Brunei Travel Tips

Cost of travel

• Brunei is one of the most expensive countries in the region to visit and is on par with Western countries in its hotel and restaurant prices. Eat at local restaurants and avoid Bandar’s five-star hotels.
• Although budget digs are somewhat limited, you can find a place for around B$30 (US$20) a night.

Eating out

• Eat at hawker stalls, where you can pick up the local nasi katok (rice and curried beef/chicken) for a few bucks. McDonalds is expensive in Brunei.
• Vegetarian food is available in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, at limited restaurants.
• No need to tip in Brunei.

Getting there and around

• You can fly directly to Brunei International Airport from Australia, the UK and across Asia.
• Take a purple minibus to town, which are about B$1, as opposed to a B$25 taxi.
• The cheapest way to get around Brunei is by minibus.

How to act

• Avoid talking about politics, and particularly the sultan, or Islamic laws while here.
• Dress conservatively and remove shoes before entering temples.
• Keep a check on your temper in trying situations to save face.

Keeping in touch

• Internet cafés can be found in the main centers and will help you save money on phone bills.
• Pick up a prepaid Hallo Kad phone card at telephone offices to be used at phone booths.

Money matters

• The Brunei dollar, tied to the Singapore dollar, is the local currency and is worth around 75 US cents.
• Credit cards are not as widely accepted as in the West. You will find ATMs in the capital.

Security

• Brunei is a safe country for tourists but you should remain vigilant in the capital and try not to wander around at night.
• Brunei has a dengue fever, typhoid, and polio problem so be sure to have vaccinations before arriving or take precautions.
• If you hire a car, pull over to the side of the road when the sultan’s cavalcade goes past.

Shopping

• You’d be better off saving your dollars for elsewhere in Southeast Asia as the shopping here isn’t the best in the region.
• Always barter with a smile on your face at the markets.

Staying healthy

• Don’t drink the tap water. The ice is generally okay in your drink at restaurants.
• Brunei gets very humid toward the end of the year so be sure to drink plenty of fluids.
• Ensure food is cooked through and piping hot at the markets and local restaurants.

What to bring

• Ladies should bring tampons from home as Brunei women tend to use sanitary pads, as with most Asian women.
• Never be tempted to bring any amount of drugs into Brunei as offenders are dealt with severely.

Where to stay

• When checking into your hotel, have your passport ready to hand in for registration.
• Never leave valuables in your hotel room.

Visas

• Most Westerners will be granted 30 days on entering Brunei. US citizens are granted 90 days.
• If you need more time, head to the island of Labuan and return with a new visa stamp.
• Israelis cannot enter Brunei.