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Brunei Darussalam (officially called simply Brunei) is a small coastal state about 277 miles north of the equator in the northwest corner of
Borneo. It is bounded on all landward sides by Malaysia which actually divides
Brunei Darussalam into two
parts. Brunei Darussalam’s population is mainly composed of Malays with a mixture of Chinese and Indian
communities. Expatriates and a few indigenous groups comprise a minority of the population.
The country is ruled according to established Islamic value and tradition by a monarchy.
Brunei Darussalam's form of government is called a Malay Islamic Monarchy and one of the oldest in the
region with over 600 years of recorded history.
The Sultanate of Brunei's influence peaked between the 15th and
17th centuries when its control extended over coastal areas of northwest Borneo
and the southern Philippines. Brunei subsequently entered a period of decline
brought on by internal strife over royal succession, colonial expansion of
European powers, and piracy. In 1888, Brunei became a British protectorate;
independence was achieved in 1984. The same family has ruled Brunei for over six
centuries. Brunei benefits from extensive petroleum and natural gas fields, the
source of one of the highest per capita GDPs in Asia. Brunei has a small
well-to-do economy that encompasses a mixture of foreign and domestic
entrepreneurship, government regulation, welfare measures, and village
tradition. Crude oil and natural gas production account for just over half of
GDP and more than 90% of exports. Per capita GDP is among the highest in Asia,
and substantial income from overseas investment supplements income from domestic
production. The government provides for all medical services and free education
through the university level and subsidizes rice and housing. Brunei's leaders
are concerned that steadily increased integration in the world economy will
undermine internal social cohesion. Plans for the future include upgrading the
labor force, reducing unemployment, strengthening the banking and tourist
sectors, and, in general, further widening the economic base beyond oil and gas.
The preceding information was provided the CIA Fact Book.
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/bx.html |
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Passports
and Visas
Passports are required from all visitors along with visas as follows:
Australia,
Britain, Germany, Greece, Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy,
Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and other EU countries,
Canada
Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Norway, the Philippines,
Switzerland, Thailand, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, the
United
States, U.S., and other EU visitors. All visitors are required to have a
return ticket and must possess sufficient funds to
support themselves while in country. Nationals
of Cuba, Israel and Korea (DPR) may not be granted entry to Brunei Darussalam
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Nationals of the United Kingdom holding full British passports and nationals of Germany and Greece for up to 30 days. Nationals of Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden for up to 14 days. All nationals of other EU countries also require a visa.
Nationals of Australia, are advised to obtain visas before arrival although it may be possible to obtain one at Brunei Darussalam International Airport for a stay of maximum 14 days. A visa may be issued for longer stays..
Nationals of Canada, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Norway, Philippines, Switzerland and Thailand for up to 14 days, except for nationals of Malaysia, New Zealand, and Singapore who may obtain a visa for tourist stays of up to 30 days.
The
visa for nationals of the USA is good for up to 90 days.
As regulations and
requirements may be subject to change at short notice, you are advised to
contact the appropriate diplomatic or consular authority before
finalizing
your travel arrangements.
Customs
Regulations and Duty Free
The following goods may be imported into Brunei Darussalam without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 250g tobacco products, 1 bottle (liter) of spirits or 1
bottle (liter) of wine (by non-Muslims for personal consumption only, provided
declared at customs upon arrival), 60ml of perfume and 250ml eau de toilette.
Firearms, pornography, and drugs are prohibited and the penalty for trafficking drugs is
death while the possession of
drugs carries a 20-year jail sentence with caning. All medication must be
declared.
Money
Matters and Currency
Currency - The currency is the Brunei
Darussalam Dollar
(Br$ = 100 cents). Notes are in the denominations Br$10,000, 1000, 500, 100, 50,
25, 10, 5 and 1 and coins are in the denominations 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cents. The
Brunei Darussalam Dollar is officially on a par with the Singapore Dollar.
Credit
Cards - Most major credit and debit cards including American
Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are generally accepted by hotels,
department stores and major establishments. Check with your credit or debit card
company for details of merchant acceptability and other services that may be
available.
Travelers Checks - To
avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to have travelers checks in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Hotels and many department
stores will also cash travelers checks.
