AsiaPhnom PenhCambodia eSIM and Travel Guide: Stay Connected from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat
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.
Key Takeaways
- 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.
Quick Facts
Cambodia Connectivity
Get a Roamix Cambodia eSIM and land connected at KTI.
How to Stay Connected in Cambodia
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.
Option
Best For
Notes
RecommendedRoamix eSIM
Most travellers
Activates on arrival, connects to Metfone or Smart Axiata, and eliminates roaming bills with no physical SIM swap needed.
Local physical SIM
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
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
Very short trips or emergencies
Expensive relative to Cambodia's very affordable local data market. A Roamix plan is almost always better value.
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.
Get connected the moment you land in Cambodia.
Get your Cambodia eSIMMobile Networks 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.
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.
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.
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 Status
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.
Data Usage Guide
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.
Download the Angkor Archaeological Park offline map before visiting. The park is large and temple circuits extend into forest areas where signal weakens.
Data by Activity
Light Use
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.
Standard
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.
Heavy Use
15 GB or more
Remote work stay in Phnom Penh
Video calls, laptop tethering and cloud uploads alongside city exploration.
Apps & Internet Freedom
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.
Fully available for messaging, voice and video calls.
FaceTime
Works normally over 4G data and wifi.
Google Maps and Search
No restrictions. Useful for navigating Phnom Penh and the temple complex.
Social media
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X all work normally.
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.
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.
- 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.
APN Note
Roamix configures the correct APN automatically on most devices. If data does not start, apply the APN from your activation email and toggle airplane mode once.
Troubleshooting
No data on arrival usually means data roaming is disabled for the Roamix line. Check settings, manually select the network and restart the phone.
Get connected the moment you land in Cambodia.
Get your Cambodia eSIMArrival Checklist
Confirm your Roamix eSIM has connected to Metfone or Smart Axiata before leaving the arrivals hall at Techo International Airport (KTI).
Note that Techo International Airport replaced the old Phnom Penh airport in 2024 and is located south of the city.
Download offline maps for Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, including the Angkor Archaeological Park, over wifi before landing.
Carry USD in small denominations alongside Riel, as most tourist transactions are quoted in USD.
Save emergency numbers: Police 117, Fire 118, Ambulance 119.
How locals communicate
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Visa & 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.
eVisa / 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.
Get connected the moment you land in Cambodia.
Get your Cambodia eSIMMoney & 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.
Cash vs Card
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.
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.
Data cost: Local SIM data in Cambodia is among the cheapest in Asia. A Roamix plan competes strongly and offers the convenience of pre-arrival setup.
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.
Regions & Travel
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.
Signal: 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.
Signal: 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.
Signal: 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.
Signal: 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.
Signal: 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.
Hidden Gems
Banteay Chhmar Temple
archaeological siteBanteay Meanchey
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.
Access requires advance contact with local homestay guides. Use Roamix data in Sisophon to arrange a guide and download the route before heading into the province.
Koh Ker Archaeological Park
archaeological sitePreah Vihear
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.
Entry fees and opening hours can change. Confirm current access over Roamix data before departure from Siem Reap and download the site map for the complex.
Tonle Sap Floating Villages
cultural siteSiem Reap Province
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.
Boat tour prices and access vary by season and operator. Book a reputable tour with Roamix data before arriving and check current water levels, which affect which villages are accessible.
Preah Vihear Temple
world heritage templePreah Vihear Province
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.
Access road conditions and border-area advisories can change. Check current access status and download the route over Roamix data before this long journey from Siem Reap.
Koh Rong Samloem
IslandPreah Sihanouk Province
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.
Ferry schedules from Sihanoukville are weather-dependent. Use Roamix data to book your ferry crossing and accommodation, and check departure updates before heading to the pier.
Kampot and the Pepper Plantations
town and food trailKampot Province
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.
Pepper plantation tours need advance booking in dry season. Use Roamix data to book a guided tour and navigate the riverside cycle and kayak routes from Kampot town.
Kulen Mountain and Waterfall
sacred siteSiem Reap Province
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.
Entry permits are required and the road closes in rain. Check current access and permit requirements over Roamix data in Siem Reap before departing.
