10 Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid While Living in Brunei

Adjusting to a new culture can be a challenging experience, especially when moving to a country with customs and traditions that may be significantly different from your own. Brunei is a small, oil-rich country on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, known for its distinct Islamic culture and royal heritage. As an expat, it's important to be aware of the local customs to avoid cultural faux pas. Here are 10 tips to help you navigate the cultural landscape of Brunei and show respect to its traditions and people.

1. Dress Conservatively

In Brunei, modesty in dress is highly valued, especially for women. It is advisable to wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. When visiting mosques, women are expected to cover their heads, and both men and women should wear clothing that covers their arms and legs completely. Observing these dress codes is a sign of respect for the local Islamic culture.

2. Understand the Importance of Islam

Islam is the official religion of Brunei, and it plays a central role in daily life. Non-Muslim expats should familiarize themselves with Islamic practices and holidays. For instance, during the month of Ramadan, eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours is considered disrespectful. Showing interest and respect for these practices can go a long way in building good relationships with locals.

3. Use Titles Appropriately

Bruneians place great importance on using titles and formalities when addressing one another. Always use titles such as "Haji" for men who have completed the Hajj pilgrimage, or "Datin" for a woman married to a "Dato," a title awarded to a man by the Sultan. If you're unsure of the correct title, "Mr.," "Mrs.," or "Miss" followed by the surname is usually acceptable.

4. Accept Hospitality Graciously

When invited to a Bruneian home, it is customary to bring a small gift, such as pastries or fruit. Always accept refreshments offered to you, as refusing can be seen as impolite. Remember to use your right hand for eating and giving or receiving items, as the left hand is considered unclean.

5. Be Mindful of Your Body Language

Non-verbal communication is just as important as verbal in Brunei. Pointing with your finger is considered rude; instead, use your thumb or a nod of the head. Also, avoid touching someone's head, as it is believed to be the most sacred part of the body. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, so it's best to be reserved in this regard.

6. Respect the Monarchy

The Sultan of Brunei is a revered figure, and it is crucial to show respect towards him and the royal family. Criticizing or speaking negatively about the monarchy in any way can be considered offensive and is best avoided.

7. Be Cautious with Humor

While humor can be a great way to break the ice, be cautious with jokes and sarcasm, as they may not translate well across cultures. Avoid making jokes about religion, the royal family, or local customs, as these topics are taken very seriously in Brunei.

8. Learn Basic Malay Phrases

Although English is widely spoken in Brunei, learning a few basic phrases in Malay, the official language, can be greatly appreciated by locals. Simple greetings like "Selamat pagi" (Good morning) or "Terima kasih" (Thank you) can help in fostering friendly relations.

9. Observe Queuing Etiquette

Bruneians are generally very polite and orderly when it comes to queuing. Always wait your turn and avoid jumping the queue, as this can be seen as very disrespectful.

10. Be Patient and Open-Minded

Finally, patience and open-mindedness are key when adapting to a new culture. Take the time to observe and learn from those around you, and be open to new experiences. This will not only help you avoid cultural faux pas but also enrich your expat experience in Brunei.

We hope these tips will help you navigate the cultural nuances of Brunei with ease. Remember, making an effort to understand and respect local customs will greatly enhance your time in this unique country. Share your experiences and seek advice on Expat Exchange's Brunei forum to connect with fellow expats.

Expats Confess Their Cultural Faux Pas in Brunei

"It is important to be respectful of Brunei's culture and customs when visiting the country. It is considered rude to show disrespect to the Sultan or the royal family, so it is important to avoid making any negative comments about them. Additionally, it is important to dress modestly and to avoid public displays of affection. It is also important to be aware of local religious customs and to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan. Finally, it is important to be respectful of local customs and to avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion," commented an expat living in Brunei.