There is no single best eSIM for Brunei yet, because it depends on how you land and where else you go. For Brunei only, the one local eSIM tourist plan we found on an official page is Imagine's Smart 5G Tourist plan. SimOptions doesn't have a Brunei plan right now, and our Asia and South East Asia plans don't cover Brunei. Below you'll see your options, what to bring, and which eSIM to use for the Malaysian part of a Borneo trip.
Is there a SimOptions eSIM for Brunei?
Not at the moment. Our Brunei eSIM page says new plans are coming soon. We also checked the country lists of our regional plans. Brunei isn't on the Asia plan (26 countries) or the South East Asia plan (6 countries), so don't buy either one for Brunei.
That check is worth doing with any eSIM you're about to buy. Many regional plans leave Brunei out, even when they say "Asia" or "South East Asia". Open the country list and look for Brunei by name.
What are your options for mobile data in Brunei?
Imagine tourist eSIM
Imagine's FAQ for its Smart 5G Tourist plan says it's a prepaid, data-only plan for visitors staying up to 30 days, in 40 GB or 80 GB sizes valid for 30 days. It says the plan comes as a physical SIM or an eSIM. You can't make outgoing calls or send texts on it, but you can receive them. You sign up at Brunei International Airport or at Yayasan imagine Centres, so this is not an eSIM you can install from home before you fly. Read the details in Imagine's tourist plan FAQ.
DST and Progresif tourist SIMs
The two other local operators sell tourist SIM packs with data and some local calls. DST's Easi Tourist SIM page points you to its airport branch, just right of the arrivals exit. Progresif's tourist plan page lists stores at the airport, The Mall Gadong and Times Square, and lets you pre-order online. Neither tourist page mentions eSIM, so plan on a physical SIM there and check with the operator if you need an eSIM.
Roaming with your home plan
This is the easy route, but your carrier sets the prices and they can add up fast. Check them before you go. If you're from the EU, note that EU roaming rules don't cover Brunei: the European Commission says Roam Like At Home applies in the EU and the EEA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway only (European Commission roaming Q&A). See how to avoid roaming charges for ways to keep the bill down.
What do you need to get a local SIM or eSIM in Brunei?
Bring your passport. Brunei's telecom regulator AITI lists a valid original passport as the document visitors use to register a prepaid SIM (AITI: mobile prepaid SIM). Imagine's FAQ also asks for proof that you're staying 30 days or less, such as your flight itinerary. Progresif's page says its online pre-order needs a copy of your passport. Have your phone unlocked and your eSIM-compatible model ready. Our guide to what an eSIM is explains how to check.
Going on to Malaysia? Use a Malaysia eSIM there
Brunei sits on the island of Borneo and shares a land border with Sarawak, one of Malaysia's two Borneo states, so many trips combine Brunei with Sarawak or Sabah. Our Malaysia plans cover Malaysia only, and they don't work in Brunei. But for the Sabah or Sarawak part of the trip, they're a good fit: they list 5G, they're data only, and you install them before you fly. Here are three sizes for a trip of one or two weeks.
Malaysia 5GB · Malaysia 10GB · Malaysia 20GB · 7 to 15 days · Malaysia only, not Brunei · data only · See all eSIMs for Malaysia · All destinations
Switch to your Brunei SIM or eSIM when you cross the border. Our best eSIM for Malaysia guide explains which plan fits which route, and the best eSIM for Asia guide covers wider trips.
How do you set up a travel eSIM before your trip?
- Check your phone: it must support eSIM and be carrier unlocked.
- Buy and install on Wi-Fi: you get a QR code by email. Our install guide walks you through it.
- Turn on data for the eSIM when you land: and switch off data roaming on your home line.
New to buying one? Read how to buy an eSIM online and how to choose a data plan.
Where will you use your data in Brunei?
Bandar Seri Begawan
The capital is where most trips start. Top stops include the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque and the Gadong night market. Keep offline maps ready for getting around.
Kampong Ayer
This water village on the Brunei River has about 30,000 residents across 42 stilt villages, according to Lonely Planet. Save offline maps before you go.
Ulu Temburong National Park
The park in the Temburong district is known for its rainforest and canopy walkway (Wikipedia). Most visitors go by boat with a guided tour. Mobile signal can be weak in deep forest, so save your tour details and offline maps before you leave town.
FAQ
Does Brunei support eSIM?
Yes, at least on Imagine. Its tourist plan FAQ says the plan is available as a physical SIM or an eSIM. DST and Progresif tourist pages don't mention eSIM, so ask them if that's what you need.
Can I use a Malaysia or Asia eSIM in Brunei?
No. Our Malaysia plans cover Malaysia only, and our Asia and South East Asia plans don't list Brunei. Check any eSIM's country list for Brunei before you buy.
Can I buy a SIM at Brunei airport?
Yes. DST, Progresif and Imagine all sell tourist plans at Brunei International Airport, according to their own pages. Bring your passport.
Do I need to register my SIM in Brunei?
Yes. AITI's page lists a valid original passport as the visitor's document for registering a prepaid SIM.
Does EU roaming cover Brunei?
No. Roam Like At Home covers the EU and Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway only. Ask your carrier for its Brunei rates.
Will SimOptions sell a Brunei eSIM?
Our Brunei eSIM page says plans are coming soon. Check it before you travel.