Expats moving to Brunei will find themselves in a small, tropical country with a tiny population of just over 460,000 residents. Brunei has one of the world’s highest living standards, and the country’s economy is booming thanks to its thriving oil and gas industries.
Living in Brunei as an expat
Brunei has a large expat contingent of over 20 percent of the country’s population, with most foreigners having been enticed by the prospect of lucrative employment packages and tax-free income. Expats in Brunei are often employed by one of the large multinational companies in the oil and gas sector. The construction industry also employs a significant number of foreign workers.
Brunei has one of the world’s top public healthcare systems. Locals can access public medical care at virtually no cost, and expats are usually charged low rates. High-quality private hospitals are available as well and are best accessed with health insurance. These tend to be located only in major urban areas.
New arrivals are sure to experience some culture shock. Brunei is a strictly Islamic country, and expats should always take the necessary steps to adhere to local standards. This entails dressing modestly and avoiding public displays of affection.
While Malay is the official language of Brunei, English and some Chinese dialects are commonly used in business. As such, most expats won’t experience much of a language barrier.
Brunei is generally a safe destination for expats, and crimes tend to be opportunistic rather than violent. The country has strict laws when it comes to alcohol and drugs. While expats are allowed to import small quantities of alcohol for their personal consumption, they are not allowed to possess more than their designated allowance or sell alcohol to others.
Cost of living in Brunei
Expats moving from Western Europe and North America will likely find the cost of living in Brunei relatively low. That said, Brunei is pricier than other countries in the region, although expats in Brunei tend to earn well, making it easy to afford a comfortable lifestyle and high standard of living. Food and travel are particularly cheap in Brunei.
Families and children in Brunei
Although Brunei’s public education system is relatively young, it’s of a high standard and is continually improving thanks to extensive government investments. English is the primary language of instruction in most public schools. Nevertheless, expats generally opt to send their children to international schools so that they can continue with a familiar curriculum. The majority of international schools are located in the country’s capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan.
Brunei’s natural environment provides much to keep families busy outside of work and school. An extensive coastline, packed with beaches, and an abundance of gorgeous rainforests ensure there’s plenty to occupy families who enjoy exploring the outdoors. Those looking for activities with a bit of cultural enrichment will also discover a wealth of museums and historical sites to visit throughout the country.
Climate in Brunei
Brunei has a tropical rainforest climate characterised by hot, humid weather and abundant rainfall. The country doesn’t experience a dry period and has two monsoon seasons each year, from December to February and June to October. The average temperature throughout the year is 81°F (27°C).
While expats moving to Brunei may need to make some adjustments to their lifestyles and overcome elements of culture shock, they will likely be rewarded with a high standard of living and an array of new opportunities.
Fast facts
Population: More than 460,000
Capital city: Bandar Seri Begawan
Neighbouring countries: Brunei is situated on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. The country has a northern coastline along the South China Sea, and is otherwise surrounded by Malaysia.
Geography: Brunei is split into two areas on the island of Borneo. Its geography consists of idyllic coastal areas and well-preserved rainforests.
Political system: Unitary Islamic absolute monarchy
Major religion: Islam
Main languages: Malay, although English is widely spoken
Money: The local currency is the Brunei Dollar (BND), which is divided into 100 cents. It’s fairly easy for expats to open a bank account in Brunei, although it must be done in person and requires specific documentation.
Tipping: Tipping isn’t expected in Brunei, but you may wish to tip for exceptional service. Some high-end hotels and restaurants may add a 10 percent service fee.
Time: GMT+8
Electricity: 240V, 50Hz. Plugs with three flat blades are used throughout the country.
Internet domain: .bn
International dialling code: +673
Emergency numbers: 991 (ambulance), 995 (fire), 993 (police)
Transport and driving: Cars in Brunei drive on the left side of the road. Buses are the main form of public transport. A local ride-hailing app, Dart, is also widely used.