Bandar Seri Begawan Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Staying Connected

Brunei presents several ways to keep in touch.

Mobile Services

Main Providers: DST and Progresif operate mobile networks. They have Prepaid SIM cards for visitors.
Purchase SIM cards at Brunei International Airport, telecommunication provider stores, and authorized dealers. Passport enrollment is necessary.
Tourist SIM with data costs BND 10-30 for a short stay. Consider an ESIM from Airalo.

Internet Access & Mail

Accessing the internet and mailing services.

Connectivity & Postal

Wi-Fi is available in hotels, guesthouses, cafes, and shopping malls, often free. Mobile data from an area SIM card gives reliable internet access on the go. Portable WiFi devices from Solis Wi-Fi can be rented.
Brunei Post (Pos Brunei) operates post offices. Mail letters, postcards, and packages internationally. Services are dependable for sending postcards.
Language barriers are basic; English is widely spoken in tourist areas. The Google Translate app (offline Malay pack) aids communication.

Language & Phrases

Basic Malay phrases aid cultural immersion.

Phrases

Hello: Salam (general Islamic greeting) or Selamat pagi/tengahari/petang/malam (good morning/afternoon/evening/night)
Thank you: Terima kasih (te-RI-ma KAH-sih)
Please: Sila (for requests) / Tolong (for help)

Essential Words

Simple words for daily interactions.

Common Terms

Yes: Ya (yah)
No: Tidak (TEE-dahk)
Excuse me: Maafkan saya (MAH-ahf-kahn SAH-ya)

Business Hours & Schedules

Typical Operating Hours

Government Offices: Generally open Monday-Thursday & Saturday, from 8 AM - MIDDAY and 1:45 PM - 4:30 PM. Closed on Friday and Sunday.
Banks: Open Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM. Some branches may open on Saturday mornings for limited hours.
Shopping Malls: Generally open daily, from 10 AM - 10 PM.
Shops (standalone): Vary, often 10 AM - 7 PM. Some smaller shops may shut for a midday meal breaks.

Dining & Airport Services

Restaurants/Cafes: Hours vary widely. Some get an early start for breakfast. Others focus mainly on lunch and dinner, often closing roughly 10 PM. Gadong Night Market operates only in the evening, from approximately 6 PM to midnight.
Airport lounges are accessible with Priority Pass.
Flight delay or cancellation? Compensair assists with compensation.
ATMs are plentiful. You find them outside banks and in shopping malls, accessible 24/7.

Holiday Schedule

Fridays: Many businesses have reduced hours during Friday prayer (approx. MIDDAY - 2 PM). Islamic holidays vary annually. Major holidays mean some businesses and government offices close for days.

National Day (February 23rd) and Sultan's Birthday (July 15th) are public holidays.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Cultural norms are important for respectful interactions.

Social Etiquette

Conservative dress is appreciated. Conservative attire, covering shoulders and knees, is recommended.

Greetings & Dress

A light handshake common between men. For women, or between men and women, a nod and a smile, or placing a hand on the heart, is preferred unless a hand is offered first.
Assalamualaikum (peace be upon you) is a common Islamic greeting. Use it with a polite smile.
Wear swimwear only at hotel pools or secluded beaches.

Dining & Respectful Practices

Manners at the table and showing respect.

Cultural Customs

Use your right hand for eating, passing food, or handling money. The left hand is unclean.
Avoid displaying the soles of your feet to others, especially when sitting.
Tipping is not customary; a service fee is often included.

Photography & Privacy

Photography Guidelines

Generally acceptable to photograph landmarks plus common spaces.
Always ask for permission before photographing people, most notably women and children. A simple gesture or 'Boleh ambil gambar?' (Can I take a picture?) is helpful.
Respect signs prohibiting photography in certain areas, like inside museums or mosques.

Privacy & Sensitivity

Do not photograph military installations or government buildings.
Gender Considerations: Brunei is conservative. Public interactions between unmarried men and women are generally formal.
LGBTQ+ Information: Homosexuality is illegal with severe penalties under Sharia law. Exercise extreme discretion and avoid public displays of affection or discussion of sexuality.

Religious Site Conduct

Dress Modestly: Shoulders and knees covered. Women: headscarf. Mosques often lend robes and headscarves. Remove Shoes: Before entering a mosque. Remain Quiet and Respectful: Silence inside. Speak low tones. Do Not Walk in Front of Worshippers: Avoid. Follow All Displayed Rules: Adhere to guidelines.

Accessibility Information

Mobility access is still developing in Brunei.

Infrastructure Challenges

Accessibility infrastructure is still developing in Brunei.

Mobility Considerations

Older infrastructure, public transport, and sidewalks may not be wheelchair-friendly.
Pavements can be uneven.
Public buses are generally not accessible.

Accessible Options

Some attractions cater to accessibility needs.

Venues & Transport

Major attractions like the Regal Regalia Museum have accessibility.
Mosques may have ramps, but internal access can be limited.
Taxis or private car hire have the most flexibility for accessible transport.

Specialized Services

Limited resources for specific impairments.

Support for Impairments

Specialized services for travelers with visual or hearing impairments are limited.
It is advisable to travel with a companion or make specific arrangements in advance with hotels or travel agencies.
Seek in direct contact with venues for clarity.

Resources & Planning

Information sources for accessible travel.

Considerations

Constrained and particular resources exist for accessible tourism in Brunei.
Research individual venues or contact tour operators directly to inquire about their accessibility features.
Plan your itinerary considering accessibility.