Exchange Rates - Exchange rates change
on almost a daily basis. Use the
Travelers
Currency Cheat Sheet Currency Converter for the latest quotes. Currency exchange: Foreign
currencies and travelers checks can be exchanged at any bank. Normal banking hours: Mon-Fri
0900-1500; Sat 0900-1100.
Currency Restrictions - The import of local currency is unlimited. However the export of local currency is limited to Br$1000 in notes. The Singapore Dollar may be imported and exported up to the equivalent of Br$1000. Indian banknotes may not be imported. Free import of other foreign currencies, subject to declaration. Export of foreign currencies is limited to Br$350, although higher amounts may be exported with a letter of credit or in travelers checks.
Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious! Current Exchange Rate: Check Today's Exchange Rate
Health
Information
Medical
insurance is advised for all visitors. Medical facilities are of a high standard. The health
administration of Brunei Darussalam reserves the right to vaccinate arrivals not in
possession of required certificates and to take any other action deemed
necessary to ensure arrivals present no health risk. Here are a few examples:
Cholera - Although special precautions should be taken, following WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines issued in 1973, a cholera vaccination certificate is no longer a condition of entry to Brunei Darussalam. However, a cholera outbreak was reported in the Maura District in 1999 and that is why precautions are advisable. Check with your travel agent or contact the appropriate diplomatic or consular authority before deciding whether these precautions should include vaccination as medical opinion is divided over its effectiveness.
Malaria - There is a slight risk of malaria in border areas. No prophylaxis is recommended or certificate required.
Typhoid - Again, special cautions should be taken, but no certificate is required. There is a slight risk of malaria in border areas. No prophylaxis is recommended. Contact your appropriate diplomatic or consular authority during the planning process of your visit.
Yellow Fever - A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers aged one year and over who have visited infected or endemic areas within the previous six days.
Other Risks - Amoebic and bacillary dysentery, typhoid fever and hepatitis A and E may occur. Hepatitis B is highly endemic in the region.
I would suggest that you be suspect of all water and that all water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or sterilized. And, as the milk there is unpasteurized, it should also be boiled. If you must have milk, purchase powdered or tinned milk and then be sure it is reconstituted with pure water. For me, I would just stay away from all dairy products. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
If you need medical care while you are away, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company and that you will therefore to pay in full for your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative. For compensation, you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts. It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country. Visit the Getting Away Health and Safety Tips for Travelers page for additional information about insurance.
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Shopping
and Business Hours
Part of any travel agenda is shopping for local items of interest. Special
purchases here might include hand worked silverware, brassware and bronze ware such as jugs,
trays, gongs, boxes, napkin rings, spoons and bracelets; hand-woven
sarongs, baskets and mats of pandan leaves.
Shopping centers at Bandar Seri Begawan, Seria and Kuala Belait offer local products and imported items. Not to be missed would be the 'Tamu' Night Market in Bandar Seri Begawan which is open from early morning to late at night and sells many fruits, spices, poultry and vegetables, as well as antiques. Food is available there at the lowest prices in town. Normal shopping hours are: Mon-Sat 0800-2100.
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Electricity
Be sure to take your adaptor and converter kit. Find the converter you will need in the
Getting Away
Travel Store. Additionally, you will find just about anything and
everything you will need when you travel. Across the state, country, or
to a destination on the other side of the world, you'll find what you
need in the Getting
Away Travel Store!
Social
Conventions and Customs
Here are several points you should consider as regards to social conventions
and customs:
►Shoes
should be removed when entering Muslim homes and institutions and visitors
should not pass in front of a person at prayer or touch the Koran, the Muslim
holy book.
►Traditionally, a
Brunei Darussalaman shakes hands lightly, bringing his hands to
his chest. However, any physical contact between members of opposite sexes is
avoided. Non-Muslims should not be found in the company of a Muslim member of
the opposite sex in private: sexual contact, or even compromising behavior,
between non-Muslims and Muslims is punishable by deportation.
►Food may be served without
cutlery and it is therefore okay to eat using the
right hand only.
►Avoid giving or receiving with the left hand or pointing the
soles of one's feet towards companions.
►Gifts (particularly food) should only be
passed with the right hand, although it is acceptable to use the left hand under
the right wrist for support.
►It is
considered impolite to point with the
index finger (the right thumb should be used instead) or to beckon someone with
your fingers (the whole hand should be waved instead, with the palm facing
downwards). The right fist should never be smacked into the left palm, and
children (or adults) should not be patted on the head.
