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SIM Verification Campaign: Your Cambodian Bank Accounts Affected

The National Bank of Cambodia and the Ministry of Posts launch an initiative to link SIM identity and bank accounts. Expats must verify their registration.

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Updated 2026-06-17 5 min

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In short

  • ●Joint campaign by the National Bank of Cambodia and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications launched on June 17, 2026.
  • ●Objective: ensure the identity linked to each SIM card matches that of the bank or payment account.
  • ●Expats must ensure their SIM is registered in their name to avoid interruptions in banking services.
  • ●Measure aims to strengthen digital financial security and combat fraud.
June 17, 2026
Launch Date
National Bank of Cambodia & Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications
Institutions Involved
All SIM card users with a bank or payment account
Target
Phnom Penh Post
Source

Key Facts at a Glance

  • National campaign. The National Bank of Cambodia and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications launch a joint identity verification initiative.
  • Mandatory matching. The identity data on your SIM card must match that of your bank accounts or payment services.
  • Financial security. The goal is to protect users from fraud and ensure digital security.
  • Immediate impact. Expats must verify that their SIM is registered in their name, otherwise payment issues may arise.
  • Key date. The initiative was announced on June 17, 2026, and is now in the implementation phase.

How It Happened

The campaign was officially announced on June 17, 2026. Here are the key steps:

  1. June 2026: Joint announcement by the National Bank of Cambodia and the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications.
  2. Preparation phase: Telecom operators and banks receive directives to set up cross-checks.
  3. Progressive implementation: Users are invited to verify and update their SIM information with their operator.
  4. Automatic verification: Financial institutions begin cross-referencing SIM databases with customer accounts.
  5. Planned follow-ups: In case of non-compliance, restrictions on banking services may be applied.

Breakdown

The campaign covers the entire Cambodian territory, but some segments are particularly affected:

SegmentImpactDetail
Expats in Siem ReapHighMany expats use prepaid SIMs sometimes registered under another name.
Mobile banking usersDirectLike Wing, ACLEDA, ABA: require SIM-account matching.
Telecom operatorsOperationalSmart, Metfone, Cellcard must update their databases.
New arrivalsPreventiveTourists and new expats will need to register their SIM in their name upon purchase.
Merchants using digital paymentsModerateSmall merchants using KHQR or others must verify their SIM.

What This Means in Practice in Siem Reap

  • Your SIM card must be registered in your exact name as it appears on your passport or residence card.
  • If your SIM is in a third party's name (friend, employer), you risk losing access to your mobile banking services.
  • Transfers, QR code payments, and withdrawals via apps like ABA or ACLEDA could be blocked.
  • You may need to visit your operator with your passport to update the registration.
  • Expats using prepaid SIMs bought on the street should immediately check the associated name.

How to Avoid Trouble

  1. Check the name associated with your SIM: Dial your operator's USSD code (e.g., *139# for Smart) or contact customer service.
  2. Update your registration: Visit an official operator store with your passport and visa.
  3. Ensure the name exactly matches your bank account: Same first name, last name, spelling.
  4. If you have multiple SIMs, check each one: A secondary SIM used for payments must also comply.
  5. Keep a copy of your SIM contract: In case of dispute, you'll have proof of registration.
  6. Follow your bank's announcements: Financial institutions will communicate on the steps to take.
  7. Don't delay: The campaign is ongoing, act quickly to avoid any service interruption.

Frequently asked questions

Why is this verification necessary?
To strengthen digital financial security and combat fraud by ensuring the SIM holder's identity matches the bank account.
What happens if my SIM is not in my name?
You risk losing access to your mobile banking services, transfers, and digital payments until you regularize the situation.
How do I know if my SIM is already registered in my name?
Contact your operator (Smart, Metfone, Cellcard) via their USSD code or customer service. You can also check in your phone settings.
Can I register a SIM in my name if I am on a tourist visa?
Yes, with your passport. It is recommended to use an official SIM purchased from an authorized store.
Does this measure apply to foreign bank accounts?
No, only to Cambodian bank accounts and payment services. But if you use a Cambodian SIM for international services, check the conditions.

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Siem Reap Hub

The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia