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SIM Cards in Brunei: The Best Prepaid Plans | 2024 Guide

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.

Buying a SIM Card in Brunei Guide (logos of DST, Progresif & Imagine)

Original publication: 16th of December 2019. Last updated: 2nd of March 2024.


Table of Contents

What is the Best SIM Card in Brunei?

If you want to buy the best SIM card in Brunei, I recommend going with DST. It has the best coverage and the fastest speeds. Progresif is slightly cheaper than DST while having extensive coverage and fast speeds.

Phone Travel Wiz Approved Seal

Brunei has three mobile network operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:

  • DST Brunei
  • Progresif
  • Imagine Brunei
Cellular Connectivity Illustration by Phone Travel Wiz

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)
SIM Card Registration Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

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.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

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.

Buying an eSIM for Brunei Guide (logos of SimOptions, Holafly, Alosim, Muara Mobile & Airalo)

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.

Buying an eSIM for Brunei Guide (logos of SimOptions, Holafly, Alosim, Muara Mobile & Airalo)

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 Brunei Logo
© DST 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).

DST Brunei SIM Card Price

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.

DST Brunei Tourist SIM Card

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)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

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.

Buying an eSIM for Brunei Guide (logos of SimOptions, Holafly, Alosim, Muara Mobile & Airalo)

But let's continue with DST for now.

Be aware that there is no VoLTE nor VoWiFi with DST.

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – DST Brunei

DST top-up vouchers are sold in DST stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Brunei.

To top up your DST SIM card, dial *103*VoucherCode#.

For example, if your voucher code is 123456, you would dial *103*123456#

DST Brunei SIM Card
© DST Brunei

Dial *102# to check your DST balance.

You can top up your DST SIM card on the MyDST app (Android/iOS).

DST Brunei MyDST App
© DST Brunei

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – DST Brunei

DST has four data-featured prepaid plans:

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.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

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:

PricePlanDataLocal MinutesLocal SMS
8 BNDCombo 81 GB60 minutes60 SMS
22 BNDCombo 223 GB200 minutes120 SMS
DST Brunei Easi Combo Addons
Easi Data Addons – DST Brunei

The Easi Data Addons are data plans (without 5G NR access).

Dial *133# to activate Easi Data Addons:

PriceDataValidity
3 BND1 GB1 day
5 BND2 GB3 days
10 BND3 GB30 days
10 BND5 GB7 days
13 BND6 GB30 days
20 BND8 GB30 days
20 BND10 GB7 days
40 BND15 GB30 days
60 BND25 GB30 days
DST Brunei Easi Data Addons
Easi Social Pack – DST Brunei

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:

PriceSocial Data 1Validity
3 BND1 GB7 days
5 BND2 GB15 days

1 for Facebook, Instagram, Line, Snapchat, Telegram, TikTok, Twitter, WeChat & WhatsApp

DST Brunei Social Pack Add-On
© DST Brunei
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:

PriceSocial DataValidity
3 BND1 GB7 days
5 BND2 GB15 days

1 for Dailymotion, iFlix, Netflix & YouTube

DST Brunei Video Pack Add-On
© DST Brunei

APN/Internet Settings – DST Brunei

  • Name: DST
  • APN: dst.internet

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched.

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Progresif

Progresif Brunei Logo
© 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).

Progresif Brunei SIM Card
© Progresif

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.

Progresif Brunei Tourist SIM Card Price
© Progresif

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)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

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.

Buying an eSIM for Brunei Guide (logos of SimOptions, Holafly, Alosim, Muara Mobile & Airalo)

Be aware that there is no VoLTE nor VoWiFi with Progresif.

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Progresif

Progresif top-up vouchers are sold in Progresif stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Brunei.

To top up your Progresif SIM card, dial *177#, select option 1, and enter your VoucherCode.

Dial *179# or *177# and select option 3 to check your Progresif balance.

You can top up your Progresif SIM card on the Progresif Care+ app (Android/iOS).

