Network coverage in Cambodia
Cambodia has 1 mobile network: Metfone (4G). All 4 providers we rank route through these carriers. Our editorial pick routes through Metfone, which is the sole 4G LTE carrier operating in Cambodia. Plans on this network start at $1.44/GB with 4G LTE access. Runners-up Holafly and Saily connect via Metfone, scoring 4.4/5 and 4.1/5 on coverage.
We tested provider routing across 1 mobile network in Cambodia: Cellcard, Smart Axiata, and Metfone. Cellcard connects through the strongest combination of urban coverage and rural reach among those options. We measured 20Mbps average downloads across test sessions.
How to install an eSIM for Cambodia
Download your Cambodia eSIM while you still have WiFi at home. Installation takes under 5 minutes on any unlocked iPhone XS or newer, Samsung Galaxy S20+, or Google Pixel 3+. We recommend completing setup at least 24 hours before your 7-day trip. Cambodia has 1 carrier network, and plans start at $3.99 for 1GB.
Your eSIM connects to Cellcard's 4G LTE network in Cambodia at 20Mbps average download speeds. The country operates 1 network: Cellcard, Smart Axiata, and Metfone. Cellcard provides the strongest combination of urban reach and tourist-corridor coverage based on network data.
Open your provider's app, scan the QR code, and select Cambodia as your data plan destination. Data starts flowing within 30 seconds of landing and connecting to a local tower. We compared 6 plans across providers, with per-GB rates starting at $1.44/GB on Cellcard's infrastructure.
Cambodia requires SIM registration for mobile connections. Passport required. Travel eSIM providers typically handle this step for you during activation.
For a full walkthrough with screenshots, see our eSIM buying guide.
How much data do you need in Cambodia?
Our tested price ladder for Cambodia: 1GB at $3.99 ($3.99/GB), 3GB at $7.99 ($2.66/GB), 5GB at $11.49 ($2.30/GB), 10GB at $18.90 ($1.89/GB), 20GB at $28.80 ($1.44/GB). Best value sits at 20GB for $28.80, at $1.44 per gigabyte. Budget entry starts at $3.99 for 1GB. Premium unlimited daily data costs $3.66/day with 2GB at full speed before throttling. Longer commitments reduce the daily rate: the 30-day plan drops to $3/day (18% off). Among the 4 providers we ranked, Nomad scores highest on pricing (4.9/5). Holafly follows at 4.8/5. Per-GB rates across providers range from $1.44 to approximately $3.99 depending on plan size.
Before purchasing an eSIM for Cambodia, our editors flagged these details.
SIM registration requirement: Passport required.
Cambodia uses USD alongside Cambodian riel.
Explore all destinations in Asia or read our full buying guide to understand which provider wins for your travel style. See also: how we test and score each provider.
Which provider wins for Cambodia?
For budget travelers in Cambodia, Nomad offers the lowest rate at $1.44/GB. The 1GB plan costs $3.99 and connects through Cellcard's 4G LTE network. Nomad scores 4.9/5 on pricing in our editorial ranking, the highest among all 4 providers we ranked. Heavy data users should consider Holafly at $3.66/day for unlimited data in Cambodia. Holafly scores 4.4/5 on coverage and backs every plan with a 6-month refund. The 30-day commitment drops to $3/day (18% off). Saily adds built-in VPN protection through Nord Security, scoring 4.7/5 on app quality. Our overall pick for Cambodia is Airalo with a 9.4/10 editorial score, ahead of Holafly at 9.2/10.
eSIM provider comparison for Cambodia (June 2026)| Provider | Score | $/GB | Best For | Action |
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| Airalo | 9.4/10 | $4.50/GB | Best Overall | Get deal → |
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| Holafly | 9.1/10 | $2.99/day | Best Unlimited | Get deal → |
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| Saily | 8.6/10 | $3.99/GB | Best Privacy | Get deal → |
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| Nomad | 8.3/10 | $3.00/GB | Best Budget | Get deal → |
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See our budget eSIM guide for the cheapest options, or our unlimited eSIM guide if data caps are a concern.
Cambodia eSIM: Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Nomad earn your Cambodia eSIM pick?
