Last updated: 18 May 2012

Visiting

Business hours

Government offices are open between 7.45am-12.15pm and 1.30pm-4.30pm, Monday to Thursday and Saturday.

Banks are open between 9.00am-3.00pm, Monday to Friday and 9.00am-11.00am, Saturday.

Commercial businesses are open between 8.00am-noon and 1.15pm-5.00pm, Monday to Friday and 8.00am-noon, on Saturday.

Shops are open between 7.30am-8.00pm/9.00pm, Monday to Saturday.

Public holidays

January 1 – New Year's Day
February 2 – Hari Raya Haji
February 8 – Chinese New Year
February 23 – National Day
May 2 – The Birthday of Prophet Muhammad
May 31 – Royal Brunei Armed Forces Day
July 15 – The Birthday of the Sultan of Brunei
Sept 2 – First day of Ramadhan (subject to change)
Oct 2 – Hari Raya (subject to change)
Dec 25 - Christmas

Climate

Brunei has a tropical climate with high rainfall and warm temperature all year round. Brunei is not directly in the path of tropical storms, cyclones and typhoons, although it is heavily affected by tides.

Monsoon winds influence the climatic variations. The northeast monsoon occurs from December to March, while the southeast monsoon occurs from June to October.

The annual rainfall is generally high with two rainy periods occurring from September to January, and May to June. March and April are the warmest months and humidity is high throughout the year.

For weather details in Brunei, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The official currency is the Brunei dollar (B$).

Time zones and time differences

Brunei is two hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.

To find out the current time in Bandar Seri Begawan, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Brunei's country code is 673.

For calls to Brunei from Australia dial: 0011 + 673 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Brunei to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Electricity and water

Electricity supply in Brunei is 240 volts, 50 cycles. Standard plugs have three round or square pins.

Top Business Risks

• Bribery of Foreign Officials
• Tariffs and regulations
• Doing business in Brunei

OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises

Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.

APEC Business Travel Card Scheme

Managed by the Department of Immigration, the APEC Business Travel Card Scheme was developed to make travelling within the 21 APEC member countries much simpler and more efficient.