Brunei – known for being peaceful, its rainforest & architecture.
Previously part of Malaysia, Brunei has managed itself well as a standalone country.
Mostly because it was lucky enough to have large gas and oil reserves, allowing Brunei to be in the top ten wealthiest countries worldwide (based on GDP per capita).
Unlike nearby Singapore, which is regarded by some as man-made, Brunei does have natural beauties.
The Ulu Temburong National Park is stunning – so is Lalak Lake.
But there are better countries in the region for nature – Brunei also has stunning mosques, like Istana Nurul Iman, Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque & Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.
And do not forget about the many gardens and parks, including Silver Jubilee Park and Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas.
The thing is, Brunei is not known for being a cheap travel destination, just like Singapore.
And any way to save on money is appreciated so that you can spend more on experiences.
That is why you should not roam internationally – International roaming can be expensive.
That is why I always recommend local prepaid SIM cards or eSIM and even travel eSIMs so that you can enjoy low rates for data, minutes & SMS.
While Brunei may have one of the highest mobile data rates in Asia (excluding the Middle East), the prices are still affordable for most travelers.
So, how much do SIM cards cost in Brunei?
You can get a Bruneian SIM card for 8 BND (5.90 USD) from Imagine and 10 BND (7.40 USD) from DST and Progresif in their stores. DST and Progresif also sell tourists SIM cards for 15 BND (11.10 USD). SIM cards are also sold at Brunei International Airport (BIA).
Not too bad, right? And Bruneian starter packs always include some starter benefits, such as data, minutes & SMS.
The country is not like Canada, where they charge you about the same for just the SIM card 🥴.
In this guide, I will go over everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Brunei. Let's go.
Original publication: 16th of December 2019. Last updated: 2nd of March 2024.
Table of Contents
What is the Best SIM Card in Brunei?
Brunei has three mobile network operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- DST Brunei
- Progresif
- Imagine Brunei
Anyone living in or visiting Brunei can buy a Bruneian SIM card with no real restrictions, but you do have to comply with Brunei's SIM card registration regulations.
Regarding the registration requirements, you must show your passport at the point of sale.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Where Can You Buy a Bruneian SIM Card (+Prices)?
You can expect to pay the following for Bruneian SIM cards:
- DST Brunei: “free”, but 10 BND top up required
- Progresif: 10 BND
- Imagine Brunei: 8 BND
Be aware that SIM cards sold at airports can be more expensive than the prices mentioned earlier.
Use the Wise Currency Converter tool (free) for up-to-date BND (Brunei Dollar) to your currency (let's say MYR – Malaysian Ringgit) exchange rates.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between BND and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 BND = 0.75 USD
- 10 BND = 7.40 USD
- 100 BND = 73.90 USD
For any other currency, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
(Travel) eSIMs for Brunei
The use of (travel) eSIMs has exploded in recent years.
Not only do more phones have eSIM capability (some US-sold iPhones are eSIM-only), but the number of providers adopting technology has proliferated as well.
This includes local mobile operators offering eSIM and platforms selling eSIMs (travel eSIMs).
If you want a local Bruneian eSIM, you are out of luck because the mobile operators do not sell them (to prepaid customers).
But remember that you have to comply with Brunei's SIM card registration regulations, even when you get a Bruneian eSIM.
If you do not wish to deal with registration for whatever reason, like privacy, consider getting a travel eSIM for Brunei.
Many eSIM providers have eSIMs for Brunei only, eSIMs for multiple Asian destinations & even global eSIMs, which I discuss in my Brunei eSIM buying guide.
Here is a quick introduction to your Brunei travel eSIM options:
- Airalo: Muara Mobile (Brunei only) & Discover+ (125+ countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS)
- Alosim: Brunei
- Holafly: Brunei
- SimOptions: Asia (32 countries)
And I know you love discounts, so use one of these codes when getting a travel eSIM:
- Airalo: MAR15 for 15% off (if you have never bought an Airalo eSIM before). Otherwise, MAR10 for 10% off (for existing users) – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code)
- Alosim: PTW for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
- Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want)
If you want to know about all the prices, data options & covered countries (for the regional and global eSIMs), check out my Brunei eSIM buying guide.
Bruneian Prepaid SIM Cards Explored
Below, I will guide you through DST Brunei, Progresif & Imagine Brunei, and go through:
- Background information
- Mobile coverage
- SIM card types, prices, and availability
- Recharge/top-up information
- Combo plans, data plans, and special packs (such as social media packs)
Let's see what Brunei can offer us in terms of SIM cards.
