Brunei Money, Credit Cards & Currency Exchange
Banks are the best places in Brunei to exchange foreign currency as they have all been sanctioned by the government. The Brunei dollar is the national currency, and you’ll need to have some to buy sundries and use the local transport. Nearly every bank has an ATM, most of which can handle transactions made using international bank cards.
The Brunei dollar (BND) is officially on a par with the Singapore dollar. Brunei dollars come in denominations of Br$10,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. There are 100 cents in a Brunei dollar. Coins come in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at any bank.
Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and major stores. Traveler’s checks can be exchanged at all banks, as well as most hotels and department stores, but it’s advised to get them in US dollars or pounds sterling. Most banks have ATMs which accept international credit and debit cards.
Brunei uses the Brunei dollar (B$), which is pegged to the Singapore dollar, and both are used freely for buying and selling in Brunei, dollar for dollar. There are ATMs here and tourists can usually use their foreign debit and credit cards to obtain local cash. Major credit cards are accepted in the big hotels, shops, and restaurants, as are travelers checks.
ATMs and Debit Cards
ATMs are not widespread but are common at the banks in Bandar Seri Begawan, especially along Jalan Sultan. Major foreign debit cards with Cirrus and PLUS are generally accepted, along with Visa and MasterCard credit cards.
Changing Money
There are money changers throughout Bandar that will change major currencies to Brunei or Singapore dollars. They have the best rates and can also change travelers checks. You can, of course, change money at the banks during office hours, but rates are significantly worse. The banks have big fees for changing travelers cheques, but hotels are the worst of all for rates.
Tipping
Tipping is not a big deal in Brunei although the tourist industry is not averse to it. Hotels and restaurant bills will usually have a 10 percent service charge and taxis and bellboys will expect a tip. Don’t feel obliged and there is no need to tip further at a restaurant that operates a service charge.
Travelers Checks
Travelers checks are accepted in hotels and the larger department stores and can be exchanged for cash at any bank or money changer easily enough. Having checks made out in US dollars or pounds sterling is the best bet wherever you travel.
Banking Hours
Banks are usually open from 09:00 to 15:00, or 16:00, Monday to Friday and sometimes to 11:00 on Saturdays.
Exchange Control
There is no import restriction on the importing of Brunei dollars but you can’t take out more than B$1,000 or S$1,000. You can also bring in as much foreign currency as you like but cannot export more than you brought in.
