Brunei – Car Rental

What are the rules and requirements for renting a car in Brunei?

Hiring a vehicle in Brunei involves satisfying a combination of documentation, age, and insurance criteria. The overall process resembles car rental in neighbouring Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia, yet there are several Brunei-specific considerations — particularly concerning licence recognition and minimum driving experience — that are worth understanding before you arrive.

Age requirements

The minimum age to hire a car in Brunei is typically 21. Drivers who have not yet reached 25 years of age will ordinarily be subject to a Young Driver Surcharge. Age thresholds can vary between providers and vehicle categories, so reading the rental conditions carefully before completing a booking is essential. For premium or larger vehicles, certain companies may set the lower limit at 23 or even 25, so it is always worth confirming directly with your chosen operator.

All drivers are required to have held their licence for a minimum of one year prior to the pick-up date. In most circumstances there is no upper age restriction, although some insurers impose a ceiling of either 75 or 80 years of age. Current age policies should always be verified directly with the rental company, as these can be revised at any time.

Licence requirements

The majority of rental operators in Brunei will ask to see a valid driving licence from your country of origin. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory if your licence is not printed in English or Malay. Drivers whose licences were issued outside Europe — with the exception of Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States — or whose licences use a non-Roman script such as Arabic, Greek, Russian, Hebrew, or Japanese, must present either an international driving licence or a certified English translation prepared by a notary.

It is important to understand that an IDP serves only as a translation — your original domestic driving licence must be presented alongside it at the rental desk. Photocopies and digital scans are not acceptable. Both documents should remain in the vehicle with you throughout the rental period.

Other important rules

• Brunei observes left-hand traffic, meaning vehicles travel on the left side of the road.
• Seat belts are compulsory for all occupants, and using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited by law.
• Brunei’s legal blood alcohol limit is 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. Those found to be driving under the influence face a fine of BND 10,000 and a prison term of up to two years.
• Any additional drivers must be declared and listed on the Rental Agreement Form in advance. Allowing an unlisted person to drive the vehicle is not permitted; all named drivers must satisfy the relevant age, licence, and identification requirements.
• If you are travelling with children under three years of age, an appropriate child seat must be fitted in the vehicle.

For the most up-to-date guidance, consult the Land Transport Department (JPD), which operates under Brunei Darussalam’s Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, as regulations may be revised without prior notice.

Which major car rental companies operate in Brunei, and where can I find them?

A number of car hire companies are active in Brunei, providing a broad selection of vehicles at varying price points. Hertz, Budget Rent A Car, Avis, and Europcar are among the internationally recognised names you will encounter. Most have desks at or adjacent to Brunei International Airport, so collecting a vehicle on arrival is a straightforward process.

International chains

• Hertz — One of the most prominent choices in Brunei, with a fleet spanning economy to luxury categories and supplementary services including satellite navigation, child seats, and roadside assistance. Hertz maintains a counter at Brunei International Airport. Reservations can be made at hertz.com.
• Avis — Avis is represented at both Brunei International Airport and in Bandar Seri Begawan city centre. The additional driver fee charged by Avis Brunei is BND 15.00 per driver for the duration of the rental, up to a maximum of 28 days (as of 2025 — confirm current charges at avis.com).
• Europcar — A globally recognised operator with a presence in Brunei, offering economy, mid-range, and luxury options alongside extras such as GPS devices, child seats, and breakdown cover. Further details are available at europcar.com.bn.
• Budget — Another well-established international brand operating in Brunei, particularly suited to cost-conscious travellers who value transparent pre-booked pricing.

Local and regional companies

Domestic rental agencies frequently serve international visitors with a variety of vehicles and insurance packages to accommodate different requirements. L&W Car Rental, for instance, is a locally based operator offering both short-term and long-term hire with multiple collection and return locations. Local firms can sometimes provide more competitive rates or greater flexibility than their international counterparts, so comparing all available options before committing to a booking is worthwhile.

Brunei’s rental fleet is relatively limited in size, so booking ahead is advisable to secure the best deal. Aggregator platforms such as Kayak, QEEQ, and VIPCars pull together availability from multiple suppliers, making it easy to compare prices and rental conditions side by side before you travel.

How does car rental pricing work in Brunei, and what should I watch out for?

Car hire rates in Brunei typically fall in the range of approximately USD 40 to USD 100 per day, with the final figure depending largely on the vehicle category selected. Hiring a car here is generally considered affordable, and with a bit of research it is possible to find options that align comfortably with most budgets. As of 2025, rates fluctuate, so checking directly with operators for current pricing is recommended.

