eSIM in Cambodia: which plan to choose in 2026?

The best eSIM for Cambodia, compared for you: price, data, coverage and activation.

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See the plans Updated in août 2026 • 18 plans available

Compare eSIM plans for Cambodia: data, duration, prices and operators. Find the best offer and activate it now.

What are the best eSIM plans in Cambodia?

Each provider's best plan for this country, with the real price.

Provider	Data	Duration	Price	Price/GB
Saily ★ 4.7 · Review	20 GB	30 days	$26.07	$1.30	View →
Ubigi ★ 4.4 · Review	20 GB	30 days	$45.13	$2.26	View →
YesSim ★ 4.3 · Review	10 GB	30 days	$21.06	$2.11	View →
DrimSim ★ 4.1 · Review	5 GB	30 days	$15.70	$3.14	View →

Cheap eSIMs in Cambodia

A comparison of the cheapest plans, all providers combined.

Provider	Data	Duration	Price	Price/GB
Saily	1 GB	7 days	$3.01	$3.01
DrimSim	1 GB	7 days	$4.98	$4.98
Ubigi	500 MB	30 days	$5.01	$10.03
YesSim	1 GB	7 days	$5.01	$5.01
Saily	3 GB	15 days	$6.02	$2.01
Ubigi	1 GB	30 days	$7.02	$7.02

Guide expert

Choosing the best Cambodia eSIM plan is not simply about picking the largest data allowance. Network used, actual validity period, tethering, and your itinerary between Phnom Penh, Angkor, and the islands: here is everything you need to check to arrive connected and travel with peace of mind.

How does an eSIM work in Cambodia, and is your phone compatible?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your phone: you purchase a data plan, receive a QR code or activation through an app, then add a mobile profile without inserting a physical card. In Cambodia, this profile connects to a local partner network and gives you mobile Internet access for maps, Grab, bookings, messages, and social media. You can purchase and install it before departure, as long as you still have reliable Wi-Fi.

The main difference from a physical SIM is convenience. A local card generally requires you to find a booth at the airport or a Smart, Cellcard, or Metfone store, show your passport, and handle the SIM tray. With a Cambodia eSIM card, your French SIM stays in place. You simply switch mobile data to the travel eSIM once you arrive, while keeping your usual line for banking codes or important calls.

Please note: a travel eSIM is most often a data-only plan. It does not necessarily provide you with a Cambodian number and therefore does not replace a conventional phone line. This is not an issue for WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, FaceTime Audio, Messenger, or calls through Google Meet: these services use the Internet and continue to use your existing number or account. However, you will need a separate solution if you genuinely need to call local numbers over the mobile network.

The iPhone XS, XR, and later models support eSIM; iPhones sold in certain regions may, however, have specific Dual SIM configurations.
With Samsung, compatibility includes many recent Galaxy S, Z Fold, Z Flip, and A models, but it varies depending on the country of sale and exact model number.
The Google Pixel 3 and later generations are generally compatible, except for certain carrier or regional versions.
Several recent Xiaomi, Motorola, Oppo, Huawei, and Fairphone models also support eSIM, but check your device’s specifications rather than just its commercial name.
Your phone must be unlocked: a carrier-locked phone may reject a foreign profile. In Settings, look for “Add eSIM”; dialing #06# can also often display an EID, an identifier specific to eSIM.

Which eSIM should you choose for good 4G or 5G coverage in Cambodia?

The best eSIM for Cambodia is the one that uses the right local network for your itinerary, not necessarily the one advertising the most data. The three providers to know are Smart Axiata, Cellcard, and Metfone. Smart has a strong presence in cities and popular destinations; Cellcard is often a solid alternative in urban areas and along major roads; Metfone is frequently chosen by travelers going farther off the beaten path thanks to its broad territorial coverage.

In Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, Kampot, Kep, and Sihanoukville, 4G is usually sufficient for smooth browsing, reasonable video calls, and sending photos. 5G is available in some urban areas, but it should not be your main criterion: depending on your phone, the eSIM purchased, and the provider’s partnership, you may well remain on 4G. In practice, a good stable 4G connection is more useful than an intermittent 5G logo.

The areas around the temples of Angkor, city centers, hotels, and tourist routes are generally well served. Quality becomes more variable in remote provinces, near certain borders, on secondary tracks, in forests, or during sea crossings. On Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem, the signal depends greatly on the bay, your accommodation, and how busy the area is: do not plan a day of critical video conferences relying solely on your mobile plan.

Actual speeds vary greatly depending on the time of day and network congestion. In cities, a connection normally supports messaging, GPS navigation, Grab, and standard-definition streaming; in the countryside, you may sometimes have only a slow connection or temporarily no network at all. Download your offline maps, hotel confirmations, and tickets before traveling to Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, the Cardamom Mountains, or the islands.

Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, and urban centersGenerally smooth 4G; 5G available in some areas depending on the network and phone.

Angkor, Battambang, Kampot, Kep, and main roadsOften adequate 4G coverage, with variations outside populated areas.

Koh Rong, Koh Rong Sanloem, and isolated coastal sectionsSignal available in busy areas, but speeds and stability vary.

