Need to Know Facts about Brunei

Public Holidays

Health & Safety

Weights and Measures

Electricity

Customs & Duties

Post & Communications

Tipping

English Language Media

Public Holidays

Date 2005	Occasion
January 1	New Year's Day
February 9 - 11	Chinese New Year
January 21	Eid Al Adha
February 10	Islamic New Year
February 23	National Day
April 21	The Prophet's Birthday
May 31	Anniversary of the Royal Brunei Regiment
July 15	H.M. the Sultan's and Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam birthday
October 5	Lailat al Miraj
November 3	Eid Al Fitr
December 25	Christmas Day

Weekend: Friday, Saturday

Health & Safety

Brunei does not require foreign travellers to have any mandatory vaccinations, other than for yellow fever, if you're coming from an infected zone. Although its a tropical country, it poses few health risks for the traveller. As long as you take basic precautions like drinking only boiled or bottled water, eating freshly cooked food, and avoiding food that may not be absolutely hygienic - you should be all right. Brunei has excellent and efficient medical facilities - healthcare is free. Should you have the misfortune of falling ill, you'll be in very safe hands.

Brunei is a very safe place to visit- violent crime is virtually non-existent, and even petty theft is uncommon. All you need to do is to keep an eye on your valuables, especially if you're in a crowded area, and not to leave your room unlocked.

Weights and Measures

All measurements are based on the Metric system, which means liquids are bought and sold in litres, solids in kilograms; distances are measured in kilometres and temperatures on the Celsius scale.

Electricity

220 - 240 volts, 50 Hz is the standard power supply in Brunei. An adaptor is required for appliances not set at 220/240 V.

Customs and Duties

Travellers coming into Brunei are allowed to import nearly all personal effects free of customs duty, but you should know that both cigarettes and perfumes can attract customs duty. Alcohol - 1 bottle of spirit/wine may be imported for personal use by non-Muslims, but should be declared to Customs while entering the country. Arms and ammunition, narcotics and pornographic material are prohibited, and you could actually get into trouble if you're caught with these.

Post and Communications

Brunei's postal system is fairly efficient, and you can rely upon it for both speed and efficiency. The main post office in Bandar Seri Begawan is the best place to go if you're planning to send packages abroad, though.

The telecommunications system in the country is one of the best in South East Asia, with around 1 telephone for every 3 people. You'll be bale to find public phones pretty easily throughout the country, and other facilities (like the Internet, fax and telex services) in most places too. Most hotels, some department stores and other large shops usually offer these facilities.

Tipping

Most establishments like hotels and restaurants add 10% to their bills so any additional tip is entirely at your discretion as it is in the case of valets, doormen, cab drivers, porters etc.

English Language Media

The Borneo Bulletin is the only independent newspaper published in Brunei in English, apart from the government owned Daily News Digest and the fortnightly Brunei Darussalam Newsletter. English language radio broadcasts can be beard on the BBC and VOA frequencies.

South East Asian Trips