Prepaid
Top Pick: NomadPrepaid SIM Card & eSIM for Cambodia (2026 Guide)
A prepaid travel eSIM is a digital SIM card that installs on your phone via QR code. It provides mobile data in Cambodia without a physical SIM card, passport scan, or airport counter visit. Plans start from $1.44/GB.
- 6 Plans
- 1 Networks
- 4G LTE
- Updated June 2026
Key Facts
- Cheapest eSIM
- $1.44/GB
- Network
- Metfone
- Speed
- 4G LTE
- Plans available
- 6
- Main airport
- Phnom Penh (PNH) / Siem Reap (SAI)
- Airport SIM cost
- $2-5 for 5-20GB / 28 days
- ID required
- Yes — passport
As of June 2026, Cambodia has 6 prepaid eSIM plans across 1 networks at 4G LTE speeds.
The cheapest rate is $1.44/GB via Nomad on Metfone.
Airport SIM counters at Phnom Penh (PNH) / Siem Reap (SAI) charge $2-5 for 5-20GB / 28 days for a comparable plan.
As of June 2026, a prepaid eSIM for Cambodia costs from $3.99 for 1GB with 4G LTE speeds on Metfone networks.
A prepaid eSIM for Cambodia starts at $3.99 for 1GB, installed from home over WiFi before you board. By comparison, SIM counters at Phnom Penh (PNH) / Siem Reap (SAI) sell prepaid plans at the counter — $2-5 for 5-20GB / 28 days at the arrivals hall kiosk. You walk off the plane with data already running.
A prepaid eSIM for Cambodia works as a personal hotspot on most phones. You can share the 4G LTE connection with a laptop or a travel companion's device — the same way a physical SIM would, without the airport counter visit. Average download speeds in Cambodia reach 20 Mbps.
Cambodia requires SIM registration: Passport required. A travel eSIM purchased before you depart skips the in-country registration step. Metfone (Viettel) has widest coverage Local currency in Cambodia is the KHR (៛). Airport SIM counters often price plans in local currency — a prepaid eSIM is priced in USD with no conversion at point of purchase.
Compared
Prepaid eSIM picks for Cambodia
All providers route through local carriers in Cambodia. Sorted by overall rating.
We earn a commission on some links. It never changes our rankings or the price you pay.
| Provider | Rating | From / GB |
|---|---|---|
| 4.4 / 5 | from $3.00/GB | |
 AiraloBest Overall | 4.8 / 5 | from $4.50/GB |
| 4.5 / 5 | from $3.99/GB | |
 HolaflyBest Unlimited | 4.6 / 5 | from $2.99/day |
Prices verified June 2026. Updated monthly from provider websites.
Our pick for Cambodia: Nomad
For Cambodia in 2026, Nomad scores 4.4/5 with plans from $3.00/GB on Metfone's 4G LTE network. Best per-GB pricing for budget travelers.
Comparison based on 4 providers tested in June 2026. Prices verified against official provider websites. See our methodology.
The Scenario
No data at the Cambodia airport: a real scenario
You step out of Phnom Penh (PNH) / Siem Reap (SAI) into a taxi queue in the rain. Phone battery is at 12%. No data to call your hotel, open Maps, or flag a ride-share. The SIM counter is back inside past the arrivals barrier — you are not going back through. That 12% battery should be spent navigating, not hunting for a kiosk. A prepaid eSIM set up before departure means you walk out with Cellcard already running. PrepaidTraveleSIM at $3.99 for 1GB on Cellcard — installed on your couch, working before the rain starts.
Four Ways to Buy
Cambodia connectivity guide for travelers
Compare airport counters, city shops, online delivery, and instant eSIM activation.
Airport SIM counter
10-30 min waitCosts around $2-5 for 5-20GB / 28 days at Phnom Penh (PNH) / Siem Reap (SAI). Budget 15-25 minutes for the queue. A prepaid eSIM installed at home costs less and skips the counter entirely.
City phone shop
ID requiredCity phone shops in Cambodia undercut airport rates by 30-50%. Plan a separate stop after check-in. Bring your passport — ID is required at all prepaid SIM counters.
Online pre-order
Plan aheadSome providers ship physical SIMs to your hotel address. Order at least a week ahead. Free shipping is common. Bypasses the arrival-hall queue entirely.
Instant eSIM (our pick)
5 min setupBuy the night before your trip, scan the QR code at home over WiFi, and leave the SIM counter queue to everyone else. Nomad activates on landing — no ID, no counter, no wait.