Remote provinces, forests, hilly areas, and secondary tracksUneven or occasionally unavailable network: plan ahead with offline maps and content.

Before paying, look for the partner network listed in the plan’s terms; if the name is not shown, ask support.
For an urban Phnom Penh–Siem Reap trip, Smart or Cellcard will generally work well; for a very rural itinerary, also compare plans using Metfone.
Leave network selection set to automatic initially; only select a network manually if the connection is unstable.
Download Google Maps for offline use in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and your next stop: this prevents you from depending on the signal in a tuk-tuk or on a secondary road.
Bring a power bank: searching for a network in a poorly covered area uses significantly more battery.

Should you choose a Cambodia eSIM or a regional Asia plan?

For a trip exclusively in Cambodia, a national eSIM is often the simplest and most affordable choice: it focuses your data budget on one country and may provide access to a specific local network. It is the logical option for a Phnom Penh–Siem Reap–Kampot loop or a beach stay in Sihanoukville and Koh Rong.

A regional Asia eSIM becomes more attractive if your ticket includes several border crossings, such as Cambodia followed by Thailand, Vietnam, or Laos. It saves you from purchasing, installing, and managing a new profile at each border. This is particularly convenient on an overland Ho Chi Minh City–Phnom Penh–Siem Reap–Bangkok itinerary, where you need data as soon as you arrive in each country.

In return, multi-country plans sometimes offer less data for the same budget and do not always select the best-performing network in every destination. Above all, check the exact list of included countries, as “Asia” does not necessarily mean that Laos, Myanmar, or every transit territory is covered. If you spend most of your trip in Cambodia and only two days in Bangkok, a Cambodian eSIM supplemented by a small Thai plan may still be the more sensible option.

Choose a local eSIM if you are staying exclusively in Cambodia or are looking for the best data-to-price ratio.
Choose a regional plan if you are crossing at least one border and want to avoid any setup during the trip.
Check the countries, validity period, and shared data allowance before purchasing: a regional plan cannot always be topped up country by country.
Keep a screenshot of your activation instructions before crossing borders, as Wi-Fi at land checkpoints is rarely reliable.

What do traveler reviews reveal about eSIMs in Cambodia?

Traveler feedback is generally positive when the eSIM is installed before the flight and the partner network matches the itinerary. The main advantage mentioned is very practical: being able to order a Grab, contact your hotel, or open a map as soon as you leave the airport, without having to negotiate for a SIM card after a long journey.

Frustrations mainly result from unrealistic expectations. Some travelers assume that an “unlimited” plan always provides maximum speed, whereas it may include a fair-use policy, reduced speeds, or hotspot restrictions. Others forget to activate data roaming on the eSIM line: for a travel eSIM, this option is normally required and will not trigger charges from your French carrier if the correct line is selected.

Coverage is also a recurring topic in reviews: it is satisfactory in cities, but no digital provider can overcome the physical limitations of the network on an island, in a wooded area, or far from a main road. Support makes a difference when an issue arises: favor a seller that clearly states its network, APN settings, top-up options, and a responsive support channel.

Popular feature: immediate connection upon landing while keeping the French SIM in the phone.
Popular feature: usage tracking and top-ups through an app or customer account.
Be careful: the “unlimited” label always deserves a close look at speed and tethering terms.
Be careful: successful installation does not guarantee a perfect signal in remote areas or on islands.

How do you buy, install, and activate your eSIM for Cambodia?

The process is simple if you prepare it calmly, with Wi-Fi, before leaving your country. The key point is to distinguish profile installation from the actual start of your plan.

1
Check compatibility
Confirm that your phone supports an eSIM and is unlocked. Also check that there is room for an additional profile: some devices store several eSIMs but allow only a limited number of active lines at the same time. Update the system before traveling to avoid menu or QR code recognition issues.
2
Buy and receive the QR code before departure
Purchase the chosen plan over secure Wi-Fi and save the QR code, manual activation code, and support contact details in your notes or screenshots. Do not scan the QR code from the screen of the same phone without an alternative: open it on a computer, print it, or use direct activation in the provider’s app. Read the validity rule: some plans start upon installation, while others start only when you first connect in Cambodia.
3
Install the profile on iPhone or Android
On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM, then choose “Use QR Code” or enter the information manually. On Android, the most common path is Settings > Connections or “Network & Internet” > “SIM Manager” / “SIM” > “Add eSIM”; labels vary slightly between Samsung, Pixel, and other brands. Clearly name the line “Cambodia data” so you do not confuse it with your French line.
4
Activate on arrival and configure the APN
When you arrive, activate the eSIM line, select it as your mobile data line, and enable its data roaming if required by the provider. Disable cellular data on your French SIM, or prevent automatic data switching to avoid out-of-plan usage. The APN often configures itself; if the eSIM shows a network but the Internet does not work, copy the APN provided in the instructions exactly, without adding spaces or changing the fields.
5
Troubleshoot if the Internet does not start
First, turn airplane mode on and off for about thirty seconds, or restart the phone. Then check three settings: eSIM active, eSIM selected for data, and roaming enabled on that line. If nothing changes, temporarily select a network manually, check the APN, and contact support with screenshots of your settings; do not delete the profile before receiving a response, as a QR code is often single-use.

