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 (7.35 USD) from DST and Progresif in their stores. DST and Progresif also sell tourists SIM cards for 15 BND (11.05 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: 25th of September 2023.
Table of Contents
Can You Buy a SIM Card in Brunei?
Anyone living in or visiting Brunei can buy a Bruneian SIM card from the mobile network operators (DST, Progresif & Imagine) with no restrictions.
You do have to comply with the SIM card registration regulations.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Moreover, you need a phone that supports the frequencies used in the country (preferably all of them to have the most optimal experience while in Brunei).
Furthermore, you need to have a SIM-lock-free device.
Where Can You Buy a SIM Card in Brunei?
You can get a Bruneian SIM card in DST, Progresif & Imagine stores. SIM cards are also sold at Brunei International Airport (BIA).
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
The following Bruneian mobile operators also have SIM cards targeting tourists:
- DST Brunei: 15 BND
- Progresif: 15 BND
- Imagine Brunei: N/A – but SIM cards are sold at the airport
For up-to-date BND:your currency (let's say MYR) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
- 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)
Can You Use Your Phone in Brunei?
Brunei uses GSM technology for mobile communications. CDMA phones will not work in Brunei. If your phone has a SIM card slot, then it supports GSMA (99% of the phones do support GSM nowadays).
Traditional European frequencies are used in Brunei, which are mostly used in ITU Regions 1 and 3 (Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Europe & Oceania).
The Americas (North-, Central– & South America + the Caribbean – ITU Region 2) use American frequencies, which differ from the European ones.
If you bought your phone in Africa, Asia, Europe, or Oceania (ITU Regions 1 and 3), you should not experience any issues with using your phone in Brunei.
If you purchased your phone in the Americas (ITU Region 2) and have a low/medium-end device (without Tri-Band or Quad-Band) support, then there is a possibility you cannot use your phone when in Brunei or can only use slower networks (3G or 2G).
If you have a medium/high-end device with Tri-Band or Quad-Band support, you can use your phone in Brunei (to some extent) – also on 4G/LTE.
Mobile Operators, Networks & Frequencies in Brunei
Brunei has three mobile operators offering prepaid services easily accessible to travelers:
- DST Brunei
- Progresif
- Imagine Brunei
The following frequencies are used in Brunei:
- 2G: 900 MHz (not for Imagine Brunei)
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 1800 MHz (Band 3)
- 5G NR: N/A – not being rolled out yet
You can learn more about frequencies in the video below.
To check whether your phone will work in Brunei, check out this page by Kimovil or this one by Will My Phone Work (outdated, unfortunately, but extremely user-friendly – useful for phones launched in or before 2019. It does not check for 5G NR compatibility).
Again, make sure your phone is unlocked. Otherwise, you will not be able to use any SIM card except the one from your home operator (meaning you have to roam internationally or buy another unlocked phone that does support the frequencies listed above).
If you want to learn how international roaming works, this guide explains it in-depth. If you wonder why it is often so expensive to roam, this article explains the hidden reason they do not want you to know.
VoLTE & VoWiFi in Brunei
VoLTE (Voice over LTE (4G) – also known as HD Voice) is not available in Brunei – the same counts for VoWiFi (Voice over WiFi – also known as WiFi calling).
This means that your phone will downgrade to 2G or 3G when making a call in Brunei (unlike mobile operators that do support VoLTE – then you can still use 4G/LTE while calling).
VoWiFi is, as the name implies, calling on a WiFi connection as opposed to on a cellular network.
5G NR in Brunei
5G NR is not available in Brunei as of 2022. However, there are reports that 5G NR will launch somewhere in 2022.
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.
Best eSIM in Brunei
Unfortunately, none of the mobile operators offer eSIMs to prepaid customers in Brunei (yet).
Note that the Bruneian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and physical SIM cards (will be discussed later).
However, you can also get a travel eSIM from various eSIM providers.
The list below is not exhaustive – many more providers have eSIMs for Brunei.
But these are the ones I have tried and had pleasant experiences with.
Moreover, they are reasonably priced, which I find very important (you will not see me recommending an eSIM I would not buy myself).
So here are the six best eSIMs for Brunei:
- Airalo Muara Mobile eSIM with three choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (best value for money)
- Alosim Brunei eSIM with three choices between 1 GB and 5 GB (priced roughly the same as Airalo with a bit more options – use code PTW for 5% off)
- Holafly Brunei eSIM (generous data eSIMs – use code PHONETRAVELWIZ for 5% off)
- AIS eSIM2FLY Asia eSIM through SimOptions with one 6 GB option (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported Asian countries (12/32) at a reasonable price but with a short validity – SimOptions does sell other Asian eSIMs, but they are not as good as AIS)
- Airalo Discover(+) eSIM (formerly Discover Global) with 12 choices between 1 GB and 20 GB (extensive global coverage (130+ countries) at attractive prices) + ability to make and receive calls & send and receive SMS (new) – read my ongoing Airalo Discover(+) (Global) eSIM review too!