Common pricing structures

Certain online booking platforms display prices that already incorporate Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), theft protection, and unlimited mileage, whereas counter rates at the airport may exclude these elements as standard. Unlike some European markets, where all-inclusive pricing is a legal requirement, quoted rental rates in Brunei may not encompass every potential charge — reading the full terms and conditions thoroughly before confirming your booking is therefore essential.

Add-on charges to watch out for

• Young driver surcharge: An additional fee levied by rental companies on younger international drivers, typically those aged between 21 and 25 with at least one year of driving experience. This charge reflects the elevated insurance risk associated with less experienced drivers operating on unfamiliar roads.
• Additional driver fees: These are billed per driver and must be declared at the time of booking — if someone not listed on the agreement takes the wheel, all insurance cover is voided.
• Fuel policy: Choosing a full-to-full fuel arrangement helps you sidestep premium refuelling charges. Clarify the fuel policy before driving away, since some providers charge well above pump price to refuel on your behalf.
• GPS and child seats: Supplementary equipment such as satellite navigation units and infant car seats may carry additional daily fees.
• Cross-border fees: If you intend to drive across into Malaysian Borneo, you will typically need to notify the rental company beforehand and pay an extra cross-border charge. Operators such as Hertz permit vehicles to cross into Malaysian Borneo for a fee, and one-way rentals may also be available.
• Deposit (security hold): A security deposit is usually required, the amount depending on the vehicle class. This is typically held as a pre-authorisation against a credit card; Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted.

Parking and fuel costs

Petrol prices in Brunei rank among the lowest on the planet thanks to government subsidies — approximately BND 0.53 per litre for RON97 (as of 2025). Parking in Bandar Seri Begawan is usually managed through a coupon system: scratch cards purchased at convenience stores, post offices, or kiosks, on which you scratch off the date and time and leave the coupon displayed on your dashboard.

Should you encounter a billing dispute with a rental provider, Brunei’s consumer protection framework falls under the remit of the Ministry of Finance and Economy. Your rental company should also operate an internal complaints procedure — always request a copy of your rental agreement and retain all receipts.

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car in Brunei?

Whether you need an IDP in Brunei depends on the language your domestic driving licence is written in and the country that issued it. Although it is not a universal requirement for every visitor, it is strongly advisable — and in many cases insisted upon by rental companies — whenever a licence is not presented in English or Malay.

Visitors driving in Brunei are generally expected to carry both their valid home-country licence and an International Driving Permit, particularly if the licence is not in English or Malay. Although some rental agencies may be willing to process a rental without an IDP, having one on hand helps avoid complications at police checkpoints and facilitates clearer communication with rental staff.

Licences written in non-Roman scripts — including Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic — must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit. If your licence is already in a Roman-alphabet language such as French, German, Spanish, Italian, or Portuguese, many operators will accept it without an IDP, though this should be confirmed with your specific rental company prior to travel.

An IDP must be obtained in the same country as the domestic licence it accompanies. It cannot be acquired once you have already departed from your home country, so making arrangements before you leave is essential. The body authorised to issue IDPs varies from country to country — in many nations, recognised motoring clubs handle the process.

Tourists are generally permitted to drive in Brunei for up to 90 days on a foreign licence and IDP. Beyond this window, an application for a Bruneian driving licence may become necessary. Always verify the latest requirements with the Land Transport Department (JPD) and your rental operator before travelling, as the rules are subject to change.

What types of roads and driving conditions should I be prepared for in Brunei?

Brunei’s road network is in excellent shape — surfaces are smooth and well maintained, and signs are displayed bilingually in Malay and English. Traffic volumes are modest by regional standards, and finding your way around is relatively uncomplicated, making driving here a pleasantly low-stress experience compared to many other Asian destinations. Even so, there are several local conditions and regulations worth familiarising yourself with before you get behind the wheel.

Speed limits and traffic rules

Speed limits in Brunei are set at 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on highways. Speed cameras operate throughout the country, so respecting posted limits is essential to avoid penalties. Roundabouts are a common feature of the road network — always yield to vehicles already circulating within the roundabout, which will be approaching from your right.

Toll roads

The overwhelming majority of Brunei’s highways are free to use. The main exception is the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge, which links the main part of the country to the Temburong District and levies a toll of BND 3 per private car (as of 2025 — confirm the current rate with the operator before travel).

