Best Brunei SIM cards for Travelers
Learn all about prepaid Brunei SIM cards for tourists, your key to staying connected and exploring the country with ease.
As a tourist in Brunei, a prepaid SIM card is the best way to stay connected during your trip. With a Brunei SIM card, you’ll have reliable voice, text, and data services, allowing you to use your phone freely while exploring.
In this article
I. What are the Best Brunei SIM cards for Tourists?
Note: 1 USD= 1.31 BND
Visitors can consider choosing one of the packages listed from 3 major carriers in Brunei: DST, Progresif and Imagine Brunei.
1. DST Brunei
DST is the largest mobile operator in Brunei. It also has the best network but is the most expensive option in the country.
You can get a DST SIM card for “free,” although a 10 BND top-up is required in DST stores.
Easi Combo Addons – DST Brunei
Price | Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS |
8 BND | 1 GB | 60 minutes | 60 SMS |
22 BND | 3 GB | 200 minutes | 120 SMS |
Easi Data Addons – DST Brunei
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 |
Easi Social Pack – DST Brunei
Price | Social Data | Validity |
3 BND | 1 GB | 7 days |
5 BND | 2 GB | 15 days |
Easi Video Packs – DST Brunei
Price | Social Data | Validity |
3 BND | 1 GB | 7 days |
5 BND | 2 GB | 15 days |
2. Progresif
Progresif is the second-largest mobile operator in Brunei. It has a great network and is slightly cheaper than DST Brunei.
Combo Packs – Progresif
Price | Data | Bonus Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
7 BND | 1.2 GB | N/A | 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 |
24 BND | 9 GB | 1.4 GB | 60 minutes | 15 SMS | 30 days |
Data Add-Ons – Progresif
Price | Data | Bonus Data | Validity |
3 BND | 1 GB | N/A | 3 days |
8 BND | 3 GB | 300 MB | 3 days |
15 BND | 6 GB | 800 MB | 7 days |
9 BDN | 4 GB | 300 MB | 30 days |
17 BND | 7 GB | 1.1 GB | 30 days |
30 BND | 13 GB | 1.7 GB | 30 days |
Data Add-Ons for Tourist SIM Cards – Progresif
Price | Data |
10 BND | 2 GB |
20 BND | 5 GB |
30 BND | 10 GB |
3. Imagine Brunei
It is the new mobile brand, launched in January 2020, by Telekom Brunei Berhad.
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.
Flexi Plans – Imagine Brunei
Price | Data | Social Data | Local Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
7 BND | 1 GB | N/A | 30 minutes | 30 SMS | 30 days |
15 BND | 5 GB | N/A | 120 minutes | 120 SMS | 30 days |
30 BND | 10 GB | 1 GB | 20 minutes | 20 SMS | 30 days |
50 BND | 20 GB | 3 GB | 50 minutes | 50 SMS | 30 days |
Time-Based Plans – Imagine Brunei
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
Price | Data | Validity |
3 BND | 1.5 GB | 3 days |
6 BND | 3 GB | 5 days |
10 BND | 6 GB | 7 days |
20 BND | 12 GB | 10 days |
10 BND | 5 GB | 30 days |
22 BND | 12 GB | 30 days |
Lifestyle Plans – Imagine Brunei
Price | Social Data | Validity |
6 BND | 2 GB 1 | 7 days |
7 BND | 3 GB 2 | 7 days |
II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Brunei for Tourists?
There are three options for purchasing a SIM card for your trip to Brunei:
1. Buy an Brunei SIM Card at the Airport
When you arrive in Brunei by plane, you can buy a SIM card at Brunei International Airport (BWN).
Both companies have kiosks conveniently located in the arrivals area of Brunei’s only international airport. If you need to withdraw cash, there are several ATMs on the second floor, up the escalator.
2. Buy a Brunei SIM Card in the city center.
If you can’t buy a SIM card at the airport or are traveling to Brunei by land, you can visit a mobile network provider’s service center.
You’ll find many small kiosks and shops selling SIM cards on the streets, but not all of them can register tourists. The service centers are the official places where you can register a prepaid SIM card using your passport and photo ID.
3. Buy an Brunei SIM Card Online
This option is available if your phone supports eSIM. If it does, you can choose an eSIM plan that fits your needs and budget. After making the payment, you’ll receive a QR code in your email within five minutes. Simply scan the QR code, and your eSIM plan will be activated on your phone. There’s no need to wait for delivery, visit stores, or switch physical SIM cards.
Advice: If your phone supports eSIM, we recommend buying an eSIM online before your trip. This is the most convenient option, allowing you to pre-order and have an internet connection ready for your trip. It also saves you time and money.
III. How Much is a Tourist Brunei SIM Card?
Tourist SIM cards in Brunei typically range from around $2.29 USD to $38.2 USD or more, depending on the network operator and the specific plan’s features. Many tourist SIM cards offer data packages that vary in size and validity period. The price of the SIM card may also depend on the data package included.
► Remember: Pay attention to the validity period of the Brunei SIM card and any included data or credit. Prepaid SIM cards typically expire after a certain period of inactivity or if not topped up within a specified timeframe.
IV. What types of Brunei SIM cards are available for tourists?
There are two types of Brunei SIM cards: physical SIM cards and eSIMs.
1. Brunei Physical SIM Cards
A physical SIM card is a small chip that you insert into your phone or device. It contains your mobile number, account information, and network settings.
Advantages of Brunei Physical SIM Cards:
- Affordable Pricing : Brunei SIM cards offer various plans at competitive prices, often cheaper than international roaming.
