Moving To Brunei: A Guide To Relocating Smoothly

Brunei is a small, tropical country in Southeast Asia with a population of around 400,000 to 450,000. It is an independent, sovereign state on the north coast of Borneo, which gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1984. Brunei has a booming economy, largely due to its thriving oil and gas industries, and is considered to have one of the highest standards of living in the world. The country is a unitary Islamic absolute monarchy, with Islam as its main faith, and Malay as its official language. English is widely spoken, however, and is used in business and education, making it a popular destination for expats.

Brunei's thriving economy

The government has shown a commitment to diversifying the economy away from oil and gas, with plans to grow the banking and tourism sectors. The country's leaders are also seeking to increase the workforce and reduce unemployment. Brunei's central location in Southeast Asia, good telecommunications and airline connections, political stability, and lack of taxes on personal income, sales, or exports all contribute to a welcoming climate for investors. The Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB) and the Ministry of Finance and Economy offer various investment incentives to encourage foreign direct investment (FDI) in the domestic economy.

Brunei's economy is also supported by its exports of crude oil and natural gas, which account for over half of its GDP. The country's largest export destinations in 2022 were Australia, Japan, and China, with the United States being a significant trade partner as well. The Brunei dollar is pegged to the Singapore dollar at a one-to-one ratio, and Singapore's currency is legal tender in the Sultanate.

The country's successful and highly profitable economy has attracted a large expatriate community, particularly businessmen and women. The cost of living in Brunei is relatively low, especially for those coming from Western Europe and North America, and there is no personal tax on individuals living in the country. Additionally, Brunei has one of the world's top public healthcare systems, with locals able to access medical care at no cost, and expats typically paying low rates. The country also has a high-quality education system, with English as the primary language of instruction in most public schools.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Brunei is relatively low compared to Western countries, with the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, ranking 176th out of 226 expat destinations in Mercer's 2024 Cost of Living Survey. However, Brunei is pricier than its neighbouring countries. Expats in Brunei typically earn well and can afford a comfortable lifestyle and high standard of living. Food and travel are particularly affordable in the country.

Housing

The cost of housing in Brunei varies depending on location and property size. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from BND 400 to BND 700, while a three-bedroom apartment in the same area can cost between BND 1,500 and BND 2,500 per month. For those looking to buy property, the average cost per square meter in the city centre is BND 2,000 to BND 3,500.

Food

The cost of food in Brunei depends on the location and type of cuisine. A loaf of bread costs around BND 1, a litre of milk is approximately BND 2, and a dozen eggs cost between BND 2 and BND 3. A meal for two in a mid-range restaurant typically costs between BND 25 and BND 40. Grocery prices tend to be higher in touristy areas.

Utilities

Utilities such as electricity, water, and gas are relatively affordable in Brunei. The average monthly cost for these services ranges from BND 150 to BND 250. Internet and mobile phone plans are also reasonably priced, with unlimited internet plans starting at around BND 35 per month.

Leisure

As a country known for its outdoor activities and natural attractions, the cost of leisure pursuits in Brunei varies. Entry to museums or national parks typically costs between BND 2 and BND 5, while a day trip to a nearby beach can cost around BND 30 to BND 50 per person.

Transport

Transportation costs in Brunei depend on the mode of transport. A litre of gasoline costs approximately BND 0.53, and a monthly public transportation pass is around BND 20 to BND 25. Taxis are also available, with an initial charge of BND 3 and a per-kilometre rate of about BND 0.20.

Clothing

The cost of clothing in Brunei varies depending on the type and brand. High-end fashion brands tend to be more expensive, while basic clothing items like t-shirts and shorts are more affordable. Traditional markets and bazaars offer bargain prices on clothing and accessories.

Household Goods

The cost of household goods in Brunei depends on the type of item. Basic furniture, such as a bed, table, and chairs, can cost around BND 800 to BND 1,500, while a refrigerator typically ranges from BND 500 to BND 800. Electronics, such as televisions and laptops, tend to be more expensive due to import taxes.

Culture shock

Brunei is a small, tropical country with a population of just over 400,000 people. It is an Islamic country, and this plays a central role in the lives of its Muslim residents. As such, you will need to be prepared to adhere to local standards and customs. Dress codes are modest, and public displays of affection between opposite sexes are not permitted. Sharia law bans the sale and consumption of alcohol, though non-Muslims are allowed to bring in a limited supply for their own private consumption.