Mondulkiri Elephant Valley
ecotourismMondulkiri
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.
Elephant Valley Project requires advance booking months ahead in peak season. Secure your place and download offline navigation for the highland roads over Roamix data before the journey from Phnom Penh.
Irrawaddy Dolphin Pool at Kampi
wildlife siteKratie Province
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.
The best dolphin viewing is early morning. Book a boat guide in Kratie town the evening before using Roamix data, and check Mekong water levels that affect dolphin activity.
Bokor Hill Station
historic siteKampot Province
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.
The access road to Bokor National Park has an entrance fee and closes for maintenance periodically. Check current road status and entrance fees over Roamix data in Kampot before the drive up.
Events & Best Seasons
Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey)
cultural festivalNationwide, biggest celebrations in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap · April 13 to 15
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.
Network note
Networks are congested on New Year days as millions of messages are exchanged. Downtown areas are crowded with water festival participants.
Roamix tip
Book transport out of Phnom Penh or Siem Reap well ahead of April 13. Use Roamix data to monitor road and bus conditions during this extremely busy travel period.
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
cultural festivalPhnom Penh · November (lunar calendar, three days)
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.
Network note
The Phnom Penh riverfront sees enormous crowd pressure. Data can slow significantly. Pre-download maps and set meeting points before joining the crowds.
Roamix tip
With Roamix data you can track the boat race schedule, navigate the Riverside crowds and book safe transport home before the nightly fireworks disperse the masses.
Angkor Wat International Half Marathon
sportsAngkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap · December
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.
Network note
Siem Reap 4G handles race day logistics. The temple complex itself has good signal along the main circuits used for the race.
Roamix tip
Registration fills months ahead. Use Roamix data to register early, download the race route map and arrange transport from Siem Reap hotel to the starting area in the early morning.
Pchum Ben (Ancestor Festival)
religious festivalNationwide · September to October (lunar calendar)
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.
Network note
Networks are heavily used nationwide. Book transport and accommodation well ahead of the peak Pchum Ben days.
Roamix tip
Book intercity transport weeks in advance using Roamix data. During the festival, pagoda visits at dawn are a powerful cultural experience worth planning around.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
royal ceremonyRoyal Palace grounds, Phnom Penh · May
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.
Network note
Orange 4G is strong around the Royal Palace area in central Phnom Penh.
Roamix tip
Check the official date each year as it varies with the lunar calendar. Use Roamix data to navigate to the Royal Palace and follow the ceremony's schedule.
Angkor Photo Festival
artsSiem Reap · November
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.
Network note
Siem Reap town has good 4G throughout. The outdoor exhibitions are spread across multiple street venues.
Roamix tip
Download the exhibition map over Roamix data and use it to navigate between the outdoor galleries scattered through the old market area and main streets.
Kirirom National Park Trekking Season
ecotourismKirirom National Park, Kampong Speu · November to February
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.
Network note
Limited Metfone signal at the park entrance. Deep forest trails have no coverage. Download offline maps before entering.
Roamix tip
Book park accommodation and guided treks in advance over Roamix data in Phnom Penh, and download the park trail map before the drive up.
Sihanoukville Dive Season
watersportsSihanoukville and Koh Rong · November to May
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.
Network note
Good 4G in Sihanoukville city and on the main ferry piers. Dive sites offshore have no signal.
Roamix tip
Book dive courses and liveaboard trips in advance over Roamix data. Ferry schedules are weather-sensitive, so check updates on the morning of departure.
Phnom Penh International Film Festival
FestivalPhnom Penh · November
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.
Network note
Strong 4G across central Phnom Penh. Venues are concentrated in the BKK1 and riverside areas.
Roamix tip
Use Roamix data to check the programme, buy tickets online and navigate to the multiple screening venues across the capital.
Pepper Harvest at Kampot
food and cultureKampot Province · January to February
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.
Network note
Good 4G in Kampot town. Plantation tracks outside town may have intermittent signal.
Roamix tip
Book a plantation tour in advance over Roamix data from Kampot. Harvests last only a few weeks, so confirm timing before your trip.
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.
