GENERAL
Official name of the state
Brunei Darussalam.
Capital
Bandar Seri Begawan.
Geography
As a country located in Asia according to topmbadirectory, Brunei is a coastal state in northwest Borneo, surrounded by the Malaysian state of Sarawak, which divides Brunei in half. The landscape consists mainly of jungle, which is crossed by rivers. Most of the villages are located at estuaries.
Government
Islamic monarchy (in the Commonwealth), since 1984. Constitution of 1959. Council of Ministers, Religious Council, Council of State and Council of Heirs with advisory functions. The legislative council has been dissolved since 1962. Independent since 1984 (former British protectorate).
Head of state
Sultan Haji Hassan al-Bolkiah, since 1967.
Head of government
Sultan Haji Hassan al-Bolkiah, since 1967.
Electricity
220/240 V, 50 Hz, three-pin plug. Adapter required.
Time zone
Brunei Darussalam Time: CET +9
TRAVEL WARNING
Overview Brunei Darussalam
Country-specific safety information
There is currently no country-specific safety notice for Brunei Darussalam.
MONEY
Currency
1 Brunei dollar = 100 cents. Currency abbreviation: B $, BND (ISO code). There are banknotes in denominations of 10,000, 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 B $; Coins in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cent. The value of the Brunei dollar is the same as that of the Singapore dollar and is also the official currency in Singapore.
Credit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in hotels, department stores and larger restaurants. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
ec / Maestro card / Sparcard
cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted throughout Europe and worldwide. Cards with the Cirrus or Maestro symbol are accepted at some ATMs in Brunei, but not in shops. There are plenty of ATMs, especially in the capital. Further information from banks and credit institutes.
Attention: Travelers who pay abroad with their bank customer card and want to withdraw money should find out about the possibilities of using their card from their bank before starting their journey.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of the national currency and foreign currencies is unlimited. Obligation to declare foreign currencies (except Singapore dollars).
Unlimited export of local currency, foreign currencies only up to the amount declared.
The import and export of Indian banknotes is prohibited.
Import and export of Singapore dollars only up to BR $ 1,000 (equivalent), import restrictions do not apply to direct entry from Singapore.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies and travelers checks, preferably in US dollars, can be exchanged at any bank.
LANGUAGE
Overview
The official language is Malay. English and Chinese are also spoken.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into Brunei duty-free (people aged 17 and over):
2 x 1 l spirits and 12 cans of beer (non-Muslims only);
250 ml eau de toilette and 60 ml perfume.
Cigarettes and other tobacco products can no longer be imported duty-free.
Note: Travelers coming from Sabah, Sarawak or Labuan (Malaysia) are prohibited from importing tobacco products and alcohol.
Import regulations
Alcoholic beverages must be declared upon entry.
Prohibited imports
Prescription drugs and drugs of all kinds, pornographic products, weapons and ammunition. The death penalty is imposed on the illicit possession and sale of drugs and the illicit import of weapons.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
Business trips are best made between April and October (outside of the monsoon season). Business language is English.
Business hours: Mon-Thu 7.45 a.m.-12.15 p.m. and 1.30 p.m.-4.30 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Authorities: Mon-Thu, Sat 7.45-12.15 and 1.30-4.30pm.
Economy
Brunei Darussalam International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chamber of Commerce)
PO Box 2246, BN Bandar Seri Begawan BS 1922
Tel: (02) 23 66 00.
National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Brunei Darussalam
PO Box 115, Bandar Seri Begawan, BS8670
Tel: (02) 42 18 40.
Internet: Website: http://www.nccibd.com/
Business contacts
Brunei Darussalam International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chamber of Commerce)
PO Box 2246, BN Bandar Seri Begawan BS 1922
Tel: (02) 23 66 00.
National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Brunei Darussalam
PO Box 115, Bandar Seri Begawan, BS8670
Tel: (02) 42 18 40.
Internet: Website: http://www.nccibd.com/
COMMUNICATION
Phone
International direct dialing. Public telephone booths, mostly card phones, can be found in post offices and shopping centers. Telephone cards are available from post offices and the state telecommunications office.
Cellphone
The provider is DSTCom (Internet: www.dst-group.com) (GSM 900); the reception / transmission range is limited to the urban areas, especially in the north-west.
Internet
Main provider: BruNet (Internet: www.brunet.bn). There are internet cafes.
Post Office
Most hotels have a limited postal service at reception. Post office opening times: Mon-Thu 7.45 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Airmail to Europe takes 2-5 days.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
SHOP
Overview
Popular souvenirs are handmade silver, brass and bronze items such as jugs, gongs, boxes, trays, spoons, bangles and napkin rings. Hand-woven sarongs as well as baskets and mats made from pandan leaves are also popular. The Tamu Night Market in Bandar Seri Begawan is open from early morning to late at night and offers all kinds of food and antiques at great prices. Shop opening times: Mon-Sat 8 am-9pm. Shopping centers are usually open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
In the capital Bandar Seri Begawan there are several large hotels, the offer ranges from international luxury hotels to simple guesthouses. Apartment hotels are available. There is hardly any accommodation available outside of the larger cities. There are also hotels in Kuala Belait.
CULTURE
Religion
Mostly Muslim (Sunni) (67%). There are Buddhist (13%), Confucian, Taoist and Christian (10%) minorities.
Social rules of conduct
When you enter an Islamic house or building, you take off your shoes. When visiting a mosque, women should make sure that their head, cleavage, knees and arms are always covered. There are many titles in Brunei, Awang (abbreviated Awg) means “Lord” and Dayang(Dyg) “woman”. Only the right hand is used to hand over or receive objects. Men and women do not shake hands. Contact between Muslims and non-Muslims of different sexes is strictly forbidden. Children should not be stroked on the head and generally never touch people’s heads. Never point at anyone or anything with the index finger; only the thumb of the right hand is used for this, the four remaining fingers being drawn in and pressed against the palm. To stop a taxi or to make yourself known to a friend, you wave with your whole hand, but the palm must be facing down. It is rude to refuse a soft drink. Eating and drinking in public should be avoided, especially during Ramadan. Except for special occasions, clothing can be casual. (More information in the chapterIslam in the appendix.)
Tipping: Hotels and restaurants charge 10% for service.
CLIMATE
Best travel time
Tropical hot and humid all year round, particularly heavy rains during the monsoons (December – March).
COUNTRY DATA
Area code +673 Area (square km) 5765 Population 429 646 Population density (per square km) 75 Population in 2015 Member of the EU No main emergency number 991