Phone number, calls, hotspot: how do you use your eSIM in Cambodia?

You can generally keep your French phone number while using a Cambodia eSIM for Internet through Dual SIM mode. Set the travel eSIM as the data line and keep your regular SIM active only if you need to receive SMS messages. Disable data and, ideally, roaming on your French line: an outgoing or received call on this line may be charged by your usual carrier.

Most travel plans are data-only, without a Cambodian number or conventional mobile calls. WhatsApp will nevertheless continue to work with your already registered French number, without any account changes. To call a hotel, guide, or restaurant, use WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, or a voice-over-IP app if your contact uses it. If you need to regularly call ordinary local numbers, a Cambodian prepaid SIM with a phone number may be more suitable.

Tethering to a computer, tablet, or someone else’s phone works with many eSIMs, but it is not universal. Check this detail before purchasing, especially if you work remotely. A hotspot quickly uses up your plan: cloud backups, system updates, and video conferences can consume several gigabytes in a short time. Disable automatic updates and set the network as a metered connection on your computer.

You can often top up your plan through the provider’s app or website, provided you still have Internet access or Wi-Fi. When your allowance reaches zero, you normally do not pay an automatic excess charge: the connection stops or is heavily restricted. Keep a few hundred MB in reserve to order transport or access your booking, and top up as soon as you receive a usage alert rather than waiting until the last minute.

Choose the eSIM as your default data line and disable automatic switching to your French line.
For banking codes by SMS, leave your French SIM active, but without mobile data or accidental call forwarding.
Enable the hotspot only when necessary and protect it with a strong password.
Disable photo backups, app updates, and automatic video playback when using mobile data.
Keep the top-up link and order ID offline in case the app logs you out.

How can you choose the best Cambodia eSIM plan and avoid mistakes?

The right data allowance depends less on the length of your stay than on how you use your phone: for one week of GPS, messaging, and bookings, 3 to 5 GB is often enough; for two to three weeks with regular posting, aim for 8 to 15 GB; remote work, videos, and hotspot use call for a more generous plan or a planned top-up.

Compare the cost per gigabyte, not just the starting price. A very cheap mini-plan is convenient for 48 hours but can become expensive if you need several top-ups over three weeks.
Read the validity period carefully. A 7-day plan does not always mean seven full days: the countdown may begin when you first connect to the network, or more rarely as soon as you install the profile.
Identify the Cambodian partner network. Smart, Cellcard, and Metfone do not offer exactly the same experience depending on whether you stay in Phnom Penh or travel to rural provinces.
Do not confuse unlimited data with unlimited speed. Check for a daily cap, fair-use policy, reduced speeds, or a tethering restriction.
Install the eSIM before departure without activating it too early. You can resolve a QR code issue on your home Wi-Fi while preserving the validity period if the terms start it upon local connection.
Prepare your phone to save data. Download maps, translations, playlists, and shows in advance; block cloud backups and high-definition videos over mobile data.
Check the top-up policy before buying. Some providers allow you to add data to the same profile, while others require you to purchase a new plan or offer no extension.
Never delete an eSIM on impulse. If something goes wrong, support will often ask you to check the APN or settings; deleting it may make the QR code unusable and complicate troubleshooting.
Keep a realistic backup plan. Hotel Wi-Fi, offline maps, your accommodation address saved offline, and some local cash will prevent you from relying entirely on the network on your first day.

Questions fréquentes

Will my eSIM work as soon as I arrive at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airport?

Yes, generally as soon as the plane has landed and your phone picks up the partner network, provided the line is activated, selected for data, and data roaming is enabled. Wait a few minutes after switching off airplane mode; the signal may be better outside the terminal.

When exactly does my Cambodia eSIM plan’s validity begin?

It depends on the provider: it most often begins upon the first connection to a Cambodian network, but some plans activate it upon installation or purchase. Check this rule before scanning the QR code several days before departure.

Can I use the same eSIM on my phone and tablet?

No, an eSIM profile is normally linked to a single device and cannot be freely copied. Use your phone’s hotspot if the plan allows it, or purchase a second eSIM for the tablet.

Do emergency numbers work with a travel eSIM?

Emergency calls may depend on the phone, available network, and presence of an active voice line; do not rely on a data-only eSIM as your sole means of contacting emergency services. In Cambodia, 117 is generally used for the police, 118 for the fire service, and 119 for an ambulance; also ask your hotel for up-to-date local contacts.

Can I get a refund if my eSIM does not work?

Policies vary: an eSIM that has already been installed or used data is often non-refundable. Contact support before deleting the profile, provide screenshots and connection details, and check the seller’s specific refund terms.

Is a VPN useful with an eSIM in Cambodia?

A reputable VPN can secure your browsing on public Wi-Fi in hotels, cafés, or airports, but it may slightly reduce speeds and use more battery. It is not essential on the mobile network, but remains useful for sensitive services if you travel frequently.