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Brunei: Best Tourist eSIMs Reviewed (2024)

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.

One way to keep your costs low is by using a travel eSIM because international roaming can be crazy expensive.

Which is why using local and travel eSIMs is recommended to save money.

And if you get a travel eSIM, you do not have to deal with the SIM card registration bureaucracy and skip the queues in Brunei.

How much will a (travel) eSIM for Brunei cost you?

You can get an eSIM for Brunei for as low as 9 USD and up to 89 USD from Airalo, Alosim, Holafly & Nomad offering between 1 GB and 15 GB to be used locally, in Asia, or globally.

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

Original publication: 14th of August 2022. Last updated: 7th of March 2024.


Table of Contents

An Introduction to eSIMs for Brunei (+Discount Codes)

Brunei is lucky because it has numerous eSIM providers that have eSIMs for Brunei specifically, regional Asia eSIMs that cover Brunei & global eSIMs that cover the country and at least 100 more across multiple continents.

The eSIM providers I have used extensively and have eSIMs for Brunei are Airalo, Alosim, Holafly, Nomad & SimOptions.

Airalo Logo
© Airalo

Airalo has two types of eSIMs for Brunei:

  • Airalo Muara Mobile eSIM for Brunei: three eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 9 USD) and 5 GB (30 days @ 27 USD)
  • Airalo Discover(+) eSIM for Brunei and 129 other countries: 12 eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 9 USD/15 USD (+10 minutes/10 SMS)) and 20 GB (1 year @ 69 USD/89 USD (+200 minutes/200 SMS))

Discount code APR15 is available for 15% off if you have never purchased an Airalo eSIM. Existing Airalo customers can use code APR10 instead for 10% off (both codes are valid until the 31st of March – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code).

Alosim Logo
© Alosim

Alosim has competitively priced eSIMs for Asian destinations, including Brunei. It also has 5G NR access in countries where Airalo eSIMs do not have such access (with roughly the same prices). Alosim has one eSIM for Brunei:

  • Alosim Brunei eSIM: three eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 9 USD) and 5 GB (30 days @ 27 USD)

You can use code PTW for 5% off any Alosim purchase (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want).

Holafly Logo
© Holafly

Holafly is known for having unlimited data plans. This is also the case for many Asian countries. It has ONE eSIMs for Brunei:

  • Holafly Brunei eSIM: six eSIMs with 2.5 GB data for five days (29 USD) to 15 GB for 30 days (79 USD)

Pro tip: if you plan on visiting two or more Asian countries supported by the Holafly Asia eSIM, go for the Asian because it will be cost-effective.

Be sure to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ to get 5% off your order (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want).

Nomad eSIMs Logo
© Nomad

Nomad often has the lowest-priced eSIMs ($:GB ratio) for (popular) Asian destinations, which also applies to Brunei. It has three types of eSIMs for Brunei:

  • Nomad Brunei eSIM: six eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 7 USD) and 20 GB (45 days @ 45 USD
  • Nomad APAC eSIM for Brunei and 14/19 other Asian and Oceanian countries: 11 eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 8 USD/10 USD) and 20 GB (30 days @ 29 USD (on sale)/62 USD)
  • Nomad Global eSIM for Brunei and 108/138 other countries: six eSIMs between 1 GB (seven days @ 19/25 USD) and 5 GB (30 days @ 45 USD/57 USD)

You can use code ADU123 for 3 USD/2.70 EUR/2.40 GBP/4.05 CAD off your first Nomad order.

SimOptions Logo
© SimOptions
AIS Thailand Logo
© AIS Thailand

Lastly, we have SimOptions with AIS eSIM2FLY Asia. It is the most comprehensive Asia eSIM I know of (not limited to East- and Southeast Asia, as the others mentioned so far, but also Central Asia, South Asia & the Middle East and South Asia). It also has 5G NR access in numerous countries. However, only one AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM exists:

Now that you have an overview of the eSIM providers I will write about, we will go through them alphabetically and cover all their options for Brunei.

