Key takeaways
Cambodia has a competitive mobile market with solid 4G LTE in cities and at major tourist sites, led by Metfone on rural reach and Smart Axiata on urban speed. A Roamix Cambodia eSIM connects you to the strongest local network on arrival at Techo International Airport, with no SIM kiosk queue. Note that Techo International (KTI) replaced the old Phnom Penh airport in 2024, and Siem Reap now uses the new Angkor International Airport (SAI). Budget 5 to 8 GB for two weeks, and download offline maps for temple complexes and river routes before you lose signal.
- Metfone has the widest rural coverage, while Smart Axiata delivers the fastest 4G speeds in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
- A Roamix eSIM activates automatically at the new Techo International Airport (KTI) and avoids expensive home-carrier roaming.
- USD is widely accepted alongside Cambodian Riel, making it one of the most cash-friendly countries for US travellers in Asia.
- Visa on arrival and e-visa options make entry straightforward for most nationalities.
- Download offline maps for Angkor Archaeological Park and Cardamom Mountain routes before leaving city signal.
Best way to get data in Cambodia
For most visitors to Cambodia, a Roamix eSIM is the simplest and most cost-effective way to stay connected, with local 4G speeds and no surprise roaming charges across Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the coast.
| Option | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Roamix eSIMRecommended | Best for: Most travellers | Activates on arrival, connects to Metfone or Smart Axiata, and eliminates roaming bills with no physical SIM swap needed. |
| Local physical SIM | Best for: Long stays or those needing a local number | Metfone and Smart SIMs are sold at the airport and in city shops for very low prices. Requires a passport for registration. |
| Hotel and cafe wifi | Best for: Light data users at base | Adequate for messaging and email, but unreliable for video calls or streaming and stops at the property door. |
| Carrier roaming | Best for: Very short trips or emergencies | Expensive relative to Cambodia's very affordable local data market. A Roamix plan is almost always better value. |
Free wifi is common in guesthouses, hotels, cafes and restaurants throughout tourist areas, particularly in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Quality varies widely. Mobile data is essential for transport, booking and outdoor use.
How much data you need
Data needs in Cambodia are moderate to high. Cities and main tourist sites have solid 4G, but remote temples and island beaches require offline preparation. Grab and ferry booking are data-dependent.
4 to 6 GB
One week Phnom Penh and Angkor city trip
Grab rides, temple navigation, social uploads and WhatsApp in cities with strong 4G coverage.
6 to 10 GB
Two-week trip including coast and islands
Ferry booking, offline map downloads for Koh Rong, navigation between provinces and regular photo sharing.
15 GB or more
Remote work stay in Phnom Penh
Video calls, laptop tethering and cloud uploads alongside city exploration.
Data per hour, by activity
- Maps and navigation
- 5 MB
- Social media and browsing
- 80 to 130 MB
- Music streaming
- 70 MB
- Standard video streaming
- 700 MB to 1 GB
- Video calls
- 500 MB to 1.5 GB
Download the Angkor Archaeological Park offline map before visiting. The park is large and temple circuits extend into forest areas where signal weakens.
How to set up a Cambodia eSIM
Install your Roamix Cambodia eSIM over wifi before departure. It activates automatically on Metfone or Smart Axiata on arrival at Techo International Airport, so you clear immigration already connected.
- 1
Purchase your Roamix Cambodia plan before departure.
- 2
Scan the QR code or tap to install the eSIM over wifi at home.
- 3
Label it Roamix and keep your home SIM as primary for calls and SMS.
- 4
Enable data roaming for the Roamix line only.
- 5
Land at KTI and the eSIM connects to a local network automatically.
Works on eSIM-capable devices including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models. The device must be carrier unlocked.
Roamix configures the correct APN automatically on most devices. If data does not start, apply the APN from your order and toggle airplane mode once.
No data on arrival usually means data roaming is disabled for the Roamix line. Check settings, manually select the network and restart the phone.
Visa and entry for Cambodia
Cambodia offers e-visa applications for most nationalities, and visa on arrival is available at major entry points including Techo International Airport and Angkor International Airport. Most single-entry tourist visas are valid for 30 days.
- Visa on arrival
- Available
- eVisa or ETA
- An e-visa costs USD 36 and is applied for online at evisa.gov.kh. It is valid for 30 days and available for tourism purposes. Processing typically takes 3 business days. Visa on arrival at major airports costs USD 35 and takes slightly longer at the counter.
- Passport validity
- Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date.
