Shopper's Guide: Must-Buys At Brunei Airport

Brunei International Airport is the primary international airport in the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam, located on the island of Borneo. The airport has expanded its retail space to offer a seamless shopping experience, with various international and local stores and eateries. For travellers wondering what to buy at the airport, here is a guide to help you plan your visit.

Brunei International Airport has a range of shops, including those selling books, gifts, souvenirs, fashion, accessories, and jewellery

Brunei International Airport has a wide range of shops and eateries, with most opening hours running from 7 am to 11:30 pm. The airport has expanded its retail space to offer a seamless shopping experience, with a mix of international and local concept stores.

For those interested in books, gifts, and souvenirs, the airport has several options. The Mubarak Book Emporium, BWN Souvenirs & Aewon Store, Brunei Souvenirs & Gifts, and One Village One Product offer a variety of reading materials, mementos, and unique local products.

In terms of fashion and accessories, Sunju Enterprise Sdn Bhd and Million Goldsmith & Jewellery provide a range of clothing, jewellery, and other accessories to elevate your style.

The airport also caters to those looking for delicatessen items, chocolates, and candies. Additionally, there are cafes and restaurants, including Cilantro's Gourmet Patisserie, Tarindak by Graduates, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, ensuring you stay refreshed during your visit.

Brunei International Airport also offers essential services such as banks, a currency exchange office, ATMs, and a post office to meet your financial needs.

There are eateries and cafes, including Burger King, KFC, and Starbucks

Brunei International Airport has a range of eateries and cafes to suit different tastes. If you're looking for a quick bite, there are fast-food outlets such as Burger King, KFC, and Jollibee. For those who want a coffee break, Starbucks and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf are available. These options are ideal for travellers who want a familiar taste or a quick caffeine fix.

In addition to these well-known brands, the airport also offers local 'concept stores', which include food, tea, and coffee drinks. These local options provide travellers with a chance to experience Bruneian cuisine and culture. The airport's food hall, Savy's, offers a variety of choices under one roof, making it convenient for travellers with different preferences.

For those seeking a more sit-down dining experience, there are restaurants such as Cilantro's Gourmet Patisserie and Tarindak by Graduates. These options offer a more relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a meal before or after a flight.

The airport's facilities cater to both international and local tastes, ensuring that travellers have a variety of options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a quick snack, a coffee, or a sit-down meal, Brunei International Airport has something to offer. The availability of well-known brands and local options makes it a convenient place to eat and drink while waiting for your flight.

Alcohol is available for purchase in the duty-free departure shops for non-Muslim passengers

Brunei International Airport has expanded its retail space to offer a seamless shopping experience, with a variety of international and local concept stores and eateries. The airport serves as the home base for Royal Brunei Airlines and is one of two airports in the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam, located on the island of Borneo.

While Brunei is considered a "dry country" where alcohol is not sold or served publicly, non-Muslim passengers can purchase alcohol at the duty-free departure shops. It is important to note that these shops are only located in the international departure area of the airport.

For non-Muslim travellers, it is essential to understand the alcohol restrictions in Brunei. Alcohol can only be consumed privately, and bringing alcohol into the country requires following specific guidelines. Travellers above the age of 17 can bring a limited quantity of alcohol, which must be declared on a customs form and is for personal consumption only.

The duty-free departure shops at Brunei Airport provide an opportunity for non-Muslim passengers to purchase alcohol before their departure. It is recommended to check the latest updates and regulations regarding alcohol restrictions and duty-free allowances.

The airport has basic facilities, including squat toilets, a prayer room, and a smoking area

Brunei International Airport has basic facilities for travellers. The airport has a small terminal that handles commercial flights and is constantly being renovated. The facilities include a few shops and eateries, which are reportedly expensive and slow to serve customers. The eateries close by 9 pm. Squat toilets are available, but they may not always be clean. The airport has a prayer room located on the ground floor of the departure hall, and a smoking area. There is also a free water bottle refill station with hot and cold water near the gates.

The airport has a post office, bank, and an ATM in the departure hall. Currency exchange services are available at EzXchange Money Changer in the arrivals hall from 8 am to 10 pm. An information desk is also available in the departure lobby to assist travellers with any queries.

Services include currency exchange, luggage wrapping, and mobile charging points

Brunei International Airport (BIA) is located near Bandar Seri Begawan in the Brunei-Muara District. It is the primary international airport in the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam, on the island of Borneo.

The airport offers a range of services and facilities to cater to the needs of travellers. Among these services, currency exchange, luggage wrapping, and mobile charging points are available for your convenience.

Currency Exchange:

When travelling internationally, it is essential to have local currency on hand for various expenses. At BIA, you can find currency exchange services at the EzXchange Money Changer, located in the Arrivals Hall. The operating hours are 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, providing a convenient option for travellers arriving or departing at various times. This service allows you to exchange your money for the local currency, the Brunei dollar (BND), ensuring you have the correct currency during your stay in Brunei.

Luggage Wrapping:

Protecting your luggage is crucial when travelling, and BIA offers luggage wrapping services to provide an extra layer of security. The "Seal and Go" service, located in the Departure Hall, offers luggage wrapping at a starting rate of BND 7.00 for a regular-sized bag. This service helps safeguard your belongings, giving you peace of mind as you transit through the airport or during your flight.

Mobile Charging Points:

Staying connected while travelling is essential, and BIA provides mobile charging points to ensure your devices stay charged. Although specific locations are not mentioned, these charging points allow you to recharge your phone, tablet, or laptop while waiting for your flight or during layovers. This service is particularly useful if you plan to use your device extensively during your journey or need to stay connected for work or personal purposes.

By offering currency exchange, luggage wrapping, and mobile charging points, BIA ensures that travellers have access to essential services that contribute to a smoother and more convenient travel experience. These services address practical needs, enabling you to navigate through the airport and your journey with greater ease and peace of mind.

Frequently asked questions