Wondering if I need cash for taxis in Brunei or if I can just pay with card or app like in other countries?
My taxi driver in Brunei told me a great story about why they prefer cash. He said the processing fees for card readers were just too high and that it was a hassle for them. He was a really friendly guy. He dropped me off at the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, and the fare was exactly $8 BND. I gave him a ten-dollar note, and he was happy to give me back the change. The whole trip was easy and reliable. So yeah, definitely have cash on you. Don't worry about trying to use a card; it just won't work in a regular cab.
Unless you're using a specific pre-booked service like Welcome Pickups, cash is king for taxis in Brunei. Don't expect to use your Visa or Mastercard for a taxi ride from the airport. A better option for a budget traveller is the Dart app. You can book a ride, and it gives you a fixed fare upfront, which avoids any haggling and helps you manage your spending better. However, a lot of the app's functionality is hit-and-miss, so always have a plan B with cash. I usually just withdraw around $150 BND from an ATM to cover my taxi rides.
I just got back from Bandar Seri Begawan and I can tell you, don't count on cards for taxis. It's a very cash-heavy society for things like that. I'd advise pulling out a few hundred Brunei dollars (BND) from an ATM. The Dart app works okay but can be a bit glitchy, and many drivers prefer cash anyway. I learned the hard way when I ran out of BND after a long night out and had to walk a good 20 minutes back to my hostel, the Pusat Belia. Have some small bills on you too, like the $5 or $10 notes, as drivers often don't have change for a $50.
Most taxis in Brunei, especially those you hail on the street, are strictly cash-based. There are some exceptions for pre-booked transfers or specific apps, but generally, you'll need local currency. Your best bet is to hit up one of the many ATMs, like from Baiduri Bank or BIBD, as soon as you land at Brunei International Airport or in the city centre. The ride-hailing app, Dart, is available and provides a more modern option. Some users have reported being able to pay with a pre-loaded in-app wallet, but cash is still the most reliable method for any taxi in the country, especially in smaller towns.