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Please reconfirm
your flight at least 72 hours before departure to avoid seat cancellations.
| Facts |
Map |
| Population |
| 0.3 -
0.4 million |
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| Language |
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Malay, Chinese, English |
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| Country Code |
673
AREA : Bandar Seri Begawan(2),
Kuala Belait(3), Sao Paulo(3) |
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| Currency |
Brunei Dollar
check out our Travel Tips/Tools
CURRENCY
CONVERTER to
get the rates you are looking for! |
| |
| Climate |
Humid Tropical
Climate
use our Travel Tips/Tools
for the CURRENT
CLIMATE
there! |
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Introduction
Brunei
is the world's smallest nations. The country's full name is Nation of
Brunei, Abode of Peace (Malay, Negara Brunei Darussalam), sultanate
located on the northern coast of the island of Borneo, in eastern Asia,
bounded on the north by the South China Sea, and on all other sides by the
Malaysian state of Sarawak, which also divides the country into two parts.
The total area is 5,765 sq km (2,226 sq mi). The terrain of Brunei
consists of a narrow flat coastal plain and a hilly interior.
About two-thirds of the population of Brunei is Malay. Minorities include
Chinese, Indians, and various indigenous peoples, such as Dayaks and
Belaits. The official language is Malay, but English is also used for
official purposes. Islam is the state religion, and the majority of the
people are Muslims.
Income
from crude oil has allowed the Sultan and his advisors to transform the
once sleepy Brunei into thriving modern nation. The population also enjoys
one of the world's highest per capita income. Brunei is a member of the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a regional trade
organization.
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General Information
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| Area : 5,765 sq km
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| Capital : Bandar Seri
Begawan
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| Population : 322,000 (
Malay - 69% , Chinese - 18%, Indigenous Tribes - 7%)
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| Language : Malay
(Official), English is the most common foreign language.
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| Religion : Muslim
(Official)
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Currency : One Brunei
dollar (B$) = 100 cents
Notes : 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 dollars
Coins : 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents
Singapore currency at par with Brunei dollar.
Major credit cards are accepted at hotels.
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Transportation
Taxi - Fares are usually quite high and are
not metered.
Bus - There is a shuttle service between
Bandar Seri Begawan and Kulai Belait. Two services operate in Bandar
Seri
Begawan.
Driving - Traffic moves on the left side of
the road. A valid driver's license from ASEAN countries or International license
is required.
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 Communications
Public telephones are available for making
local calls. Direct long-distance dialing services are only available at
private and office telephones or at the Telecoms centre. Telegram and fax
services are available at the General Post Office.
|
 Economy
Major Exports : Liquefied natural gas
(world's largest producer) and oil.
Major Imports : Manufactured goods,
machinery, transport equipment, foodstuffs and chemicals.
Major Trading Partners : ASEAN, Japan,
Taiwan, South Korea and USA.
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 Business Hours
Business and government offices open from
9.00am to 5.00pm. The General Post Offices open from 7.45am to 4.30pm,
Monday to Thursday and Saturday. It is open from 8.00am to 10.00am on
Friday.
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 Banks
Brunei National Bank in the main bank. All
other major Asian banks are also represented. Banking hours are from
9.30am to 3.30am, Monday to Friday, and 9.30am to 11.30am on Saturday.
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 Health
Bandar Seri Begawan has a modern hospital
equipped with the latest medical facilities. Visitors pay only nominal
fees for medical treatment.
Tap water is safe to drink in the Capital
except during the monsoon months (November - December). Ensure that the
food is well cooked.
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 Climate
Brunei
has a humid, tropical climate, with an average annual temperature of about
27°C (about 80°F). The annual rainfall is heavy and is concentrated in
the monsoon season of November to March, but there is no dry season. The
rainy season occurs from October through March.
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 Traveller's Tips
Brunei is a Muslim country. Remove shoes
before entering a Mosque or a Malay house. Do not serve pork or alcohol
when Muslim are present. The Sultan is a respected figure and open
criticism is not advisable. Gifts, particular food, should be passed with
the right hand.
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Visas
Citizens of 14 countries
(including Belgium, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden) can stay
14 days visa-free. British, Malaysian and Singaporean citizens can stay 30
days without a visa. Other nationalities require a visa.
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 Eating Out
In Bandar Seri Begawan, food is relatively
costly. Restaurants and foodstalls near the river in the capital provide
Muslim style dishes. There are also many good Chinese restaurants. Indian
and European cuisines are also available.
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What to wear
Light, casual clothes are most suitable.
Men should wear a tie or batik shirt for formal events and government
meetings. Women should dress modestly.
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 For Further Information
Tourism Unit
Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources
Jalan Menteri Besar
Bandar Seri Begawan 1220
Brunei Darussalam
Tel : (673) 2 382822
Fax : (673) 2 381833
Brunei Malay Chamber of Commerce and
Industry
Suite 411, Bangunan Guru-Guru Melaya Brunei
Jalan Kianggeh
P.O Box 1099, Bandar Seri Begawan 1910
Brunei Darussalam
Tel : (673) 02-227 297, 220649
Fax: (673) 02-227 298
Brunei International Chamber of Commerce
and Industry
P.O. Box 2246
Bandar Seri Begawan
Brunei Darussalam
Tel : (673) 02-236601
Fax : (673) 02-228389
Chinese Chamber of Commerce
Chinese Chamber of Commerce Building
72 Jalan Roberts
Bandar Seri Begawan 2085
Tel : (673) 02-235494/5/6
Fax : (673) 02-235492/3 |
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