Using Uber In Brunei: Is It Possible?

If you're planning to travel to Brunei and are wondering if you can use Uber there, the answer is no. Uber does not operate in Brunei, and neither do any of the other popular Southeast Asian ride-hailing apps like Grab. However, there is an alternative local app called Dart, which is Brunei's version of Uber or Grab. Launched in 2017, Dart is the only ride-hailing app available in the country and offers various transport and logistic services. The app can be used to book rides within Brunei, including to and from the airport, and also has a feature for future trip bookings. While Dart has some user interface issues and can be a bit buggy, it is generally reliable and safe to use, with drivers being licensed and trained. Payments can be made in cash or through the app, and fares are calculated based on distance and time of travel. So, if you're looking for a convenient way to get around Brunei, Dart is your best option.

Why isn't Uber available in Brunei?

There are several reasons why Uber is not available in Brunei. Firstly, the country has a high vehicle ownership rate, which means that there is less demand for ride-hailing services compared to other countries in the region. This is also why there are very few official taxis in Brunei.

Another reason is competition from local alternatives. Dart, a local transport app, is often referred to as "Brunei's Uber" and currently has a monopoly on ride-sharing in the country. Dart was launched in 2017 and is the only ride-hailing app available in Brunei. It offers various transport and logistic services, including regular cars, vehicles that can accommodate up to six passengers, and an innovative ride-sharing service using minibuses.

In addition to this, Uber may face challenges with regulation and support in Brunei. One source mentions that the taxi business in Brunei is heavily regulated, with meters being mandatory to ensure "healthy competition". This suggests that Uber may face difficulties entering the market due to regulatory hurdles.

Furthermore, Uber has faced opposition from local taxi drivers in Brunei, who have threatened the safety of potential ride-sharing drivers and their families. This may also be a factor deterring Uber from entering the market.

Lastly, a comment on a Reddit thread suggests that Uber may not be interested in entering the Bruneian market because it is too small. The comment quotes a conversation with Grab, Southeast Asia's leading ride-hailing platform, which states that they do not want to operate in Brunei due to the small market size.

What is Dart?

Dart is a local transport app that is Brunei's version of Uber or Grab, which are both currently unavailable in the country. It was launched in 2017 and is the only ride-hailing app available in Brunei. It is a homegrown Bruneian company that offers various transport and logistic services in the Sultanate.

The Dart app allows you to book future trips as well as on-demand rides. It offers several services: Dart Car, which are regular cars that can take up to four passengers; Dart XL, which are vehicles capable of carrying up to six passengers; Dart Around, which allows you to book vehicles and drivers by the hour with unlimited stops; and Dart Shuttle, an innovative ride-sharing app that utilises minibuses.

Dart is safe to use. All Dart drivers must have a regular driving license and a class 12 taxicab license, and are required to partake in Dart training. The app includes a built-in rating system for both drivers and passengers, which are monitored by Dart to ensure rides and drivers are as safe as possible. All Dart cars have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit and window breaker.

The Dart app occasionally crashes and can be a bit buggy, but it works most of the time with no issues. When selecting pick-up and drop-off points, you move the map, not the arrow. Payments for the ride can be made in cash, using the Brunei dollar, or credits. To use the cashless feature, you need to top up your Dart account using a credit or debit card and then select which payment method you’re using when booking your ride.

How does Dart work?

Dart is a local transport app that acts as Brunei's version of Uber or Grab, neither of which is available in the country. It was launched in 2017 and is the only ride-hailing app available in Brunei.

The app offers various transport and logistic services in the Sultanate, with rides available in as little as a few minutes or booked for future trips. Dart rides can be requested from anywhere within Brunei Darussalam.

To use the app, one must download it and register an account with a phone number. The app uses the smartphone's GPS and Geo-location function to confirm the user's pick-up point. The user can then tap on the marker and type in a helpful note for the driver, such as "I'm waiting upstairs" or a detailed street name/number. For the drop-off point, the user enters the street address or closest landmark, then drags the pointer on the map to the exact location.

