Electricity

Electrical current is 220 - 240 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are of the three-pin, rectangular blade type, commonly referred to as the British three-pin plug.

Language

The official language of the Sultanate is Malay, though English is spoken widely and is the medium of instruction in secondary and tertiary education.

Money

The Brunei Dollar (BND) is the official currency, and it's divided into 100 cents. The currency is pegged to the Singaporean Dollar, which is accepted as legal tender throughout Brunei.

All major credit cards are accepted in shops, restaurants and larger hotels. Cash is best advised for smaller establishments and when transacting in remote areas. ATMs are widespread, especially at major banks that are concentrated along Jalan Sultan in the capital. Money can also be converted at the informal moneychangers that operate from booths at most transport hubs. If travellers choose to use this channel, they should ensure that they shop around for the best rate.

Tipping

A 10 percent service charge is normally included in all hotel, taxi, bar and restaurant bills, and further tipping is not necessary.

Health

Travellers arriving from infected areas are required to produce proof of a yellow fever vaccination, and vaccinations may be recommended for hepatitis A and hepatitis B, though these are not required. Health concerns will depend on whether or not visitors are traveling to the remote areas of the Sultanate.

Tap water is safe to drink in Bandar Seri Begawan and in the large towns, but travellers who explore the remote wilderness should drink bottled water only. They should also consider additional vaccinations for typhoid, tetanus, rabies and Japanese encephalitis, depending on the duration of their stay, and their planned activities. Dengue fever outbreaks and other mosquito-borne diseases are common. Visitors should take precautions against mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent at all times.

Though the FCDO says standards of healthcare are generally acceptable, visitors are strongly advised to take out comprehensive medical insurance that includes the option of emergency repatriation.

Safety

Brunei ranks as one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime against people or property is virtually unheard of and penalties for such offences are severe. However, there are occasional incidents of petty crime against travellers, and tourists should take care of their belongings. Protests and street demonstrations should be avoided. Although the risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks exists globally, Brunei is considered to have a low terrorism risk.

Local customs

Visitors should observe local manners and avoid showing the soles of their feet, which is considered rude. One implication of this etiquette to avoid crossing their legs when they sit.

They should also use their right hand when pointing or passing an item. If they need to gesticulate, they should use their right hand with the other fingers remaining closed. They can greet business associates with a handshake, though not if they're from the opposite sex.

When making small talk, foreigners should be cautious about commenting on local issues, especially those relating to the royal family.

Doing business

Business people dress smartly for meetings; a suit and tie is expected. Office hours are typically Monday to Thursday 8am to 5pm, and Saturdays 8am to 12pm. Shortened office hours operate during the fasting month of Ramadan. Business associates greet members of the same sex with a handshake.

Duty free

Travellers over the age of 17 may import the following into Brunei without having to pay customs duty: 2 bottles of alcoholic spirit (maximum total of 2 litres) and 12 cans of beer/lager (by non-Muslims and for personal consumption only); 60ml of perfume and 250ml eau de toilette. Duty is charged on all tobacco products.

Communications

The international country dialling code for Brunei is +673. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). High-speed internet access is widely available in the main towns and large hotels; travellers can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones.

Passport & Visa

Travellers must have all documents necessary for their next destination, return air tickets and sufficient funds for their stay. Passports must be valid at least six months beyond their arrival date. Visa requirements vary from country to country.

Entry requirements

US passport holders require a passport valid for at least six months after arrival, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up to 90 days.

UK passport holders require a passport valid for at least six months after arrival, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up to 90 days.

Canadian passport holders require a passport valid for at least six months after arrival, but a visa is not necessary for stays of up to 14 days.

Australian passport holders require a passport valid at least six months after arrival, and a visa. Visas can be obtained on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days.

South African passport holders require a passport valid for at least six months after arrival. A visa is required.

Irish nationals require a passport valid for at least six months after arrival, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to 90 days.

New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for at least six months after arrival, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to 30 days.

Useful contacts

Brunei Tourism Website: www.bruneitourism.com

Emergencies: 993 (Police), 991 (Ambulance), 995 (Fire)

Embassies / consulates in other countries

Brunei Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 237 1838

Brunei Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7581 0521

Brunei Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 234 5656

Brunei Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6285 4500

Brunei Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 20 7581 0521

Embassies / consulates in Brunei

United States Embassy, Brunei: +673 2 384 616

British Embassy, Brunei: +673 2 222 231

Canadian Embassy, Brunei: + 673 2 220 043

Australian High Comission, Brunei: +673 2 229 435

South African High Commission, Kuala, Malaysia (also responsible for Brunei): + 60 3 2170 2400

Embassy of Ireland, Singapore (also responsible for Brunei): +65 6238 7616

New Zealand Consulate, Brunei: +673 222 5880