DST (Datastream Technology Sdn) Brunei
DST (Datastream Technology Sdn) Brunei, just DST, is the largest mobile operator in Brunei.
It also has the best network but is the most expensive option in the country.
Even then, the difference is minimal nowadays.
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about DST:
* Coverage
* How to Get a DST SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – DST Brunei
DST has the best coverage in Brunei.
Below is DST's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
However, click here to see DST's official coverage map.
SIM Card Price – DST Brunei
You can get a DST SIM card, called Easi, for “free,” although a 10 BND top-up is required (but that gets converted into usable credit), in DST stores. DST SIM cards are also sold at Brunei International Airport (BIA).
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the DST Easi Tourist SIM card – DST's tourist offering.
For 15 BND, you get 3 BND credit and 3 GB of data for 7 days.
The tourist SIM card can be pre-ordered online, although it is not compulsory.
After the plan expires, you can get any other DST plan.
However, the DST Easi Tourist SIM card expires after 30 days and cannot be extended, even if you purchase a regular plan.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
DST has no eSIMs.
You may want to get a travel eSIM for Brunei, which can be cheaper than getting a SIM card from DST (in some cases).
Especially when getting an eSIM covering popular Asian destinations if you do not stay in just Brunei or a global eSIM valid for up to a year if you want one eSIM to work practically worldwide.
My Brunei eSIM buying guide analyzes various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
Here is a quick introduction to them:
- Airalo: Muara Mobile (Brunei only) & Discover+ (125+ countries worldwide + call and text feature) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Brunei – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Brunei – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
For more information, such as the prices and data allowances, check out my Brunei eSIM buying guide.
But let's continue with DST for now.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE nor VoWiFi with DST.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – DST Brunei
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – DST Brunei
DST has four data-featured prepaid plans:
- Easi Combo Addons
- Easi Data Addons
- Easi Social Pack (social data)
- Easi Video Pack (video data)
DST plans can be activated by dialing *133#.
I will list all the prices in BND (Brunei Dollar).
To convert BND to your currency (let's say MYR – Malaysian Ringgit) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Easi Combo Addons – DST Brunei
The Easi Combo Addons are combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Dial *133# to activate Easi Combo Addons:
Price | Plan | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS |
---|---|---|---|---|
8 BND | Combo 8 | 1 GB | 60 minutes | 60 SMS |
22 BND | Combo 22 | 3 GB | 200 minutes | 120 SMS |
Easi Data Addons – DST Brunei
The Easi Data Addons are data plans (without 5G NR access).
Dial *133# to activate Easi Data Addons:
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
3 BND | 1 GB | 1 day |
5 BND | 2 GB | 3 days |
10 BND | 3 GB | 30 days |
10 BND | 5 GB | 7 days |
13 BND | 6 GB | 30 days |
20 BND | 8 GB | 30 days |
20 BND | 10 GB | 7 days |
40 BND | 15 GB | 30 days |
60 BND | 25 GB | 30 days |
The Easi Social Packs are data plans (without 5G NR access) for Facebook, Instagram, Line, Snapchat, Telegram, TikTok, Twitter, WeChat & WhatsApp.
Dial *133# to activate Easi Social Packs:
Price | Social Data 1 | Validity |
---|---|---|
3 BND | 1 GB | 7 days |
5 BND | 2 GB | 15 days |
1 for Facebook, Instagram, Line, Snapchat, Telegram, TikTok, Twitter, WeChat & WhatsApp
Easi Video Packs – DST Brunei
The Easi Video Packs are data plans (without 5G NR access) for Dailymotion, iFlix, Netflix & YouTube.
Dial *133# to activate Easi Video Packs:
Price | Social Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
3 BND | 1 GB | 7 days |
5 BND | 2 GB | 15 days |
1 for Dailymotion, iFlix, Netflix & YouTube
APN/Internet Settings – DST Brunei
- Name: DST
- APN: dst.internet
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Progresif
Progresif is the second-largest mobile operator in Brunei.
It has always been behind DST Brunei in terms of subscriber numbers and quality of service.
But it still has a great network and has always been (slightly) cheaper than DST Brunei.
- 2G: 900 MHz
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Progresif:
* Coverage
* How to Get a Progresif SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Progresif
Progresif has extensive coverage throughout Brunei.
Below is Progesif's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Progresif
You can get a Progresif SIM card, called YO!, for 10 BND with 10 BND credit in Progresif stores. Progresif SIM cards are also sold at Brunei International Airport (BIA).