But if you already have an eSIM store in mind, click on the links next to jump to the respective sections: Airalo, Alosim, Holafly, Nomad & SimOptions.


Airalo eSIMs for Brunei (Muara Mobile & Discover+)

Airalo Logo
© Airalo

Airalo has two types of eSIMs that can be used in Brunei only or include Brunei:

  • Muara Mobile – Brunei only (with 5G NR access)
  • Discover(+) – Brunei and 129 other countries worldwide (+calls and SMS (up to 200 minutes/SMS) for global use if you choose the “+” variant, regardless of the selected eSIM)
Brunei Muara Mobile eSIM Airalo
© Airalo
Airalo Discover+ eSIM
© Airalo

Remember to use code APR15 for 15% off if you have never purchased an Airalo eSIM before OR code APR10 for 10% off if you are an existing Airalo user (valid until the 31st of March – only the first 3000 users can redeem either discount code).

Airalo does not need an introduction because it is the largest eSIM store out there.

It also claims to be the first store, which is probably true but not something I could confirm (but it does not matter anyway).

With eSIMs for almost all countries and territories, Airalo practically has a global reach with its offering.

In the case of Brunei, Airalo has two eSIMs covering the country: Muara Mobile & Discover(+).

Muara Mobile is Airalo's Brunei-only eSIM.

Brunei Muara Mobile eSIM Airalo
© Airalo

Finally, we have the Discover and Discover+ eSIMs, which support 125+ countries worldwide, including Brunei (and the Discover+ variants offer a phone number, something the Muara Mobile eSIM does not have, and up to 200 minutes and 200 SMS).

Airalo Discover eSIM
© Airalo
Airalo Discover+ eSIM
© Airalo

Let's go over the three Airalo Muara Mobile eSIM options we have:

  1. Brunei/Muara Mobile 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 9 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers)
  2. Brunei/Muara Mobile 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 18 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. Brunei/Muara Mobile 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 27 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 31st of January.

Airalo Brunei Muara Mobile eSIM with Prices
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.

You can use the following Bruneian mobile network with the Muara Mobile eSIM:

Airalo Muara Mobile eSIM Supported Network (DST)

Check out my Brunei SIM card buying guide for more information on how Bruneian mobile operators perform.

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

Finally, we have Airalo's Discover and Discover+ eSIMs.

Airalo Discover eSIM
© Airalo
Airalo Discover+ eSIM
© Airalo

Its global offering used to be called Discover Global, to be used in 84 countries (87 was its peak).

    Discover Global eSIM Airalo
    © Airalo

I have had decent to good experiences with that eSIM, but I felt it could improve.

Such as extending the validity of most plans (the maximum used to be 180 days) and having 5G NR access in popular destinations.

Well, my concerns were heard (which is why I love working with Airalo) because Airalo revamped its global eSIM to Discover(+), covering 125+ countries (including Brunei), having 5G NR access in 30+ countries & giving you the option to purchase plans with minutes and SMS.

You get an Austrian (+43) phone number if you buy any Airalo Discover+ eSIMs, so you do not have to deal with excessive international call rates with your primary/home SIM card or eSIM (this does not apply to the normal Discover eSIM).

Although Airalo improved its global eSIM significantly, it did not increase the prices for its eSIM.

In fact, you get a “discount” of up to 20 USD if you use the Discover eSIM (the one without a phone number, minutes, & texts).