Pricing
How much does an eSIM cost for Cambodia
The average trip to Cambodia lasts 7 days. The 5GB plan at $11.49 fits that duration without running low or overpaying for data you will not use.
Airport SIM counters sell one-size-fits-all plans at $2-5 for 5-20GB / 28 days — no trip-length sizing. The best per-GB rate is $1.44/GB on the 20GB plan at $28.80. Unlimited daily data starts at $3.51 for 1 day — $3.51/day (2GB at full speed per day).
| Data | Price (USD) | Price per GB |
|---|---|---|
| 1GB | $3.99 | $3.99 |
| 3GB | $7.99 | $2.66 |
| 5GB | $11.49 | $2.30 |
| 10GB | $18.90 | $1.89 |
| 20GBBest value | $28.80 | $1.44 |
| Unlimited / day | $3.66/day | — |
Cost Breakdown
Trip cost comparison for Cambodia data
If you have visited Cambodia before, you know the airport SIM counter charges $2-5 for 5-20GB / 28 days every single time. A prepaid eSIM costs $3.99 for 1GB on every return trip — same price, no queue, no registration repeat. The savings compound with each visit: two trips save $-3.98 over the counter. For trips past two weeks, the 20GB plan at $28.80 avoids a mid-trip top-up.
| Trip | eSIM Plan | Airport SIM |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $3.99 (1GB) | $2-5 for 5-20GB / 28 days |
| 7 days | $11.49 (5GB) | $2-5 for 5-20GB / 28 days |
| 14 days | $28.80 (20GB) | $2-5 for 5-20GB / 28 days |
Roaming vs eSIM
The real cost of roaming in Cambodia
Why a prepaid eSIM beats carrier roaming in Cambodia
Jio International Roaming packs start at INR 575/day. Airtel International Roaming runs INR 299-999/day depending on the destination tier. A 7-day trip to Cambodia adds INR 2,000-7,000 to your bill before you send a single photo. A prepaid eSIM from Nomad at $3.99 for 1GB on Metfone costs less than two days of carrier roaming. The savings buy a full day of activities at your destination.
Coverage
Network coverage for travelers in Cambodia
Tourist traffic in Cambodia puts consistent load on Metfone's 4G LTE network. The carrier infrastructure is built for this demand — a prepaid eSIM taps into the same capacity as any local SIM card, without the airport-counter premium.
The best-value prepaid eSIM plan from Nomad is 20GB at $28.80 ($1.44/GB) — no airport visit, no queue, no passport copy required.
Available Networks
- RatingMetfone4G
Local Context
Local SIM rules and eSIM context in Cambodia
WiFi coverage in Cambodia is good, which shapes how much mobile data most travelers actually need. Here is the local picture:
SIM counters are available at Phnom Penh (PNH) / Siem Reap (SAI). A prepaid eSIM activated before your flight skips this queue entirely. Buying a SIM in Cambodia: Passport required. A travel eSIM purchased before you depart bypasses these in-country requirements. Metfone (Viettel) has widest coverage
Quick Reference
Cambodia quick facts for visitors
- Emergency
- 117/118/119
- Power Socket
- Type A/C/G
- Time Zone
- ICT (UTC+7)
- Currency
- KHR (៛)
- eSIM Speed
- 4G LTE
WiFi
WiFi vs cellular data in Cambodia
Relying solely on WiFi in Cambodia means one dead router at your hotel kills your access to maps, translations, and emergency contacts. A prepaid eSIM on Cellcard's 4G LTE network serves as an always-on backup — or your primary connection. WiFi availability is good, so cellular fills frequent gaps.
Plans start at $3.99 for 1GB. The cost of a backup data line is lower than one missed taxi or one wrong turn in an unfamiliar city.
Data Tips
GB guide for Cambodia travelers
Most travelers to Cambodia need 3-5 GB for a one-week trip. This covers maps, messaging, social media browsing, and occasional photo sharing. The smallest plan available starts at $3.99 for 1GB.
- 0.5 GBLightGoogle Maps, WhatsApp, and basic search in Cambodia. This tier covers arrivals, transit, and check-in — not much else. Prices are in USD — no KHR conversion at purchase.
- 1 GBModerateAll-day maps, Instagram, messaging, and email in Cambodia. Covers most travelers for up to a week. Cambodia runs on ICT (UTC+7) — jet-lagged travelers tend to use more data in the first 48 hours while adjusting.
- 3 GBHeavyVideo calls home, Spotify, and maps-heavy days in Cambodia. Good for 7-10 days of active use.
