Phnom Penh Communications: A Guide to Internet Providers and Postal Services
Phnom Penh’s communication systems play a vital role in connecting both locals and tourists.
Cambodia’s bustling capital is a city on the rise. As it transforms into a modern hub for commerce, tourism, and technology, one thing remains essential for everyone—reliable communication.
Internet access has become a core part of daily life, while postal services support business transactions and personal connections. Understanding Phnom Penh’s communication landscape is key for navigating the city.
This article introduces the major internet providers—Metfone, Cellcard, and Smart Axiata—and gives an overview of Cambodia’s postal services.
Internet Providers in Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh Communications | Metfone
Metfone, run by the Vietnamese Viettel Group, is one of Cambodia’s largest telecom providers.
The company offers strong coverage, especially in rural and remote areas, making it a top choice for travelers and residents living outside Phnom Penh.
Metfone Pros:
- Nationwide coverage: Whether you’re in Phnom Penh or the countryside, Metfone’s extensive network keeps you connected.
- Affordable data plans: Metfone offers value-oriented bundles for light, medium, and heavy users.
- Stable calls: Their voice call service is reliable, with fewer dropped calls than many competitors.
- Well-established provider: Metfone has operated in Cambodia for years, with solid infrastructure and a trained, experienced support team.
Metfone Cons:
- Variable internet speed: While coverage is extensive, users may experience inconsistent internet speeds, especially in crowded areas or during peak hours.
- Old-fashioned app design: The Metfone mobile app has received criticism for its outdated design and clunky functionality, making navigation less user-friendly.
- Customer service: Although Metfone’s customer support is generally competent, some users report long wait times and occasional issues with problem resolution.
Despite these minor setbacks, Metfone remains a reliable option for users who need good coverage, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Metfone Official Website: https://www.metfone.com.kh
Phnom Penh Communications | Cellcard
Cellcard, a homegrown Cambodian brand, is renowned for offering top-notch mobile internet and excellent customer service.
It is one of the most popular telecom providers in Cambodia, especially in Phnom Penh, where it is favored for its strong performance in urban areas.
Cellcard Pros:
- Urban strength: In Phnom Penh, Cellcard excels with fast and consistent data speeds, making it a top choice for city dwellers who rely heavily on mobile data.
- Competitive pricing: Cellcard offers affordable packages with clear pricing and no hidden costs.
- Good customer service: Many users praise Cellcard for its helpful and knowledgeable staff, who provide prompt assistance in stores and over the phone.
- Flexibility: Cellcard’s data plans include a rollover feature, allowing users to carry over unused data to the next month.
Cellcard Cons:
- Limited rural coverage: Cellcard struggles with coverage outside urban centers. Users in remote areas may experience slower speeds or even no service.
- App issues: While functional, the Cellcard app isn’t the most intuitive, and users occasionally report glitches or a poor user experience.
- Network congestion: During peak hours, some users notice a decline in service quality due to network congestion in busy areas.
Overall, Cellcard is an excellent choice for urban users in Phnom Penh, offering a good balance of speed, affordability, and solid customer support.
Cellcard Official Website: www.cellcard.com.kh
Phnom Penh Communications | Smart Axiata
Smart Axiata has gained prominence by positioning itself as a tech-forward and youth-centric telecom provider.
Focusing on speed, innovation, and entertainment-driven plans, Smart has attracted digital natives, students, and professionals alike.
Smart Axiata Pros:
- Blazing fast speeds: Smart Axiata is known for its consistently fast data speeds, especially in Phnom Penh. It is the go-to option for heavy data users like streamers, gamers, and tech enthusiasts.
- Digital-first approach: Smart offers an intuitive and feature-packed mobile app, SmartNas, which lets users easily manage their accounts, monitor data usage, and access exclusive deals and entertainment content.
- eSIM technology: Smart Axiata was one of the first providers in Cambodia to introduce eSIM, a digital SIM card that removes the need for physical SIM cards. This is especially convenient for tourists with compatible devices.
- Social media and streaming bundles: Smart offers specialized data plans for social media and video streaming, making it ideal for the younger generation and mobile-first internet users.
Smart Axiata Cons:
- Post-cap throttling: Some of Smart’s more affordable plans include a speed cap, slowing down data after a certain usage limit. This can be inconvenient for heavy users.
- Frequent plan changes: The company frequently introduces new promotions or bundles. Users must regularly check and adjust their plans, which can be a hassle for those who prefer stable, long-term deals.
- Customer service challenges: Some users have reported that Smart’s customer support is not always responsive or helpful when resolving complex issues.
Smart is the ideal choice for urban dwellers and digital nomads who demand fast internet speeds, engaging content, and cutting-edge technology. Its innovative packages and eSIM support set it apart in the Cambodian market.
Smart Axiata Official Website: https://www.smart.com.kh
Internet Plans
Cambodia Bucket List reached out to all three major internet providers and found that they offer identical pricing and the same amount of GB data bundles.
Keep in mind, you’ll need to purchase a phone number separately (it’s not included in the bundles), but the cost is minimal—only a few USD.
