Cambodia is usually one stop on a larger trip: Angkor in Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and the coast, and before or after that Thailand, Vietnam or Laos. The simple way to surf through the entire route is a separate eSIM package for each country, which you install at home and turn on only when you arrive. In this article we'll see how to manage multiple packages without a mess.
We've already written a digital checklist before flying to Cambodia. Here we won't go over the checklist again, but will focus on travel that crosses between countries.
A package for each country
Each of these countries has its own packages. For each country, choose a package based on the number of days you'll be there:
You'll find the rest of the destinations in the region on the eSIM for Asia page. For planning browsing in Thailand we have a separate guide, and for Vietnam there's an eSIM guide for Vietnam.
Validity starts upon arrival, not upon purchase
As shown on the package page, the validity period begins when the eSIM first connects to a supported network, not at the moment of purchase. This allows you to buy and install the Cambodia package at home, and keep it on your phone while it's off, while you're in Thailand or Vietnam. The days only start counting when the eSIM connects to a supported network (you can verify this in the validity note on the package page).
Two things to remember:
- Keep the Cambodia line off (or without data roaming) until you arrive, so it doesn't connect by mistake beforehand.
- Near the border your phone may connect to the second country's network even before you cross. If this matters to you, turn off the line until you're sure you've crossed.
How many eSIMs can you have on your phone
Most phones that support eSIM can store multiple packages installed. How many of them you can activate simultaneously, and which menus appear, depends on the model and operating system version.
- Give each line a clear name, for example "Thailand" and "Cambodia", so you don't get confused in the settings.
- One line at a time for cellular data. When moving to another country, select the line for the new country and turn on data roaming for it.
- The previous country's line: You can turn it off or leave it installed, depending on what's convenient for you.
- Your Israeli SIM stays in the phone, and data roaming on it is turned off throughout your entire trip.
How many days in Cambodia, and how much data
Choose the validity period based only on the days you'll be in Cambodia. Someone spending three days there on the way to Vietnam needs a short plan, and someone traveling around for two weeks needs a longer validity period.
Cambodia has plans by volume and unlimited plans, with different validity periods. A few things to help you decide:
- Long days at Angkor temples: Maps, photos and translation. If you're mostly browsing messages and maps, you can get by with a volume-based plan.
- Video calls and uploading videos: Use up data quickly. If that's how you use it, consider unlimited.
- Working remotely in Phnom Penh or on the beach: Better not to depend on your accommodation's Wi-Fi.
As shown on the plan page, with unlimited plans, after using 3GB per day the speed is reduced to 1 Mbps until the end of that day. If the data runs out in the middle, the plan page indicates whether it supports top-up. If so, you add data to that eSIM through the personal area on the website. For calculation by days and by type of use, there's a guide on how much data you need abroad.
Before the flight: Ten-minute setup
1. Check that your phone supports eSIM on the eSIM compatibility check page. 2. Choose a plan for each country on your route, on the eSIM plans for Cambodia page and on pages for other countries. 3. Receive a QR code by email right after payment. 4. Install at home, on Wi-Fi, according to the installation guide. Scan each code once. 5. Leave your Israeli SIM in the phone and turn off data roaming on it. 6. Upon arrival in Cambodia: Select the Cambodia eSIM line for cellular data, turn on data roaming for it, turn off Wi-Fi for a moment and open a website. Loaded? You're browsing through nRed.
Menu names may vary depending on your phone model and operating system version.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get one plan for Thailand and Cambodia? On our plan pages, plans are for each country separately, so the simple way is one plan per country, based on the number of days you'll be there.
Need to buy a local SIM in Cambodia? You don't have to. With an eSIM package you're connected as soon as you arrive, no waiting and no need to remove your Israeli SIM.
What happens to the Israeli SIM? Your Israeli SIM stays in the phone. It's recommended to turn off data roaming on it. Whether you can receive calls and SMS abroad, and at what price, depends on your operator's plan. nRed's eSIM is for data browsing only, with no calls or SMS.
Can I install the Cambodia package while I'm still in Thailand? Yes, as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection. It's actually convenient because the validity only starts when the eSIM connects to a supported network. Keep the line off until you arrive.
What if there's no internet after crossing the border? Check that the eSIM line for the new country is selected for data and data roaming is turned on for it, then restart your phone. If it still doesn't work, nRed's support team is available through the support page.
Heading to Cambodia?
Choose an eSIM package based on how many days you'll be in Cambodia, install it at home and arrive connected.
The updated price appears on the packages page.