An estimated fare will appear, and the user can request a pick-up. Dart rides can be paid for in cash using the Brunei dollar, or through credits purchased within the app using a credit or debit card. The app also has a feature where the user can book a ride for a later date or time.

Dart offers several services:

• Dart Car: Regular cars that can accommodate up to four passengers. These rides are offered at a discounted rate that is pre-agreed upon booking. Dart Car uses trained and licensed individuals and private cars with appropriate insurances for a safe and reliable service.
• Dart XL: Vehicles capable of carrying up to six passengers.
• Dart Around: This service allows users to book vehicles and drivers by the hour, with unlimited stops. It must be booked at least 30 minutes in advance.
• Dart Shuttle: An innovative ride-sharing app that utilises minibuses. It functions as an on-demand bus service, visiting set drop-off points in specific zones. Rides within the same zone cost $1BND, while rides into a different zone cost $2BND.

To become a Dart driver, one must be a Bruneian citizen or permanent resident of Brunei, be 21-65 years old with a valid Class-3 License, have a car less than 10 years old from the date of first registration, and be competent in conversational English and Malay.

How much does Dart cost?

Dart is a local transport app that is Brunei's alternative to Uber or Grab, which are not available in the country. Dart offers rides at affordable rates, with fares calculated based on the distance travelled and the time of travel.

Dart Car is a service that offers transport at a discounted rate, which is pre-agreed upon booking. Dart Car is currently primarily available in the Brunei-Muara district, but the company is working to expand its services to other districts. Dart Car uses trained and licensed drivers with appropriate insurance for a safe and reliable service.

Dart also offers a taxi-booking service, relying on local registered taxis and using the standard metered fare. Dart provides a cost estimate based on a distance calculation without surcharges or time factors.

Dart rides in Bandar Seri Begawan start at $5BND ($3.50USD) and increase depending on the distance and time travelled. For short journeys within the city, the fare rarely exceeds $7-8BND ($5-6USD).

Dart XL is another service offered, which uses vehicles capable of carrying up to six passengers. Dart Around allows users to book vehicles and drivers by the hour, with unlimited stops. This service must be booked at least 30 minutes in advance.

Dart Shuttle is a ride-sharing app that utilises minibuses. It is an on-demand bus service visiting set drop-off points in different zones. Rides within the same zone cost $1BND ($0.75USD), while rides into a different zone cost $2BND ($1.50USD).

The Dart app can be downloaded for free, and users can pay with cash or by topping up their Dart account with a credit or debit card.

Is there an alternative to Dart?

Dart is the only ride-hailing app available in Brunei. It is a homegrown Bruneian company that offers various transport and logistics services in the Sultanate. Dart works most of the time with no issues, although the app interface is not as slick as other ride-hailing apps, occasionally crashing and bugging.

The Dart app offers several services:

• Dart Car – Regular cars that can take up to four passengers at a discounted rate pre-agreed upon booking. Dart Cars use trained and licensed individuals and private cars with appropriate insurances for a safe and reliable service.
• Dart XL – Vehicles capable of carrying up to six passengers.
• Dart Around – Book vehicles and drivers by the hour. This allows for an unlimited number of stops and must be booked at least 30 minutes in advance.
• Dart Shuttle – An innovative ride-sharing app that utilises minibuses. It is essentially an on-demand bus service visiting set drop-off points in set zones.

While Dart is the only ride-hailing app in Brunei, there are other ways to get around the country. Traditional taxis do exist in Brunei, although they are few and far between due to the high vehicle ownership in the country. These taxis tend to work with Dart as it is easier than driving around looking for passengers. If you get a taxi through the Dart app, you will pay the fixed Dart fare. If you hail a taxi on the street, they are metered, so prices are non-negotiable.

Another alternative to Dart is to rent a car. Car rental in Brunei ranges from around $60-100BND ($45-75USD) per day. Fuel is also very cheap in Brunei, at less than $0.50BND ($0.35USD) per litre. Driving standards in Brunei are also very high compared to other parts of Southeast Asia.

Frequently asked questions