The official language of Brunei is Malay, but English is widely spoken, particularly in business and education. However, you may still experience some degree of culture shock when moving to Brunei. One expat reported experiencing a "slight significance" of culture shock, noting that while some aspects of Bruneian culture resembled their own country's culture, religious practices were very different. They also reported experiencing the "honeymoon phase" and the "cultural adjustment phase" of culture shock, and noticed changes in themselves such as increased eating and drinking, bouts of frustration, and homesickness.

Brunei has a calm and serene atmosphere, and its people are generally friendly and helpful. The country has a rich and unique culture, with a diverse demographic of around 66% Malay, 11% Chinese, 3% indigenous, and 20% from other parts of the world. The population is predominantly Sunni Muslim, although some Chinese residents follow Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, or Christianity, and some indigenous people follow their own local religions.

Brunei has a tropical equatorial climate, with high temperatures, high humidity, and heavy rainfall. The country experiences two monsoon seasons each year, from December to February and June to October, and there is no distinct dry season. The average annual temperature is around 26°C.

Healthcare

Brunei has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with one of the highest standards of living globally. The country's healthcare system is managed by the Ministry of Health and funded by the General Treasury. It consists of around 15 health centres, 10 clinics, and 22 maternal facilities, which are considered to be of a reasonable standard. There are also two private hospitals, Gleneagles JPMC Sdn Bhd and Jerudong Medial Centre.

Public healthcare services in Brunei are either free or highly subsidised by the government. The government covers the cost of sending citizens overseas to access treatments and facilities not available in the country. In 2011-2012, the government spent around 12 million Brunei dollars on the treatment of citizens in Malaysia and Singapore. Healthcare is charged at a rate of just 1 BND (approximately 0.75 USD) per consultation for citizens of Brunei and is free for anyone under 12 years old.

The Ministry of Health monitors the functioning of four government hospitals and 60 health centres and hospitals in the country. The Health Ministry deals with all facets of healthcare in Brunei to provide a better quality of life for all its citizens. Brunei's healthcare services are classified into two major categories: the Directorate of Medical Services and the Directorate of Health Services. While the Directorate of Medical Services looks into areas such as nursing, hospital, laboratory, dental, renal, and pharmaceutical services, the Directorate of Health Services monitors environmental health, community health, and scientific devices.

The expat community in Brunei makes up around 40% of the country's population. Locals can access public medical care for free, while expats are usually charged low rates. Expats with a comprehensive health insurance policy can seek treatment at private hospitals, which are of a high standard but tend to be located only in major urban areas. It is advised that expats opt for international health insurance before travelling to Brunei and ensure coverage for medical evacuation.

Brunei has a hospital in every district, along with 10 health clinics and 16 health centres in the capital and largest city, Bandar Seri Begawan. The largest hospital in Brunei is Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, with 538 beds, located in the country's capital.

Transport

Brunei has a well-developed road network, with roads stretching over 1700 miles connecting the country's population centres. The country's main highway, the Tutong-Muara Highway, is currently being upgraded to a dual carriageway to ease traffic flow between the financial centres of Muara Town and Kuala Belait.

Brunei has a high car ownership rate, with one private car for every 2.09 people. This is due to the lack of a significant public transport system, low import tax, and low unleaded petrol prices (around 0.53 BND per litre).

The country's road network is crucial for the transportation of oil, a key sector of Brunei's economy. A new 19-mile roadway is being constructed to connect the district of Muara to the exclave of Temburong, separated by the Brunei Bay, with 9 miles of the new road built over the water.

While Brunei has a limited public transport system, it is slowly developing. Buses and water taxis (boats) are the most common form of cheap transportation, with average fares of B$1 and B$2-5, respectively.

To drive in Brunei, you will need a valid international driving licence for up to a year. After 12 months, you must take the Highway Code Test and Practical Driving Test. Driving is on the left side of the road.

Brunei International Airport is the country's primary airport, located about 10 minutes from the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and serving destinations across Asia and Oceania, as well as London Heathrow. The airport can be reached by regular taxi or bus services.

Brunei is also accessible by sea, with a ferry terminal at Muara, providing connections to the Malaysian port of Labuan. Speedboats provide transportation to the Temburong District.

Frequently asked questions