eSIM Providers in Cambodia: Smart, Cellcard, Metfone and Travel eSIMs

Looking for an eSIM provider in Cambodia? The three local carriers, Smart, Cellcard and Metfone, all appear on Apple's list of carriers that support eSIM on iPhone. Smart is also listed for prepaid eSIM plans for international travelers. If you only need data on a trip, a travel eSIM you install before you fly is the simplest option. This guide shows what each local carrier says on its own site and how to set up an eSIM.

A travel eSIM is a data plan you buy online. You install it on Wi-Fi at home and it connects when you land in Cambodia. It has no Cambodian number, so you keep your home number for calls and texts. Our Cambodia plans run on Metfone.

Data-only plans for Cambodia · See all Cambodia eSIMs · All destinations

eSIM providers in Cambodia at a glance

Apple lists all three carriers under eSIM activation methods such as a QR code or the carrier's app, and Smart also under prepaid plans for international travelers (Apple: carriers that offer eSIM service on iPhone). Here is how your options compare:

• Smart eSIM: buy in the SmartNas app, on Smart's website or in a Smart Shop. You need a passport or national ID card.
• Cellcard eSIM: buy in the cellcard app or at a cellcard store. The QR code is in the app after you buy.
• Metfone: Apple lists it for eSIM, but Metfone's own English homepage doesn't describe an eSIM offer. Call customer care on 1204 to ask.
• Travel eSIM: sold online by providers like SimOptions. Data only, no ID check at purchase, ready before you leave.

Local eSIMs give you a Cambodian number. A travel eSIM gives you data only. Which one fits depends on whether you need local calls or an app that needs a local number.

Smart eSIM in Cambodia

Smart explains the process on its eSIM page. When we checked, it said you need an eSIM compatible phone, a Wi-Fi connection and a national ID card or valid passport. You can buy in the SmartNas app, on Smart's website or in any Smart Shop.

How to buy a Smart eSIM in the app

1. Download the SmartNas app and choose Purchase New eSIM. Existing customers open the Quick Menu, tap eSIM, then Purchase Now.
2. Choose your number and plan.
3. Scan your passport or ID, then do the face scan and check your details.
4. Enter your email and pay. Stay on Wi-Fi with the app open until payment finishes.
5. Tap Activate Now and connect the eSIM to your phone.

Smart also lists a Traveller SIM with two plans. The Standard plan has 30 GB for 15 days and the Premium plan has 60 GB for 30 days. It is sold at Smart booths at Cambodian international airports. Smart's page doesn't say if it is an eSIM or a physical SIM, so ask at the booth.

Cellcard eSIM

Cellcard says on its Get SIM page that you download the cellcard app and buy the eSIM there. Your QR code is then in the app. You can also buy at a cellcard store. If you already have a Cellcard number, there is an upgrade to eSIM option. Cellcard also lists a Traveller SIM, but its page doesn't say what ID you need or whether it comes as an eSIM, so check with Cellcard before you count on it.

Metfone eSIM

Metfone is listed by Apple for eSIM, but we couldn't find an eSIM page on Metfone's English site. Contact Metfone's customer care on 1204 or +855 97 9 097 097 to ask about eSIM and what ID you need. If you only want data, our Cambodia travel eSIM runs on the Metfone network, so you don't need a Metfone account.

Cambodia travel eSIM: data without a local SIM

Here is what the SimOptions Cambodia plans include, according to their plan details:

• Network: runs on Metfone in Cambodia, at 4G/LTE speed.
• Data only: no Cambodian phone number, no calls or SMS. You call and message with apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime. See how to make phone calls with a data-only eSIM.
• Activation: once installed, the eSIM activates automatically when you reach Cambodia.
• Top-ups: available if you run low on data.
• Expiry: if you don't use the eSIM within a year, it becomes invalid.

How much data do you need?

The Cambodia plans go from 1 GB for 3 days to 60 GB for 90 days. As a rough guide:

• A short stop: 1 GB or 3 GB for maps, messages and ride apps.
• About a week: 5 GB or 10 GB for 7 days.
• Up to two weeks: 20 GB for 15 days.
• A month or longer: 50 GB for 30 days, or 60 GB for 90 days.

Want to compare more options? Our guide to the best eSIM for Cambodia covers what to look for. Going on to Thailand? See eSIM providers in Thailand and our best eSIM for Asia guide. Going on to Vietnam? See our guide to eSIM providers in Vietnam.

How to set up your travel eSIM

1. Check your phone. It must support eSIM and be unlocked. See our guide to checking eSIM compatibility and the list of eSIM supported devices.
2. Buy your plan and wait for the QR code by email.
3. Install it on Wi-Fi before you leave. On iPhone, open the Camera app, scan the QR code and follow the steps (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone). More detail for iPhone and Android: how to install an eSIM.
4. Label the line "Cambodia" so you can tell it from your home line.
5. When you land, make the travel eSIM your data line and turn on data roaming for it.

Not connecting after you land? Go through our eSIM activation fixes.

Local eSIM or travel eSIM: which one is right for you?

A Smart or Cellcard eSIM fits if

• You live in Cambodia or stay for several months.
• You need a Cambodian number for local calls or services.
• You don't mind scanning your passport or ID.

A travel eSIM fits if

• You're on a trip of days or weeks and want data the moment you land.
• You want to sort it out at home, with no queue at the airport.
• You want to keep your home number active at the same time. See how to set up a dual eSIM.

FAQs

Does Smart have an eSIM in Cambodia?

Yes. Smart sells eSIMs through the SmartNas app, its website and Smart Shops. You need a compatible phone, Wi-Fi and a passport or national ID card.

Does Cellcard offer eSIM?

Yes. Cellcard says you can get an eSIM through the cellcard app or at a store, and existing customers can upgrade to eSIM.

Can tourists buy a local eSIM in Cambodia?

Smart lists passport as accepted ID for its eSIM, so it is possible. Cellcard and Metfone don't state their ID rules on the pages we checked, so ask them first.

Which eSIM should I get for a short trip?

If you only need data, a travel eSIM is the simplest choice. If you need a Cambodian number, get a Smart or Cellcard eSIM.

Can I use a travel eSIM for calls?

Not with a regular call. The plans are data only, so you use apps such as WhatsApp or FaceTime. See calls with a data-only eSIM.

Is my phone compatible?

It must support eSIM and be unlocked. Check with our compatibility guide. New to eSIM? Read what is an eSIM.