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 method to find your own SIM card and eSIM at Phnom Penh International Airport.
Table of Contents
I. Where to Buy a SIM card at Phnom Penh International Airport?
When you arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport, you can easily get a SIM card at Arrival Public Concourse. They do sell many kinds of SIM cards, such as Metfone, Smart, Yes Seatel, and Cellcard.
Between the customs table and the real ‘exit’ of the arrivals area, there will be a row of kiosks (on your right) representing all of Cambodia’s mobile phone companies. They all have comparable costs, which are shown on signs hanging on/above the booth windows; check them out and purchase your SIM card from whichever provider best matches your needs. Under $10 should cover all you need.
Takeaway: You can easily buy a SIM card at Phnom Penh international airport.
II. How Much Does a SIM Card at Phnom Penh International Airport Cost?
The price of a Cambodia SIM card at Phnom Penh International Airport varies according to the mobile network operator and plan you choose.
SIM cards typically range in price from 5 to 12 USD and include some initial credit. The cost may also be affected by the package’s data volume, calling length, and validity period.
Here are the detailed price (in USD):
Metfone: The airport SIM card offers in Phnom Penh were $5 for 40 GB data for 7 days, $7 for 40 GB data for 14 days, and $12 for 100 GB data for 30 days.
Smart: Smart SIM deals were $6 for 21 GB of data for 7 days. However, their standard rate is better: $3 for 25GB over 7 days, $5 for 35GB over 15 days, or $10 for 60GB over 30 days – see here for more information.
Yes Seatel: The Mobile Tourist Pass bundles offer $3 for three days of unlimited data, $5 for five days, and $10 for ten days. However, for the period, these only include $0.5, $1, and $2.5 in non-internet calls.
Cellcard: Their standard tourist SIM card pack is $6 and includes 5 GB of data per day and $50 in calls per day – these allowances are only valid for 7 days. If you remain for over 7 days, you must purchase a data bundle for $2-$10. They did not provide a better deal than this one on our visit to the airport.
As you can see, all of the Cambodia tourist SIM card bundles provide a substantial quantity of data for a low initial cost. Below is a short comparison between some SIM cards options at Phnom Penh international airport:
| 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 sightly varied in different time
III. What We Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Phnom Penh International Airport?
To register a tourist SIM card at Phnom Penh International 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.
It is important to note that 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: It is advantageous to understand the type of package you desire, including data amount, calling length, and validity period. This will help you select the best plan for your needs and budget.
Takeaway: When planning to buy a SIM card at Phnom Penh international airport, you need to prepare these things below:
- Proof of identity (Passport, visa)
- Unlocked phone
- Cash
- Data plans
Here are some popular eSim data that I suggest for you:
Smart Traveller:
30 GB of data, unlimited calls & texts online, valid for 7 days for USD 5
Metfone:
- 200 MB data, for USD 0.20, valid for 1 day
- 1.5 GB data, for USD 1.50, valid for 7 days
- 3 GB data, for USD 3, valid for 30 days
- 5 GB data, for USD 5, valid for 30 days
- 12 GB data, for USD 10, valid for 30 days
Cellcard:
- 4 GB, for USD 2, valid for 7 days
- 8 GB, for USD 5, valid for 30 days
- 18 GB, for USD 10, valid for 30 days
IV. Should We Get a SIM Card at Phnom Penh International Airport?
We recommend purchasing a SIM card at Cambodia Phnom Penh International Airport because tourist SIM cards with generous allowances are available at reasonable prices.
Although they may overcharge you more than stores outside, it recommends that booths be avoided when purchasing SIM cards.
IV. Should We Get an eSIM Before Arriving at Phnom Penh International Airport?
We advise tourists to obtain an eSIM right before arriving at Phnom Penh International Airport rather than at the airport. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that may be activated on your mobile device without inserting the new SIM card physically.
As a result, you can buy one Cambodia eSIM plan and activate it on your device one day before leaving. You can then install and activate it to use immediately.
