Quick answer
In Phnom Penh you use mobile data mostly for Grab or PassApp rides, maps between markets, museums, and the riverside, and messages to hotels and tour drivers. A Cambodia eSIM on the Metfone network covers the city, and a 3 GB a day plan or the 7 days · 5 GB plan fits a typical stay.
What will I use mobile data for in Phnom Penh?
Hotels and many cafés have Wi-Fi, but the street does not. That is where you need a working line: booking a ride home after dinner, showing a tuk-tuk driver where you are going, or checking the way to a market.
- Grab and PassApp for rides and food delivery.
- Maps for the Royal Palace area, the riverside, the markets, and museums.
- WhatsApp and Telegram messages to hotels, guides, and drivers.
- Translating menus and signs with your camera.
Do I still need a ride app if tuk-tuks are everywhere?
Tuk-tuks are easy to find, but a ride app shows the price before you go and sends the driver to your exact spot. Many travelers use both: a tuk-tuk flagged on the street for short hops, and Grab or PassApp for longer rides or late at night. US dollars are widely used alongside the riel, so carry small notes for street rides.
Is the eSIM good for the rest of Cambodia?
Yes. The same line works wherever the Metfone network reaches, so you can carry on to Siem Reap, the coast, or Kampot without another SIM. If Phnom Penh is only your first stop, choose enough days for the whole trip.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Cambodian phone number in Phnom Penh?
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Most travelers only need data. The eSIM has no phone number, but Grab, PassApp, WhatsApp, and Telegram all work over data. Your home SIM can stay on for SMS.
Does the eSIM work for Grab and PassApp?
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Yes. Once the Cambodia line is on for mobile data with Data Roaming turned on, both apps work as they would at home.
Will I get 5G in Phnom Penh?
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The eSIM supports 4G and 5G on the Metfone network. Which one you get depends on the network where you are and on your phone.
Related guides
Techo International Airport (KTI) eSIM guide
Phnom Penh’s new international airport, south of the city.
How much data do I need in Cambodia?
Rough numbers for maps, social media, video, and work.
Siem Reap eSIM guide: Angkor temples, Pub Street, and day trips
Sunrise at Angkor Wat and evenings in town.
Kampot and Kep eSIM guide: river towns, pepper farms, and the crab market
Riverside sunsets, pepper farms, and the crab market.