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 | Brunei Local Customs | Tips 1 - 10 of 28 |  |
 Dress code by sim1
Brunei is a Muslim country and woman are advised to dress modestly. As I didn't know I was going to visit Brunei (I thought I would only make a very short stop-over in Brunei on my flight to Sabah) I was wearing the totally wrong type of clothing! Eeks! I had no chance to change into some descent clothing because everything was locked up in my suitcase and on its way to Sabah :-(
I was wearing shorts and a sleeveless t-shirt; not the most appropriate clothing for Brunei. I didn't get any comments on my clothing though and I didn't run into any problems. But be prepared to be stared at so now and then. And of course be prepared to feel a bit 'different' than anyone else you meet in Brunei. When I visited the mosque I could borrow a robe to cover myself. See the picture: me in action getting some appropriate clothing :-) Leave a Comment
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 Brunei dollars by sim1
The currency used in Brunei is the Brunei Dollar. Although this is the official currency, Singapore dollars are equally exchanged and can be used.
As I was never expected of visiting Brunei I didn't have any Brunei dollars with me. But the ATM machine at the shopping centre was of great use and I was the proud owner of some Brunei dollars in no time :-))
The current exchange rate (June 2004):
1 Brunei dollar = 0.59 U.S. dollar or 0.48 Euro.
Credit cards are widely accepted in larger stores, hotels and restaurants. Smaller shops and restaurants often only accept cash. Leave a Comment
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 Fountain at the Jame' Asr
Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque by sim1
I was in luck that I didn't need a special visa to enter into Brunei. Dutch (and Swedish) citizens together with several other countries (Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Indonesia, Japan, Luxembourg, Republic of Maldives, Norway, The Philippines, Peru, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand and The Principality of Liechtenstein) can stay 14 days in Brunei without a visa.
British, Malaysian, German, The Sultanate of Oman, South Korea, New Zealand and Singaporean citizens can stay 30 days without a visa.
US citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa.
Australians are issued a visa upon their arrivals at the Brunei International Airport, but only for visits not exceeding 14 days.
It is best to check your local Embassy of Brunei to know the most current visa rules so you know whether you need to apply for a visa or not. You can find more info about visas to Brunei on this website : http://www.mfa.gov.bn/consular/ Leave a Comment
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 The Sultan of Brunei by sim1
The sultan, the sultan and more sultan.... and his family of course :-)) While visiting Brunei you can't escape from the world of the Sultan. Everything in this little Sultanate seems to evolve around him. In almost every sentence of my guide the word 'Sultan' appeared.
I've learnt lots about his life during my short visit, seen many of the palaces of him and his family and I've seen that he is a very generous man, taking good care of his people. My guide through Brunei was quite proud of his country and most of all the fact that they didn't have to pay tax :-)) But the Sultan is the absolute ruler of this country, which means no freedom of speech. A fact I was well aware of while being here. Leave a Comment
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 It's open to visitors by Wild_Orchid
Please note that you should remove your shoes before entering the mosque. All women, regardless of religion, are required to cover their hair, arms and legs and therefore it is best to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts plus carry a shawl to cover your hair before entering. Leave a Comment
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Alcoholic beverages
Brunei is a “dry” country, so, no alcoholic beverages; non- Muslims are allowed to import some (24 beer cans and 2 bottles of wine, if you really “need” that), but no “provocation” is allowed, so, no drink in open view (except some restaurants where it is allowed to “bring your own” (drinks)).
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 Jame' Asr Hassanil
Bolkiah Mosque by sim1
Brunei is a Muslim country and for me that meant adjusting a bit to the local customs. I already mentioned the dress code, but there are a few more things. You can't buy any alcohol in Brunei or pork meat. If you wish you can bring a little bit of alcohol into the country, but be aware of where you drink it.
Another thing is not to give or accept anything with your left hand. At home I am a 100% 'left-hander', so for me that meant quite a bit of adjusting. But I think I managed rather well :-)) Leave a Comment
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This is a tree nursery in the forest; the young trees are kept in shade as they would if growing naturally; the young trees here are durian, as one can see from the remaining burs. The Durian is a very appreciated fruit in all over South East Asia.
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Bruneian people are very polite and rely on etiquette, so, the foreigner has to be polite ; never try to shake hands with a lady; it may be a big offence and if the lady does not raise her hand do not try to take it.
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Drugs
Forget about smoking your favourite grass in this country, or you may stay there for much longer as you planned! Cigarettes only.
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