Getting an eSIM from CambodiaeSIM.com by GIGAGO or a similar provider before arriving in Cambodia is probably a good choice for convenience, cost, options, and stability.
Some Cambodia eSIM plans you can refer to:
The key is to research eSIM providers in advance, choose a plan that suits your needs, and activate the eSIM a day or two before your trip to Cambodia. This should give you trouble-free data and connectivity upon arrival.
Notes: When choosing eSIM, you need to consider some information as follows:
- You need an eSIM-compatible device to use eSIM. Check out full list of the compatible device here.
- Your device needs to be carrier-unlocked to use international eSIM plans.
V. Are Cambodia eSIMs and SIM Cards Compatible with All Phones?
Not all the phones are compatible with Cambodia SIM cards. Check the list of the phone that can be suitable with the SIM before you come.
If not, you have three options if your phone has been “locked” by your phone service provider or operates on a different GSM frequency:
- Unlock and jailbreak your phone (if you don’t mind voiding the warranty and exposing yourself to other technical risks).
- Purchase a “world edition” phone with an unlocked SIM card slot (certain phones support both CDMA and GSM).
- Purchase a local GSM phone.
Notes: You will need an unlocked and eSIM-compatible handset to use eSIM. Before selecting eSIM, you should thoroughly review the eSIM-compatible device list and how to check unlocked devices.
VI. Some Ideal SIM Cards for Tourists in Cambodia
We will discuss the most prevalent Cambodia SIM types and the specifics of each type for your convenience below.
1. Smart Traveller
Their 4G network was initially only available in major cities, but as of 2017, it had moved further and further afield.
They provide travelers with the Smart Traveller plan, which includes 30 GB of data, unlimited calls, and messages online, and is valid for 7 days for USD 5.
2. Metfone SIM Cards
Metfone is owned and maintained by the Vietnamese military network Viettel, and as such, it has extensive coverage throughout the country. Peak 4G speeds are frequently slightly slower than competitors, but Metfone’s broader coverage area makes it an appealing alternative for travelers. With Metfone SIM cards, the data-focus plans they offer are:
- 200 MB data, for USD 0.20, valid for 1 day
- 1.5 GB data, for USD 1.50, valid for 7 days
- 3 GB data, for USD 3, valid for 30 days
- 5 GB data, for USD 5, valid for 30 days
- 12 GB data, for USD 10, valid for 30 days
3. Cellcard SIM Cards
Cellcard has grown from strength to strength since launching its 4G network and is swiftly becoming Cambodia’s fastest 4G network. Their cell towers currently cover more than 80% of the country, and they provide excellent discounts to both locals and backpackers.
For travelers, Cellcard offers three major SIM-only plans:
- 4 GB, for USD 2, valid for 7 days
- 8 GB, for USD 5, valid for 30 days
- 18 GB, for USD 10, valid for 30 days
VII. How to Top Up Your SIM Card in Cambodia?
Simply walking a hundred meters in Cambodian will reveal the logo of a SIM card provider. It means you can recharge practically anywhere. So you can go wherever without having to worry about topping up. There are 3 popular ways to top-up that you can follow:
- Via app/ website: You can visit the website/ app and choose top-up on it. To top-up online, you’ll need a credit or debit card for payment.
- Via stores: Fill up at a supermarket, gas station, or phone store. You can have the cashier “top up” your phone for you or simply take the card and do it yourself.
VIII. FAQs about SIM Card at Phnom Penh International 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 eSIM better than a physical SIM?
For me, eSIM is better than a physical SIM card since it offers numerous advantages. This not only frees up space for more components or a larger battery, but it also allows manufacturers to redesign the internal arrangement of their gadgets.
Which SIM card is best for tourists visiting Cambodia?
I recommend using a SIM card from Smart, Metfone, Cellcard, or Airalo while visiting Cambodia.
IX. Final Words
As you can see, obtaining a prepaid SIM card in Cambodia or even an eSIM for your Cambodian vacation is rather simple. When you arrive in Cambodia, you can obtain a SIM card at Phnom Penh International 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.