Remote Work 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.
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.
Get connected the moment you land in Cambodia.
Get your Cambodia eSIMLocal 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.
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.
Food & Dining
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.
Transport
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.
Emergency Numbers
general
119
police
117
ambulance
119
fire
118
Essential Apps
Grab
The most reliable app-based tuk-tuk and car booking in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, with fixed fares and GPS tracking.
BookMeBus
Books intercity buses and minivans between Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Kampot with advance seat selection.
Maps.me
Reliable offline maps for Angkor temple circuits and rural routes where Google Maps data can be outdated.
Safety & 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.
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 Note
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.
Water Safety
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cambodia eSIM, connectivity, and travel
What is the best eSIM for Cambodia?
Roamix is a top choice for Cambodia because it connects to local operators like Metfone and Smart Axiata on arrival at KTI or SAI. You activate before you fly and land already online without visiting a SIM counter.
Do I need a SIM card for Cambodia?
You do not need a physical SIM. A Roamix Cambodia eSIM gives you local 4G data from the moment you land. It is far cheaper than carrier roaming and you skip the airport SIM queue entirely.
Which mobile network is best in Cambodia?
Metfone has the widest coverage including rural provinces and tourist routes. Smart Axiata delivers the fastest 4G speeds in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. For a classic Cambodia itinerary, either operator works well.
Does Cambodia have 5G?
5G trials are underway but commercial 5G is not yet widely available to travellers. 4G LTE is the standard and delivers strong speeds in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
How do I set up an eSIM for Cambodia?
Buy a Roamix Cambodia plan online, install the eSIM over wifi at home before departure, and enable data roaming on the Roamix line. It connects automatically to a local network on arrival at KTI or SAI.
Is there wifi at Angkor Wat?
There is no public wifi at the Angkor temple complex. 4G signal from Metfone and Smart Axiata is available at the main visitor centre and along the main circuits, but weakens in deep forest temple areas. Download an offline map of the park before you go.
Can I use WhatsApp and social media in Cambodia?
Yes. Cambodia has an open internet. WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and all major social platforms work normally on a Roamix eSIM. No VPN is required.
How much data do I need for two weeks in Cambodia?
A two-week trip covering Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the coast typically needs 5 to 8 GB. Add more if you plan video calls or if your itinerary includes remote areas that require offline map downloads.
Do I need a visa to visit Cambodia?
Most nationalities require a visa. An e-visa costs USD 36 and is applied for at evisa.gov.kh with 3-day processing. Visa on arrival at Techo International (KTI) and Angkor International (SAI) costs USD 35.
What is the new Phnom Penh airport?
Techo International Airport (KTI) replaced the old Pochentong Airport in 2024. It is located south of the city and is the main international gateway to Cambodia. Similarly, Siem Reap now uses Angkor International Airport (SAI), which opened in October 2023 and is 45 km from town.
Is USD accepted in Cambodia?
Yes. USD is widely accepted alongside Cambodian Riel in tourist areas, and many prices are quoted in dollars. Riel is returned as change for small amounts. Carry both currencies.
Is airport wifi enough at KTI and SAI, or should I get a Cambodia eSIM?
Airport wifi is available at both airports but stops at the terminal door. A Roamix Cambodia eSIM keeps you connected through the terminal, during the 45-minute drive from SAI into Siem Reap and all the way to your accommodation.
How much does a trip to Cambodia cost?
Cambodia is one of the most affordable countries in Southeast Asia. Budget travellers can manage on USD 30 to 50 per day including accommodation and food. Connectivity is very cheap locally, and a Roamix eSIM covers a full trip for a small fraction of what carrier roaming would cost.
Is Cambodia safe for travellers?
Cambodia is generally safe in tourist areas. The main risks are petty theft in crowded areas, traffic in Phnom Penh and the presence of landmines on unmarked rural paths in the northwest. Keep your Roamix eSIM active for Grab transport at night and emergency contacts.
Still have questions?
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Stay connected across Cambodia with Roamix
Skip the SIM counter at KTI or SAI. Install a Roamix Cambodia eSIM before you fly and land connected from Phnom Penh to Angkor Wat.
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