- Onward ticket
- Proof of onward travel is recommended but not always strictly enforced. Border officers may request to see accommodation bookings.
Keep your e-visa or visa on arrival receipt and digital travel documents accessible on your phone via your Roamix eSIM.
Entry requirements may change. Confirm current visa fees and requirements at evisa.gov.kh or your nearest Cambodian embassy before travel.
When you land in Cambodia
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How people message here
Facebook Messenger is extremely popular in Cambodia alongside WhatsApp and Telegram. Most Cambodians use Messenger for both personal and business communication, often running active business pages. Telegram is growing rapidly.
Do you need a local number?
A local number is not essential for most tourist trips. WhatsApp and Messenger over Roamix data handle transport booking, guesthouse contact and tour arrangements comfortably.
Keep your home SIM active for two-factor authentication while using the Roamix line for data. Hotel and guesthouse bookings respond fast on Facebook Messenger.
Airports in Cambodia
KTI
Techo International Airport
Phnom Penh
The new airport, which replaced Pochentong in 2024, has free wifi throughout the modern terminals. Speeds are generally good.
Activate your Roamix eSIM before landing so you can book transport into central Phnom Penh immediately. Techo is located south of the city, and a Roamix-connected phone helps compare tuk-tuk apps and taxi prices in real time.
SAI
Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport
Siem Reap
The new airport opened in October 2023 and offers free wifi in the international terminal. It is located 45 km from Siem Reap town.
The 45 km road into Siem Reap takes 40 to 60 minutes. Have your Roamix eSIM active to contact your guesthouse, book a tuk-tuk or check the best route before leaving the terminal.
KOS
Sihanouk International Airport
Sihanoukville
Basic wifi is available in the terminal. Coverage is adequate for messages but inconsistent for large downloads.
Sihanoukville serves the southern coast and island ferries. A Roamix-connected phone lets you check ferry schedules to Koh Rong and book accommodation before leaving the terminal.
BBM
Battambang Airport
Battambang
Very limited terminal, minimal wifi. Have your Roamix eSIM as your primary connectivity option from the moment you land.
Battambang is Cambodia's second city and transport hub for the northwest. Use your Roamix eSIM to navigate from the small airport into town and plan your bamboo train and temple visits.
Apps and internet access in Cambodia
Cambodia has an open internet and all common apps work normally on a Roamix eSIM. No VPN is required for any mainstream service.
There are no systematic app or social media bans. WhatsApp, Facebook, Google and streaming services are all freely accessible.
WhatsApp, works
Fully available for messaging, voice and video calls.
FaceTime, works
Works normally over 4G data and wifi.
Google Maps and Search, works
No restrictions. Useful for navigating Phnom Penh and the temple complex.
Social media, works
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X all work normally.
Getting around Cambodia
Cambodia is navigated by tuk-tuk and motorcycle in cities, shared minivans on tourist routes between cities and ferries to the islands. Grab operates in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap as a reliable ride-hailing option.
Tuk-tuk and Grab
Grab is the most reliable app-based transport in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Traditional tuk-tuks remain common everywhere. Both require a connected phone to book and track.
Tourist minivan
Shared minivans connect Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Kampot on fixed schedules. Book via apps or operator websites using Roamix data and save your booking confirmation offline.
Ferry and speedboat
Ferries link Sihanoukville to Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem. Use Roamix data to check schedules and book in advance during peak season, as boats fill quickly.
Domestic flights
Cambodia Angkor Air links Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Use your eSIM to check in, store boarding passes and monitor delays.
Grab works in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap with upfront pricing and no haggling. For temple circuits at Angkor, hiring a tuk-tuk driver for the day through your guesthouse is efficient and they become informal guides.
Money and payments in Cambodia
Cambodia uses both the Khmer Riel (KHR) and US Dollar (USD). USD is widely accepted in tourist areas and many prices are quoted in dollars. Riel is returned as change for small amounts.
- Cards and cash
- Cards are accepted at mid-range and upscale hotels, restaurants and large shops. Markets, street food, tuk-tuks and most local businesses are cash only. Carry a mix of USD and small Riel notes.
- ATMs
- ATMs dispensing USD are widely available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. ABA Bank and Acleda Bank offer the most reliable machines. USD 5 withdrawal fees are common; take out larger amounts per visit.
- Payment apps
- ABA Pay and Wing Money are popular local mobile payment platforms. International visitors can use Apple Pay and Google Pay in larger establishments, but adoption is limited.