- AIS eSIM2FLY Global eSIM through SimOptions with one 6 GB option (eSIM with the most 5G NR supported countries (50/123) at a reasonable price but with a short validity)
Because this is the SIM card buying guide for Brunei, I will not spend too much time about travel eSIMs here and throughout this guide (but I will still do here and there).
If you want to learn more about the best eSIMs for Brunei, you better check out my Brunei eSIM buying guide.
It is as helpful and comprehensive as this guide but about eSIMs instead 😜.
SIM Card Registration in Brunei
SIM card registration with your passport information is mandatory in Brunei. It will be done at the point of sale.
- Find out which countries have SIM card registration regulations and what is required from you (lookup tool)
Brunei Mobile Speeds, Mobile Internet Prices & Insights
Brunei may not be the cheapest travel destination in Southeast Asia.
However, its mobile data rates are on the lower end for global standards.
The average price for 1 GB of data in Brunei is 2.40 BND (1.70 USD), around the Asian average of 1.47 USD. The world average is 3.12 USD.
But Brunei is the 6th most expensive Asian country (excluding the Middle East) for mobile data.
The data allowances are modest in Brunei – do not expect to spend just 13 USD for 150 GB of data (like in Laos).
Anyway, Brunei is the most expensive Southeast Asian country for mobile data.
So, you will pay top dollar for data-featured plans in Brunei.
Will you at least get fast speeds? Yes, you certainly will.
Brunei's median mobile download speed is around 77 Mbps.
For reference, the global median download speed is around 31 Mbps at the moment.
Brunei's neighbors have way slower median download speeds (even Singapore, which is not a direct neighbor).
In fact, Brunei has the fastest median download speed in Southeast Asia and the third-fastest in Asia, behind South Korea (109.65 Mbps) and China (89.32 Mbps).
What is remarkable is that Brunei has yet to fully launch 5G NR, while China and South Korea have had that technology for years.
So imagine how much faster speeds will be when 5G NR is finally up and running 😳.
Anyway, Brunei's mobile download speeds ahave increased by year on year.
While there is currently no up-to-date research on which Bruneian mobile operator is the fastest or has the best coverage, I can tell you it is DST – hand down.
It has always been the best-performing mobile operator in the country, primarily because of its first-mover advantage.
Progresif is a close second, mostly because Brunei is a small country, so the competition can quickly set up their networks (if they have the funds).
The same can be said about Imagine – the newest mobile operator in Brunei.
It has been running since January 2020 and already has extensive coverage in populated areas.
And with 5G NR coming soon to Brunei, DST may lose its top spot to its competition if Progresif and Imagine invest like crazy into their 5G NR networks.
With average SIM card prices, practically perfect nationwide coverage, blazing-fast download speeds, and low mobile data rates, you should have a smooth network experience in Brunei.
Currency in Brunei
Brunei uses the Brunei Dollar with the symbol BND (which will be used throughout this guide).
However, prices are often listed as just $. For example, 25 BND = $ 25.
For reference, below are some exchange rates between BND and USD (US Dollars):
- 1 BND = 0.75 USD
- 10 BND = 7.35 USD
- 100 BND = 73.50 USD
For up-to-date BND:your currency (let's say MYR – Malaysian Ringgit) exchange rates, use the Wise Currency Converter tool.
If your credit/debit card charges you foreign exchange fees, get yourself a Wise Borderless Account and Debit Card.
Their fees are MUCH lower than banks and credit card companies charge you (and Wise is transparent about their fees, unlike banks).
I have saved literal THOUSANDS of Australian Dollars and Euros, my main currencies, when using Wise abroad when traveling compared to my debit and credit cards.
Bruneian Prepaid SIM Cards
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)
With that being said, let’s see what Brunei has to offer to us.
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.
Note that the Bruneian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and for physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Brunei (without personal detail capturing), you can get Brunei Muara Mobile eSIMs from Airalo (three options):
- Brunei/Muaru Mobile 1 GB eSIM for 7 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Brunei/Muaru Mobile 3 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- Brunei/Muaru Mobile 5 GB eSIM for 30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.
If you plan on visiting other countries in Asia and others in other regions or continents, consider the Airalo Discover Global eSIM to be used in 84+ countries worldwide with 12 variants:
- 1 GB/7 days
- 1 GB/7 days
- 2 GB/15 days
- 2 GB/15 days
- 3 GB/15 days
- 3 GB/15 days
- 5 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 5 GB/30 days
- 10 GB/60 days
- 10 GB/60 days
- 20 GB/180 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 20 GB/180 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Airalo review!
From 2023 on, my goal is to test this eSIM in all eligible countries.
- Be sure to check out my Airalo Discover Global eSIM review for my insights!
Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Brunei.
You can read about them in my Best Brunei eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE nor VoWiFi with DST.
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#
Dial *102# to check your DST balance.
You can top up your DST SIM card on the MyDST app (Android/iOS).
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.