Anyway, 12 variants of the Airalo Discover(+) eSIMs are available:

  1. Discover 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 9 USD
  2. Discover+ 1 GB (with 10 minutes and 10 SMS) eSIM for 7 days, costing 15 USD
  3. Discover 2 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 17 USD
  4. Discover+ 2 GB (with 20 minutes and 20 SMS) eSIM for 15 days, costing 27 USD
  5. Discover 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 24 USD
  6. Discover+ 3 GB (with 30 minutes and 30 SMS) eSIM for 30 days, costing 36 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  7. Discover 5 GB eSIM for 60 days, costing 35 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  8. Discover+ 5 GB (with 50 minutes and 50 SMS) eSIM for 60 days, costing 50 USD
  9. Discover 10 GB eSIM for 180 days, costing 59 USD
  10. Discover+ 10 GB (with 100 minutes and 100 SMS) eSIM for 180 days, costing 79 USD
  11. Discover 20 GB eSIM for 365 days, costing 69 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  12. Discover+ 20 GB (with 200 minutes and 200 SMS) eSIM for 365 days, costing 89 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only). The (promotional) prices were updated on the 31st of January.

Airalo Discover+ eSIM with Prices
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.

The image below shows you the Bruneian mobile network that can be used with the Airalo Discover(+) eSIMs.

Airalo Discover+ eSIM Supported Network in Brunei (DST)

For a full country list of where the eSIM can be used, you should check out my ongoing Airalo Discover+ eSIM review.

Airalo Discover+ eSIM Review by Phone Travel Wiz

Although the map below may be useful if you know your world map well.

Airalo Discover Global eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (October 2023 Version)

In every country I visit where I test country-specific Airalo eSIMs, I also try out its Discover+ eSIM (if it can be used there).

So you better check it out every now and then to see if I wrote about the country/countries you plan to visit and read about the eSIM's performance in said country, as it is not always perfect.

Before Airalo updated its global eSIM, I used the old version (Discover Global) in 15+ countries. From August 2023, I will only test the Discover+ eSIM. This is why some country-specific reviews (like Japan) still refer to Discover Global and show the old eSIM image instead of Discover+.

Airalo Discover+ eSIM Review by Phone Travel Wiz

So to recap: get the Muara Mobile eSIM if you only stay in Brunei, or the Discover(+) eSIM if you visit multiple countries on multiple continents within a year and do not wish to install multiple eSIMs.

Brunei Muara Mobile eSIM Airalo
© Airalo
Airalo Discover+ eSIM
© Airalo

Whatever Airalo eSIM you choose, you will have a smooth experience with any in Brunei.


Alosim eSIMs for Brunei

Alosim Logo
© Alosim

Alosim has one eSIM variant that can be used in Brunei:

  • Brunei – local use only with 5G NR access

Alosim promised me that it plans to expand the coverage of its Asia eSIM. For now, it can also be used in Hong Kong (5G), Malaysia, South Korea (5G), Taiwan (5G) & Thailand (5G).

Remember to use code PTW for 5% off any Alosim purchase (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want).

Alosim, backed by AffinityClick, is an eSIM provider gaining ground in 2023.

AffinityClick Logo
© AffinityClick

Mostly because it has been expanding its eSIM coverage in a good direction.

You probably have never heard of AffinityClick, but you may have heard of the Hushed app with more than 8 000 000 (8 million) downloads: Temporary & Second Phone Number App for Wifi, Data Calling & Texting.

Hushed Screenshot

Because of this, you may get a phone number for calls and SMS with any Alosim eSIM in the near future… as that is the logical step right, AffinityClick? 😏.

At the moment, you have one eSIM option for Brunei with Alosim: one for Brunei only.

You have the following three Alosim Brunei eSIMs:

  1. Brunei 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 9 USD
  2. Brunei 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 18 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. Brunei 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 27 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in October based on data up to the 11th of October (2023 data only).

Alosim Brunei eSIMs
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.

You can use the following Bruneian mobile network with your Alosim Brunei eSIM:

Alosim Brunei eSIM Supported Network (DST)

For more information on how these mobile operators perform, check out my Brunei SIM card buying guide, where I discuss the performance of each SIM card (in terms of coverage and speed).

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

Holafly eSIMs for Brunei

Holafly Logo
© Holafly

Holafly has one eSIM that can be used in Brunei (only).

Remember to use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off any Holafly purchase (as many times as you wish for as many eSIMs as you want).

Holafly is, together with Airalo, one of the most popular eSIM providers.

