Cambodia Angkor Wat temples and traditional architecture

Cambodia eSIM Guide 2025

Your Complete Guide to Staying Connected in the Kingdom of Wonder

Quick Facts About Cambodia

General Information

  • Capital: Phnom Penh
  • Currency: USD/Riel (KHR)
  • Language: Khmer
  • Population: 17 million
  • Time Zone: ICT (UTC+7)

Tourist Information

  • Best Time: November-March
  • Power Plug: Type A/C/G (230V)
  • Emergency: 117 (Police), 119 (Fire)
  • Tourist Police: 012 942 484
  • Visa: E-visa or on arrival

Benefits of eSIM for Cambodia Travel

✈️ Airport Connectivity

Connect immediately at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airports, skip the SIM card hassle.

💰 Excellent Value

Cambodia offers some of Asia's most affordable data rates - save 80-90% on roaming.

🏛️ Temple Navigation

Navigate the vast Angkor complex with maps, guides, and sunrise timing apps.

🏝️ Island Coverage

Stay connected on Koh Rong and other islands for ferry schedules and bookings.

🚕 Transport Apps

Use PassApp, Grab for safe tuk-tuk rides and avoid overcharging.

🚀 Fast Speeds

Enjoy 4G LTE in cities and tourist areas throughout Cambodia.

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How to Install Your Cambodia eSIM

Before You Travel

  1. Check your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XS/XR or newer, recent Samsung/Google phones)
  2. Ensure your phone is unlocked
  3. Purchase your Cambodia eSIM plan
  4. Find a stable WiFi connection for installation

Installation Steps

  1. Receive QR Code: Get your QR code via email after purchase
  2. Open Settings: Go to Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data
  3. Add eSIM: Select "Add Cellular Plan" or "Add Data Plan"
  4. Scan QR: Use your camera to scan the QR code
  5. Label Your eSIM: Name it "Cambodia" for easy identification
  6. Set Preferences: Choose which line for calls, messages, and data

Pro Tip: Install your eSIM before departure but keep it turned off. Activate it only when you land in Cambodia to start your plan duration.

Network Coverage Across Cambodia

Coverage by Region

Excellent Coverage (4G/5G)

  • • Phnom Penh - Capital
  • • Siem Reap - Temple gateway
  • • Sihanoukville - Beach hub
  • • Battambang - Cultural center
  • • Kampot - Riverside town

Good Coverage (3G/4G)

  • • Angkor temple complex
  • • Koh Rong islands
  • • Kratie - Dolphin area
  • • Kep - Coastal town
  • • Provincial capitals

Tourist Area Coverage

  • Angkor Complex: Full coverage at all major temples
  • Islands: Good coverage on Koh Rong, variable on smaller islands
  • Beaches: Excellent at main beaches, limited at remote spots
  • Cities: Full 4G coverage in all major cities
  • Border Crossings: Coverage at major checkpoints
  • ⚠️ Remote Temples: Limited or no coverage at jungle temples

Network Providers in Cambodia

Smart

Market leader

  • • Fastest speeds
  • • Best coverage
  • • 5G in cities
  • • Axiata owned

Cellcard

Royal Group

  • • Good coverage
  • • Competitive rates
  • • Tourist friendly
  • • English support

Metfone

Viettel network

  • • Wide rural reach
  • • Value pricing
  • • Good speeds
  • • Vietnamese owned

All three networks offer reliable service in tourist areas. Smart provides the fastest speeds and best urban coverage. Metfone has the widest rural reach. Your eSIM will automatically connect to the strongest available network.

Data Plan Recommendations by Travel Type

Temple Explorer

Duration:5-10 days
Data needed:10-15GB

Perfect for Angkor Wat complex, remote temples, and cultural sites

Best for:

  • Temple route planning
  • Sunrise tour booking
  • Translation apps
  • Photo backup

Island Hopper

Duration:7-14 days
Data needed:15-25GB

Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem, and coastal adventures

Best for:

  • Ferry schedules
  • Beach navigation
  • Social media sharing
  • Weather updates

Adventure Traveler

Duration:10-20 days
Data needed:20-30GB

Mondulkiri elephants, Kratie dolphins, and jungle treks

Best for:

  • GPS tracking
  • Activity booking
  • Emergency contact
  • Trail maps

Digital Nomad

Duration:30+ days
Data needed:30GB+

Extended stays in Phnom Penh, Kampot, or Siem Reap

Best for:

  • Video conferencing
  • Cloud backup
  • Co-working apps
  • Entertainment streaming

Data Usage Tips for Cambodia

Save Data:

  • • Use free WiFi in cafes/hotels
  • • Download temple maps offline
  • • Save Google Translate packs
  • • Compress photos before uploading

Typical Usage:

  • • Navigation: ~10MB per hour
  • • Social media: ~80MB per hour
  • • Video calls: ~300MB per hour
  • • Music streaming: ~150MB per hour

Not sure which plan is right for your Cambodia adventure? Our customer support team is here to help!

