Brunei Travel

What to wear 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. Be sure to have hats and sunscreen on hand to protect your family from the hot, tropical sun. Population 383,000 people (2006). Culture/Religion Brunei has, since independence from the British in 1984, adopted the national philosophy of the Malay Islamic Monarchy (Melayu Islam Beraja). It is a system that encompasses traditions dating back to the early days of the South East Asian Malay Kingdoms and that stresses the strong Malay cultural influence on the nation’s fabric, the importance of the Islamic religion in many aspects of daily life and governance and the acceptance and respect for Brunei’s ancient Monarchic tradition as represented by His Majesty The Sultan. It is also a philosophy of tolerance, allowing for other cultures to follow their own traditions, for other religions to be freely practiced, and for a caring and approachable Monarch working for the wellbeing of His subjects. Islam (official): 67%; Buddhism: 13%; Christianity: 10%; indigenous beliefs and other: 10% Language Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the official language, but English is the language of business and is widely spoken at all levels. Mandarin, Chinese dialects and native Borneo languages are also spoken by segments of the population Time Brunei is 2 hours behind Eastern Standard Time. For time zone information, click here. Currency 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. AUD1.00 = BND1.2687 NZD1.00 = BND0.9811 Rates correct as at 28th Janurary 2011 Banking Hours Banks are generally open from 9am to 4pm on weekdays and 9am to 11am on Saturdays. Most banks are government-approved to handle traveller’s cheques and currency exchange, and most offer ATMs on international networks. Credit Cards All major credit cards (Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Diner’s Club) are accepted widely throughout Brunei. Do’s and don’t’s 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. Health, Safety and Security Brunei is free from malaria and other tropical diseases, is outside the typhoon belt, has no volcanoes, and is not prone to earthquakes or other major natural disasters. The country also enjoys government stability and economic prosperity, resulting in a very low crime rate. Customs Arriving passengers over 17 years of age are eligible to bring in the following items for personal consumption/use: Cigarettes – 200 sticks Tobacco – 60 grams Perfume – 60 ml Eau de toilette – 250 ml (Information correct as at 27th June 2007) Alcohol A non-Muslim over 17-years of age may bring in two bottles of liquor (about 2 litres) and 12 cans of beer for personal consumption, which must be declared to customs upon arrival.

Further Information

Brunei tourism Website: www.bruneitourism.travel Brunei Government Website: www.brunei.gov.bn Brunei news / current affairs Website: www.brudirect.com Royal Brunei Airlines Website: www.bruneiair.com