If you are the type of person who loves to learn about new cultures and visit countries with a rich history, then Cambodia should be on your travel bucket list. In this country, you can visit fantastic national parks and even relax on the beautiful beaches of its islands. So if this is your next travel destination, you should take with you the best eSIM for Cambodia to keep you connected to the internet at all times.
The international eSIM is a new telecommunication service that has become the favorite alternative among travelers to be able to connect to the international internet during their trips. And this is due to the many benefits it offers, as well as the many options to get one.
With an eSIM, you can perform essential tasks such as talking to your family and friends via WhatsApp or Skype, searching for directions on maps, ordering a cab, and even making reservations. Keep reading our article to learn more about the eSIM for Cambodia and how to buy one.
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What is an eSIM?
The first bullet point we will discuss is what an eSIM is. This is a relatively new service that was created around 2016. So, it is usual that not many people know what it is. The eSIMs are basically the virtual version of the physical SIM cards that we usually use with our phones.
They work because they are embedded from the factory in many cellphones, especially the latest generation. This allows people to connect to internet networks without the need to insert a physical card into their phone. You simply need an eSIM-compatible device, buy a plan, and activate it.
Why should I get an eSIM for Cambodia?
On the other hand, you must be wondering why to choose eSIM as the option to have internet during your trip. As we mentioned before, the eSIM has plenty of benefits, which for travelers, makes it the best alternative of all.
First, it is important to mention that eSIMs are very versatile to buy since you can count on different ways, and one of these is very easy to do from the comfort of your home anywhere in the world, that is, online stores.
On the other hand, the eSIM has become one of the cheapest options on the market, since they do not require a physical chip and doesn’t incur in delivery fees. This is fantastic as we often suffer from high international roaming charges. Finally, many eSIMs will allow you to share data with other devices, a great advantage in case you travel with other people or extra personal devices.
Requirements to install the eSIM for Cambodia
We have already told you what an eSIM is and its benefits. However, something important to mention before we tell you how to purchase an eSIM is the requirements to be considered about the eSIM. That’s why below is a list of things to consider:
- Confirm that your cellphone supports eSIMs: the first thing you should do before buying an eSIM for your trip is to confirm that your cellphone is compatible with eSIMs. More on this later.
- Have an active email address: to purchase your eSIM, you will need to have an email address where you will receive all the information related to the virtual SIM cards.
- Install the eSIM before you start your trip: we recommend that if you buy an eSIM, you install it in your phone before you start your trip, as you will a prior internet connection to do so.
- Activate eSIM roaming only when you arrive in Cambodia: to start using eSIM cellular data, you will need to activate eSIM roaming, however, remember to do so only when you arrive at your travel destination.
- Have the necessary payment methods at hand this will depend on how you make your purchases. If you buy through online stores, you will need credit cards, a PayPal account, or Google Pay. But if you buy in Cambodia, you must possess the local currency.
Where to buy the eSIM for Cambodia?
So far, we have told you the most important things to know about virtual SIM cards. So if you are interested in getting one of these, we will explain where and how to buy the best eSIM for Cambodia.
Below we will explain in detail the two methods we consider the best. First, buying an International eSIM through online stores will allow you to choose from an infinite number of options and also to prepare for your trip in advance. On the other hand, if you prefer to make your purchases in person, buying an eSIM through local cellular operators may be your option.
International eSIM for Cambodia
First of all, we will elaborate on the international eSIM that you can buy through online stores. As we have already mentioned, this has become one of the favorite options among travelers to be able to have an internet connection while traveling. And this is mainly because they are very easy to get before starting the trip so that you will arrive at your travel destination and you can connect to the internet immediately.
Nowadays, there are numerous online stores that offer this type of service. However, this time we would like to recommend Holafly as the best store of choice. With this store, you can purchase an eSIM card for Cambodia, with which you can enjoy excellent internet connectivity and other benefits such as sharing data with other devices, among others.
On the other hand, if you will be traveling to various countries in Asia during your trip, we recommend reading about the International eSIM for Asia, which will allow you to connect in different countries with different benefits.
eSIM from Cambodia operators
Another way to buy eSIM for Cambodia is through local operators. Of course, the language barrier and the difficulty of finding a branch near your location can be a problem, you should not forget your documentation at the time of purchase, and then you would only need to activate the service on your cellular device.
Currently, three cellular operators in Cambodia offer eSIM Card for tourists, each one with its own plans, so you should choose the one that best suits your time of stay and needs:
- Metfone
- Smart Cambodia
- Cellcard
Cell phones that support eSIM for Cambodia.
We have told you that eSIMs are available in the latest generation of phones, so it is vitally important to confirm that your phone is compatible with this technology. One way to check is to call your provider and ask for the phone model; another option is to compare the list below of compatible phones and see if yours is among those mentioned:
- IPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone SE 2.
- Samsung Galaxy Fold, Samsung Galaxy Note20, Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S22, Samsung Galaxy S22+, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, Samsung Galaxy S20, Samsung Galaxy S20+, Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4.
- Google Pixel 7 Pro, Google Pixel 7, Google Pixel 6 Pro, Google Pixel 6, Google Pixel 6a, Google Pixel 5, Google Pixel 4, Google Pixel 4a, Google Pixel 4 XL, Google Pixel 3, Google Pixel 3 XL, Google Pixel 3a, Google Pixel 3a XL.
- Huawei P40, Huawei P40 Pro, Huawei Mate 40 Pro.
- HONOR Magic 3, HONOR Magic 3 Pro, HONOR Magic 3 Pro+, HONOR 50
- Motorola Razr, Motorola Razr 5G.
- Oppo Find X3 Pro, Oppo Find X5, Oppo Find X5 Pro, Oppo Reno 5 A, Oppo A55s 5G, Oppo Reno 6 Pro 5G.
Coverage in Cambodia
The coverage issue is also relevant if we talk about eSIMs. These chips work thanks to the operational networks of the local telephone companies in Cambodia. For this reason, your eSIM should enjoy the support of a company with coverage throughout the Cambodian territory so that you will avoid disconnections at inopportune moments during your trip.
On many occasions, there are alternatives that present lower costs but are not connected to good coverage. In the case of Holafly eSIMs, you will not have to worry about this situation since you will be enjoying the best connection throughout the country.
Network frequencies in Cambodia
Another point that takes relevance when talking about network connections is the frequency bands. Like radio, internet services use an operating band. It is important that the bands used by your phone match those used by telephone companies in Cambodia. This coincidence is related to the connection speed. Here are the operating network frequencies in the country:
| Technology | Bands |
| 4G bands | B3 (1800), B5 (850), B8 (900) |
| 3G bands | B1 (2100), B8 (900) |
| 2G bands | B3 (1800), B8 (900) |
Frequently asked questions about eSIM for Cambodia.
In case you still have some doubts regarding the eSIM, here are some things you might want to know.
In most cases, customers will only need to have two things: a valid physical and email address and a valid payment method.
Yes. If someone has a device that doesn’t support an eSIM, then users can get an international SIM card instead.
It will depend on the company they are using. Not all companies work in the same way, and that’s something people need to consider. In the case of the eSIM for Cambodia from Holafly, you can share data with other devices.
Yes, like physical cards, virtual SIMs also have an expiration date.
There are different ways to connect to the internet during your trip. Some of these alternatives are expensive and uncomfortable, like the roaming service or the Pocket WiFi. And finally, you will be able to find some free Wi-Fi spots in Cambodia, but it could be insecure and unstable.