Holafly made a name for itself by introducing unlimited data plans in June 2022, which was uncommon back then.

While more eSIM providers have unlimited data eSIMs nowadays, Holafly has been expanding its unlimited data offering from the initial 45 countries to about 100 nations in 2023 (and still counting in October 2023).

To prevent abuse, you cannot tether (mobile hotspot) with any Holafly eSIM with unlimited data.

First, let's start with the Holafly Brunei eSIM which gives you 2.5 GB up to 15 GB of data between five days and 30 days::

  1. Brunei 2.5 GB eSIM for 5 days, costing 29 USD/29 EUR/24 GBP/44 AUD/37 CAD
  2. Brunei 3.5 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 37 USD/37 EUR/34 GBP/54 AUD/47 CAD
  3. Brunei 5 GB eSIM for 10 days, costing 44 USD/44 EUR/37 GBP/64 AUD/57 CAD
  4. Brunei 7.5 GB eSIM for 15 days, costing 47 USD/47 EUR/39 GBP/67 AUD/64 CAD
  5. Brunei 10 GB eSIM for 20 days, costing 59 USD/59 EUR/49 GBP/84 AUD/77 CAD
  6. Brunei 15 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 79 USD/79 EUR/67 GBP/114 AUD/104 CAD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in October based on data up to the 11th of October (2023 data only).

Holafly Brunei eSIMs
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.

Compared to Airalo's and Alosim's eSIMs (and Nomad and SimOptions mentioned later), these eSIMs are pricey.

But unlike them, Holafly gives you unlimited data for up to 90 days.

But there is a catch: as of August 2023, Holafly eSIMs are throttled @ 18 Mbps (even if you have 5G NR access), except for its Europe eSIMs (review).

This was not the case before that month (I even extensively used the Europe eSIM in July 2023, where I had normal/fast speeds until I headed to North America in August 2023 and noticed that its speeds were throttled in every country I visited after that).

While 18 Mbps is not terrible, it is also not amazing – especially knowing I have had download speeds of up to 160 Mbps before in various European countries.

But if you do not care about the fastest speeds, you do not have to worry about this speed restriction.


Nomad eSIMs for Brunei

Nomad eSIMs Logo
© Nomad

Nomad has three types of eSIMs that can be used in Brunei only or include Brunei:

  • Brunei – local use only
  • APAC – Brunei and 14 or 19 other countries, depending on the eSIM, in Asia and Oceania
  • Global – Brunei and 109 or 138 other countries, depending on the eSIM, worldwide

Be sure to use code ADU123 for 3 USD off your first Nomad order (new customers only).

Nomad, on average, has the cheapest eSIMs for Asian countries.

It also often has the most generous data allowances (up to 50 GB and even up to 100 GB at a time).

And some destinations even have unlimited data plans.

Yeah… I really recommend Nomad eSIMs for most Asian destinations.

In Brunei's case, you have the Nomad Brunei eSIM.

The Nomad APAC eSIM can be used in Asia Pacific (Oceania), including Brunei.

Finally, the Nomad Global eSIM can be used in more than 100 countries, including Brunei.

Let's start with the Nomad Brunei eSIM with six options:

  1. Brunei 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 7 USD
  2. Brunei 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 13 USD
  3. Brunei 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 18 USD
  4. Brunei 10 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 29 USD
  5. Brunei 15 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 35 USD
  6. Brunei 20 GB eSIM for 45 days, costing 45 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in October based on data up to the 11th of October (2023 data only).

Nomad Brunei eSIMs
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.

The Nomad Brunei eSIM uses the Unified National Networks network.

If you want to know whether this network is any good or not, check out my Brunei SIM card buying guide, where I go much more in-depth about Bruneian mobile operators.

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

You should know that the Nomad Brunei eSIM is powered by the Unified National Networks network (UNN).

If you plan to visit neighboring countries, you may be interested in Nomad's regional eSIM covering Brunei: Nomad APAC eSIM.

