Staying connected in Cambodia is easy and affordable, and Metfone (a subsidiary of Vietnam’s Viettel) is one of the country’s leading mobile network operators. Whether you’re a tourist arriving at Techo International Airport, a digital nomad, or a long‑term expat, Metfone offers reliable 4G coverage, cheap data plans, and convenient top‑up methods.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know: where to buy a Metfone SIM, the best prepaid data plans for travelers, how to top up, eSIM options, network coverage, and troubleshooting tips.
⚡ Quick Overview: Why Choose Metfone?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Strongest in rural and provincial areas (including Siem Reap, Kampot, Mondulkiri) |
| 4G/5G availability | 4G in most cities and towns; 5G in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap |
| Tourist SIM | Yes – available at airports and official shops |
| eSIM | Available (check at official store) |
| Top‑up methods | ABA Bank, Wing, Metfone app, scratch cards, online |
| Validity | Prepaid credit lasts 30–90 days depending on plan |
📱 Where to Buy a Metfone SIM Card
At the airport (Techo International Airport – KTI)
- Location: Arrival hall (after customs, before exit). Look for the Metfone booth.
- What you need: Passport (for registration – required by law).
- Cost: SIM card is usually free or $1‑2; data plans are purchased separately.
Official Metfone shops
- Phnom Penh: Main shop on Monivong Blvd, plus many branches in all districts.
- Siem Reap: Near Pub Street, on Sivatha Blvd.
- Other provinces: Major towns have official shops.
Local convenience stores
- Mini‑marts, phone shops, and street vendors sell Metfone SIMs. However, ensure they register it with your passport – otherwise, the SIM may be deactivated.
Online (delivery)
- Metfone’s official website sometimes offers home delivery in Phnom Penh. Check
www.metfone.com.kh.
💰 Prepaid Data Plans for Travelers (2026)
Metfone offers a variety of “Data & Call” packages. Below are the most popular plans for short‑term visitors. *Prices are estimates; check the official site or 123# for current offers.
| Plan Name | Data | Calls | Validity | Price (USD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data4G S | 6 GB | 30 mins | 30 days | ~$3 | Light users (maps, messaging) |
| Data4G M | 15 GB | 50 mins | 30 days | ~$5 | Moderate use (social media, browsing) |
| Data4G L | 30 GB | 100 mins | 30 days | ~$8 | Heavy users (video streaming, work) |
| Data4G XL | 60 GB | 200 mins | 30 days | ~$12 | Unlimited‑style for expats |
| Daily pass | 1 GB | 10 mins | 1 day | ~$0.50 | Very short trips |
💡 How to activate: Dial
*123#and follow the menu, or send a USSD code. Ask the shop assistant to activate the plan for you.
Social Media Bundles
- Facebook + TikTok + Instagram packs: e.g., 2 GB for social apps only (~$1 for 7 days).
Unlimited Night Data
- Some plans include unlimited data from 11 PM to 7 AM – useful for large downloads.
📶 Network Coverage & Speed
| Area | 4G Coverage | 5G | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh | Excellent | Yes (limited areas) | Fastest speeds |
| Siem Reap | Excellent | Yes (city centre) | Good near Angkor Wat |
| Sihanoukville / Koh Rong | Good | No | Some remote islands may have 3G only |
| Kampot / Kep | Good | No | 4G along main roads |
| Rural / Cardamom Mountains | Moderate | No | Metfone often works where others don’t |
Metfone is known for having the best coverage in rural and remote areas – ideal if you plan to visit Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, or Kampong Thom.
🔄 How to Top Up Metfone Credit
1. ABA Bank App
- Open ABA → “Mobile Top Up” → select Metfone → enter phone number → amount (USD or KHR) → confirm.
2. Wing (cash in/out counters)
- Tell the agent: “Top up Metfone [phone number] with [amount].” Pay in cash. Service fee ~$0.20.
3. Metfone App (My Metfone)
- Download from Google Play or App Store. Recharge with credit card or ABA.
4. Scratch cards
- Buy from shops, scratch, dial
*123*[PIN]#then call.
5. Online via Metfone website
- Credit card or local bank transfer.
📱 eSIM – Is It Available?
Metfone does offer eSIM for compatible smartphones (iPhone XS or newer, recent Android models). You can obtain an eSIM at official Metfone shops. Bring your passport and ask for “eSIM registration”. The process takes about 10 minutes. eSIM is perfect for travelers who want to keep their home SIM active while adding a Cambodian data plan.
🔧 Troubleshooting & Tips
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| No internet after inserting SIM | Check APN settings: APN name: metfone (or “metfone”), Username: metfone, Password: metfone. Save and restart. |
| SIM not registered | You must register with your passport. If bought from a street vendor, go to an official shop to register. |
| Out of data | Top up using ABA, Wing, or scratch card. Dial *123# to check balance. |
| Slow speed | Metfone may throttle after reaching data cap. Buy a new data pack via *123#. |
🔗 Related Travel Guides
- Cambodia Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Techo International Airport: Complete Guide for Travelers (2026)
- Cambodia Travel Cost 2026
- Phnom Penh Travel Guide 2026
- Siem Reap Travel Guide 2026
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a Metfone SIM at Phnom Penh airport (Techo International)?
Yes. After clearing customs, you’ll find Metfone booths in the arrival hall. They will register your passport and activate a plan.
Which is better for tourists: Metfone, Smart, or Cellcard?
Metfone has the best rural coverage. Smart is strong in cities. Cellcard is also popular. For most travelers, Metfone is a reliable choice.
How much does a Metfone SIM card cost?
The SIM itself is often free or $1‑2. You then purchase a data plan (starting at ~$3 for 6 GB).
Do I need to show my passport?
Yes – by law, all SIM cards must be registered with a valid ID (passport for foreigners). Street vendors may skip this, but your SIM could be deactivated later.
Does Metfone support 5G?
Yes, in limited areas of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Most users will experience fast 4G.
Can I keep my number when switching to Metfone?
Yes, you can port your number from another Cambodian operator. Visit a Metfone shop.
📢 Disclaimer
Mobile plans, prices, and coverage are subject to change. This guide is based on information available in April 2026. Always check the official Metfone website or dial *123# for the most current offers.
🎯 Final Thoughts
A Metfone SIM card is your gateway to affordable, reliable internet throughout Cambodia. Whether you’re navigating Phnom Penh’s streets, posting sunset photos from Angkor Wat, or working remotely from a Kampot cafe, Metfone’s extensive network and cheap data plans make it an excellent choice. Buy your SIM at the airport, activate a data pack, and stay connected from day one.