You need Brunei dollars for Brunei immigration control

[Dalescott]

Evening all,
Just got back from a stopover in Brunei (Interesting). Please be aware that you will need to paid with Brunei $'s at passport control, at entry to Brunei. They only take Brunei $'s so you will need some money before entry. Also you will need to pay when you leave, but not if you use Royal Brunei.
Before you ask (or didn't ask, but should have) a trip report will appear soon.

 

[Austman]

Evening all,
Just got back from a stopover in Brunei (Interesting). Please be aware that you will need to paid with Brunei $'s at passport control, at entry to Brunei. They only take Brunei $'s so you will need some money before entry. Also you will need to pay when you leave, but not if you use Royal Brunei.
Before you ask (or didn't ask, but should have) a trip report will appear soon.

I've been in this "Catch-22" situation a few times. Not in Brunei but in other countries. Some with a currency that could not even be purchased abroad! And with no banking counter or ATM before migration.

In my experience, they know how to handle it and it all works out OK. Sometimes colourfully!

 

[Isochronous]

FYI, the Brunei Dollar is pegged at 1:1 with the SGD. So if you have spare SIN cash lying around that should work too, at least theoretically. But I've got friends in SIN who say they just pay with SGD in Brunei and all is fine.

 

[whughes3]

Got stuck in exactly this situation myself in Brunei a few years ago...had to change some cash at a very poor rate in order to get in (there are ATM's in the terminal but you can't access them without leaving security). What is annoying is that Australia is one of only a handful of countries in the region whose citizens need a visa for Brunei: I wonder what we have done to upset the Sultan?

 

[jetlagger]

Have ventured through BWN a few times & always had a few loose SGD on hand, accepted everywhere.
The immigration staff are always very friendly & welcoming.
Guess it's nice working in BWN when there is no tax though.

 

[mushez]

Being a Kiwi, on a NZL passport, transiting through BWN a few times BNE-BKK/PVG back when they flew BNE - I felt a little sorry for all the Australian Passport Holders having to buy VOA as you have to.

I did see one couple who had dual citizenship, AUS & GB - didn't take them long to use their British Passports which didn't require a VOA.