Banks are generally open from 9am to 4pm on weekdays and 9am to 11am on Saturdays. Most banks are government-approved to handle traveler’s cheques and currency exchange, and most offer ATMs on international networks.

Government offices are open Monday to Thursday as well as Saturday from 7:45am to 12:15pm and from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. They are closed on Fridays and Sundays.

Private offices are generally open from 8am to 5pm on weekdays and from 8am to 12pm on Saturdays.

Banks typically operate from 9am to 3pm on weekdays and 9am to 11am on Saturdays.

Most shopping centres are open daily from 10am to 9.30pm.

Visitors should note that during the holy month of Ramadan, most offices and businesses will operate on abbreviated daily schedules.

There is a wide choice of hotels, guesthouses and serviced apartments in the capital and throughout the country. Hotel accommodation in Brunei Darussalam caters to all types of visitors, from luxury to business to tourist class. From the impeccable elegance of the “7-star” Empire Hotel & Country Club or the business refinement and efficiency of the Radisson Hotel, to a number of mid-range and budget hotels and guesthouses throughout the nation, visitors will be greeted with friendly service and Brunei’s trademark hospitality.

All major credit cards (Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Diner’s Club) are widely accepted throughout Brunei.

Brunei is free from malaria and other tropical diseases, and the nation’s healthcare system ranks among the best in Asia. The Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital in the capital is equipped with highly modern medical facilities, and a number of private clinics operate within other districts.

• Bruneians are generally very tolerant and will understand that visitors are not familiar with all of their customs and Islamic traditions. Nonetheless, keeping these few things in mind will go far in showing the Bruneian people that you respect and appreciate their culture, enriching your experience:
• Tourists should observe the local dress code and dress modestly. Clothing comfortable for hot weather is acceptable, except when visiting places of worship or for social and business functions.
• Bruneians shake hands by lightly touching the hands and then bringing the hand to the chest. Some people do not to shake hands with members of the opposite sex.
• You should not point with your finger; instead, use the thumb of your right hand with the four fingers folded beneath it.
• When visiting a mosque, all visitors should remove their shoes. Women should cover their heads and not have their knees or arms exposed. You should not pass in front of a person in prayer or touch the Koran.
• Gifts (particularly food) should only be passed with the right hand, although it is acceptable to use the left hand to support the right wrist.
• It is polite to accept even just a little food and drink when offered. When refusing anything offered, it is polite to touch the plate lightly with the right hand.
• During the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, Muslims do not take food from sunrise to sundown. It would be inconsiderate to eat or drink in their presence during this period.
• In deference to the Muslim majority, alcohol is not sold in Brunei, but private consumption by non-Muslims is allowed. Non-Muslim tourists are allowed a generous duty-free allowance of 2 bottles of alcohol (wine, spirits, etc) and 12 cans of beer per entry, and may consume alcohol with sensible discretion in hotels and some restaurants.

Car and passenger ferry services to Malaysia that depart from Serasa Terminal in Muara are also available. The journey generally takes forty five minutes to Labuan, and two and a half hours to Menumbok (Sabah)

Do's and Don'ts

Water taxis are the most common means of getting to Kampong Ayer and can be hailed from numerous 'docking ports' along the banks of the Brunei River. Speedboat Services to Temburong are also available and may be purchased from the ticket counters at the Jetty located along Jalan Residency in the capital.

There are six bus routes serving Bandar Seri Begawan, with buses running every 15 to 20 minutes. Fares start from B$1.00. Buses to other major towns such as Seria and Kuala Belait depart from the bus terminal located at the Jalan Cator car park in downtown Bandar.

Self-drive or chauffeur-driven cars are available for hire from major hotels and the airport.

CAR RENTALS

Taxis are available at most hotels, shopping centres and the airport. In the capital, taxis are located at the Jalan Cator car park.

TAXIS

TRANSPORTATION

Royal Brunei Airlines flies to 20 major cities in Asia-Pacific, South Asia, the Middle East and Europe via London and Frankfurt. Meanwhile, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Air Asia and Dragonair serve Bandar Seri Begawan and offer one-stop connection to the rest of the world through their hubs in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong.

AIRLINES

Package tours can be one of the most entertaining, informative and hassle-free ways to explore Brunei Darussalam. There are many licensed travel agents in Brunei, most offering package tours ranging from 3-hour coach tours of the capital, to multi-day tours including everything from rainforest excursions and to Bandar’s urban shopping scene. Any of these agencies will be happy to get you on your way to discovering Brunei’s unexpected attractions

TOUR AGENCIES

MEDICAL FACILITIES

ACCOMMODATION

BUSINESS HOURS

CREDIT CARD

MONEY AND BANKING

Many of Brunei's attractions lie within walking distance of each other in the heart of the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan. A comprehensive public bus system serves the capital and other destinations.

The local currency is the Brunei Dollar (BND). Dollar notes are available in $1, $5, $10, $50, $100, 500 and $1,000 denominations, while coins are in 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cent denominations. The Brunei Dollar is pegged to the value of the Singapore Dollar and both currencies can be used in Brunei.

USD1.00 = BND1.38 approx.
For the latest rates, please visit www.xe.com

BUSES

WATER TAXIS AND SPEEDBOAT SERVICES

VISITOR INFORMATION
 
 

 

BANKING HOURS

Source: Brunei Tourism