Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, is known for its stunning Islamic architecture and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed: 25 Mbps, with good coverage in urban areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Brunei Dollar (BND); 1 BND ≈ 0.74 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable; however, it's recommended to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, with Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include DST, Progresif, and Cellco, with prepaid options widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most international credit cards are accepted in larger establishments; local banks include Baiduri Bank and Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to serviced apartments on platforms like Airbnb, with monthly rates starting around BND 1,200. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, particularly in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property rental sites offer short-term options starting from BND 80 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Dormitories and guest houses like The Brunei Hotel offer affordable rates starting from BND 30 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Kampong Ayer (Water Village) for cultural experience and proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | City Center for access to cafes, coworking spaces, and amenities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Brunei's first coworking space, The Collective, located in the city center. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf on Jalan Sultan is known for its conducive work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for meetups; Brunei Business Network hosts regular events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Brunei Facebook Group is a good resource for community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Ride-sharing app, 'GoCar' available; local taxi services also plentiful. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; consider using local buses or taxis for commuting. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Jerudong Beach, about 20 minutes from the city by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Royal Brunei Airlines operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Royal Brunei Airlines for direct international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected via the Pan-Borneo Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Brunei does not have a train system; use buses and taxis for transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited public transport; daily bus passes cost BND 2. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect to nearby towns; taxis are available for short distances. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | RIPAS Hospital, the largest medical facility in Brunei, offers comprehensive care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga House Brunei caters to different levels; classes are available. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Zone at The Mall, Gadong, has equipment and group classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundries and cleaning services are available in shopping malls. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda provides extensive options for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nasi Katok, a local dish of rice served with fried chicken and sambal. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian-friendly restaurants include The Olive Tree and a variety of night markets. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Tucson Cafe famous for their Brunei-style desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Wisma Haji Husin often has local market vendors with affordable food. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online stores such as E-commerce Brunei for various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | HappyMart offers online grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Commonwealth Drive has several bars but Brunei has a conservative nightlife culture. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewed in Brunei offers local craft beer production. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options due to alcohol regulations; better options available at major hotels. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Night markets like Tamu Selera offer a variety of local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Mall food court features various international cuisine options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is a stunning architectural marvel. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Brunei Museum showcases Brunei's history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Royal Regalia Museum houses artifacts related to the monarchy. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Jame' Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque, a key religious site in Brunei. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Hari Raya celebrations typically in April or May are vibrant and culturally rich. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Kampong Ayer, the water village, reflects Brunei's unique heritage. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Brunei Arts and Culture Centre hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Tamu Kianggeh is a must-visit for local produce and handicrafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music events often feature traditional Bruneian music styles. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Limited street art; however, major public spaces have some murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes for traditional Bruneian cuisine can be arranged through The Brunei Culinary School. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Art Gallery at the Museum offers exhibitions from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old palace of Istana Darussalam. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Brunei's adherence to Islam shapes much of its cultural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Ulu Temburong National Park offers a pristine rainforest experience. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Borneo's rainforests are accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Brunei River Path is scenic for walks and runs. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookouts at the Temburong River provide breathtaking views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Ulu Temburong National Park is a haven for birdwatchers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at popular parks like Tasek Lama. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | POS Malaysia provides reliable domestic and international shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local tech shops like R2 Solutions offer gadget repair. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at sports complexes like the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language schools offer Malay classes for residents. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Brunei National Library is a good place to study and read. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Youth and Cultural Center offers various cultural programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local internet cafes provide gaming setups popular among youth. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Brunei has strict laws against gambling; no casinos available. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BND 2,800 per m² (e.g., small studios starting from BND 120,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BND 2,200 per m² (e.g., studios starting from BND 100,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BND 2,600 per m² (e.g., 1-bedroom at BND 156,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BND 2,000 per m² (e.g., 1-bedroom at BND 120,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BND 2,300 per m² (e.g., 2-bedroom at BND 345,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BND 1,800 per m² (e.g., 2-bedroom at BND 288,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 0% corporate tax rate; Brunei is tax-friendly. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Brunei offers a tax-free environment for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0% income tax for individuals. |
| 🧾 VAT | Currently, no VAT applied in Brunei. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules due to Brunei's tax policies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No property tax in Brunei. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No taxes on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Excellent benefits; no tax on worldwide income. |