Brunei is prosperous, clean, and safe, but it has strict social norms and limited public transport. Getting clear on alcohol rules, etiquette, and how to get around will make your trip much smoother and help you avoid misunderstandings due to cultural differences.

1. Check Visa Requirements in Advance: Visa-on-arrival and e-visa policies can change occasionally. Double-check them one week before departure, and have your return flight ticket and hotel booking ready.
2. Nationwide Alcohol Ban: The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Brunei. Do not bring alcohol into the country, and public drinking is against the law. Restaurants will not serve alcoholic drinks.
3. Dress Modestly: Islam is the official religion. Women should avoid overly revealing clothing, and both men and women must remove shoes and cover their hair and shoulders when entering a mosque. Follow on-site instructions and avoid loud behavior during visits.
4. Respect Ramadan: During Ramadan, non-Muslims should avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect.
5. Right-Hand Etiquette: Use your right hand or both hands when passing or receiving items and when eating. Avoid using your left hand or touching members of the opposite sex, especially when visiting Malay homes.
6. Currency Interchangeability: The Brunei dollar is at par with the Singapore dollar and can be used interchangeably. You can pay with Singapore dollars, but change is usually given in Brunei dollars.
7. Carry Some Cash: Credit cards are accepted in malls and hotels, but cash is needed at hawker centers, water villages, and for water taxis.
8. Arrange Transportation: Public buses have limited schedules. It’s best to hire a car or drive yourself. Ride-hailing apps have limited availability and require advance booking. Transport is even more limited during peak seasons and weekends.
9. Jungle Gear: The weather is hot and rainy year-round. Bring sun protection, rain gear, and insect repellent. For jungle trekking, wear non-slip shoes and go with a guide. Protect electronic devices from moisture.
10. Emergency Contacts: Police: 993, Ambulance: 991. Your country's embassy or consulate in Brunei can provide consular assistance.

One final tip: many businesses and attractions in Brunei have midday breaks and close on Friday mornings for prayers. Try to plan your visits outside those times. Most places accept credit cards, but it’s still a good idea to carry some Brunei dollars for small purchases at hawker centers and water villages.

The charm of Brunei lies not in the number of attractions, but in its affluent yet restrained sense of order: golden domes gleaming at night, smoke rising gently from stilt houses, and deep jungles where the only sound is the trickle of water. Slow down, respect local beliefs and customs, and you’ll discover a version of Borneo quite unlike what you imagined. If your visit coincides with the Sultan’s birthday or Eid al-Fitr, you’ll also experience the joy of nationwide celebrations—a sight to behold.