Phnom Penh International Airport is the biggest international airport in Cambodia. It offers the best services, retail, and dining options for passengers. As a result, it will provide many of the services you require for a Cambodia vacation, such as transportation, food, hotel, tour services, and so on, and you can, of course, acquire a SIM card to stay in touch throughout your visit. Take a look at this guide to find your own SIM card at Phnom Penh airport.

sim card at phnom penh international airport

I.  Where to Buy a SIM card at Phnom Penh Airport?

SIM card at Phnom Penh International Airport Arrival Public Concourse
You can easily get a SIM card at Arrival Public Concourse

When you arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport, you can easily get a SIM card at the Arrival Public Concourse. Here’s what you need to know before buying your SIM card at the airport.

  • Location: Between the customs table and the ‘exit’ of the arrivals area, there will be a row of kiosks (on your right) for all of Cambodia’s mobile phone companies.. You’ll find stands for the major providers such as Smart Axiata, Cellcard, and Metfone, where you can easily purchase a SIM card upon arrival.
  • Opening Hours: These counters are usually open 24/7 to cater to international flights.
  • Price Range:
    • Basic Data Plans: Prices start around $2 – $5 for basic plans with limited data.
    • Extended Plans: Packages with more data and calling features typically range from $5 – $20, depending on the duration and data size.

Getting a SIM card at Phnom Penh International Airport is a convenient option for tourists looking to stay connected immediately upon arrival. With several major providers available, you can easily pick up a SIM card from Smart Axiata, Cellcard, or Metfone at the airport. However, if you’re looking for more variety or better deals, purchasing a SIM card in the city may provide additional options.

II. How Much Does a SIM Card at Phnom Penh International Airport Cost?

You can buy an affordable SIM card at Phnom Penh international airport

The price of a Cambodia SIM card at Phnom Penh International Airport varies according to the mobile network operator and plan you choose. The cost may also be affected by the package’s data volume, calling length, and validity period. Below is a short comparison between some options for Phnom Penh airport SIM card:

Provider Offer Price Data Validity Call
Metfone $5 for 40 GB $5 40 GB 7 days Not specified
$7 for 40 GB $7 40 GB 14 days Not specified
$12 for 100 GB $12 100 GB 30 days Not specified
Smart $6 for 21 GB (7-day deal) $6 21 GB 7 days Not specified
$3 for 25 GB (standard rate) $3 25 GB 7 days Not specified
$5 for 35 GB (standard rate) $5 35 GB 15 days Not specified
$10 for 60 GB (standard rate) $10 60 GB 30 days Not specified
Yes Seatel $3 for 3 days $3 Unlimited 3 days $0.5 in calls
$5 for 5 days $5 Unlimited 5 days $1 in calls
$10 for 10 days $10 Unlimited 10 days $2.5 in calls
Cellcard $6 (standard tourist SIM card pack) $6 5 GB/day 7 days $50 in calls
Data bundle ($2-$10) available for >7 days Varies Varies Varies Not specified

*The prices can be slightly varied at different time

While airport SIM cards are convenient and competitively priced, travelers should compare plans based on their data needs and the duration of their stay. For those looking to skip the hassle of swapping SIM cards or searching for kiosks, eSIMs offer a seamless and modern solution. Starting from just $4.50, they are the perfect choice for a worry-free travel experience in Cambodia.

Plans that may interest you!

Cambodia eSIM 7 Days
Cambodia eSIM 7 Days
$4.50
Cambodia eSIM 30 Days
Cambodia eSIM 30 Days
$9.50

III. What We Need to Prepare for Getting a Phnom Penh Airport SIM Card?

To register a tourist SIM card at Phnom Penh airport, you must first prepare:

  • Passport/Visa: A copy of your passport may be taken for registration purposes. To complete the registration process, send an SMS or contact a registration hotline (personnel at the counter may assist you).
  • A phone that has been unlocked: To access Cambodia’s mobile network, your phone must be unlocked. The registration process varies amongst Cambodia mobile network providers. Some may require additional information, such as a local address or even a work permit. 
  • Cash: Because most SIM card retailers at Phnom Penh International Airport only accept cash, it’s a good idea to have some dollar cash or KHR on hand.
  • Data plans: Research beforehand or ask at the kiosks for options from providers like Smart, Metfone, Cellcard, and Yes Seatel. Knowing what each offers saves time.

Pro tip: If you prefer a hassle-free experience, consider purchasing an eSIM online before arrival. It eliminates the need to search for kiosks and provides instant activation upon landing.

IV. Should We Get an eSIM Before Arriving at Phnom Penh Airport?

Getting an eSIM before your trip to Phnom Penh Airport is a smart choice for a hassle-free travel experience. Unlike traditional SIM cards, an eSIM eliminates the need for standing in queues, waiting for activation, or physically swapping SIM cards in your device. It allows travelers to connect instantly upon landing, providing convenience and saving precious time.

Why Choose an eSIM from Cambodiaesim.com?
Cambodiaesim.com offers travelers a modern connectivity solution with several standout features:

  • Runs on Cambodia’s Best Networks: The eSIM operates on top-tier networks like Cellcard, Smart, and Metfone, ensuring reliable coverage and fast internet speeds wherever you travel in Cambodia.
  • Variety of Data Packages: Choose from a range of flexible data options tailored to your stay. Whether you need a short-term plan for a few days or a long-term solution, there’s a package to suit your needs.
  • Multicountry Options: For travelers planning to explore beyond Cambodia, Cambodiaesim.com offers multi-country data packages ideal for roaming across Southeast Asia.

Getting an eSIM from CambodiaeSIM.com for your upcoming trip to Cambodia was incredibly simple and convenient. Some Cambodia eSIM plans you can refer to:

  • All Plans

V. FAQs about SIM Card at Phnom Penh Airport

Is it possible to use eSIM in Cambodia?

Yes, it is. Make your journey to Cambodia as easy as possible by using your smart eSIM. Stay connected while traveling with high-speed connectivity in Cambodia with the option to upgrade to coverage in 8 countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Korea, and Thailand.

Is it better to get an eSIM instead?

An eSIM offers added convenience as it eliminates the need for physical SIM card swaps. You can purchase and activate an eSIM before your trip, ensuring instant connectivity upon landing.

How many numbers can I register with one passport?

Cambodian law allows registration of up to 3 SIM cards per passport. However, some sellers may limit it to 2 SIMs max per person to comply with regulations more strictly.

Are airport SIM cards more expensive than in the city?

Airport SIM cards are competitively priced but may have slightly higher costs for the convenience they provide.

What types of plans are available at Phnom Penh Airport?

Plans range from short-term data packages (e.g., 7 days) to longer-term options (up to 30 days), often including free calls or SMS.

VI. Final Words

As you can see, having a prepaid SIM card in Cambodia or even an eSIM for your Cambodia vacation is rather simple. When you arrive in Cambodia, you can obtain a SIM card at Phnom Penh airport. Don’t worry about how to contact someone or where to find SIMs. Please take the time to thoroughly prepare all documentation so that you can travel effortlessly and with comprehensive knowledge of the optimal SIM type.