Expat life in Brunei? | Expat Arrivals

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Posted by

on 6 Nov 2012

Hi expats,

I've just been made a job offer to work for an oil company in Brunei. I've worked in Dubai for the past 2 years, and so far I am really enjoying the opportunities the emirate offers. However, part of me is also ready for a new challenge and eager to explore other parts of the world.

I know Brunei is a Islamic nation and was wondering how similar the expat lifestyle would be to the one I have here in Dubai. Despite being an Islamic country, Dubai is very tolerant and accepting foreigners - I feel as long as you are respectful to their traditions, they let foreigners do as they wish. I don't really want to live somewhere like Saudi, where my freedoms would be restricted and I wouldn't be allowed to go out and have a drink after work, for instance.

If anyone out there has any experience on expat life in Brunei please let me know your thought. I would like to get more information from expats before making a decision.

Cheers

Anonymous (not verified) on 7 Nov 2012 - 06:54

Hi Jonny,

Congratulations on your exciting new job offer in Brunei.

I think you'll find that there are both pros and cons to expat life in Brunei. On one hand, Brunei is said to have one of the world's highest standards of living. You'll be able to access top quality healthcare and education facillities. On the other hand, you will have to make some adjustments to living in a strict Islamic country.

I think the lifestyle in Brunei would fall somewhere between that in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. The expat population is Brunei is not as large as in Dubai and generally laws are more strigently enforced. However, I don't think you'll be as restricted as you would be in Saudi Arabia. For instance, you won't be limited to living in a compound.

Have a look at the Expat Arrival's Moving to Brunei page for an overview of expat life in the country.

Anonymous (not verified) on 14 Nov 2012 - 13:35

Hey Johnny, i just moved from 3 years middle east to brunei. its pretty boring here, so you better have an interesting job, is all i can say... where would you live?

Anonymous (not verified) on 14 Jan 2013 - 03:56

Hi, I have just been offered a 2 yr placement in Brunei. I have a housing allowance of 2k per month. Where are the best places to live as a n expat? Rik

Anonymous (not verified) on 24 Jul 2013 - 15:53

Hi any expat looking for house for rent? You may contact me at +673 8915111 or email me at [email protected] for more details.

Anonymous (not verified) on 16 May 2014 - 11:17

Hi All, I would like to know what is the expat salary in oil & gas sector in Bandar Seri Begawan. It is contract type for a period of 18 month. How much I should ask for monthly salary as a residence. Appreciate your quick advise. Cheers

Anonymous (not verified) on 21 Dec 2014 - 07:26

Dear Madam I am Naveena from Oman.we are basically from Andhra Pradesh. My husband got a offer in Institute of Technology Brunei. Previous we are in West Malaysia for 3 years. Because of our kids education we choose to Oman. Now first kid going to first standard. Right now we got offer in Brunei. we want to come there. The thing is we want a proper information from any Indian regarding kids education in Brunei and cost of living. Because if everything ooky we want to join coming August. Please madam this is my request to know positives and negatives in Brunei. Expecting reply form you soon Thank you madam

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