Rural and remote areas

While road conditions are generally good across the country, drivers should exercise greater caution in rural or less-developed zones where surface quality may be less consistent. Lighting can be absent on country roads after dark, so reducing speed and using high-beam headlights when appropriate is advisable. Petrol stations are readily available in towns and cities but may be scarce in more isolated locations, making it wise to fill up your tank before embarking on long journeys into remote areas.

Brunei’s geography

Brunei is geographically divided into two separate, non-contiguous sections. The larger western portion contains almost all of the population and encompasses the cities of Kuala Belait and Tutong, while the eastern Temburong District is a rugged, heavily forested area containing national parks and nature reserves. If a visit to Temburong is on your itinerary, make sure your rental agreement explicitly permits travel between the two districts.

Parking

Parking availability in Bandar Seri Begawan can be limited, partly because residents of the stilt villages above the water tend to park near the boat jetties in town. If you plan to hire a car, selecting accommodation that offers dedicated parking is a sensible precaution.

Vehicle type recommendations

A compact economy car is an ideal choice for navigating the capital — it is fuel-efficient, affordable, and its smaller footprint simplifies parking in congested parts of Bandar Seri Begawan. If your plans extend to Brunei’s rainforests or highland terrain, a 4WD vehicle is the better option, as it is built to handle rougher surfaces and provides the traction needed to tackle less-travelled tracks.

What insurance do I need when renting a car in Brunei?

Car insurance is a legal requirement in Brunei. The extent of coverage provided as standard differs between rental companies, and understanding precisely what is included — and what is not — before you sign the rental agreement is crucial.

Minimum legal requirement

As in most jurisdictions, all drivers in Brunei must hold adequate motor insurance. The minimum required policy is third party, fire, and theft cover — this protects the other party’s vehicle in the event of a collision and covers your own vehicle against fire damage or theft. Public liability insurance must comply with the insurance laws of Brunei Darussalam.

Optional cover

Rental companies frequently encourage or require overseas visitors to take out supplementary insurance, and doing so is generally advisable to protect yourself from substantial out-of-pocket costs should the rental vehicle be damaged. Commonly available optional products include:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers the cost of damage to the rental car resulting from a collision or theft.
• Theft Waiver: Limits your financial exposure in the event that the rental vehicle is stolen.
• Third-party liability cover: Addresses legal liability for bodily injury or property damage caused to other parties.
• Personal accident insurance: Provides medical benefits for the driver and passengers should an accident occur.
• Roadside assistance: Offers practical support in the event of a breakdown or collision, including towing services and minor on-site repairs.

Credit card insurance

Certain credit cards include rental vehicle insurance as a cardholder benefit when the rental is paid using the card. You should contact your card issuer before the rental begins to establish what is covered. The level of protection varies considerably between providers, and many policies contain exclusions for particular geographic regions or vehicle types. Never assume your card automatically covers rental excess in Brunei without consulting the policy document directly with your bank. Any waiver arrangement must be discussed at the rental counter upon collection.

Practical tips

Before leaving the rental lot, conduct a thorough walk-around inspection of the vehicle and take photographs of any existing marks or damage. Confirm that all pre-existing blemishes are recorded on the rental agreement. Keep essential paperwork in the car at all times — including your rental agreement, driving licence, and insurance documentation — as you may be asked to produce these at a roadside checkpoint.

Are there any specific rules for expats or long-term residents renting cars in Brunei?

The regulations governing car hire and driving in Brunei vary according to how long you have been in the country. Short-term visitors and those living or working in Brunei under a residency or work visa are subject to different obligations, particularly with regard to the ongoing validity of their driving entitlement.

Short-term visitors

Visitors on short stays are permitted to drive in Brunei for up to 90 days using their foreign licence in combination with an IDP, which is sufficient to satisfy legal requirements during that period. For the vast majority of tourists and those on brief business assignments, this window will be more than adequate — but those remaining longer must plan accordingly.

Long-term residents and visa holders

Short-term visitors may drive using an IDP for a period of up to 12 months. Anyone who intends to take up residency in Brunei, or who remains in the country beyond the validity period of their IDP, will need to obtain a locally issued Bruneian driving licence. Continuing to drive on an expired IDP is not permitted.

If you are residing in Brunei on a long-term basis, your home-country licence does not exempt you from local licensing obligations. As is the case in many countries, Brunei expects residents who have taken up employment or settled in the country to comply with domestic driver licensing laws by obtaining a local licence.

