Brunei

Brunei is a destination where tradition meets quiet opulence. When you arrive in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, you will immediately notice the stunning Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque reflecting in its artificial lagoon. It is essential to dress modestly—shoulders and knees should be covered—and remember that mosques are generally closed to visitors during prayer times. To ensure you can navigate the city's winding streets and check prayer schedules or opening hours on the fly, it is wise to have a Hello eSIM activated before you land. This allows you to avoid expensive roaming charges and stay connected from the moment you step off the plane. While Brunei is incredibly safe, it is a dry country, meaning alcohol is not sold publicly. Visitors can bring in a limited amount for private consumption, but the focus here is on the serene atmosphere and breathtaking Islamic architecture. Don’t miss the Royal Regalia Museum, which offers a fascinating look at the Sultan’s life and gifts from world leaders. Entry is free, but you'll need to leave your shoes at the door, a common practice across the country.

A trip to Brunei isn't complete without visiting Kampong Ayer, the world's largest stilted water village. For about BND 2 to BND 5 (approx. USD 1.50 to USD 3.70), you can hail a water taxi across the Brunei River. It is a vibrant, living community with its own schools, fire stations, and mosques. If you are feeling more adventurous, use the Hello app's trip planning feature to organize a day trip to Ulu Temburong National Park. Known as the 'Green Jewel of Brunei,' this park is only accessible by boat. You will climb a series of canopy walkways that sit 60 meters above the forest floor, offering a bird's-eye view of the pristine rainforest. Because these excursions often involve multiple boat transfers and guide fees, using the expense splitting feature in the Hello app makes it easy to manage costs if you are traveling with friends, ensuring everyone pays their fair share without the awkwardness of manual calculations or currency conversions.

When the sun sets, head straight to the Gadong Night Market (Pasar Malam Gadong). This is the heart of Brunei’s food scene, where you can find local delicacies for as little as BND 1 or BND 2 (USD 0.75 to USD 1.50). Be sure to try Ambuyat, the national dish made from sago palm starch, typically eaten with a V-shaped bamboo fork called a chandas and dipped into a spicy, sour sauce. Other must-tries include:

• Nasi Katok: A simple but beloved combination of rice, fried chicken, and spicy sambal.
• Satay: Succulent grilled skewers served with a rich peanut sauce.
• Pulut Panggang: Grilled glutinous rice rolls filled with spicy dried shrimp.

As you hop from stall to stall, you can use the Hello app’s budget tracking feature to log your spending in BND. It is a great way to see how far your money goes while enjoying world-class street food on a budget. Most vendors here deal exclusively in cash, so keep small bills handy. The market is also a great place to practice your Malay greetings, though English is widely spoken.