- Tipping
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. USD 1 to 2 per restaurant meal, USD 2 to 5 for a full-day tuk-tuk driver, and USD 1 per bag for hotel porters is customary in tourist areas.
Daily budget
Budget travellers can live comfortably on USD 30 to 50 per day including accommodation. Mid-range trips in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap run USD 60 to 120.
Local tips for Cambodia
- Language
- Khmer is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants and transport hubs. Outside tourist zones, basic Khmer phrases and a translation app help considerably.
- Food
- Cambodian cuisine centres on amok (coconut-steamed fish curry), loc lac (stir-fried beef on rice), nom banh chok (Khmer noodles) and extraordinary fresh seafood on the coast. Street food markets in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap's Old Market area offer the most authentic and affordable eating.
- Plugs
- 230V, Type A, C and G plugs
Apps worth having
Grab
rideshare
The most reliable app-based tuk-tuk and car booking in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, with fixed fares and GPS tracking.
BookMeBus
transport
Books intercity buses and minivans between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Kampot with advance seat selection.
Maps.me
navigation
Reliable offline maps for Angkor temple circuits and rural routes where Google Maps data can be outdated.
Safety and health in Cambodia
Cambodia is generally safe for tourists in popular areas. Petty theft is the main concern in crowded markets and tourist districts. Traffic in Phnom Penh is chaotic and crossing roads requires care. Landmines remain a risk in rural areas away from marked paths, particularly in the northwest near the Thai border.
- Stay reachable
- Keep your Roamix eSIM active to use Grab for secure transport at night, monitor weather alerts during rainy season and access emergency contacts. Stay on marked paths in Angkor and rural temple sites.
- Health
- Malaria risk exists in forest areas, particularly in the northeast and Cardamom Mountains. Dengue fever is present year-round. Carry repellent, take antimalarials for forest travel and ensure travel health insurance covers Southeast Asia.
- Tap water
- Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled or treated water throughout the country. Ice in tourist restaurants is generally safe (made from filtered water) but exercise caution at local streetside stalls.
Networks and coverage in Cambodia
Cambodia has a vibrant mobile sector with three major operators competing on price and coverage. Metfone, backed by Vietnam's Viettel, provides the widest 4G footprint reaching rural provinces and border crossings. Smart Axiata leads on 4G speeds in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Cellcard serves as a third full-network operator. A Roamix Cambodia eSIM connects to the strongest available local signal on arrival, with no SIM purchase required at the airport.
Metfone
Widest geographic coverage in Cambodia including rural provinces, national parks and border regions. Backed by Viettel, it provides strong 4G across tourist routes and cross-country highways.
Smart Axiata
Fastest 4G speeds in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville. Best choice for city-focused trips and travellers who prioritise streaming and video calls over rural reach.
Cellcard
Third major operator with solid 4G in major cities and tourist centres, competitive pricing and a good reputation among expat and long-stay travellers.
- Typical speeds
- Urban 4G delivers 15 to 50 Mbps in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Rural 4G averages 3 to 10 Mbps.
- 5G
- 5G is being trialled but is not yet commercially available for travellers.
For a classic Cambodia trip visiting Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the coast, Smart Axiata gives the best 4G speed experience. For overland trips or province hopping, Metfone's rural reach is a genuine advantage.
Remote areas including the Cardamom Mountains, northern forest provinces and deep river routes along the Mekong have limited or no coverage on any operator. Offshore islands like Koh Rong have improving but still patchy coverage. Cambodian networks use standard LTE bands well supported by recent unlocked smartphones. Most devices from iPhone XS, Pixel 3 and equivalent Samsung models are compatible.
Where to go in Cambodia
Cambodia packs extraordinary depth into a compact country. Angkor Wat and the surrounding temple complex anchor most itineraries, while Phnom Penh pairs a painful history with a thriving restaurant and arts scene. The southern coast offers islands and beaches, and the Mekong provinces reward slower travel. A Roamix eSIM keeps navigation, booking and communication running across all of it.
Best time to visit
November to April is the dry season and ideal for travel, with the coolest and driest months being December and January. May to October is wet season, with heavy afternoon rains. The Angkor temples are less crowded in rainy season but the moats fill beautifully.
Phnom Penh and the Mekong
The capital sits at the confluence of the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers. The Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum and the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum anchor a city that is increasingly vibrant with restaurants, rooftop bars and riverside culture.
- Royal Palace
- National Museum
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
- Russian Market
- Riverside Promenade
Excellent 4G from Smart Axiata and Metfone across the capital and riverfront. New Techo International Airport in the south of the city also has strong coverage.