Buying a SIM Card in Phnom Penh
For tourists arriving in Phnom Penh, buying a SIM card is a practical and affordable way to stay connected.
You can purchase a SIM card from convenience stores or street vendors, but it’s highly recommended to visit the official stores of the major providers: Metfone, Cellcard, and Smart Axiata.
Benefits of Official Stores:
- SIM Registration: Cambodian law requires SIM card registration with a valid ID.
- Setup Assistance: Official stores offer help with SIM activation, setting up data, and ensuring your phone is properly configured.
- Avoid Scams: Purchasing from an official outlet guarantees a genuine SIM card with full functionality and support.
Where to Go:
- Metfone: Visit their main office near Monivong Boulevard, or check out several outlets at major shopping malls and the airport.
- Cellcard: Find flagship stores on Preah Sihanouk Boulevard and other locations throughout Phnom Penh.
- Smart Axiata: Several branches are located in popular areas like BKK1, Riverside, and at major shopping centers.
These stores offer tourist-specific SIM packages that typically include generous data allowances, unlimited access to social media apps, and even free calling minutes. You can also find eSIM options for compatible smartphones.
Metfone Main Store and Showroom Sorya Store
Cambodia Bucket List visited the Metfone main store, where a friendly and professional female staff member installed our Metfone SIM card in just a few minutes.
We later went to the Metfone Showroom Sorya store, which is closer to the main attractions. However, we recommend bringing Google Translate on your phone if you decide to visit this location, as it will help explain exactly what you need. That said, the staff member we spoke with was also friendly and professional.
Neither store had pamphlets in English, but they did have a sheet of paper listing the different bundles in English.
Cellcard Flagship Store
Cambodia Bucket List visited the impressive Cellcard flagship store, where the staff was friendly and professional.
The only downside was that, during our visit, the store was very busy. We ended up leaving due to the long wait to see a staff member.
This flagship store features a small café at the entrance, which was a lifesaver on the particularly hot day we visited.
Our advice is to arrive early in the day, when it’s less crowded.
Despite its size and impressive layout, this store did not offer English-language versions of the different bundles.
Smart Axiata Branch Store
We also visited an official Smart Axiata branch at the corner of Sihanouk (274) and Sothearos (3) Blvd.
The store was quiet, and the female staff member we spoke with was both friendly and professional.
Out of the four store visits, this one was our favorite.
The staff at this branch spoke fluent English and installed a SIM card for us in just a few minutes.
On one of the walls, there’s a guitar donated by Demi Lovato from her concert in the city.
This branch provided a clear explanation of the different bundles in English.
The data bundles that Metfone, Cellcard, and Smart Axiata provide:
Postal Services in Phnom Penh
Although digital communication has become dominant, traditional postal services remain essential in Cambodia, especially for sending documents and packages both nationally and internationally.
Phnom Penh’s postal infrastructure includes Cambodia Post and various private courier companies, each catering to different needs.
Phnom Penh Communications | Cambodia Post
Cambodia Post is the state-run national postal service, established over a century ago. It handles mail and packages both domestically and internationally.
Cambodia Post Pros:
- Affordable shipping rates: Cambodia Post offers competitive prices for both domestic and international shipping, particularly for non-urgent mail.
- EMS Services: Their Express Mail Service (EMS) provides a faster and more reliable option for urgent shipments.
- Wide reach: Cambodia Post has offices throughout Phnom Penh and the country, making it a reliable option for sending items to all parts of Cambodia.
Cambodia Post Cons:
- Delivery time: Standard delivery can take longer than private courier services, especially for international mail.
- Tracking difficulties: The online tracking system can be unreliable, making it difficult to track packages once they leave Cambodia.
Despite these drawbacks, Cambodia Post remains a good option for affordable, non-urgent mail or sending parcels to remote locations where private couriers may not deliver.
The Cambodia Post Building in the capital is well worth a visit, even if you’re not sending mail. It’s beautiful, both inside and out.
Cambodia Post Official Website: https://cambodiapost.com.kh
Phnom Penh Communications | Private Courier Services
For faster, more secure, and trackable deliveries, many people choose international courier services like DHL, FedEx, and UPS, or local options like J&T Express, Lalamove, and GrabExpress.
- DHL: Known for its swift international delivery and reliable tracking systems.
- FedEx: Offers fast, door-to-door service, especially useful for business and urgent shipments.
- UPS: Another popular international courier offering premium services.
- GrabExpress & Lalamove: These app-based courier services are perfect for same-day local deliveries within Phnom Penh.
These services come at a higher price but offer the benefit of speed and security, particularly for high-value or time-sensitive shipments.
Phnom Penh communications: Conclusion
Phnom Penh offers many options for staying connected. From reliable internet providers like Metfone, Cellcard, and Smart Axiata, to postal and courier services, there’s something for everyone.
By understanding each provider’s strengths and weaknesses, you can make an informed choice that suits your needs—whether you’re a resident, business professional, or tourist.
When choosing an internet plan or mailing a package, consider your preferences. Match your priorities—data speed, coverage, cost, or convenience—with the right provider or service.
With a little research, staying connected in Phnom Penh is easy.
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