Southeast Asia
Money, cards and tipping in Brunei
BNDDollar
Money in Brunei
Mixed: cards and cash The Brunei dollar is pegged 1:1 to the Singapore dollar, and Singapore notes are accepted at par. Cards work in malls, hotels and larger restaurants. US$1 ≈ B$1.28 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: Not expected; upmarket hotels and restaurants may add a service charge.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs in towns accept foreign Visa and Mastercard; fees depend mostly on your home bank.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards in malls and hotels; local wallets need a Bruneian bank account.
- Price level: about 35% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bandar Seri Begawan | Mixed: cards and cash | Cards in malls, hotels and larger restaurants; cash for markets, food courts and taxis. Singapore dollars are accepted at par. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Brunei?
Not expected; upmarket hotels and restaurants may add a service charge.
Is Brunei cashless?
Mixed: cards and cash. The Brunei dollar is pegged 1:1 to the Singapore dollar, and Singapore notes are accepted at par. Cards work in malls, hotels and larger restaurants.
What currency does Brunei use?
The Dollar (BND). US$1 ≈ B$1.28 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- Brunei Immigration and National Registration Department
- Brunei e-Arrival card portal
- UK FCDO travel advice: Brunei
- Brunei Tourism
- Speedtest Global Index: Brunei
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.