Arrivals
Preparation
An assignment to Brunei is an exciting life experience but you will need to prepare thoroughly, and be ready for the unexpected. From the point you find out that an assignment to the Brunei might be on the cards, through moving and then settling in, there are plenty of things you will need to do.
First of all read the Blue Book, which can be downloaded directly from the homepage. The advice within provides the essential details needed to prepare as well as an idea of what to expect. Please ensure you read the healthcare information in full before you apply. Please also read JSP 468.
Note that the In Country Clearance process between the Individual, Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and UK Career Manager can take anything up to 9 months.
Arrival
A few weeks ahead of arrival, you will be allocated a sponsor. Along with the LST SA, they will work to ease your arrival into the country. The SA LST will provide you with an arrival plan when you land this will include a timeline of what to expect in your first few weeks.
Depending on which house you are moving into, and what the crossover period is between you and the previous person, it may be possible to buy some items from them such as washing machine, water cooler, toaster, bedding etc. Many people do pass on cars and soft furnishings to the next person. This is absolutely not essential; if you would rather wait until you are in country then please do. You are well within your rights to ask your sponsor to check out what is being offered for sale in person, and give a second opinion on cost and quality.
Your sponsor will help you with initial set up when you arrive. This will include wifi, mobile phones, banking and car registration, as well as ID cards and driving licences. It is not possible to set these up before you arrive in country.
Penanjong Camp offers a three week course in basic conversational Malay three times a year. It consists of three weeks of half days and is open to Loan Service, spouses and British Forces Brunei. You can book with SO2 TDA at HQ Training Institute.
Banking
There are three locally licensed banks in Brunei. These are BIBD, TAIB and Baiduri. There are also a number of foreign banks. Most members of Loan Service choose to open an account with Standard Chartered as this is a British based bank, and it’s systems are aligned with the MOD pay process. You are free to bank with whoever you like, but the account cannot be set up until you are in country.
A travel card such as the Starling Card or Revolut card is highly recommended for both your first few weeks in country and also if you intend to travel around the wider region.
Broadband
Options for broadband services include DST, Progresif and Imagine. There doesn’t appear to be much difference in service or pricing. Often new arrivals just take over the previous occupants contracts.
While fibre is now available in all Loan Service housing, an additional modem can be helpful if your family enjoys streaming or gaming.
A VPN is recommended if you intend to stream from an online provider such as Disney or Netflix. You do not need a VPN to access BFPS. You will need a surge protection device but it is still a good idea to unplug your computer and modem during the frequent electrical storms.
Line Rental can be reclaimed annually.
Mobile Phone
There are many options for mobile phone services. Whatsapp is the preferred messaging service in Brunei so you will find you don’t need to use your mobile phone number very often.
Local Brunei phone companies such as Progresif, DST and Imagine offer good deals on sim only phone contracts, as well as Pay as You Go options.
Some Loan Service families choose to use an eSim, which enables you to have your phone set up and working as soon as you arrive in country.
Ensure you arrive in country with an unlocked phone.
Identity Card
Once you arrive in country you will go to the MINDEF to get your RBAF IC Card. Your spouse will need to go to the Immigration, Labour and Registration Department, and this will be arranged with your sponsor. The essential documents needed are:
Passport
Copies of passport photo page and Bruneian dependant visa page
Letter of Certificate of Dependant Status which will be given to you on arrival by SA LST. Note that you will not be able to obtain an IC card for your spouse until your passports have been returned to you from the SA LST with your Dependant Stamp and Visa for the duration of your tour, which takes roughly 2-4 weeks from arrival.
Driving Licence
You can drive for 3 months on your UK Licence but you will need to get a Bruneian Licence at the Land Transport Office. Driving licences are issued for one year. Before submitting the application, prepare your documentation as outlined on the arrival check list and your fee.
Electricity
All electricity in RBAF housing runs off a pre-paid meter. You will need to visit the USMS office in Bandar to transfer/obtain your USMS account. Once complete you may download the USMS app and start to monitor your usage and top up accordingly. When you move in, their will be $20 placed on your account to get your started.
You have a monthly entitlement for reclaim, please aim to top up on USMS on the 1st of the month to receive the best rates. You must keep your USMS email receipt to reclaim the cost. Depending on your usage, you may use more or less than this amount of electricity per month; however, regardless of how much you use, you will only be allowed to claim back up to the maximum allowance for your rank. The receipt that you attach to your monthly claim must be dated the same calendar month as the month you are claiming for, and must be in your name.
General Advice
Carry tissues and hand sanitiser with you everywhere you go. Toilet Roll is optional in rest rooms in Brunei.
If you think you would like to employ an Amah, please read LSSO 109 thoroughly.
Cards are widely supported but it’s best to always have a small amount of cash just in case. If you have children attending school, the first few months include a large amounts of cash payments up to $5000 BND.
Tips are generally not expected but a $1 tip is appreciated by the guy who pumps your petrol.