Bandar Seri Begawan Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Healthcare System
Brunei has a well-developed public healthcare system that provides free or heavily subsidized care to citizens. Tourists can access government hospitals and clinics but will need to pay fees, which are generally reasonable by international standards. Private healthcare facilities are limited but available.
Hospitals
Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital is the main government hospital and accepts international patients. Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) is the primary private hospital offering higher-end care. Both are located in or near Bandar Seri Begawan and have emergency departments.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (called 'farmasi') are available throughout the city, including in shopping centers and hospitals. Common medications are available, though some prescription drugs may require local prescriptions. Guardian and other chain pharmacies stock international brands. Operating hours vary, with some closing by 9 PM.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not legally required but strongly recommended. Medical costs for tourists must be paid upfront or guaranteed by insurance. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation to Singapore if needed for serious conditions.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications with accompanying prescriptions and doctor's letters
- Government hospitals require payment before treatment for non-citizens; keep credit cards or cash available
- Dental care is available but limited; address dental issues before traveling
- No vaccinations are mandatory for entry, but Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine vaccinations are recommended
- Tap water is generally safe to drink in Bandar Seri Begawan, but bottled water is widely available if preferred
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and petty theft are extremely rare in Bandar Seri Begawan due to strict laws and enforcement. Violent crime against tourists is virtually non-existent.
The most significant physical risk to travelers. Roads can be confusing for newcomers, roundabouts are common, and some drivers speed. Pedestrian infrastructure is limited in some areas.
High temperatures (27-33°C) and humidity (70-90%) year-round can cause heat exhaustion or dehydration, especially for visitors unaccustomed to tropical climates.
Brunei enforces strict Sharia law. Actions legal elsewhere (drinking alcohol, public displays of affection, immodest dress, eating in public during Ramadan) can result in fines or arrest.
Dengue fever occurs in Brunei, with occasional outbreaks. Malaria is not present, but Zika virus has been reported in the past.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Some unlicensed taxi drivers at the airport or ferry terminal may quote inflated prices or refuse to use meters (though meters are rare in Brunei). Given the lack of public transport, tourists may feel compelled to accept.
Some tour operators may promise services or destinations that aren't delivered, or charge extra fees not mentioned initially.
Rare, but some money changers may offer poor rates or use confusing calculations to shortchange tourists.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Legal Compliance
- Absolutely no alcohol - importing, possessing, or consuming alcohol is illegal and can result in fines and imprisonment
- No pork products - importing or possessing pork is illegal in this Muslim country
- Dress modestly - cover shoulders and knees; women should avoid tight or revealing clothing, especially near mosques
- During Ramadan, do not eat, drink, or smoke in public during daylight hours out of respect
- Same-sex sexual activity is illegal with severe penalties under Sharia law; be extremely discreet
- Photography of government buildings, military installations, and airports may be restricted
- Drugs carry severe penalties including death penalty for trafficking
Transportation
- Public transportation is very limited; plan to use taxis, rental cars, or hotel shuttles
- Taxis don't typically use meters; negotiate fares before starting your journey
- International driving permits are accepted; drive on the left side of the road
- Water taxis are available for visiting Kampong Ayer; agree on return pickup times and prices in advance
- Walking infrastructure is limited outside the city center; plan routes carefully
Money and Valuables
- Brunei dollar (BND) is the currency; Singapore dollars are also accepted at 1:1 rate
- Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger establishments but carry cash for smaller vendors
- ATMs are widely available and generally safe to use
- Tipping is not expected or customary in Brunei
- Keep copies of important documents separately from originals
Communication
- English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and by younger people
- Malay is the official language; learning basic phrases shows respect
- Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafes, and shopping centers
- Local SIM cards are available and affordable for data and calls
- Download offline maps as GPS navigation is essential given limited public transport
Cultural Etiquette
- Remove shoes before entering homes and some restaurants
- Use right hand for eating and giving/receiving items (left hand is considered unclean)
- Point with your thumb, not index finger; don't point feet at people
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially women
- Show respect near mosques - don't enter during prayer times unless invited, and dress very modestly
- Public displays of affection are inappropriate; even hand-holding can draw disapproval
Food and Water Safety
- Tap water is treated and generally safe to drink in Bandar Seri Begawan
- Food hygiene standards are generally high; food poisoning is uncommon
- Try local cuisine at restaurants and food courts with good turnover
- Halal food is standard everywhere; non-halal options are extremely limited
- Wash hands before eating, especially at restaurants where you eat with hands
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Bandar Seri Begawan is very safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Violent crime and harassment are rare. However, as an Islamic country, there are cultural expectations regarding dress and behavior that women should respect. Local women are treated with respect, and foreign women generally experience the same courtesy.
- Dress modestly - cover shoulders, chest, and knees at minimum; loose-fitting clothing is preferable to tight garments
- Carry a light scarf to cover hair when visiting mosques (required) or if you want to blend in more
- Solo women can safely use taxis and walk around during day and evening, but exercise normal caution at night
- Avoid physical contact with men in public; handshakes may be declined by conservative Muslim men
- Be aware that some facilities have gender-segregated sections (prayer rooms, some pools)
- Unwanted attention is uncommon, but if it occurs, seek help from nearby shops or restaurants
- Swimming attire should be conservative; one-piece suits or rash guards are appropriate at hotel pools
- Tampons and sanitary products are available at pharmacies and supermarkets
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Brunei under both civil and Sharia law, with extremely severe penalties including death by stoning under the Sharia Penal Code (though enforcement has been subject to moratorium). There are no legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals, and same-sex relationships are not recognized.
- Exercise extreme discretion - public displays of affection between same-sex couples are illegal and can result in arrest
- Do not discuss sexual orientation or gender identity publicly
- Book accommodations carefully; request rooms with appropriate bedding configurations without drawing attention
- Avoid any LGBTQ+ activism or visible symbols (rainbow flags, pins, etc.)
- Be aware that social media posts can be monitored; avoid posting LGBTQ+ content while in Brunei
- Consider whether travel to Brunei aligns with your personal values given the legal situation
- If you must travel, maintain a low profile and behave as you would in other conservative countries
- Have emergency contacts for your embassy readily available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Brunei. While medical care is available and reasonably priced, tourists must pay upfront for treatment. Insurance ensures you can access care without financial stress and covers medical evacuation to Singapore if needed for serious conditions. It also protects against trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other travel disruptions.
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