By getting the Nomad APAC eSIM, you only have to purchase one eSIM instead of multiple country-specific ones, saving you money.

You have two variants: the 15 Countries Plan and the 20 Countries Plan.

JoyTelecom powers the 15 Countries Plan (and is also speed-restricted), while the 20 Countries Plan is powered by eSIM Go (which we remember from Airalo's Discover(+) eSIMs, right)?

JoyTelecom eSIMs, while covering more countries (20), are consistently cheaper than eSIM Go eSIMs (15 countries).

Nomad APAC eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (October 2023 Version).png

I go much more in-depth about the difference between the two providers in my ongoing Nomad APAC eSIM review, but this is what you need to know for now.

Nomad APAC eSIM Review by Phone Travel Wiz

Only the 21 Countries Plan works in Brunei.

And you have these 11 Nomad APAC eSIMs:

  1. Europe 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (30 countries by Nomad Black), costing 5 USD
  2. Europe 1 GB eSIM for 7 days (35 countries by eSIM Go), costing 5 USD
  3. Europe 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (30 countries by Nomad Black), costing 12 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. Europe 3 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by eSIM Go), costing 13 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  5. Europe 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (30 countries by Nomad Black), costing 14 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  6. Europe 5 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by eSIM Go), costing 9 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  7. Europe 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (30 countries by Nomad Black), costing 22 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  8. Europe 10 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by eSIM Go), costing 22 18 USD (on sale) – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  9. Europe 15 GB eSIM for 30 days (30 countries by Nomad Black), costing 29 USD
  10. Europe 15 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by eSIM Go), costing 29 USD
  11. Europe 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (30 countries by Nomad Black), costing 35 USD
  12. Europe 20 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by eSIM Go), costing 45 26 USD (on sale)
  13. Europe 30 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by Truphone), costing 70 USD
  14. Europe 40 GB eSIM for 30 days (35 countries by Truphone), costing 90 USD

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in October based on data up to the 11th of October (2023 data only).

Nomad APAC 15 Countries eSIM with Prices
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.
Nomad APAC 20 Countries eSIM with Prices

For a full list of countries the Nomad APAC eSIM can be used in (for both the 15 Countries Plan and the 20 Countries Plan), check out my ongoing review.

Nomad APAC eSIM Review by Phone Travel Wiz

As I said earlier, getting a Nomad APAC eSIM will be the cheapest way to stay connected in the APAC region if you plan to visit two or more supported destinations.

Finally, we have Nomad's Global eSIM, which can be used in Brunei.

Personally, I have never been a fan of this eSIM because of how expensive it is.

Sure, I understand an eSIM covering more than 100 countries will be expensive, but cheaper alternatives exist (especially Airalo's Global eSIMs).

This is why I do not use this eSIM at all – it is too pricey.

But why do I even include it in this guide?

Because some Phone Travel Wiz readers do love this eSIM and actively purchase/use it.

This was mostly when Airalo's global offering covered 84 countries, while Nomad's global eSIM covered 110 countries instead.

Since June (Nomad) and July (Airalo) partnered with eSIM Go for their global offering, both cover 130+ countries with their eSIMs – but Airalo's is somehow (significantly) cheaper than Nomad's… AND had the call and text feature.

If Nomad introduces this (soon), I do not know.

However, I suspect the popularity of Nomad's global eSIM will drop because of Airalo's improved offering.

Enough doomer talk, there are three eSIMs per provider (Truphone – 109 Countries Plan and eSIM Go – 139 Countries Plan):

  1. Global (109 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 25 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  2. Global (139 Countries Plan) 1 GB eSIM for 7 days, costing 19 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  3. Global (109 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  4. Global (139 Countries Plan) 3 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 40 USD – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  5. Global (109 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 45 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
  6. Global (139 Countries Plan) 5 GB eSIM for 30 days, costing 57 USD – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers

Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in December based on data up to the 30th of December (2023 data only).

