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Visitor's Guide


Visitor's Guide to Brunei Darussalam

 

Weather

Brunei Darussalam has an equatorial climate characterized by high rainfall, and enjoys warm temperatures throughout the year.  Monsoon winds though, can create swift changes in the weather.  Coolest from September to March, average temperature is 27 C.  Warmest from April to August, average temperature is 29 C.  Rainfall is most abundant from October to March.

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Currency, Credit Cards and other Banking Information

The local currency is known as Brunei Dollar (BND). One dollar is worth 100 cents. Coins are issued in denominations of 1 cent, 5 cent, 20 cent and 50 cent. Currency notes are available in 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 denominations. Foreign currencies can be changed at banks or authorised money-changers throughout the country. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and major shops. Those in common use include Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club.

Most banks are open from 0900 hours to 1500 hours on weekdays and from 0900 hours to 1200 hours on Saturday.

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Time Zones & Country Codes 

Brunei Darussalam time is 8 hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time and 16 hours ahead of US Pacific Standard Time. The following list indicates the time difference in hours, between Brunei Darussalam and the capitals of participating countries of the 7th ASEAN Summit. Long distance country codes and city routing codes are also provided.

Countries Hrs Country + Code
Cambodia: Phnom Penh -1 855 23
China: Beijing 0 86 10
Indonesia: Jakarta -1 62 21
Japan: Tokyo +1 81 3
ROK: Seoul +1 82 2
Lao PDR: Vientiane -1 856 21
Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur 0 60 3
Myanmar: Yangon -1.5 95 1
Philippines: Manila 0 63 2
Singapore 0 65 2
Thailand: Bangkok -1 66 2
Viet Nam: Hanoi -1 84 4

For Local calls: Six digit local telephone number
For Local Handphone calls: 08 + six digit handphone number
For International calls: 01 + country code + area code + telephone number

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Utilities

The power supply in Brunei Darussalam is 220 – 240 volts AC, 50 cycles.  Hotels provide 110 volts 20 watt sockets for electric razors only.

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Tipping 

In most hotels and restaurants, a service charge of 10% is added automatically to bills.  Tipping is therefore unnecessary unless the service is exceptionally good.

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Airport Tax

There is an airport tax of BND$12 upon departure.

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Bussiness Hours

Government offices open from 0745 hours to 1215 hours and from 1330 hours to 1630 hours, Monday to Thursday and Saturday.  Offices in the private sector generally open from 0900 hours to 1700 hours, Monday to Friday and half-day on Saturday.  Generally, supermarkets, shopping centers and departmental stores open daily from 1000 hours to 2200 hours.

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Postal Services

Post Office opens from 0800 hours to 1630 hours, Monday to Thursday and Saturday; from 0800 hours to 1100 hours on Friday. The post office closes on Sunday. Postage stamps may also be purchased at most hotels' front desks.

The standard postage rate for letters in Brunei Darussalam is 20 cents while the rate for overseas destinations vary with countries.

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Business Hours

Government offices open from 0745 hours to 1215 hours and from 1330 hours to 1630 hours, Monday to Thursday and Saturday.  Offices in the private sector generally open from 0900 hours to 1700 hours, Monday to Friday and half-day on Saturday.  Generally, supermarkets, shopping centers and departmental stores open daily from 1000 hours to 2200 hours.

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Smoking

Smoking is not allowed in most public places, such as hospitals and restaurants. However, delegates are advised to verify with the hotels and restaurants regarding smoking policy while making reservations.

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Places of Interest

Places of Interest

· Istana Nurul Iman (His Majesty's Palace)
· Sultan Omar Ali Saiffuddien Mosque
· Kampung Air (Water Village)
· Royal Regalia Building
· Brunei Museum/Malay Technology Museum
· The Arts & Handicrafts Centre
· Yayasan SHHB Foundation Complex
· Jame' Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque
· Taman Hj Sir Muda Omar Ali Saiffuddien


Emergency Phones Numbers

Ambulance - 991
Police - 993
Fire Brigade - 995

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