The communications networks in Brunei are very good and recent improvements put them on a par with those of most western countries. Modern technology and the latest innovations in mobile telephones, internet and television services are widely available. Some communications services are controlled by the Ministry of Communications.

The telephone network is good and around a quarter of homes have a telephone landline. More people prefer to use a mobile phone network and nearly every adult has a mobile phone. There are some roaming agreements with international mobile phone companies and coverage is generally very good, particularly in urban areas. It is advisable though to purchase a mobile phone and sim card in Brunei, simply for the cheaper calls and ease of use. There are many public call boxes available and these are a mix of coin and card operated units.

Internet usage is also increasing and many homes now have internet access. The larger urban areas offer a number of internet cafes for those who do not have access at home. There is little restriction on access to internet sites.

The country’s press is owned and controlled by the Head of State. It is therefore difficult for them to report freely on certain political and religious issues. The television and radio stations are also controlled by the government, although it is possible to watch foreign television channels through cable and satellite networks. The radio stations broadcast programmes in English as well as Malay and Chinese.

There are newspapers and magazines available in English as well as Malay, although it is possible to get newspapers from the neighbouring Borneo which are independent and published in English. It is possible occasionally to obtain newspapers from the UK and the USA but these are usually two or three days old when they arrive in Brunei.

The Brunei post office is very efficient and run by the Ministry of Communications. Sending an airmail letter to Europe takes a maximum of five days for delivery. There are a number of express and recorded services available which can be much quicker. The post offices are open from Monday to Thursday from 7.45 am to 4.30 pm, though some offices in rural areas may have more limited opening times. Having mail delivered to your home is not a problem if you live in an urban area, although some rural homes will need to arrange a post office box so that mail can be collected from the office.