Power & Connectivity (SIM)

Cambodia runs on 230 volts at 50 hertz, and sockets are a mix of Type A, C and G, so a universal travel adapter is the safest choice. Many sockets accept two flat or two round pins, but you may also meet the British three-pin style. Power can flicker or cut out, especially in rural areas, so charge devices when you can and consider a power bank. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 230V automatically; check single-voltage appliances first.

Local prepaid SIMs are cheap and easy to buy, and mobile data is fast and inexpensive in cities. Main operators are Cellcard, Smart and Metfone. Buy at the airport, official shops or phone stalls; registration with your passport is required, so bring it. Airport stalls can charge more, so an official shop in town may be cheaper. Coverage is good in towns and along main roads, but can be patchy in remote countryside.

If your phone supports eSIM, it is a convenient way to be online the moment you land in Cambodia, with no queue and no passport registration at a shop. Buy a travel eSIM online before you fly, scan the QR code and activate it on arrival. Many providers offer Cambodia-only or Southeast Asia regional plans, handy if you also visit Thailand or Vietnam. Check your phone is eSIM-compatible and carrier-unlocked, and keep a local SIM as a cheap backup for longer stays.

Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, guesthouses, cafes and restaurants in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and other tourist towns, and speeds are generally decent for messaging and browsing. Away from the cities and in budget places, connections can be slower or drop out, and power cuts affect them. As with any public Wi-Fi, avoid sensitive logins on open networks or use a VPN. For reliable data on the move, a local SIM or eSIM is more dependable than hunting for hotspots.

The internet in Cambodia is mostly open, and global services like Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube generally work normally. That said, the authorities monitor online activity and there are laws against content seen as insulting or politically sensitive, so be thoughtful about what you post about local politics or officials. Occasional site blocks can occur. A VPN can add privacy on public Wi-Fi; use reputable services and follow local laws.

A few apps make Cambodia much easier. For getting around, ride apps like Grab and the local PassApp let you book tuk-tuks and cars at set prices, avoiding fare haggling. Use Google Maps for navigation and Google Translate for Khmer menus and signs, downloading the offline pack in advance. A messaging app like WhatsApp or Telegram is handy for guides and hotels. Download maps and translation before arrival so they work even without data.

Cambodia's country code is +855. When calling a local number, you usually drop the leading zero after the country code. Emergency numbers are 117 for police, 118 for fire and 119 for ambulance, though English is not guaranteed and the tourist police are often more helpful. Most travellers make calls home over Wi-Fi or data using apps like WhatsApp, Telegram or FaceTime, which is far cheaper than roaming. Save your hotel, guide and embassy numbers before you go.