Keeping in Touch in Cambodia

For the most part, expats will find that keeping in touch in Cambodia is fairly easy with a number of service providers to choose from.

Although the country doesn't always have the most reliable internet, there are no bans or restrictions on the use of social media platforms such as Skype and WhatsApp, and many mobile companies offer packages geared towards international calling and texting.

Internet in Cambodia

Internet is widely available in Cambodia and offers relatively good value, with several providers competing for customers. Due to Cambodia's poor landline infrastructure, mobile broadband is much more commonly used than fixed broadband.

Internet is usually available at restaurants, cafés and hotels in the main cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, and is free for paying guests. Signal and speed vary greatly and can depend on location (service reliability will decrease in remote areas) and unpredictable weather. Power cuts are frequent throughout the country, so expect service interruptions as a result.

Internet censorship

Freedom House rates Cambodia as 'not free' in 2022. Although access to social networking sites is not restricted, there have been cases where internet posts and blogs with an anti-governmental stance have resulted in arrests. During the 2018 elections, the government temporarily blocked a number of local and international news websites.

Mobile phones in Cambodia

There are a number of mobile phone networks to choose from in Cambodia, with the main ones being Cellcard, MetFone and Smart. Networks will often have international calling and texting plans on offer, so it's worth shopping around and comparing deals if planning to call home a lot.

Prepaid mobile plans are popular in Cambodia, so expats may find that it isn't necessary to take out a postpaid contract to get connected. SIM cards can be purchased almost anywhere. Retailers are meant to ask for identification when selling SIM cards, but often don't bother.

Postal services in Cambodia

While a Cambodian postal service exists, the reliability of receiving mail largely depends on whether one's house is easy to find, is clearly marked and has a mailbox attached to the gate. PO boxes are the way to go if wishing to receive parcels from overseas, because they are not reliant on doorstep delivery – instead, deliveries are collected in person from the post office.

International couriers such as DHL have local branches in the major cities and there are regional companies too, such as Kerry Express.

English-language media in Cambodia

Cable television is widely available, with several companies offering deals. Many landlords include cable in the rent too, so most residents (locals and expats alike) have access to television in their homes. Various channels are available, including English channels.

There are two main local English-language news websites: the Phnom Penh Post and Cambodia Daily.