Note that the Bruneian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and for physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Brunei (without personal detail capturing), you can get eSIMs from Holafly (six options):
- 2.5 GB/5 days (new)
- 3.5 GB/7 days (new)
- 5 GB/10 days (new)
- 7.5 GB/15 days (new)
- 10 GB/20 days (new)
- 15 GB/30 days (new)
6 GB/15 days
The best part is that you can get 5% off using code PHONETRAVELWIZ on each Holafly eSIM purchase!
No idea what or who Holafly is? Check out my Holafly review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than ten countries over two years.
If you plan on visiting other countries in Asia and others in other regions or continents, consider the Airalo Discover Global eSIM to be used in 84+ countries worldwide with 12 variants:
- 1 GB/7 days
- 1 GB/7 days
- 2 GB/15 days
- 2 GB/15 days
- 3 GB/15 days
- 3 GB/15 days
- 5 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 5 GB/30 days
- 10 GB/60 days
- 10 GB/60 days
- 20 GB/180 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 20 GB/180 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Airalo review!
From 2023 on, my goal is to test this eSIM in all eligible countries.
- Be sure to check out my Airalo Discover Global eSIM review for my insights!
Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Brunei.
You can read about them in my Best Brunei eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE nor VoWiFi with Progresif.
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).
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.
Note that the Bruneian mobile operators require your identification (passport) for eSIMs and for physical SIM cards.
Therefore, if you wish to get an eSIM for Brunei (without personal detail capturing), you can get Brunei Muara Mobile eSIMs from Airalo (three options):
- 1 GB/7 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 3 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 5 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
No idea what or who Airalo is? Check out my Airalo review, where I share my hands-on experience after using its eSIMs in more than 25 countries over four years.
If you plan on visiting other countries in Asia and others in other regions or continents, consider the Airalo Discover Global eSIM to be used in 84+ countries worldwide with 12 variants:
- 1 GB/7 days
- 1 GB/7 days
- 2 GB/15 days
- 2 GB/15 days
- 3 GB/15 days
- 3 GB/15 days
- 5 GB/30 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 5 GB/30 days
- 10 GB/60 days
- 10 GB/60 days
- 20 GB/180 days – most popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
- 20 GB/180 days – very popular with Phone Travel Wiz readers
Note: Phone Travel Wiz reader popularity ranking was updated in September based on data up to the 7th of September (2023 data only).
Do you think the map above is nice, but you want a country list instead (because you do not recognize the countries on a map🗿)? You can find it in my Airalo review!
From 2023 on, my goal is to test this eSIM in all eligible countries.
- Be sure to check out my Airalo Discover Global eSIM review for my insights!
Many more travel eSIMs will perform well in Brunei.
You can read about them in my Best Brunei eSIMs Compared guide for an in-depth comparison.
Be aware that there is no VoLTE nor VoWiFi with Imagine.
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).
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.
Local Prepaid SIM Card in Other Asian Countries
Visiting other countries in Asia? Check out my region-specific SIM card buying guides:
- Central Asia
- East Asia
- (Middle East)
- South Asia
- Southeast Asia (revamped in September 2022)
- West Asia
Or check out my SIM card buying guides for individual Asian countries:
Going to other places around the world? Then you should also check out my sim card buying guides for other destinations around the world.
Next Steps to Enhance Your Travel Experiences
Looking for the next steps to enhance your phone travel experiences? Here is what to do:
Support Phone Travel Wiz
It takes a lot of time to analyze, translate & review the SIM card options worldwide (especially to test them out).
Your support helps me keep producing impartial content by eliminating the need to recommend international SIM cards as the best local SIM card (but some of them CAN be useful).
Every Ko-Fi donation, one-time or monthly, helps me to spend more time creating local SIM card buying guides.
Check Out My Resource Page
Looking for the best companies and gadgets to enhance your travel experience?
Check out my travel resources page for the best companies to use when you travel!
Save money with international SIM cards, on plane tickets, bus rides, cruises & accommodation.
Besides that, I also list services and items I use to make my life easier – and I believe they will help you too!
Start Your Own Online Business – Make Money While Traveling
Do you want to learn how I started an online business that allows me to generate income while traveling?
In my starting an online business guide, I tell you which tools, services & products I have for this site and my YouTube channel.
If I can start a business about something I am passionate about (phone travel), then you can do it too!
Learn About Your Phone Travel Options
You can buy local prepaid SIM cards, international SIM cards, mobile hotspots, or roam internationally.
Each of these options has its pros and cons. Learn more about them, and find the best option for you.
Phone Travel Tips, Tricks & Hacks
I have written many articles with tips and hacks to save money on mobile costs while abroad. You surely want to check them out!
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Moreover, I send you many tips and tricks on saving money while traveling every now and then.
Let's Be Social
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A lot of useful videos are uploaded multiple times a week, and you do not want to miss out on them!
Learn More About Who Adu Actually Is
Who is the guy behind Phone Travel Wiz? Well, find out on the Ernest Adu about page!