Siem Reap and Angkor
The temple town of Siem Reap is the gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site containing the ruins of the Khmer Empire including Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm. The new Angkor International Airport (SAI) is 45 km from town.
- Angkor Wat
- Bayon Temple
- Ta Prohm
- Preah Khan
- Banteay Srei
Good 4G in Siem Reap town and at major temple sites including Angkor Wat. Signal weakens on remote temple circuits and deep forest tracks within the park.
Sihanoukville and the Southern Coast
The coast around Sihanoukville and its offshore islands including Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem offers beaches, diving and island-hopping. Kampot and Kep in the south are quieter alternatives with river scenery and fresh seafood.
- Otres Beach
- Koh Rong Island
- Koh Rong Samloem
- Kampot Riverside
- Kep Crab Market
Smart Axiata and Metfone cover Sihanoukville city and most of the main coast road. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem have improving 4G coverage in resort areas, with gaps on more remote beaches.
Battambang and the Northwest
Battambang is Cambodia's second city and a colonial-era gem with French architecture, bamboo train rides and a creative arts scene. The surrounding province produces most of Cambodia's rice.
- Bamboo Train (Norry)
- Phnom Sampeau
- Battambang Bat Caves
- Ek Phnom Temple
- Artisan d'Angkor workshop
Metfone and Smart Axiata both provide 4G in Battambang city. Rural countryside around the province drops to 3G on minor roads.
Northeast Highlands and Cardamom Mountains
The Cardamom Mountains in the southwest and Ratanakiri province in the northeast offer trekking, waterfalls and indigenous village stays. These are Cambodia's wildest and least-visited regions.
- Bokor Hill Station
- Tatai River
- Ratanakiri Yeak Laom Crater Lake
- Virachey National Park
- Mondulkiri Elephant Valley
Minimal to no signal in deep Cardamom forest routes and many Ratanakiri highland villages. Metfone reaches the furthest but even then is sporadic. Download everything in Ban Lung or Koh Kong before heading out.
Off the beaten path
One of the largest and most atmospheric Angkor-era temple complexes in Cambodia, yet rarely visited compared to the main Angkor park. The jungle-covered ruins and intricate bas-relief walls are extraordinarily well preserved.
Signal: Minimal signal in remote Banteay Meanchey province, 60 km west of Sisophon. Download offline maps and navigation in Sisophon or Poipet before the final drive.
The jungle-encircled capital of the Khmer Empire from 928 to 944 CE, with a seven-tier temple pyramid called Prasat Thom rising above the forest canopy, far less visited than the main Angkor complex.
Signal: Limited Metfone signal in this remote park, 120 km from Siem Reap. Download maps and entry information over Roamix data in Siem Reap before the 2-hour drive.
Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, where communities of thousands live on floating villages that migrate with seasonal water levels. Villages like Kampong Phluk and Chong Khneas offer boat tours through stilted houses and fish farms.
Signal: Metfone 4G covers the main lake routes from Siem Reap, but signal drops on more remote sections of the Tonle Sap.
A UNESCO World Heritage Khmer temple perched on a 525-metre cliff on the Dangrek escarpment, on the border with Thailand, with dramatic valley views and intricate 11th-century carved architecture.
Signal: Very limited signal at the mountaintop site near the Thai border. Download all maps and temple information in Siem Reap or Kampong Thom before the journey.
A quieter, more pristine alternative to Koh Rong, with white sand, bioluminescent plankton, clear water for snorkelling and a relaxed pace that attracts travellers who want beaches without crowds.
Signal: Improving 4G on the main resort beaches (Saracen Bay and M'Pai Bay). More remote beaches have no signal. Download island maps in Sihanoukville.
A riverside colonial town famous for Kampot pepper, one of the most prized varieties in the world, with plantation tours, kayaking on the Kampot River, cave temples at Phnom Chhnork and the French colonial streetscape.
Signal: Smart Axiata and Metfone both provide good 4G in Kampot town and along the main road. Rural pepper plantation tracks have patchy signal.
The sacred mountain where Jayavarman II declared the independence of the Khmer Empire in 802 CE, with a hilltop pagoda housing a giant reclining Buddha, a river carved with a thousand lingas and a popular swimming waterfall.
Signal: Limited signal at the summit plateau, 50 km northeast of Siem Reap. Download the route and temple map over Roamix data in Siem Reap before the drive.
One of Southeast Asia's leading ethical elephant sanctuaries, where rescued elephants roam freely in forest highlands. Mondulkiri also offers indigenous Bunong village stays and highland waterfalls.