How to obtain a Brunei driving licence

Applications for a Bruneian driving licence are processed through the Land Transport Department (JPD). Depending on your nationality and the licence you currently hold, you may qualify to exchange your foreign licence directly without undergoing a full driving test — however, the precise requirements vary and are periodically updated. Always check the current procedure with JPD before making an application.

Expats who are awaiting the issue of a local licence can typically continue hiring vehicles using a valid foreign licence and IDP during the transition period, subject to agreement from the rental company. Confirm this arrangement in advance with your chosen operator. As of 2025, check official government sources for any revised residency thresholds or bilateral licence exchange agreements that may be relevant to your nationality.

Step-by-step: how to rent a car in Brunei

1. Check your licence: Confirm that your domestic licence is valid and that you have been a licensed driver for at least one year. If it is not written in English or Malay, obtain an IDP from the authorised issuing body in your home country before you depart.
2. Book in advance: Use a price comparison platform or reserve directly with a rental company. Given the relatively small size of Brunei’s rental fleet, booking ahead is strongly recommended, particularly during busy travel periods.
3. Review the rental terms: Scrutinise the age policy, insurance inclusions, fuel policy, additional driver fees, and any restrictions relating to cross-border or cross-district travel.
4. Arrange insurance: Decide whether to purchase additional CDW or theft protection. If you are planning to rely on credit card insurance, verify the coverage details with your card issuer before you reach the rental counter.
5. Collect the vehicle: Bring your original driving licence, IDP (where applicable), passport, and a physical credit or debit card for the security deposit. Inspect the car thoroughly and photograph any pre-existing damage before signing the rental agreement.
6. Drive and carry documents: Keep your rental agreement, driving licence, IDP, and passport in the vehicle throughout the rental. Adhere to posted speed limits and all local traffic regulations.
7. Return the vehicle: Hand the car back with the fuel level stipulated in your agreement and during the operator’s business hours. Check the company’s policy on deposit refunds — bank processing typically means funds are returned within 7–30 business days.

Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Brunei

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Brunei?

The minimum age to rent a car in Brunei is generally 21, and a Young Driver Surcharge typically applies to drivers under the age of 25. Some companies set the minimum at 23 or 25 for certain vehicle classes. Always check the specific policy of your chosen rental company before booking, as requirements vary.

Can I drive into Malaysia from Brunei with a rental car?

If you plan to cross the border into Malaysia — for example, to visit Miri or Limbang — you must inform the rental company of your plans so they can prepare the necessary cross-border documents. Some companies permit vehicles to be taken into Malaysian Borneo for an additional charge, and one-way rentals may be possible with certain operators such as Hertz. Always confirm cross-border permissions in writing before departure.

What happens if I am involved in an accident in Brunei?

If you are involved in an accident, stop the vehicle, ensure safety, and contact the police. Immediately call the rental company for assistance. You will need to complete a police report before the rental company can process an insurance claim. Keep a note of the rental company’s emergency contact number in your phone before you set off.

What happens if I return the car with less fuel than when I collected it?

Different fuel return policies can significantly impact costs. If you are on a full-to-full policy and return the car with less fuel than when you collected it, the company will charge you to top it up — often at a rate considerably above the pump price. Always check the fuel level at pick-up, have it noted on the agreement, and return the car with the same amount.

Is there a maximum age limit for renting a car in Brunei?

In most cases there is no maximum driver age restriction, though some companies may impose a maximum of 75 or 80 years of age for insurance reasons. Check the specific terms of your rental company and ensure your personal travel insurance covers driving at your age.

Are there toll roads in Brunei I need to be aware of?

Most highways in Brunei are toll-free. The exception is the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge to the Temburong District, which charges BND 3 per private car (as of 2025). Carry some Brunei dollars in cash as toll payment by card may not always be accepted.

Does my credit card cover rental car insurance in Brunei?

Some credit cards offer insurance coverage — with certain limitations — as a benefit of using the card to rent a vehicle. Cardholders are advised to contact their card issuer before the rental to confirm whether Brunei is covered, what the excess limit is, and whether the card covers both CDW and theft waiver. Do not rely on card coverage without written confirmation from your bank.

How long can I drive in Brunei on my home licence before needing a Bruneian licence?

Tourists can drive in Brunei for up to 90 days using their foreign driver’s licence and IDP. Beyond that period, they may need to apply for a Bruneian driver’s licence. Some sources indicate the IDP may be valid for up to 12 months for short-term visitors, but rules can differ depending on your visa category and residency status. Always verify the current requirement with the Land Transport Department (JPD) before your permitted period expires.