►It is widely regarded as
discourteous to refuse refreshment when it is offered by a host, or to eat or
drink in public places, especially during Ramadan when Muslims are fasting.
►Dress is informal except for special occasions. Women should ensure that their
head, knees and arms are covered.
Language
Bahasa Melayu is
the official language but English is widely spoken and understood by
the greater part of Brunei Darussalam’s population.
I have found that it helps to know at least a little bit of the language as I travel in other countries. You do not have to be able to be a fluent speaker, but knowing a few key words and phrases will really help. I have found that, although almost everywhere I go I can find someone who speaks English, knowing just a few words of the local language can really be a help. And, it lets others know I am at least interested in their language. Visit the Getting Away Language Learning Center where you can find out how to learn another language, or where to purchase books, dictionaries, electronic translators, software and more
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Climate
Brunei Darussalam enjoys warm, equatorial climate
year-round with very minor seasonal variations. Situated off the typhoon
and earthquake 'belts' Brunei Darussalam nevertheless receives high levels of
rainfall and humidity. I find that it is
normally very hot and humid with a tropical climate most of the year.
You can also expect heavy
rainfall in the monsoon season from November to December. Average temperature is 28°C
(82ºF). I would suggest lightweight
cottons and linens and that you keep something handy in case of rain at all
times.
Geography
The landscape is mainly equatorial jungle cut by rivers. It is a heavily
forested state, and most human activity is restricted mainly either to coastal
areas or estuaries. There are beaches with facilities at Kuala Belait, Lumut
Beach near Tutong and at Muara. About 70%
of Brunei Darussalam’s land area is covered by unspoiled rainforest, home to many
varieties of flora and fauna endemic only to island of Borneo. A
great portion of the country’s dense rainforest is situated in and
around Temburong district.
Travel Warning
Check with the U.S. State Department for
Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets & Public
Announcements.
Contact
Information
The country dialing code for Brunei Darussalam is 673. Following are
places where you can find additional information on Brunei Darussalam.
Brunei Darussalam Tourism
Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources, Jalan Menteri
Besar, Bandar Seri Bagawan BB3910, Brunei Darussalam
Tel: (2) 382 822. Fax: (2) 382 824.
E-mail: Brunei Darussalamtourism@brunet.bn
Website: www.visitBrunei Darussalam.com
High Commission of Brunei Darussalam
19-20 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PG, UK
Tel: (020) 7581 0521. Fax: (020) 7590 7817.
E-mail:
bruhighcomlondon@hotmail.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1300 and 1400-1630.
British High Commission
Postal address: PO Box 2197, Bandar Seri Begawan
BS8674, Brunei Darussalam
Street address: Unit 2.01, Second Floor, Block D, Komplex Bangunan
Yayasan, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Jalan Pretty, Bandar Seri Bagawan BS8711,
Brunei Darussalam
Tel: (2) 222 231 (commercial section) or 226 001 (consular/management
section).
Fax: (2) 234 315.
E-mail: brithc@brunet.bn
Website: www.britain-Brunei Darussalam.org
Embassy of Brunei Darussalam
3520 International Court, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 237 1838. Fax: (202) 885 0560.
E-mail: info@Brunei Darussalamembassy.org
Website: www.Brunei Darussalamembassy.org
Brunei Darussalam Permanent Mission to the United
Nations
771 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017, USA
Tel: (212) 697 3465. Fax: (212) 697 9889.
E-mail: info@Brunei Darussalammission-ny.org
Embassy of the United States of America
Third Floor, Teck Guan Plaza, Jalan Sultan, Bandar Seri
Begawan BS8811,
Brunei Darussalam
Tel: (2) 229 670. Fax: (2) 225 293 or 227 830.
E-mail: amembbsb@brunet.bn
High Commission of Brunei Darussalam
395 Laurier Avenue East, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6R4, Canada
Tel: (613) 234 5656. Fax: (613) 234 4397.
E-mail: bhco@cyberus.ca
Website: www.brudirect.com
Canadian High Commission
Fifth Floor, Jalan McArthur Building, 1 Jalan McArthur,
Bandar Seri Begawan, BS8711 Brunei Darussalam
Tel: (2) 220 043. Fax: (2) 220 040.
E-mail: hicomcda@brunet.bn
Website:
www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/Brunei Darussalam
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