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises & accommodation.
Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!
Start Your Own Online Business – Make Money While Traveling
Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling?
In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services & products I have for this site and my YouTube channel.
If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!
Learn About Your Phone Travel Options
You can buy local prepaid SIM cards, international SIM cards, mobile hotspots, or roam internationally.
Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.
Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks
I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out!
Sign Up for the Phone Travel Wiz Newsletter
Get updates related to the newest guides, videos & recommended products and services.
Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on saving money while traveling every now and then.
Let's Be Social
Did you know that I have a YouTube channel covering everything you need to know about traveling with your phone?
A lot of useful videos are uploaded multiple times a week, and you do not want to miss out on them!
Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is
Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!