Brunei’s blend of modern wealth, Islamic heritage, and lush rainforests makes it a unique travel destination, where managing money wisely ensures a seamless experience. Whether you’re exploring Bandar Seri Begawan’s opulent mosques, discovering the water villages, or visiting the untouched jungles of Ulu Temburong National Park, this guide provides all the details – what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Brunei (Brunei Dollar (BND)), cash safety tips, and important dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll avoid unnecessary fees and enjoy Brunei’s peaceful and luxurious atmosphere.
How to pay in Brunei – cash or card?
In Brunei, both cash and card payments are commonly used, with a growing trend towards digital transactions. While major establishments in urban areas accept credit and debit cards, cash remains essential, especially in smaller towns and rural regions.
You can use cash for:
Public Transportation: Buses and local taxis primarily operate on cash payments.
Local Markets and Street Vendors: Purchases at traditional markets and street stalls are predominantly cash-based.
Small Businesses: Many small or family-run shops and eateries prefer cash transactions.
Tips and Gratuities: It’s customary to tip in cash for services such as dining, tour guides, and hotel staff.
Rural Areas: In less urbanized regions, electronic payment facilities may be limited, making cash essential.
You can use card for:
Hotels: Major hotels, especially in urban and tourist areas, accept credit and debit cards.
Restaurants and Cafés: Many dining establishments, particularly in cities, facilitate card payments.
Retail Stores: Shopping malls, branded stores, and supermarkets commonly accept cards.
Car Rentals and Travel Agencies: Established agencies typically offer card payment options.
Online Bookings: Reservations for flights, hotels, and tours can usually be made using cards.
What’s the best currency to take to Brunei
Brunei Dollar (BND) is typically the best currency to take if you are traveling to Brunei. Paying or withdrawing cash in the local currency comes with the least amount of fees, sometimes fee-free too.
The Brunei Dollar is pegged to the Singapore Dollar (SGD) at par, and both currencies are used interchangeably in Brunei. Therefore, Singapore Dollars are also widely accepted. However, if you pay in other foreign currencies, the exchange rates in these transactions can be poor. So, it’s advisable to pay in BND or SGD to avoid losing money.
US Dollars or British Pounds are not widely accepted here.
Where to get currency in Brunei
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Brunei. They are:
ATMs, or
Currency exchange, or
Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Brunei
POS machines readily accept Visa and Mastercard. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Brunei
If you’re withdrawing money in Brunei from an ATM, ATMs commonly accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Plus, Cirrus cards. However, some ATMs accept only Visa / Visa Plus and some accept only Mastercard / Cirrus. So carry options of both types of cards. ATMs usually don’t accept others like American Express, JCB, UnionPay, Diners, Discover and Rupay cards.
Should I exchange currency before travelling to Brunei
Bringing a small amount of Brunei Dollar (BND) before traveling can be helpful for immediate expenses like taxis, tips, and small purchases. However, exchange rates outside Brunei are often poor, and many foreign banks do not stock BND, making it difficult to obtain in advance.
Withdrawing BND from ATMs in Brunei is the easiest option, as ATMs are widely available in airports, cities, and shopping centers. Most ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard, but Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro cards may have limited acceptance. Check your bank’s international withdrawal fees before traveling.
It’s best to exchange money in Brunei at banks or licensed exchange bureaus, which offer better rates than airports or hotels. If exchanging at the airport, do so only for a small amount.
Carrying a mix of cash and cards is advisable. If bringing SGD (Singapore Dollar), it can be used directly in Brunei at a 1:1 exchange rate, as Brunei and Singapore have a currency agreement. USD, EUR, or GBP can also be exchanged, but paying in BND ensures the best value.
Where to withdraw money in Brunei
You can withdraw money in Brunei at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Brunei are those owned by popular banks such as:
BIBD,
TAIB,
Maybank, and
Baiduri Bank.
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
There are no known Global ATM Alliance member banks or All Points network banks in Brunei.
Where to exchange currency in Brunei
You can exchange currency in Brunei at licensed exchange bureaus or banks.
Currency Exchange Offices: In Brunei, currency exchange offices are commonly referred to as Money Changers. These are widely available in tourist areas, shopping centers, and airports. Notable providers include EzXchange Money Changer, Zamada Money Changer, BruXchange Money Changer.
Banks: Major banks such as Bank of China (Hong Kong) Brunei Branch and Baiduri Bank offer currency exchange services. These banks have branches throughout cities, providing reliable services. Operating hours are typically from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays.
You can find good currency exchanges using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 100+ countries, including Brunei.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: While airport exchange services are available, it’s generally better to exchange money in the city for more competitive rates and lower charges.
Is carrying cash in Brunei safe?
Carrying cash in Brunei is generally safe due to the country’s low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and while petty crimes like bag-snatching can occur, they are infrequent. It’s advisable to carry only the cash you need for daily expenses and keep your valuables secure. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, but having some cash on hand is useful for small vendors or in rural regions.
To keep your cash safe:
Carry only necessary amounts: Withdraw cash as needed to avoid carrying large sums.
Be discreet: Avoid displaying cash in public places.
Stay vigilant: Remain aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Brunei
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