Short-term visitors and tourists can also get the Progresif Tourist SIM card.
For 15 BND, you get 4 GB of data and 30 local minutes for 7 days.
The tourist SIM card can be pre-ordered online, although it is not compulsory.
The Progresif Tourist SIM card is only sold at airport, Times Square (Berakas) & The Mall Gadong.
Unless you pre-order it online – then it can be picked up at any Progresif location.
After the tourist plan expires, you can get any other Progresif plan or the same one by texting AddTourist15 to 39123 (15 BND).
However, the Progresif Tourist SIM card expires after 28 days and cannot be extended, even if you purchase a regular plan.
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Progresif has no eSIMs.
You should consider getting a travel eSIM for Brunei because they can sometimes be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Progresif.
Especially if you get an Asia-wide eSIM or a global eSIM.
I discuss various eSIM options of eSIM providers for Brunei in my Brunei eSIM buying guide, which are:
- Airalo: Muara Mobile (Brunei only) & Discover+ (125+ countries worldwide + minutes and SMS) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Brunei – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Brunei – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Global (up to 139 countries) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
As I said, check out my Brunei eSIM buying guide for more information, as I have to continue with Progresif for now.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE nor VoWiFi with Progresif.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Progresif
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Progresif
Progresif has three data-featured prepaid plans:
Progresif plans can be activated on the Progresif Care+ app.
I will list all the prices in BND (Brunei Dollar).
To convert BND to your currency (let's say MYR – Malaysian Ringgit) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Combo Packs – Progresif
The Combo Packs are, as the name implies, combo plans with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Combo Packs can be activated on the Progresif Care+ app:
Price | Data | Bonus Data 1 | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
7 BND | 1.2 GB | N/A | 60 minutes | 15 SMS | 30 days |
10 BND | 2 GB | 300 MB | 60 minutes | 15 SMS | 30 days |
11 BND | 1.5 GB | 800 MB | 80 minutes | 20 SMS | 30 days |
13 BND | 4 GB | 800 MB | 60 minutes | 15 SMS | 30 days |
20 BND | 7 GB | 1.1 GB | 60 minutes | 15 SMS | 30 days |
24 BND | 9 GB | 1.4 GB | 60 minutes | 15 SMS | 30 days |
33 BND | 13 GB | 1.7 GB | 60 minutes | 15 SMS | 30 days |
1 for 3 days
Data Add-Ons – Progresif
The Data Add-Ons are data plans (without 5G NR access).
Data Add-Ons can be activated on the Progresif Care+ app:
Price | Data | Bonus Data 1 | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
3 BND | 1 GB | N/A | 3 days |
4 BND | 1.2 GB | N/A | 30 days |
7 BND | 2 GB | N/A | 30 days |
8 BND | 3 GB | 300 MB | 3 days |
9 BDN | 4 GB | 300 MB | 30 days |
15 BND | 6 GB | 800 MB | 7 days |
17 BND | 7 GB | 1.1 GB | 30 days |
20 BND | 10 GB | 1.1 GB | 7 days |
21 BND | 9 GB | 1.4 GB | 30 days |
30 BND | 13 GB | 1.7 GB | 30 days |
Data Add-Ons for Tourist SIM Cards – Progresif
The Data Add-Ons for Tourist SIM Cards are data bundles (without 5G NR access) exclusively for the Progresif tourist SIM card.
Data Add-Ons for Tourist SIM Cards can be activated by texting the Activation Code to 39123:
Price | Data | Activation Code |
---|---|---|
10 BND | 2 GB | ADD2GB |
20 BND | 5 GB | ADD5GB |
30 BND | 10 GB | ADD10GB |
APN Settings – Progresif
- Name: Progresif
- APN: pcsbwap
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
Imagine Brunei
Imagine Brunei, just Imagine, is the smallest mobile operator in Brunei.
It is the new mobile brand, launched in January 2020, by Telekom Brunei Berhad (TelBru) – TelBru has been in Brunei since 2002 but changed its name in 2019.
But because Brunei is tiny, it managed to build up its network rather quickly.
Currently, it is the cheapest option in the country.
- 2G: N/A – never had it
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
- VoLTE: No
- VoWiFi: No
This is what you will learn about Imagine:
* Coverage
* How to Get an Imagine SIM Card & SIM Card Price
* Topping Up Options & Methods + Balance Check
* Plans & Packages
* APN/Internet Settings
Coverage – Imagine Brunei
Imagine has extensive coverage throughout Brunei.
