Meeting

One of the Bruneian culture, customs, and etiquette that you should remember before visiting Brunei is meeting. Because Brunei was formerly a part of Malaysia, the meeting and greeting customs of the two countries are similar. The common greeting depends upon the ethnic origin and the age of the person. In general, many men you meet will have adopted the western concept of shaking hands, although this is not always the case with older Bruneians or with women.

Ethnic Malay men shake hands with one another, but men and women do not traditionally shake hands. Younger Bruneians may shake hands with foreign women or they may merely bow their heads in greeting. It is considered respectful to bow your head when someone is senior to yourself in age or position. It is considered disrespectful and rude to stare into another person's eyes, particularly those of a person who is senior to you in age or status.