Compare All Cambodia Plans

Essential Travel Tips for Cambodia

Money & Practical

  • • USD widely accepted everywhere
  • • Small change given in Riel
  • • ATMs dispense USD
  • • Bargaining expected at markets
  • • Tipping appreciated but optional

Culture & Communication

  • • Remove shoes at temples/homes
  • • Dress modestly at religious sites
  • • Point with open hand, not finger
  • • Smile goes a long way
  • • Learn "Som aw koon" (Thank you)

Must-Visit Attractions

Cultural Heritage

  • 🏛️ Angkor Wat: Sunrise at main temple
  • 🗿 Bayon: Face towers temple
  • 🌳 Ta Prohm: Jungle temple
  • 👑 Royal Palace: Phnom Penh landmark
  • 💀 Killing Fields: Historical site

Natural Beauty

  • 🏝️ Koh Rong: Paradise island
  • 🐬 Kratie: Mekong dolphins
  • 🦣 Mondulkiri: Elephant sanctuary
  • 🌊 Kep Beach: Crab market
  • 🏞️ Bokor Hill: Mountain resort

Troubleshooting Guide

eSIM Not Connecting?

  • 1. Turn on airplane mode for 30 seconds, then turn off
  • 2. Ensure data roaming is ON for your eSIM line
  • 3. Select network manually: Settings → Cellular → Network Selection
  • 4. Try selecting Smart for best coverage

Slow Speeds at Angkor?

  • • Peak sunrise/sunset times can be congested
  • • Move away from main temple areas
  • • Try switching networks manually
  • • Download temple maps offline beforehand

Island Connectivity?

  • • Coverage best near main beaches
  • • Interior/remote beaches limited
  • • Download content before boat trips
  • • Most beach bars have WiFi

Emergency Contacts in Cambodia

Emergency Numbers

  • 👮 Police: 117
  • 🚒 Fire: 118
  • 🚑 Ambulance: 119
  • 👮 Tourist Police: 012 942 484
  • 📞 Child Helpline: 1280

Useful Contacts

  • ✈️ Phnom Penh Airport: +855 23 862 800
  • 🏥 Royal Phnom Penh Hospital: +855 23 991 000
  • 🏥 Royal Angkor Hospital: +855 63 761 888
  • 💊 U-Care Pharmacy: +855 23 222 499

Cultural Guide & Etiquette

Do's

  • ✅ Greet with hands together (Sampeah)
  • ✅ Dress modestly at temples
  • ✅ Remove shoes when entering homes
  • ✅ Ask permission before photos
  • ✅ Support local businesses

Don'ts

  • ❌ Don't touch someone's head
  • ❌ Avoid pointing with feet
  • ❌ Don't touch monks (especially women)
  • ❌ Never climb on ancient structures
  • ❌ Don't give money to begging children

Cultural Note: Cambodians are incredibly friendly and resilient people. A smile and respectful behavior will open many doors. The country has a tragic recent history - be sensitive when discussing the Khmer Rouge period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Cambodia eSIM in neighboring countries?

Some regional plans include Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos. Check your specific plan details for cross-border coverage.

Will eSIM work at remote temples like Beng Mealea?

Coverage at remote temples varies. Main sites have coverage, but jungle temples may have limited or no signal. Download offline maps.

Is 5G available in Cambodia?

5G is available in Phnom Penh and expanding to other cities. Most tourist areas have excellent 4G which is sufficient for all needs.

Do I need to speak Khmer?

English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Download Google Translate offline for rural areas. Learning basic greetings is appreciated.

What about coverage on the islands?

Main islands like Koh Rong have good coverage near beaches and villages. Remote beaches and island interiors have limited signal.

Ready to Explore Cambodia Connected?

Choose your perfect eSIM plan and discover Cambodia's ancient temples, pristine islands, and warm hospitality with reliable connectivity

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