Signal: Metfone reaches the provincial capital Sen Monorom. Forest sanctuary trails and elephant observation zones have no signal. Download everything in Sen Monorom.
One of the last accessible populations of critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins in the world, observable by boat from the sandbanks of the Mekong River near Kampi, 15 km north of Kratie.
Signal: Metfone 3G to 4G in Kratie town. The dolphin pool itself, a few km north of town, has intermittent signal.
An eerie French colonial-era hill station at 1,000 metres above the coast, with abandoned 1920s buildings including a palace and church, panoramic views over the Gulf of Thailand and a still-active casino built nearby.
Signal: Smart Axiata and Metfone cover the main hilltop plateau. Signal is good near the casino and old church ruins but weakens on forest trails.
Events and seasons in Cambodia
January to February
Pepper Harvest at Kampot
Kampot Province
The brief annual harvest of Kampot pepper, one of the world's most celebrated peppercorns, when plantations open for tours and tastings, with fresh green and red peppercorns available directly from growers.
April 13 to 15
Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey)
Nationwide, biggest celebrations in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
The most important holiday in Cambodia, marking the end of the harvest season with three days of temple visits, water games, family reunions and street celebrations. The country largely shuts down and transport books out weeks ahead.
May
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
Royal Palace grounds, Phnom Penh
An ancient royal ceremony marking the beginning of the rice growing season, where sacred oxen select from ceremonial bowls to predict the harvest. Held at the Royal Palace and attended by thousands.
September to October (lunar calendar)
Pchum Ben (Ancestor Festival)
Nationwide
A 15-day Buddhist ancestor commemoration culminating in three days of mass offerings at pagodas across the country, when Cambodians return home to honour family spirits. Transport is extremely busy.
November (lunar calendar, three days)
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
Phnom Penh
Cambodia's largest annual festival, celebrating the reversal of the Tonle Sap River. Boat races on the Tonle Sap river, illuminated floats, fireworks and enormous crowds fill the Phnom Penh riverfront for three days, drawing millions of visitors.
November
Angkor Photo Festival
Siem Reap
An outdoor photography festival in the streets of Siem Reap showcasing documentary and art photography from Asian and international photographers, with free public exhibitions across the town centre.
November to February
Kirirom National Park Trekking Season
Kirirom National Park, Kampong Speu
The peak season for hiking and camping at Kirirom, Cambodia's oldest national park, a cool highland plateau with pine forests, waterfalls and panoramic views two hours from Phnom Penh.
November to May
Sihanoukville Dive Season
Sihanoukville and Koh Rong
The dry season brings calm seas and excellent underwater visibility to Cambodia's island dive sites around Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem and the nearby reefs, with PADI dive schools operating at full capacity.
November
Phnom Penh International Film Festival
Phnom Penh
An annual film festival in the capital showcasing Cambodian cinema alongside regional and international films, with screenings at the Meta House and Flicks venues and outdoor projections.
December
Angkor Wat International Half Marathon
Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap
A charity run through the Angkor temple complex at dawn, with the half marathon and 10 km race drawing runners from over 60 countries through one of the world's most spectacular settings.
Through the year
- Spring
- March to May brings Khmer New Year in April and rapidly rising heat as the dry season peaks. April and May are the hottest months, with temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius. The rains typically return in May.
- Summer
- June to August falls in the heart of Cambodia's wet season, with heavy afternoon rain and high humidity. Roads into remote areas can flood. Angkor's moats are full and lush, and crowds are lower, but outdoor temple exploration is interrupted by daily storms.
- Fall
- September to October is still rainy but the pace eases toward October. The Tonle Sap is at its fullest, the floating villages are most accessible by boat, and the Pchum Ben ancestor festival occurs during this period.
- Winter
- November to February is Cambodia's cool dry season and the best time to visit. Temperatures are pleasant, roads are accessible and the main festivals including Water Festival and Angkor Photo Festival fall in November.
Working remotely from Cambodia
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have a growing coworking scene and are popular with digital nomads. Cafes with strong wifi are abundant and the cost of living is among the lowest in Southeast Asia.
- Connection
- Smart Axiata 4G in Phnom Penh handles video calls and tethering reliably. A Roamix plan with 15 GB or more suits a working week of calls and uploads alongside sightseeing.
The Factory Phnom Penh and Emerald Hub are well-reviewed coworking spaces. Afternoon storms during rainy season can briefly knock out wifi, so keep your Roamix eSIM as a data backup.