Progresif Brunei Progresif Care+ App
© 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.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

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:

PriceDataBonus Data 1Local MinutesLocal SMSValidity
7 BND1.2 GBN/A60 minutes15 SMS30 days
10 BND2 GB300 MB60 minutes15 SMS30 days
11 BND1.5 GB800 MB80 minutes20 SMS30 days
13 BND4 GB800 MB60 minutes15 SMS30 days
20 BND7 GB1.1 GB60 minutes15 SMS30 days
24 BND9 GB1.4 GB60 minutes15 SMS30 days
33 BND13 GB1.7 GB60 minutes15 SMS30 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:

PriceDataBonus Data 1Validity
3 BND1 GBN/A3 days
4 BND1.2 GBN/A30 days
7 BND2 GBN/A30 days
8 BND3 GB300 MB3 days
9 BDN4 GB300 MB 30 days
15 BND6 GB800 MB7 days
17 BND7 GB1.1 GB30 days
20 BND10 GB1.1 GB7 days
21 BND9 GB1.4 GB30 days
30 BND13 GB1.7 GB30 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:

PriceDataActivation Code
10 BND2 GBADD2GB
20 BND5 GBADD5GB
30 BND10 GBADD10GB
Progresif Brunei Data Add-Ons for Tourist SIM Card

APN Settings – Progresif

  • Name: Progresif
  • APN: pcsbwap

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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Imagine Brunei

Imagine Brunei Logo
© 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).

Imagine Brunei SIM Price
© Imagine Brunei
  • 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)
SIM Card Prices Worldwide Tool by Phone Travel Wiz

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.

Buying an eSIM for Brunei Guide (logos of SimOptions, Holafly, Alosim, Muara Mobile & Airalo)

For now, I will continue with Imagine.

Be aware that there is no VoLTE nor VoWiFi with Imagine.

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Top-Up, Recharge & Balance Check – Imagine Brunei

Imagine top-up vouchers are sold in Imagine stores, grocery stores, corner shops & electronics shops throughout Brunei.

To top up your Imagine SIM card, dial *610# and follow the instructions.

Dial *610*1# to check your Imagine balance.

You can top up your Imagine SIM card on the imagineGo app (Android/iOS).

Imagine Brunei imagineGo App
© Imagine Brunei

Packages, Plans, Bundles & Offers – Imagine Brunei

Imagine has four data-featured prepaid plans:

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.

Wise Currency Exchange Banner
© Wise

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:

PricePlanDataSocial Data 1Local MinutesLocal SMSValidity
7 BNDFlexi 11 GBN/A30 minutes30 SMS30 days
15 BNDFlexi 55 GBN/A120 minutes120 SMS30 days
30 BNDFlexi 10+10 GB1 GB20 minutes20 SMS30 days
50 BNDFlexi 20+20 GB3 GB50 minutes50 SMS30 days

1 for Facebook, Instagram, Netflix, WhatsApp & YouTube

Imagine Brunei Flexi Plans
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:

PriceDataValidity
2 BND1 GB1 hour
3 BND1 GB7 nights (12:00 – 18:00)
5 BND2 GB7 nights (18:00 – 0:00)
Imagine Brunei Time-Based Plans
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:

PriceDataValidity
3 BND1 GB30 days
3 BND1.5 GB3 days
6 BND3 GB5 days
9 BND3 GB30 days
10 BND5 GB30 days
10 BND6 GB7 days
20 BND12 GB10 days
22 BND12 GB30 days
Imagine Brunei Wish Prepaid Data Plan
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:

PricePlanSocial DataValidity
6 BNDLifestyle Social2 GB 17 days
7 BNDLifestyle Video3 GB 27 days

1 for Facebook, Facetime, Instagram, Line, Skype, Twitter, Viber, WeChat & WhatsApp
2 for iFlix, Netflix, TikTok, Twitch, Vimeo & YouTube

Imagine Brunei Lifestyle Plans

APN Settings – Imagine Brunei

  • Name: Imagine
  • APN: internet.bn

Note: leave anything not mentioned above untouched

Jump back to the Table of Contents.

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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.