Comments on: Buying a SIM Card or eSIM for Travel in Cambodia https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-cambodia/ Tech gear, gadgets, reviews, and advice Wed, 30 Apr 2025 04:46:00 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 By: Dave Dean https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-cambodia/#comment-794388 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=16186#comment-794388 In reply to Michel C.

I’m sorry to hear about that. Sadly this is the type of scam I was referring to in the article — it’s pretty common by the sound of it. I suspect that there’s either a small amount of credit on the SIM when it’s first purchased, or the seller adds the smallest data package available, so that your phone works for long enough for you to leave the airport. After that, there’s not really much you can do about it, unfortunately. The Cellcard desk isn’t listed on Google Maps (although the Smart desk is, with bad reviews for this kind of thing) — I’ve just put in a request for it to be added, which looks like it’s been accepted. When it starts showing on the map, it would be worth leaving a negative review about your experience.

]]> By: Michel C https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-cambodia/#comment-794387 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=16186#comment-794387 Hello Every one,
Just would like to share an experience regarding sim card bought yesterday when I arrived to Phnom Penh international Airport .
I was at Cellcard desk at the exit of the airport (before to get out for taxi) and I have paid a Cellcard sim card for 8 USD/ 50G/ 15 days according to the plan the seller shown me on a carton.
He did the registration with my passport and put the sim card into my phone, did some operation and gave me back my phone. Everything was fine and I got internet connection. I could use the internet for whatsapp and sent some pictures to friends and family.
Today I receive a message inm Cambodian, I didn t pay attention until my phone can not have connection.
I use wifi of my hotel to get translation of the message:
Welcome to Cellcard! Top up to access the internet, phone calls and more. Free plan + from $ 1.5 with 15GB data, valid for 7 days to connect, dial * 1615 * 150 #. Top up now:
I understand now that the guy sold me a sim which doesn t correspond to the plan!
It is frustrating to be fooled like this, so hope this message will give some warning to people who buy sim card to be aware of this kind of scam.
Thank you for your attention.
Michel

]]> By: Craig https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-cambodia/#comment-680692 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=16186#comment-680692 We travelled Cambodia in July 2019 and picked up SIM cards straight away in Phnom Penh at an official Cellcard store. The price was $1.50 for sim with 5GB data that lasted 14 days.

Later in the trip we topped up my partners with an extra 5GB for $2.

Personal hotspot wasn’t enabled by default but a quick Google shows instructions for how to configure it (for free).

]]> By: Dave Dean https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-cambodia/#comment-657564 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=16186#comment-657564 In reply to Vicki OBrien.

My hotel was on the river, but as I mentioned, the store was a few hundred yards away. Put “cellcard” into Google Maps – the store wasn’t exactly where it’s shown, but from memory it wasn’t far away. Unfortunately I can’t be more precise than that – it was quite a while ago!

]]> By: Vicki OBrien https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-cambodia/#comment-657549 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=16186#comment-657549 looking everywhere in Kampot for official Cellcard dealer ….you said across from your hotel….can you give an address or name of hotel? Thanks.

]]> By: Dave Dean https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-cambodia/#comment-653647 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=16186#comment-653647 In reply to Brian.

I don’t know, I’m afraid. I’ve transited through Siem Reap airport, but didn’t go out of the baggage hall/immigration area.

]]> By: Brian https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-cambodia/#comment-653646 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=16186#comment-653646 Was wondering if Metfone has a kiosk at the Siem Reap airport?

]]> By: Dave Dean https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-cambodia/#comment-648953 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=16186#comment-648953 In reply to Kathryn.

Islands can be tricky, because it all depends on whether a particular cell company has decided it’s worthwhile to install a tower there. I don’t know specifically for Koh Rong, sorry.

Regarding the passport copies, I’d be surprised if you had a problem.

]]> By: Kathryn https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-cambodia/#comment-648927 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=16186#comment-648927 Hi Dave,
Thanks for this article. We are going to be on Koh Rong, would that be considered remote?
Also the Thai Embassy are still holding our passports but we have copies…do you think that would be likely to cause issues.
Thanks
Kathryn x

]]> By: Juliana https://toomanyadapters.com/buying-sim-card-cambodia/#comment-645148 https://toomanyadapters.com/?p=16186#comment-645148 Thank you !

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