- 5+ GBPowerHotspot for a travel partner, YouTube for long bus rides, or working remotely from Cambodia on Cellcard. Skip tracking GB entirely.
Need internet without voice? See our data-only plan guide.
Device Check
Which iPhones and Androids support Cambodia eSIM
Phones older than 2018 do not support eSIM. If you carry an iPhone 8 or earlier, a Samsung Galaxy S9 or earlier, or any phone without embedded SIM hardware, the only option in Cambodia is a physical SIM from the airport counter or a city phone shop. The eSIM cutoff by brand: iPhone XS (2018), Samsung Galaxy S20 (2020), Google Pixel 3 (2018). Cellcard and Smart Axiata both support eSIM connections in Cambodia. If your phone is right at the cutoff, check the exact model number against the manufacturer's eSIM compatibility page. Some regional variants of the same model ship without eSIM.
Pre-Flight Checklist
Cambodia eSIM prep in 5 steps
Do this at home — not in the airport arrivals hall.
- 01
Check every phone in the group
Each family member's phone must be carrier-unlocked and eSIM-capable. iPhone XR (2018) or newer, Pixel 3+, and Galaxy S21+ all qualify. Check Settings on each device before buying. One locked phone in the group means one person in Cambodia is stuck without data while everyone else navigates freely.
- 02
Buy a separate plan per person
Plans start at $3.99 for 1GB. Each device needs its own eSIM profile — one plan cannot be shared across phones. Compare Cambodia options for each person's trip length and data needs. Buying together online takes under 5 minutes and costs far less than the Phnom Penh (PNH) / Siem Reap (SAI) SIM counter on arrival day.
- 03
Install everyone's eSIM before departure
Set aside 15 minutes the evening before to scan each QR code over home WiFi. Installation takes about 90 seconds per device. Disable each Cambodia eSIM right after install so nobody starts burning data before the flight boards.
- 04
Configure each device the same way
On each phone, set the Cambodia eSIM as the cellular data line and turn off data roaming on the home SIM. Walking through the same settings on every device prevents a scramble at Phnom Penh (PNH) / Siem Reap (SAI) when one phone has not connected to Cellcard and the group is already at the taxi stand.
- 05
Activate together when you land
Once the plane touches down in Cambodia, everyone enables their eSIM and turns on data roaming for that line. Cellcard registers each profile in 2-3 minutes. The whole family is connected before baggage claim — no splitting up to hunt for a SIM kiosk inside the terminal.
Step by Step
Two ways to get data in Cambodia
Here is what the SIM counter at Phnom Penh (PNH) / Siem Reap (SAI) actually looks like: you follow signs to arrivals, find the counter, show your passport (Passport required), pick a plan from a laminated sheet, pay, wait 15-30 minutes for activation, then leave. It works. But it costs more, takes longer, and requires your passport at a point in your trip when your phone is dead and your bags are in your hands. A prepaid eSIM is done before you board.
Airport SIM — 7 steps (~45 min)
- Land and collect bags
- Locate the SIM counter (not always signposted)
- Join the queue
- Show passport for registration
- Choose a plan from a rate card
- Pay (cash only at some counters)
- Wait for SIM activation
Prepaid eSIM — 3 steps (~5 min)
- Buy online before departure (2 min)
- Scan QR code over home WiFi (1 min)
- Enable on landing — connects automatically
Which Provider
Cambodia eSIM provider breakdown
The lowest per-GB rate we found for Cambodia is $1.44/GB — available through Nomad on a fixed data plan. That is the number to compare against the airport SIM counter price before you decide whether to buy ahead or gamble on arrival.
For travelers who want a single provider across all their trips, Airalo covers more destinations than any other option at a small per-GB premium. Holafly unlimited skips the math entirely. Saily is the right pick if public WiFi security in Cambodia is a concern.
Regional Plans
Multi-destination data plans including Cambodia
Airalo offers Southeast Asia regional bundles covering Cambodia and neighboring countries. Nomad does the same with competitive per-GB rates. Both pool data across borders under a single plan.
If your trip is strictly Cambodia and nothing else, a single-country plan at $3.99 for 1GB is the most cost-effective option. The moment you add a second country, run the regional bundle math — it usually breaks even at two stops.
Related destinations: Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar
Compare providers side by side: Airalo vs Holafly · Airalo vs Nomad · Holafly vs Saily · Saily vs Nomad · All providers
The Honest Call
eSIM vs physical SIM for Cambodia visitors
Choose an eSIM if you...
