Brunei is a small sultanate on the north coast of Borneo, often visited on a stopover or as a side trip from Malaysian Borneo. Most visitors stay in Bandar Seri Begawan, with its golden-domed mosques and the stilt houses of Kampong Ayer, and take a day trip to the rainforest of Ulu Temburong National Park. Brunei is outside the EU's Roam Like at Home area, so a European SIM roams there at its operator's own rates.
Key facts for Brunei
- EU roaming: not covered by Roam Like at Home
- Local networks: DSTCom, UNN (depending on the plan)
- Emergency numbers: police 993; ambulance 991; fire 995
- Embassies: in Bandar Seri Begawan
Bandar Seri Begawan
Coverage is strong in the capital and along the main roads. Crime is low, but petty theft from tourists and break-ins do happen, so never leave belongings in a parked car, even out of sight. Shops, restaurants and offices close between midday and 2pm on Fridays for prayers, and government offices close on Fridays and open on Saturdays.
Strict laws
Brunei's Sharia Penal Code applies alongside civil law, and some penalties are severe. The sale of alcohol and tobacco is illegal; non-Muslims aged 17 and over may bring in a limited amount of alcohol, which must be declared on arrival and drunk in private. Drug offences can carry the death penalty. Same-sex sexual activity is a crime with maximum penalties that include death, although there is a moratorium on executions, and the gender expression of trans people is also criminalised. During Ramadan, it is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public during fasting hours. Public criticism of the Sultan or the royal family can lead to legal action, and pornography is illegal. Avoid wearing shorts in government buildings and health centres, and keep public displays of affection to a minimum.
The rainforest and the water
In Ulu Temburong and other forests, the signal drops quickly away from the park headquarters and lodges. Police advise against hiking alone, so use a recognised guide, stay on the trails and carry water and a torch. Saltwater crocodiles have killed people fishing on riverbanks around Bandar and have been seen on beaches, so heed warning signs, keep away from the water's edge and keep your hands inside small boats. If you find a snake indoors, call the fire service on 995.
On the road
Vehicles do not always stop at red lights or pedestrian crossings, accidents are common, and monitor lizards, snakes and monkeys can be on the road. After an accident, stay at the scene and do not move the vehicle until the police arrive.
Paying
The currency is the Brunei dollar, which is interchangeable at par with the Singapore dollar. Cards are widely accepted in Bandar Seri Begawan, and cash machines are easy to find.
Getting connected
A travel eSIM set up at home connects when you land at Brunei International Airport, and your usual number keeps receiving texts and bank codes. An Asia plan also covers Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak, and Singapore.
Bruneian SIM cards from DST, imagine or Progresif are sold at the airport and in town, and registration requires your passport.
Consular protection: who to call in Brunei
- Call 993 for the police, 991 for an ambulance, 995 for the fire service and 998 for search and rescue.
- Embassies are in Bandar Seri Begawan. The Telcomia app shows yours, with address and phone.
- If you come from an EU country that has no embassy or consulate in Brunei, any other EU embassy must help you as it helps its own nationals (Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU).
- English is widely spoken alongside Malay, so you can explain an emergency in English.
Questions travellers ask about Brunei
Will my EU plan work in Brunei?
Only as roaming: Brunei is outside Roam Like at Home, so your operator's own rates apply.
Can I drink alcohol in Brunei?
Its sale is illegal. Non-Muslim visitors aged 17 and over may bring a small declared allowance and drink it in private.
Which networks does a Telcomia eSIM use in Brunei?
DSTCom on most plans and UNN on some, with 4G where available.
What are the emergency numbers?
993 for the police, 991 for an ambulance and 995 for the fire service.
The short version
Have the eSIM ready before you land, declare any alcohol you bring, respect Friday prayer hours and the Ramadan rules, hike only with a guide, keep clear of riverbanks, and save 993 and 991.
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