Good to Know

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Language

Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the official language, but English and Chinese are widely spoken.

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Currency

Brunei Dollar ( 1GPB = approx 1.6 Brunei Dollar). Singapore dollar is also accepted in Brunei. 

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Time Zone

Brunei Darussalam Standard Time is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time ( GMT+8 ).

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Friday Closure

Business are closed between 1200 - 1400hrs on Friday for prayer break.

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Country code

+673 

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Electricity

220 – 240V 50Hz. 3-pin plugs are used.

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Public transportation

Getting around can be relatively difficult if you don't drive, however here are a few options available.

Buses to the Bandar Seri Begawan (the capital) run every hour from Seria bus station. Traveling around Seria (main camp) and Kuala Belait is relatively easy. The local buses (purple buses) leave every 10 – 15 minutes from the bus station to the terminal station in Seria town centre. The buses travel via Jalan Maulana and Panaga roads and pass the Officers’ Mess, X1 and X2 estates, Panaga Sports Club and NAFFI. There are many bus stops en-route and you can also ring the bell or inform the driver to get off at your preferred location.

ClICK HERE to find out more about local transportation. 

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Displays of Affection

Public displays of affection (hugging and kissing) are considered to be in bad taste and will cause offence. Never pat anyone on the top of the head as it is considered a sacred personal spot.

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Dress

Dress respectably and modestly. Clothing comfortable for hot weather is acceptable, except when visiting places of worship or for social and business functions.

 

Footwear

It is considered polite to remove your footwear when entering a local person's home. This custom is widely practised amongst both the expatriate and Military communities.

 

Gestures

Beckoning a person, in the European manner, wagging one crooked finger, is considered very rude, as is pointing with one finger. The correct gesture to beckon is by using all fingers together, but pointing downwards, almost as if waving goodbye. The correct gesture for pointing is to use the right thumb.

 

Hand Shaking

The majority of Muslims feel uncomfortable shaking hands with the opposite sex so unless the Muslim hand is offered first, then refrain from this practice, and when shaking hands with members of the same sex, the handshake is brief and light - unlike the firm handshake adopted by most Europeans!

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Dining

When inviting a muslim over for dinner, they should only be. served meat from animals slaughtered in accordance with religious customs (Halal food). Make sure that all the food products are certified ''halal''.

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Ramadan

During the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, Muslims do not take food from sunrise to sundown. It is illegal to eat or drink in public during this period. 

 

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