- Basic Information
- Official Websites
- Frequencies Used in Brunei
- Coverage & Speed
- At a Glance Comparison
- Biometric User Registration
- Device Registration
- Apps for Account Management
- SIM Card Prices
- Prepaid Plans Overview
- Data Add-Ons
- Tourist SIM Card Options
- Activation Process
- USSD Recharge (Using Voucher Code)
- How to Check Remaining Balance
- Conclusion
If you’re planning a visit to the peaceful Sultanate of Brunei, staying connected is a must. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, getting a local prepaid SIM card in Brunei is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to access mobile data and make calls. In this guide, we’ll explore everything from networks, coverage, prices, and registration rules to the best prepaid plans for locals and tourists.
Basic Information
Brunei has a small but efficient telecom market with three primary mobile service providers offering prepaid SIM cards:
- DST (Data Stream Technology)
- Progresif
- Imagine
All three offer competitive prepaid packages with reliable nationwide coverage, 4G/LTE data speeds, and simple activation processes.
Official Websites
You can find SIM card details, online recharges, and mobile app links on their official websites:
Frequencies Used in Brunei
Understanding frequency bands is crucial if you’re bringing an international phone. Here’s what’s commonly used:
| Network | 2G | 3G | 4G/LTE |
|---|---|---|---|
| DST | 900 MHz | 2100 MHz | 1800 MHz, 2600 MHz |
| Progresif | 900 MHz | 2100 MHz | 1800 MHz, 2600 MHz |
| Imagine | N/A (no 2G) | 2100 MHz | 1800 MHz, 2600 MHz |
Ensure your phone supports these bands for full compatibility.
Coverage & Speed
Brunei may be small in size, but its mobile infrastructure is strong:
- DST has the widest coverage, especially in rural areas.
- Progresif offers urban and suburban reliability, with good speeds.
- Imagine is a newer player but offers modern infrastructure and fast 4G/LTE.
All major towns like Bandar Seri Begawan, Kuala Belait, and Seria have excellent data speed performance, often exceeding 30 Mbps.
At a Glance Comparison
| Provider | Coverage | Tourist SIM | 4G Speed | Price (SIM) | App Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DST | Excellent | Yes | Fast | BND 10 | Yes |
| Progresif | Good | Yes | Fast | BND 10 | Yes |
| Imagine | Good | No | Very Fast | BND 10 | Yes |
Biometric User Registration
As per local regulations, all SIM cards in Brunei must be biometrically registered using your passport or Brunei ID. Registration is done at the time of purchase at official stores or partner outlets. You cannot activate a SIM card without completing this process.
Device Registration
Brunei currently does not require IMEI-based device registration for tourists. You can use your unlocked smartphone without restrictions.
Apps for Account Management
Each provider offers mobile apps to help manage your data, check balance, and recharge:
- DST App: Download for Android | iOS
- Progresif Care App: Download for Android | iOS
- Imagine eCare App: Download for Android | iOS
SIM Card Prices
SIM cards from all providers typically cost BND 10, and they often come with a preloaded balance or starter data bundle.
Prepaid Plans Overview
DST Prepaid Plan (Mobi Prepaid)
- Price: BND 10 (with 3GB and BND 2 credit)
- Validity: 30 days
- Top-Up Options: BND 5 to BND 50
Progresif Prepaid
- Price: BND 10 (includes 2GB and BND 3 credit)
- Validity: 30 days
- Add-ons: Voice + Data bundles available
Imagine Prepaid
- Price: BND 10 (comes with 3GB and unlimited local calls)
- Validity: 7 to 30 days plans available
- Speed: Up to 100 Mbps in city areas
Data Add-Ons
You can easily add more data using your provider’s app or by USSD. Examples:
- DST Data Add-On: 5GB for BND 10
- Progresif Bolt-On: 10GB for BND 15
- Imagine Top-Up: 7GB for BND 8
Tourist SIM Card Options
DST Tourist SIM
- Price: BND 15
- Includes: 5GB data, 30 local minutes
- Validity: 7 days
Progresif Tourist SIM
- Price: BND 15
- Includes: 4GB data + 20 international mins
- Validity: 7 days
Currently, Imagine does not offer a specific tourist SIM, but regular prepaid works for tourists.
Activation Process
Activation is immediate upon registration. You’ll receive a confirmation SMS after inserting the SIM. If it doesn’t work right away:
- Restart your phone
- Enable mobile data
- Set APN (usually auto-configured)
USSD Recharge (Using Voucher Code)
If you’ve purchased a voucher card, just enter the USSD code:
- DST:
*131*<voucher_code># - Progresif:
*179*<voucher_code># - Imagine: Vouchers are rare – use app/online top-up
How to Check Remaining Balance
Each provider uses a simple method to check usage:
- DST: Dial
*133#or use the myDST app - Progresif: Dial
*178#or use the Progresif Care app - Imagine: Check through Imagine eCare app
Conclusion
Getting a prepaid SIM card in Brunei is straightforward, affordable, and essential for navigating the country with ease. Whether you go with DST for the best coverage, Progresif for affordable plans, or Imagine for modern digital services, you’ll stay well-connected during your trip.
For tourists, DST and Progresif’s tourist SIMs offer great short-term value. Always bring your passport for registration and enjoy Brunei’s seamless connectivity at 4G speeds across cities and towns.
📌 Pro Tip: Buy your SIM card directly at the airport upon arrival in Brunei for maximum convenience or visit official stores in Bandar Seri Begawan.