Cambodia has 2 local SIM carriers, Smart (Axiata) and Cellcard, both running on a 4G network. Expect some friction at point of sale, as a passport is required. For most travelers, opting for a local SIM is the best route, especially with Smart offering a competitive price of USD 5 for 30 GB.
Smart (Axiata) is the top choice, while Cellcard is a solid alternative. For eSIM options, providers like Yesim start at USD 0.49. With decent WiFi in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, local SIMs still outperform eSIMs for budget-conscious travelers. If your priority is cost-effective data, jump to the provider overview.
Providers at a glance
| Provider | Type | Network / Rating | Price floor | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart (Axiata) | Local SIM | 4G | USD 5 | Default pick for any rural itinerary. |
| Cellcard | Local SIM | 4G | USD 9-31 | Solid alternative if Smart is unavailable. |
| Airalo | eSIM | 4.4/5 | USD 1.49 | Good option for short stays. |
| Saily | eSIM | 4.5/5 | USD 4.99 | Reliable choice for tech-savvy travelers. |
| Yesim | eSIM | 4.7/5 | USD 0.49 | Cheapest eSIM but speeds drop after 5 GB. |
| GigSky | eSIM | 4.3/5 | USD 10 | Consider if you need extensive coverage. |
How much data you actually need
| Traveler profile | Daily activities | GB per week |
|---|---|---|
| Light user – messaging and maps only | WhatsApp, Google Maps offline, occasional ride-hailing | 1 GB |
| Casual tourist – social and email | Instagram stories, WhatsApp photos, hotel booking confirmations, light maps | 3 GB |
| Heavy social user – daily video and stories | Reels, TikTok, Instagram video posts, video calls home | 8 GB |
| Streaming traveler – music and video | Spotify on the move, Netflix on bus rides, YouTube | 15 GB |
| Digital nomad – remote work + streaming | Zoom calls, cloud sync, Slack, evening Netflix, hotspot to laptop | 30 GB |
| Family hotspot – multiple devices | Two adults + kids, four to six devices on hotspot, streaming + maps + calls | 40 GB |
Local SIM cards in Cambodia
Cambodia has 2 local SIM carriers (Smart (Axiata) and Cellcard) on a 4G network, with prices ranging from USD 4 to USD 10. Both carriers require a passport at point of sale. Smart (Axiata) offers the best tourist value with 30 GB for USD 5 and reliable coverage in major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, making it the default pick for travelers.
Smart (Axiata) 4G4/5USD 5-10
Budget travelers seeking value
Buy Smart (Axiata) for the best combination of data and price.
Smart (Axiata) stands out with its extensive 4G coverage, reaching 99.5% of the population. Activation is straightforward at airport kiosks, where a passport is necessary. The plan offering 30 GB for USD 5 is unbeatable for budget travelers. However, those seeking the fastest internet speeds may find better options elsewhere. Smart’s coverage is particularly strong in urban areas, making it ideal for short city trips.
Cellcard 4G4/5USD 4-10
Travelers needing fast speeds
Fallback to Cellcard for faster speeds if needed.
Cellcard offers competitive pricing with plans starting at USD 4 for 25 GB over 28 days. It boasts the fastest average speeds at 18.8 Mbps, making it a solid choice for users prioritizing speed. Activation is easy at the same airport kiosks as Smart, but top-ups are conveniently managed via the Cellcard app. While its coverage is slightly less extensive than Smart’s, it excels in urban areas, making it a good option for city-focused travelers.
eSIM options for Cambodia
Cambodia offers 4 eSIM providers, each with unique strengths. The cheapest eSIM starts at USD 0.49 from Yesim, making it an attractive option compared to local SIMs, where Smart (Axiata) offers USD 5 for 30 GB. The cheapest 5 GB tier is USD 8.5 from Airalo for 3 days, while the cheapest 10 GB tier is also from Airalo at USD 19.5 for 7 days. Unlimited plans exist, but they are not the best value. For most travelers, Yesim’s 1 GB plan is the most budget-friendly option, making it a solid choice for short stays.
| Provider | Rating | ~1 GB | ~5 GB | ~10 GB | Unlimited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airalo → | 4.0/5 (Trustpilot) | USD 4 / 3 days | USD 8.5 / 3 days | USD 19.5 / 7 days | n/a |
| Saily → | 4.7/5 (Trustpilot) | USD 5.99 / 7 days | USD 14.99 / 30 days | USD 23.99 / 30 days | n/a |
| Yesim → | 4.4/5 (App Store) | USD 0.49 / 1 days | USD 18.36 / 15 days | USD 33.48 / 30 days | n/a |
| GigSky → | 4.2/5 (Trustpilot) | USD 5.99 / 7 days | USD 23.37 / 30 days | USD 46.74 / 30 days | USD 4.99 / 1 days |
Per-provider deep dive
Airalo
Airalo provides solid eSIM options with a good reputation, rated 4.0/5 on Trustpilot. It offers a 5 GB plan for USD 8.5 valid for 3 days, making it a decent choice for travelers needing a bit more data. This provider operates on a 4G network in Cambodia, ensuring reliable connectivity for your travels.