- Skip the passport scan at the SIM counter — no in-country registration required
- Avoid handing over your passport at an unfamiliar kiosk after a long flight
- Set up your plan before you travel — no forms, no photocopy, no activation wait
- No cash required — pay online before you board
Choose a local SIM if you...
- Need a local phone number that passes Cambodia SMS verification
- Comfortable with the in-person registration process at local counters
- Device is not eSIM-compatible and requires a physical SIM card
- Staying long enough that a local contract plan becomes cost-effective
Compare alternatives: pocket WiFi vs eSIM | prepaid vs postpaid
Avoid These
Cambodia data buying mistakes and fixes
Buying at the airport on impulse.
Counter SIMs cost 2-5x a prepaid eSIM you could have set up at home. Decide before you fly.
Over-buying data.
Most travelers use under a gigabyte a day. Start with the smallest plan and top up in-app rather than paying for unused gigabytes.
Forgetting offline maps.
Download each city in Google Maps before you go. It saves data and works when signal dips.
Assuming convenience-store SIMs are easy.
They exist in Cambodia, but stock is thin and staff rarely help with setup. A prepaid eSIM is far simpler.
Privacy
Protecting your data in Cambodia
VPN usage in Cambodia is unrestricted. Commercial VPNs connect without throttling or blocking on both WiFi and cellular networks.
For travelers who bank online, access corporate email, or log into sensitive accounts while traveling, a VPN adds a layer of encryption that public WiFi lacks. Saily pairs eSIM data with NordVPN protection — one account for connectivity and privacy.
Learn more: eSIM security and privacy guide
Troubleshooting
eSIM troubleshooting steps for Cambodia
Camera won't read the QR code
First, confirm your phone is carrier-unlocked — a locked device blocks all foreign eSIM profiles. If it is unlocked, you may be at the 8-profile limit on iPhone. Delete an old unused eSIM in Settings → Cellular, then retry the Cambodia installation.
Dual-SIM setup confusion
Set your Cambodia eSIM as the cellular data line and leave your home SIM active for calls only. Both SIMs run simultaneously. Go to Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data and select the travel eSIM. Your home number stays reachable on Cellcard's network.
Selected incorrect plan at checkout
Act before activating. Most eSIM providers offer a cancellation window of up to one hour on unused plans. Do not toggle the eSIM on — open the provider app, find your Cambodia order, and contact support to cancel before any data is consumed.
Running low on data mid-trip
Check Settings → Cellular for a per-app data breakdown. Background app refresh is usually the culprit in Cambodia — data consumption spikes when apps refresh silently over Cellcard. Disable it globally before landing and download offline maps over hotel WiFi.
The Bottom Line
Our Cambodia data recommendation
Cambodia uses Type A/C/G power outlets and runs on ICT (UTC+7). While you are sorting adapters and adjusting to the time difference, the last thing you want is a detour to a SIM counter. Nomad at $1.44/GB installs at home and connects to Cellcard's 4G LTE network the moment you land. One less thing to figure out on arrival day.
Starting at $1.44/GB, a prepaid plan for Cambodia is one of the easiest upgrades for any trip. See the full destinations list or explore more Southeast Asia destinations, or read how to activate your eSIM before you fly.
How we test and score: editorial policy · corrections log
FAQ
Frequently asked questions for Cambodia data
Can I buy a SIM card at Phnom Penh (PNH) / Siem Reap (SAI) airport?
Phnom Penh (PNH) / Siem Reap (SAI) has SIM counters, but the cost is higher than buying a prepaid eSIM before you leave home. Airport SIMs from local carriers cost around $2-5 for 5-20GB / 28 days. You also spend time at the counter after a long flight — 15-25 minutes on average. A prepaid eSIM for Cambodia costs $3.99 for 1GB and installs in 5 minutes from your couch. You land with data already active.
Do I need a passport to buy a SIM in Cambodia?
Yes — Passport required Foreign passports sometimes cause delays or outright rejection at local counters. A prepaid eSIM eliminates the ID requirement entirely: buy online before your flight, scan the QR code at home, and your phone connects to Cellcard's 4G LTE network the moment you land in Cambodia. No counter visit, no registration form, no waiting.
Is an airport SIM or eSIM cheaper for Cambodia?
