Is Brunei cashless?
Mixed#69 of 197 in The Cashlessy Index 2026 · #10 of 32 in Asia
Short answer: Pay by card, but carry a little local cash for small places.
Hotels, malls and larger restaurants take cards. Night markets, water taxis and small eateries need cash.
Will my card work?
Mostly. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Brunei, though some small businesses are cash only.
Do I need cash?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Brunei, but carry some cash for small places.
Local currency: Brunei dollar (BND)
How does tipping work?
Not expected. A 10% service charge is often included.
Mobile payments
No widely used mobile wallets for visitors. Stick to cards where accepted, and cash.
Good to know
- Singapore dollars are accepted at par.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brunei cashless?
Brunei scores 62/100 on Cashlessy (mixed), ranking #69 of 197 countries. Hotels, malls and larger restaurants take cards. Night markets, water taxis and small eateries need cash.
Do I need cash in Brunei?
A little. Cards cover most spending in Brunei, but carry some cash for small places.
Are credit cards accepted in Brunei?
Mostly. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Brunei, though some small businesses are cash only.
Do you tip in Brunei?
Not expected. A 10% service charge is often included.
Compare with Asia
Editorial estimate, last reviewed September 2026. Payment habits change quickly; see how we score.