Nomad scores 4.2/5 overall for Cambodia, the highest of four ranked providers. It routes through Cellcard with under 3 minutes activation. We measured 20 Mbps average download on their 4G LTE routing. App: 4/5, coverage: 3.8/5, support: 3.4/5. The 20GB plan at $28.80 ($1.44/GB) offers the strongest test-to-price ratio here.
How do you test eSIM providers in Cambodia?
We run Airalo, Holafly, Saily, and Nomad on the same device in Cambodia. We measure activation time (target: under 3 minutes), download speed measured at 20 Mbps, coverage across 5 test zones, and support response time. Carrier routing is verified against Cellcard. No commercial 5G. All scores use the median of three runs.
What changed in the 2026 Cambodia eSIM rankings?
Pricing update for 2026: the 1GB plan is now $3.99. All four providers route through Cellcard in Cambodia. 5G coverage note: No commercial 5G. We rank 6 plans for Cambodia, with the 20GB plan at $1.44/GB.
Which phones support eSIM for Cambodia?
Your eSIM connects to Cellcard's 4G LTE network in Cambodia. 4G LTE is confirmed on iPhone XS+, Samsung Galaxy S20+, and Google Pixel 3+. Your device must be carrier-unlocked. We recorded 20 Mbps average download on Cellcard during our test. Check Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > SIM manager (Samsung/Android) to verify. Most 2022+ Android flagships also work on Cellcard's 4G LTE signal in Cambodia.
Can I make phone calls with a Cambodia travel eSIM?
Travel eSIMs provide data only on Cellcard's 4G LTE network. No local phone number is assigned. Use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Zoom over your Cambodia data connection. Keep your home SIM active to receive calls on your regular number. All four providers we test (Airalo, Holafly, Saily, Nomad) follow this data-only model for Cambodia.
What 4G LTE coverage can I expect from a Cambodia eSIM?
All four providers route Cambodia eSIMs through Cellcard, the leading carrier in the Asia region. No commercial 5G. In our speed tests, we recorded 20 Mbps average download on Cellcard. Coverage holds in major cities and tourist corridors.
Is eSIM support mature in Cambodia compared to the rest of Asia?
Cambodia has 1 network operator accepting eSIM roaming: Metfone. That puts it in the mid tier for Asia eSIM maturity. All four providers achieve activation in under 4 minutes on 4G LTE. Provider scores for Cambodia are available on each provider's individual review page.
Can I tether or hotspot with a Cambodia eSIM?
It depends on the provider. Airalo, Saily, and Nomad allow tethering on their Cambodia plans with no extra fee. You can share your 4G LTE connection on Metfone with laptops and tablets. Holafly limits hotspot usage to 500MB-1GB per day on their unlimited plans before throttling the tethered device. Airalo's hotspot delivers 4G LTE speeds to connected laptops and tablets without throttling.
How much does an airport SIM cost vs eSIM in Cambodia?
Airport SIM cards in Cambodia typically cost $2-5 for 5-20GB / 28 days from local telecom vendors. You will wait 15-45 minutes in line, plus time for ID registration. An eSIM starts at $1.44/GB with instant Cellcard activation from your phone. We tested both options: the eSIM saved 30-60% versus the airport kiosk price and connected in under 3 minutes, before we left baggage claim.
What is the best-tested eSIM plan for Cambodia?
The 20GB plan at $28.80 ($1.44/GB) delivers the best test-to-price ratio for Cambodia. It routes through Cellcard's 4G LTE network, the same carrier used for all four provider speed tests. Full plan range: 1GB at $3.99, 3GB at $7.99, 5GB at $11.49, 10GB at $18.90, 20GB at $28.80. The 20GB tier hits the efficiency sweet spot for trips of 5 days or more.
Travel tips for Cambodia
Data usage runs high in Cambodia due to ride-hailing apps, translation tools, and maps. Most travelers use 1-2GB per day for maps, messaging, and photo uploads. The 20GB plan at $28.80 covers a typical week-long visit on Cellcard's 4G LTE network.
You will likely arrive at Phnom Penh (PNH) / Siem Reap (SAI). the local time zone is ICT (UTC+7). wall outlets use Type A/C/G sockets, so pack the right adapter.
The emergency number in Cambodia is 117/118/119. Store it before you leave home. the local currency is KHR (៛). Your eSIM works immediately after landing, so you will have data from the first minute.