Currency in Brunei: BND Send & Spend FX Guide
Resources for Expats, Travelers, and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Brunei with the Brunei dollar.
What's in this Brunei currency guide?
What currency is used in Brunei?
The official currency of Brunei (country code: BN) is the Brunei dollar, with symbol B$ and currency code BND.
What is a good Brunei dollar exchange rate?
The BestExchangeRates.com currency comparison table below helps you see the total cost of your currency transaction by showing the exchange rates offered by different providers. It also makes it easy to spot potential savings from market-leading FX services compared to bank rates.
To see a full list of rates, enter your transaction type, currencies and amount then click ‘GET RATES’:
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Good things to know about the Brunei dollar
The currency code "BND" refers to the Brunei dollar, which is the official currency of Brunei. It is represented by the symbol "$" and is abbreviated as BND. The physical currency consists of coins and banknotes. The coins come in denominations of 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, and 50 cents. The banknotes come in denominations of $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, and $1,000. The banknotes feature images of famous Bruneian historical figures, such as Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Pengiran Anak Saleha. The design of the currency is constantly being updated, so the physical appearance of the coins and banknotes may vary slightly over time.
For more BND information check out our selection of Brunei dollar news and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Brunei?
The domestic currency in Brunei is the Brunei dollar.
What is the Brunei dollar currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Brunei dollar is BND — symbol is B$.
What does the Brunei dollar look like?
Here is an example Brunei dollar banknote:
Which countries use the Brunei dollar?
It is the domestic currency in Brunei.
Is the Brunei dollar a closed currency?
No, the Brunei dollar is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of GBP and BND?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for GBP to BND (British pound to Brunei dollar)*.
*Converted at the current GBPBND interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Travel money for Brunei
Using Wise for Brunei dollar travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.
For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Brunei dollar otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want Brunei dollar cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the BND cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Brunei: Travel Guide
Traveling to Brunei requires careful financial planning to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate currency considerations and manage your money effectively during your visit.
Brunei is a small country located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, lush rainforests, and oil and gas reserves. The official language is Malay, and the country has a tropical climate with high humidity and temperatures averaging around 80 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. Islam is the official religion of Brunei, and there are many mosques and other religious sites to visit. The country has a strong economy, and the main industries include oil and gas, manufacturing, and tourism. Brunei is known for its traditional handicrafts, including silverwork and woven textiles, and there are many markets and shops where you can find these and other handmade items.
Everyday Costs in in Brunei
How much does it really cost to live, work, or travel in Brunei? Here's what to expect for daily expenses and expat living.
Currency Guide: Brunei (ISO code: BN)
Travelers planning a week-long mid-range stay in Brunei should budget approximately BND 1,200 to BND 1,500 (around USD 888 to USD 1,110). This would cover accommodation, meals, transportation, and entertainment for a comfortable experience. To give you an idea of typical daily expenses in Brunei, here’s a quick breakdown in the local currency:
- 🍽️ Meal at a local restaurant: BND 10 - BND 20
- ☕ Coffee: BND 3 - BND 5
- 🚌 Public transport fare: BND 1 - BND 2
- 📱 Prepaid SIM card: BND 15 - BND 30
- 🛏️ Budget hotel or Airbnb: BND 40 - BND 80 per night
Overall, Brunei is considered to be on the more expensive side compared to many Southeast Asian destinations but can be categorized as average when compared to the United States or the UK. Compared to the US, dining and accommodations may be slightly cheaper, while major expenses like transportation and entertainment are often on par. In contrast, compared to Australia, visitors might find Brunei's costs lower due to the significant differences in currency strength, with Brunei offering a more affordable mid-range experience.
Living in Brunei for Expats
For expats settling in Brunei, the average monthly living costs can vary widely based on lifestyle but typically range from BND 2,500 to BND 3,500 (approximately USD 1,850 to USD 2,600). This estimate includes rent, groceries, utilities, and leisure activities. Understanding how to manage your finances is crucial for a smooth transition, so here are a few tips.
Banking options in Brunei are straightforward, with local banks offering various services, while international cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Domestic ATMs will dispense BND, and it’s wise to keep some cash for smaller purchases. For sending and receiving money, online transfer services like Wise or OFX provide competitive rates and lower fees than local banks and money changers, making them a preferred option for expatriates who need to manage multiple currencies. While exchanging money locally is convenient, online services often result in better rates and save you money in the long run.
USD/BND Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/BND change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Send Money to Brunei - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Brunei you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Brunei
When sending money to Brunei it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or Brunei dollar amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted BND amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Brunei.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Brunei dollar deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!