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Will my mobile phone work in Cambodia?

You can use your mobile phone in Cambodia if it is unlocked and compatible with local network frequency bands. Here’s what else you need to know.

If you’re heading to Cambodia soon, you’ll have to ensure your phone will work abroad for the best experience. We’ll tell you exactly how to prepare to use your phone in Cambodia and stay connected, which includes an unlimited data travel eSIM from Holafly.

In this article

Can I use my cell phone in Cambodia?

While you can use your cell phone in Cambodia, you’ll need to tick two things off your checklist before your trip:

1. Unlock your phone

If your phone is locked and tied to your original mobile carrier, you won’t be able to connect to any Cambodian networks. This is regardless of whether you have a local SIM card, a pocket WiFi, or an eSIM. Unlock your phone to ensure you have full international use.

Here’s how to unlock and use your iPhone in Cambodia:

iPhone: Go to Settings → General → About → Scroll down until you find Carrier Lock → If you see “SIM Locked”, your iPhone is locked. If you see “No SIM restrictions”, your iPhone is unlocked and ready to use an eSIM.

To unlock and use your Android in Cambodia:

Android: Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Network Operators → Turn off Select automatically to view available operators. If you only see your carrier name, your phone is locked, but if you see names of several providers different from yours, your Android is unlocked.

2. Check frequency band compatibility

After ensuring your phone is unlocked, you also have to check whether it is compatible with Cambodia’s frequency bands. Here are Cambodia’s network bands:

2G: B3 (1800 MHz), B8 (900 MHz)
3G: B1 (2100 MHz), B8 (900 MHz)
4G: B3 (1800 MHz), B5 (850 MHz), B41 (TDD 2500)

Cambodia has only just begun offering 5G networks, but only in major cities and urban centres. It is still in the expansion phase. The table below displays whether your US/UK/CA phone will work in Cambodia.

Home country	Carrier	Will my phone work in Cambodia?
United States	AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon	Yes, but check it is unlocked and have older models (CDMA phones) checked for frequency bands.
United Kingdom	EE, O2, Three, Vodafone UK	Yes, it will work on Cambodian networks (900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands), and all models sold after 2021 are carrier-unlocked.
Canada	Bell, Telus, and Rogers	Yes, but check it is unlocked and have older models checked for frequency bands (B3 and B5).

Since Cambodia has limited network frequency bands, you might struggle to find the best connections with your current mobile provider and international roaming plan. An unlimited data eSIM from Holafly addresses this issue by connecting to the strongest local networks in the area, providing you with 4G LTE services.

Holafly eSIM for Cambodia: Strong networks and unlimited data

If you have an eSIM-compatible phone (most modern phones are), consider Holafly’s eSIM for Cambodia for your travels. With this digitally embedded SIM, you don’t have to worry about swapping physical SIM cards when travelling abroad or lengthy roaming fee bills.

Holafly’s eSIM store offers unlimited data in over 200 destinations with flexible eSIM plans. Manage your plan from the dedicated Holafly app, and reach out to our 24/7 customer support team in case of any issues.

Once you’ve purchased your Holafly eSIM, you’ll have to activate it by scanning a QR code. This is an easy, five-minute process that saves you the time and hassle of traditional SIM card registration processes. Activate the Holafly eSIM line before you land to begin using unlimited data in Cambodia right away.

How to use your mobile phone in Cambodia: 3 Alternatives to eSIM

Besides a travel eSIM, you can stay connected and use your phone in Cambodia in other ways. Each option has its pros and cons, which largely depend on your budget, data usage needs, and how many people you plan to travel with.

Roaming in Cambodia

If you’re on a roaming-inclusive plan with your mobile provider, first check to see if Cambodia is an eligible destination. This typically means you’ll be able to use your existing allowances in Cambodia at no extra charge.

Otherwise, you can opt for roaming passes and/or add-ons to stay connected and use your phone in Cambodia with your original provider. Roaming charges tend to be steep, which is why many don’t consider it a feasible option for longer stays.

Check out our telecom-specific articles below to learn more about roaming with your provider.

For the US:

For the UK:

For Canada:

Physical Cambodian SIM card

You can also opt to use a local Cambodia SIM card once you arrive to use your phone and stay connected. Some popular Cambodian mobile providers are Smart Axiata, Methane, and Cellcard. You’ll be able to stay connected at local, affordable rates, which is definitely cheaper than roaming.

However, there are certain downsides when switching to local SIM cards. You’ll have to comply with the SIM registration process, strict tourist requirements, and swap your original SIM card (lose access to your number temporarily for phone calls or messages).

Pocket WiFi for Cambodia

If you’re travelling in a large group, including digital nomads, remote workers, or even family, a pocket WiFi device is ideal. This is a small, portable hotspot that emits a WiFi signal for multiple devices to connect to. It’s handy to have, especially if you use data-heavy apps.

Some cons include charging and carrying an extra device and paying rental fees, deposit, and insurance, which can stretch beyond $200+ USD.

Choose Holafly Plans instead. Get all the benefits of a pocket WiFi and avoid the hassle. Connect multiple devices to a rolling eSIM subscription and get unlimited data + unlimited hotspot for only $64.90 USD per month.

Will your mobile phone work in Cambodia? The verdict

The good news is, yes, your phone will work in Cambodia. Be mindful of unlocking your phone and ensuring it’s compatible with Cambodia’s frequency bands.

You also want to ensure you have a solid internet plan in place. Holafly’s eSIM for Cambodia is the ideal choice to enjoy unlimited data while being connected to reliable local networks.

Want to know more about using your phone in other countries? Check out our blogs on:

FAQs about using your mobile phone in Cambodia

Which mobile network is best in Cambodia?

Smart Axiata, Metfone, and Cellcard are the best in 2025. Holafly’s eSIM for Cambodia connects to Smart Axiata and Metfone networks.

Can you use WhatsApp in Cambodia?

Yes, you can use WhatsApp in Cambodia with a good internet connection.

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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