Nomad Global eSIM 109 Countries Plan with Prices (Truphone)
See the list above for up-to-date prices and allowances. The figures in this image may be outdated.
Nomad Global eSIM 139 Countries Plan with Prices (eSIM Go)

The Nomad Global eSIM can be used in the following 109 (Truphone)/139 (eSIM Go) countries:

  • Åland Islands 2, 3
  • Albania
  • Algeria 2
  • Andorra 2
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Azerbaijan 2
  • Bahrain 2, 3
  • Bangladesh 2
  • Barbados 1
  • Belarus 2
  • Belgium
  • Bermuda 1
  • Bolivia 2
  • Bosnia & Herzegovina 2
  • Botswana 2
  • Brazil
  • Brunei 2
  • Bulgaria
  • Cambodia
  • Cameroon 2
  • Canada 2, 3
  • Central African Republic 2
  • Chad 2
  • Chile
  • China
  • Colombia
  • Congo, Democratic Republic of the 2
  • Congo, Republic of the
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Dominican Republic 2
  • Ecuador
  • Egypt 2
  • El Salvador
  • Estonia
  • Eswatini 2, 3
  • Faroe Islands 1
  • Fiji 1
  • Finland
  • France
  • French Guiana 1
  • French Southern Territories 2
  • Gabon 2
  • Georgia 2
  • Germany
  • Ghana
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece
  • Greenland 2
  • Grenada 1
  • Guadeloupe 1
  • Guam 2
  • Guatemala
  • Guernsey
  • Guinea-Bissau 2
  • Guyana 1
  • Holy See (Vatican City) 1
  • Honduras 1
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • India 2
  • Indonesia
  • Iraq 2
  • Ireland
  • Isle of Man
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Ivory Coast 2
  • Jamaica 1
  • Japan
  • Jersey
  • Jordan 2
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya 2
  • Kosovo 2
  • Kuwait 2, 3
  • Kyrgyzstan 2
  • Laos 2
  • Latvia
  • Liberia 2
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macau 2
  • Madagascar 2
  • Malawi 2
  • Malaysia
  • Mali 2
  • Malta
  • Martinique 1
  • Mayotte 1
  • Mexico
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Montserrat 1
  • Morocco 2
  • Mozambique 1
  • Myanmar 2
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Niger 2
  • Nigeria 2
  • North Macedonia
  • Norway
  • Oman 2
  • Pakistan 2
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Puerto Rico 1
  • Qatar
  • Réunion
  • Romania
  • Russia 2
  • Saint Kitts & Nevis 1
  • Saint Lucia 1
  • Samoa 1
  • San Marino 1
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Senegal 2
  • Serbia
  • Seychelles 2
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Solomon Islands 1
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sri Lanka
  • Suriname 1
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • Tajikistan 2
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Trinidad & Tobago 1
  • Tunisia 2
  • Turkey
  • Turks & Caicos 1
  • Uganda 2
  • Ukraine 2
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • United States 2, 3
  • Uruguay
  • Uzbekistan 2
  • Vanuatu 1
  • Vietnam
  • Yemen 2
  • Zambia 2

1 109 Countries Plan (Truphone) only
2 139 Countries Plan (eSIM Go) only
3 5G NR access (if you have the 139 Countries Plan (eSIM GO) – does not apply to the 109 Countries Plan (Truphone)

Nomad Global eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (October 2023 Version).png

To summarize: get the Nomad Brunei eSIM if you only stay in Brunei and the Nomad APAC eSIM in two or more supported countries to save money (get the eSIM Go variant for 5G NR access in variant countries).

You can get the Nomad Global eSIM, which can be used in at least 108 other countries besides Brunei, but Airalo's updated offering made Nomad's uncompetitive (for now).


SimOptions eSIMs for Brunei

SimOptions Logo
© SimOptions

SimOptions has one (recommended) eSIM that can be used in Brunei and various other Asian countries:

SimOptions has been a SIM card reseller since at least 2016.

In 2021, it started selling eSIMs, now its primary focus.