The eSIM is cheaper. Airport SIMs at Phnom Penh (PNH) / Siem Reap (SAI) cost $2-5 for 5-20GB / 28 days. A prepaid eSIM for Cambodia starts at $3.99 for 1GB, with the best per-GB value at 20GB for $28.80 ($1.44/GB). Beyond price, the eSIM delivers faster connectivity — you activate on the plane and skip the arrivals queue entirely. Airport SIM counters also close at night, leaving late-arrival travelers without options.
Can I install my Cambodia eSIM before I travel?
Yes — and the best approach is to install it before you board, then keep it inactive until you land. Scan the QR code at home over WiFi, set the Cambodia eSIM to off, and leave your home SIM running normally. When the plane touches down, toggle the eSIM on. It connects to the local network within a few minutes — usually before you reach baggage claim. No airport WiFi needed, no kiosk stop. Plans start at $3.99.
Which phones support eSIM for Cambodia?
All iPhone models from the XS (2018) onward support eSIM — that covers iPhone XS, XR, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 series. The iPhone 14 US edition removed the physical SIM tray entirely, making eSIM the only option. Samsung Galaxy S20 (2020) and newer also support eSIM, as does the Galaxy A54 and later A-series models. Google Pixel 3 (2018) and newer round out the major brands. Before purchasing, confirm your phone is carrier-unlocked: Settings > General > About on iPhone, or Settings > Connections > SIM Manager on Android.
Can I use my prepaid eSIM as a hotspot in Cambodia?
Yes. Connect your laptop to your Cambodia eSIM via hotspot: on iPhone, toggle Personal Hotspot in Settings; on Android, go to Settings > Hotspot & Tethering. Your laptop sees the phone as a WiFi network. Speed depends on Cambodia's cellular infrastructure — average download speeds run 20 Mbps, enough for most work tasks. Buy a plan 50% larger than your phone-only estimate if you expect regular laptop tethering. Disable auto-updates and cloud backup on the laptop to preserve data.
What happens when my prepaid eSIM data runs out in Cambodia?
Data stops without overages or automatic charges. Prepare for this before your trip: download offline Google Maps for Cambodia, save key addresses in your notes app, and screenshot your hotel confirmation. These work with zero data. When you need to top up, find WiFi at any hotel or cafe in Cambodia, open your provider's app, and buy more data in about 2 minutes. The eSIM profile stays on your phone — no reinstall required.
Can I keep my home phone number while using a Cambodia eSIM?
Yes. On Android, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager after installing your Cambodia eSIM. Set the travel eSIM as "Mobile Data" and your home SIM as "Calls" and "SMS." This routes all internet traffic through the travel plan while keeping your home number active for incoming calls. WhatsApp and Telegram stay linked to your home number and use the eSIM data line. Both profiles run at the same time — no manual switching needed during your Cambodia trip.
How far in advance should I buy my Cambodia prepaid eSIM?
One to two days works for single-destination trips. Multi-stop itineraries need more lead time: buy all your eSIMs at home before departure. A Cambodia eSIM plus plans for your other stops can all be installed simultaneously — iPhones hold 8 profiles, Samsung devices hold at least 2. Toggle each country's plan on when you land there. Validity starts from first use per country, so pre-purchasing all plans costs nothing extra. Plans for Cambodia start at $3.99.
Does eSIM work without WiFi after installation in Cambodia?
Yes — your eSIM connects to Cambodia's cellular network independently of WiFi. If you are lost or stranded with no WiFi access, the eSIM still provides data for maps, messaging, and emergency contacts. The cellular connection runs through Cellcard's towers, which cover most populated areas of Cambodia. WiFi is only needed once: during the initial QR code scan at home. After that, the eSIM operates entirely on the local mobile network.
Can I have two eSIMs on my phone at the same time for Cambodia?
Samsung Galaxy S21+ and newer support dual eSIM — two eSIM profiles stored and active at the same time. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager to install your Cambodia travel eSIM alongside your home plan. The phone handles both profiles without conflict. Older Samsung models (S20, Note 20) support one eSIM plus one physical SIM. Z Fold and Z Flip series from 2021 onward also support dual eSIM. Switch the active data line in SIM Manager.
How do I check if my phone is unlocked for eSIM in Cambodia?
A locked phone rejects every travel eSIM, including all plans for Cambodia. Check before you buy: on iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and look for "No SIM restrictions." On Samsung, open Settings > Connections > SIM Manager — if the "Add eSIM" option is grayed out, your phone may be locked. Call your carrier to confirm. Unlocking is free in most countries after your contract period ends, but the request takes 24-72 hours to process.
Your Cambodia data plan is ready
Nomad: from $1.44/GB on Metfone. Activates the moment you land.