Currency & Payment

Brunei uses the Brunei dollar (BND, B$), divided into 100 cents. The Brunei dollar is pegged at par with the Singapore dollar (SGD), and Singapore dollars circulate freely and are widely accepted at a 1:1 rate. Notes and coins of both currencies can turn up in your change.

You can exchange money at banks and licensed money changers in Bandar Seri Begawan and at shopping malls. Because Singapore dollars are accepted at par, travellers coming from Singapore often need little exchange. Compare rates and keep receipts, and carry some small notes for taxis and smaller shops.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, shopping malls and restaurants in Bandar Seri Begawan and other urban areas. Smaller shops, markets, taxis and rural spots may prefer cash, so carry some Brunei or Singapore dollars as a backup. Tell your bank you are travelling to avoid card blocks.

ATMs are available in Bandar Seri Begawan and towns, usually at banks and shopping malls, and many accept international Visa and Mastercard cards. Watch out for your home bank’s foreign withdrawal fees, and decline home-currency conversion (DCC) to get a better rate. ATMs can be sparse in rural areas, so withdraw in town.

Mobile and QR payments are growing in Brunei, with local apps and QR schemes used at many shops and eateries. These are usually linked to local bank accounts, so visitors may find them hard to set up. Contactless card payments and Apple Pay or Google Pay via your card are often the easier option for travellers.

Tipping is not a strong custom in Brunei and is generally not expected. Some upscale hotels and restaurants may add a service charge to the bill. If you receive especially good service, a small tip is appreciated but never required. There is no need to feel awkward about not tipping.

Brunei can feel moderately priced by regional standards. Local meals at markets and simple eateries are inexpensive, while hotel dining and imported goods cost more. Since alcohol is not sold, dining bills stay lower than in many countries. Petrol is notably cheap, and public transport is limited so budget for taxis or car hire.

Brunei does not levy a general sales tax or VAT on most goods, so there is no tourist tax-refund scheme like those in some countries. This means prices you see are generally what you pay. Certain excise or import duties apply to specific items rather than to shopping in general.