- Wide Device Support : Physical SIM cards work with many devices and are available from multiple service providers.
- Local Connectivity : You can easily buy a local physical SIM card when traveling to get better rates and coverage.
Drawbacks of Brunei Physical SIM Cards:
- Inconvenient Swapping : You need to physically insert the SIM card into your device, which can be inconvenient if you frequently switch devices.
- Risk of Loss or Damage : Physical SIM cards can be lost, damaged, or stolen, which could result in losing your mobile number and connection.
2. Brunei eSIM SIM Cards
An eSIM, or embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card built into your device. It lets you activate a mobile plan without needing a physical SIM card.
Advantages of eSIMs:
- Convenience : With an eSIM, you don’t have to insert or remove a SIM card. The digital SIM is already in your compatible device.
- Flexibility : eSIMs allow you to easily switch between different mobile service providers and activate multiple SIM profiles on one device.
- Remote Activation : You can activate an eSIM by scanning a QR code or using a digital activation code, without needing to visit a store.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Compatibility : Not all devices support eSIMs, so make sure your device is compatible before choosing this option.
Advice for Travelers: Nowadays, most modern smartphones support eSIMs, making this a very convenient choice for travelers to Brunei.
V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for Brunei travel?
Yes, not all places in Brunei have free Wi-Fi, so getting a SIM card is a smart idea if you want to stay connected and have a reliable data connection on your phone.
Think about needing to order an Uber, get directions on Google Maps, or find a hotel, supermarket, or restaurant. There are many reasons why having a SIM card in Brunei is helpful. It’s also important for emergency situations or checking your banking apps.
VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Brunei?
If you plan to buy a prepaid SIM card in Brunei, you’ll need to bring your passport. The process involves taking a photo of your passport.
You’ll have to fill out a form and share your passport information. Only after completing this registration will you receive a physical SIM card with a phone number starting with +673.
Additionally, you’ll need to create a personal PIN during registration. This PIN will be required for future transactions, like adding data to your SIM card.
If you want to skip the registration process, you can order an international prepaid SIM card or an eSIM for Brunei online. These digital options only require your email address and don’t need any ID verification.
VII. Brunei eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards
If you’re planning a trip to Brunei, an eSIM is a great option to consider. eSIMs have several advantages over regular SIM cards, especially for tourists.
With an eSIM, you won’t need to swap out your regular SIM card. Instead, you can easily activate the eSIM on your compatible device by scanning a QR code. This makes the setup quick and simple. You can buy Brunei eSIM plans from trusted online retailers like Gigago, which offers a variety of options to fit different needs and budgets.
Here are a few reasons why Gigago eSIM stands out:
- Various Plan Options
- Reliable Network Coverage
- User-Friendly Experience
- Affordable Prices
For Brunei, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $9.90 . What is great about Gigago’s Brunei eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $9.90 – $29.90 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Brunei, there is always an option for you with Gigago.
VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Brunei?
Most tourist SIM cards in Brunei are valid for periods ranging from 1 day to 30 days. There are also longer plans, such as 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month options for those staying longer.
The validity period will be clearly shown when you buy the SIM card, either on the provider’s website or on the packaging. Make sure to choose a plan that matches the length of your trip to Brunei. This way, you’ll have uninterrupted connectivity during your stay.
IX. How to activate a SIM card in Brunei?
Here’s a simple guide on how to activate a Brunei SIM card and eSIM:
1. Using a Prepaid Brunei SIM Card
Getting a prepaid SIM card from a Brunei provider is easy:
- Insert the SIM Card : Put the SIM card into your unlocked phone.
- Turn on Your Phone : If prompted, enter the PIN code that came with the SIM card.
- Connect to a Network : Your phone will automatically search for and connect to a network, like DST, Progresif, or Imagine.
- Top-Up if Needed : If your prepaid plan requires it, you’ll need to add credit to make calls, send messages, or use data.
Remember : Remove the SIM card before leaving Brunei to avoid any extra charges.
2. Setting Up a Brunei eSIM
If your device supports eSIM, you can set up a digital SIM card:
- Check Compatibility : Ensure your phone supports eSIM technology.
- Access Settings : Go to your phone’s cellular or mobile data settings and look for “Add Cellular Plan” or “Add eSIM.”
- Scan the QR Code : You’ll need to scan a QR code provided by your eSIM provider.
- Activate the eSIM : Once scanned, your device will activate the eSIM, and you should be connected to a Brunei network.
- Test Connectivity : Make a call, send a message, or use mobile data to check your connection.
- When leaving Brunei: Remove the eSIM from your phone’s settings to avoid any additional charges.
Both physical SIM cards and eSIMs are reliable ways to stay connected while in Brunei. Choose the option that works best for your device.
X. FAQs
Are there any special tourist SIM cards in Brunei?
Yes, absolutely. All providers may have specific tourist SIM cards with packages tailored to short-term visitors, so check with the providers for any available deals.
Can I share my data with other devices?
Yes, if your phone supports it, you can use the mobile hotspot feature to share your data connection with other devices.
Are there any data limits on my plan?
Yes, prepaid plans typically have data limits, so check the details of your chosen plan to know how much data you can use.
In conclusion, getting a Brunei SIM card during your travels offers cost-effective and convenient connectivity. Alternatively, an eSIM provides a quick way to access data as soon as you arrive. With both physical SIM cards and virtual eSIMs available, travelers have great options to stay connected while exploring Brunei.