Saily
Saily stands out with a high rating of 4.7/5 on Trustpilot, making it a reliable option. While its 1 GB plan is priced at USD 5.99 for 7 days, it may not be the best choice for budget-conscious travelers. Saily’s plans are suitable for those who prefer longer validity and are willing to pay a bit more for convenience.
Yesim
Yesim is the budget champion with a low price of USD 0.49 for 0.2 GB valid for 1 day, making it ideal for quick connectivity needs. It offers a competitive 5 GB plan at USD 18.36 for 15 days, which is great for longer stays. This provider is perfect for short-term travelers who prioritize cost over data volume.
GigSky
GigSky offers a variety of plans with a rating of 4.2/5 on Trustpilot. Its unlimited plan at USD 4.99 for 1 day is appealing for those needing temporary access. However, its higher-priced data tiers may not be the best value compared to competitors. GigSky is best for travelers who require short bursts of connectivity without commitment.
Logistics and audience advice
What to bring for a local SIM
- Unlocked phone compatible with local networks
- Passport required at point of sale
- Payment method for SIM purchase
What to bring for an eSIM
- eSIM-compatible phone with EID
- Stable WiFi for QR-scan activation
- Mobile data toggled on the right line
How to activate
- 1
Find a local carrier booth
Head to a Smart (Axiata) or Cellcard booth at the airport or in the city. Tip: Choose a booth with shorter lines for quicker service.
- 2
Present your passport
Show your passport to the staff for verification before purchasing the SIM. Tip: Have a photocopy of your passport ready to speed up the process.
- 3
Select your plan
Choose a plan that suits your data needs; Smart offers USD 5 for 30 GB. Tip: Inquire about any current promotions for better deals.
- 4
Complete the purchase
Pay for the SIM and receive your new card along with installation instructions. Tip: Keep your receipt in case of any activation issues.
- 5
Insert and activate SIM
Insert the SIM into your phone and follow the instructions to activate it. Tip: Restart your phone after inserting the SIM for best results.
Which route suits you
| Traveler | Route | Recommended | Why | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-time explorer | eSIM | Airalo → | Airalo offers an easy eSIM activation process with high user satisfaction. | Pay USD 0.49 for the simplest eSIM option. |
| Family with kids | Local SIM | Smart (Axiata) | Smart has high sentiment and allows hotspot usage for family connectivity. | Choose USD 5 for 30 GB, perfect for family needs. |
| Digital nomad | Either | Smart (Axiata) | Smart’s plan offers great value at USD 5 for 30 GB, ideal for long stays. | USD 5 for 30 GB is excellent for extended use. |
| Budget backpacker | Local SIM | Smart (Axiata) | Smart provides the best cost-per-GB at USD 5 for 30 GB, ideal for budget travelers. | Best deal: USD 5 for 30 GB. |
| Luxury comfort seeker | eSIM | Saily → | Saily offers a smooth eSIM experience with high ratings, perfect for comfort seekers. | Pay for premium convenience with Saily. |
Troubleshooting and FAQ
Fix this when internet stops working
Three silent killers of vacation internet:
Check balance, top up, extend validity
Keep your SIM working through your trip:
- Check balance: Check your remaining data balance with Smart (Axiata) via the carrier app on iOS or Android, as no USSD code is provided in the data.
- Top up: To top up or extend validity with Smart (Axiata), visit a carrier counter or use the carrier app. Note that bundles expire after the validity period regardless of remaining data.
- Hidden opportunity: Consider a multi-country regional eSIM, which is often cheaper than a single-country eSIM if you plan to travel to neighboring countries.
Frequently asked questions
1What is the cheapest local SIM in Cambodia?
Smart (Axiata) offers a plan for USD 5 for 30 GB, making it an excellent choice for budget travelers.
2How long is the validity for Smart’s data plans?
Smart’s data plans typically last for 30 days, providing ample time for most travelers.
3Is a local SIM still worth buying in Cambodia, or just get the eSIM?
A local SIM is worth buying, especially Smart (Axiata) at USD 5 for 30 GB, which offers better value than eSIM options.
4What is the cheapest eSIM option available?
Yesim offers an eSIM starting at USD 0.49, making it the most affordable option for travelers.
5What network do local carriers in Cambodia operate on?
Both Smart (Axiata) and Cellcard operate on a 4G network, ensuring decent coverage across urban areas.
6What do I need to buy a SIM in Cambodia?
You need to present your passport at the point of sale when purchasing a SIM in Cambodia.
7How can I check my data balance with Smart?
Check your remaining data balance with Smart (Axiata) via the carrier app, as no USSD code is provided.
8Can I top up my Smart SIM online?
You can top up your Smart (Axiata) SIM via the carrier app or at a carrier counter, ensuring you maintain your data access.
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Hero image: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons. Other photos via Unsplash and Wikimedia Commons.