Gift Giving

In Brunei, if invited to someone's home for dinner, the guest should bring gifts such as good-quality chocolates or fruit. If the host family has children, you do not give toy dogs to them. Because in Bruneian custom, they are not allowed to eat pork, so by understanding these, you can avoid cultural conflicts. If you are planning to give food, you need to ensure that there is no gelatine or any other ingredient which is not ‘halal’.

Also, ensure that food wrappings do not include any images which might be Islamically offensive. Avoid white wrapping paper as it symbolizes death and mourning. Offer gifts with the right hand only or both hands if the item is large. Gifts are generally not opened in front of the guest unless requested. It is not common to give gifts in a business setting as they are generally seen as bribes. However, sometimes after the first meeting, simple gifts are exchanged.