So, SimOptions has eSIMs specifically for Brunei; as the screenshot below shows, why am I talking about the AIS eSIM2FLY eSIM?

SimOptions Brunei eSIMs

The SimOptions Brunei eSIMs are powered by JoyTelecom, a partner Nomad primarily works with in Asia.

JoyTelecom Logo
© JoyTelecom

The SimOptions Smart Traveler eSIM is powered by Dtac Thailand. It is a mobile operator I strongly dislike – mostly because of deceptive marketing and lousy service. You can read my Dtac Thailand review if you want, but it specifically focused on its performance in Thailand.

But the AIS eSIM2FLY eSIM is different – it is by AIS Thailand, formerly Thailand's largest mobile operator (until TrueMove H and Dtac Thailand merged into True Corp).

AIS Thailand Logo
© AIS Thailand

The eSIM covers 32 primarily Asia countries (not limited to East- and Southeast Asia, like most regional eSIMs, but also the Middle East and Oceania).

In fact, here is the country list:

  • Australia 1
  • Bahrain 1
  • Bangladesh
  • Brunei
  • Cambodia
  • China 1
  • Georgia
  • Guam
  • Hong Kong 1
  • India
  • Indonesia 1
  • Israel 1
  • Japan 1
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kuwait 1
  • Laos
  • Macau
  • Malaysia
  • Mongolia
  • Myanmar
  • Nepal
  • Oman 1
  • Pakistan
  • Philippines 1
  • Qatar 1
  • Singapore 1
  • South Korea 1
  • Sri Lanka
  • Taiwan
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vietnam 1

1 with 5G NR access

SimOptions AIS eSIM2fly Asia eSIM Eligible Countries Map Infographic by Phone Travel Wiz (October 2023 Version).png

Not only that – you also get 5G NR access in countries where most other eSIM providers do not have such access yet, and a Bruneian phone number (+66) for free incoming calls and text messages.

All for just 19.90 USD.

But what is the catch? Well… you only get 6 GB of data for eight days.

So, the AIS eSIM2FLY eSIM is not for those who want to tour around Asia for a prolonged period because the validity is too short (but other eSIMs mentioned in this guide will do well).

In fact, the eSIM is best used in only one country – two at most if you do not use a lot of data.

I have used the AIS eSIM2FLY eSIM in numerous countries (my review is on its way), but not in all supported countries I visit because it will become too expensive.

But if you were to use the eSIM in Brunei and a (covered) neighboring country, care about 5G NR access, do not use a lot of data & want a phone number for incoming calls and SMS, the eSIM can be a good alternative from the others mentioned so far.


Overview of the Best eSIMs for Brunei

That was quite a journey! There are so many eSIM options for Brunei or options that cover it.

And this was not even an exhaustive list! Many more eSIM providers have eSIMs for Brunei.

But the five I listed in this guide have good reviews. Moreover, I have tested them extensively in multiple countries on multiple continents and had (consistently) good experiences with them.

I will give you a quick recap of each eSIMs mentioned in this guide and link to their product pages in case you need more info or are ready to purchase an eSIM already (take note of the activation policy of Nomad (Truphone) eSIMs – do not buy those eSIMs too early).

Brunei-only eSIMs:

Asia eSIMs (mainly East- and Southeast Asia + Australia and New Zealand), which include Brunei:

Global eSIMs, which include Brunei:

And do not forget to use one of these discount codes for extra savings:

  • Airalo: APR15 for 15% off if you have never purchased an Airalo eSIM. If you have, use APR10 for 10% off (each code can be used 3000 times among all Airalo customers, so better redeem it quickly!
  • Alosim: PTW for 5% off (the code can be used by anyone, including existing customers, as many times as you wish – no redemption limit)
  • Holafly: PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off (the code can be used by anyone, including existing customers, as many times as you wish – no redemption limit)
  • Nomad: ADU123 for 3 USD (or your currency's equivalent) if you have never purchased a Nomad eSIM