Finding Reliable Internet for Remote Work in Cambodia
Use a combination of a local 4G/5G SIM card from Smart or Cellcard and a dedicated co-working space. Public Wi-Fi is unreliable for video calls, so always have a cellular backup ready on a different network than your primary connection.
- Buy a local SIM card immediately. Purchase a Smart or Cellcard SIM at the airport arrival hall. Pay for a 'Tourist' or 'Data' plan. A monthly unlimited data plan typically costs $10–$15. Do not rely on your home roaming plan.
- Vet your accommodation. Do not trust 'Wi-Fi included' in hotel listings. Message the host or hotel directly on WhatsApp and ask for a Speedtest.net screenshot showing at least 20 Mbps upload and download. If they can't provide it, assume the internet is poor.
- Locate professional co-working spaces. In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, use dedicated spaces like Factory Phnom Penh or AngkorHub. These spaces have redundant fiber-optic lines and backup generators, which are essential because power outages occur occasionally.
- Set up a mobile hotspot. Keep your phone charged and ready to tether. If the power cuts or the building Wi-Fi drops, switch your laptop to your phone's hotspot immediately. Test your tethering speeds in the building lobby before settling into a room.
- Does 5G work everywhere in Cambodia?
- 5G is available in central Phnom Penh and parts of Siem Reap, but it is patchy. Expect 4G LTE as your baseline speed outside of major urban centers.
- How frequent are power outages?
- In urban centers, they are rare but can happen during the rainy season (May-October). Co-working spaces usually have UPS battery backups for this reason.
- Is public Wi-Fi in cafes safe?
- It is rarely secure. Always use a reputable VPN when connecting to cafe or hotel Wi-Fi to protect your work data.