Below Imagine's coverage map produced by Speedtest:
SIM Card Price – Imagine Brunei
You can get an Imagine SIM card, called Wish, for 8 BND with 5 BDN credit, 2 GB of data, 20 local minutes & 20 local SMS for 30 days in Imagine stores. Imagine SIM cards are also sold at Brunei International Airport (BIA – from Wellmart).
- Find out how much SIM cards cost in every country, including data-only SIM cards and tourist SIM cards, offered by each mobile operator + information about starter benefits (lookup tool)
Imagine has no eSIMs.
You can consider getting a travel eSIM for Brunei, which can, in specific scenarios, be cheaper than getting a SIM card from Imagine.
Especially if you get an Asia eSIM (for when you visit at least two or more supported Asian countries) or a global eSIM (for frequent travelers visiting multiple continents).
In my Brunei eSIM buying guide, I analyze various eSIM options of eSIM providers I have tested extensively worldwide.
But I will introduce them here quickly:
- Airalo: Muara Mobile (Brunei only) & Discover+ (125+ countries worldwide + up to 200 worldwide minutes & 200 worldwide SMS) – use code MAR15 (15% off – first-time users only) or MAR10 (10% off)
- Alosim: Brunei – use code PTW (5% off – no limits)
- Holafly: Brunei – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ (5% off – no limits)
- Nomad: Global (109 or 139 countries, depending on the variant) – use code ADU123 (3 USD off – first-time users only)
Once again, check out my Brunei eSIM buying guide to learn more about these eSIM options.
For now, I will continue with Imagine.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE nor VoWiFi with Imagine.
Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Imagine Brunei
Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Imagine Brunei
Imagine has four data-featured prepaid plans:
- Flexi (combo)
- Time-Based (data)
- Data
- Lifestyle (social data)
Imagine plans can be activated on the imagineGo app.
I will list all the prices in BND (Brunei Dollar).
To convert BND to your currency (let's say MYR – Malaysian Ringgit) with up-to-date exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
Click on the links above to jump to the plan you are interested in.
Flexi Plans – Imagine Brunei
The Flexi Plans are combo bundles with data (without 5G NR access), minutes & SMS.
Flexi can be activated on the imagineGo app:
Price | Plan | Data | Social Data 1 | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7 BND | Flexi 1 | 1 GB | N/A | 30 minutes | 30 SMS | 30 days |
15 BND | Flexi 5 | 5 GB | N/A | 120 minutes | 120 SMS | 30 days |
30 BND | Flexi 10+ | 10 GB | 1 GB | 20 minutes | 20 SMS | 30 days |
50 BND | Flexi 20+ | 20 GB | 3 GB | 50 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
1 for Facebook, Instagram, Netflix, WhatsApp & YouTube
Time-Based Plans – Imagine Brunei
The Time-Based plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access).
Time-Based plans can be activated on the imagineGo app:
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
2 BND | 1 GB | 1 hour |
3 BND | 1 GB | 7 nights (12:00 – 18:00) |
5 BND | 2 GB | 7 nights (18:00 – 0:00) |
Data Plans – Imagine Brunei
The Data plans are, as the name implies, data bundles (without 5G NR access).
Data plans can be activated on the imagineGo app:
Price | Data | Validity |
---|---|---|
3 BND | 1 GB | 30 days |
3 BND | 1.5 GB | 3 days |
6 BND | 3 GB | 5 days |
9 BND | 3 GB | 30 days |
10 BND | 5 GB | 30 days |
10 BND | 6 GB | 7 days |
20 BND | 12 GB | 10 days |
22 BND | 12 GB | 30 days |
Lifestyle Plans – Imagine Brunei
The Lifestyle plans are data bundles (without 5G NR access) for social- and video-streaming apps.
Lifestyle plans can be activated on the imagineGo app:
Price | Plan | Social Data | Validity |
---|---|---|---|
6 BND | Lifestyle Social | 2 GB 1 | 7 days |
7 BND | Lifestyle Video | 3 GB 2 | 7 days |
1 for Facebook, Facetime, Instagram, Line, Skype, Twitter, Viber, WeChat & WhatsApp
2 for iFlix, Netflix, TikTok, Twitch, Vimeo & YouTube
APN Settings – Imagine Brunei
- Name: Imagine
- APN: internet.bn
Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched
Jump back to the Table of Contents.
The Preferred Way to Stay Connected When Traveling in Brunei
Getting a SIM card from DST or Progresif would do you well when considering a Bruneian SIM card.
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my SIM card buying guides for other destinations around the world.