Job Discussion Forums

[Javaggall]

Just a thought - we aim to send some money to the UK each month to keep things ticking over here - and hopefully save a little!!! Are there any laws/limits to how much you can send home/take out of the country - and bring into the country for that matter? We will probably bring some dollars with us - is there a limit?
Also, is the hotel where we will be staying at first well equipped - I believe it will be self catering?
Thanks in advance for anything you can tell me.

[Glenski]

What country are you sending from?

Use Lloyds online and save money (in Japan anyway).

[celtica]

Each time you send money it costs around $40 per transfer......

What hotel are you going into?

[Javaggall]

Not sure which hotel we will be at! CfBT in Brunei - do they use lots or just one or two? We are a family of four so will this affect the hotel choice? Can anyone advise which hotel?
Thanks

[Javaggall]

Been thinking about money (who isn't?) and wondered if it costs $40 every time I want to send money home or can I set up a standing order from my Brunei HSBC account to my UK HSBC account? Would this cost as much or is this a cheaper/more efficient possibility? Thanks

[lacsap]

It's only $40 if you go into the bank and ask them to send a telegraphic transfer or issue a demand draft. If you do it through the internet from HSBC Brunei to HSBC UK it costs $10 and you can set up an automatic regular payment then you don't need to think about it at all. Really, it's very easy.

[celtica]

It costs $10-15 this end but there are also costs at the other end...around $25...internet banking...

[Javaggall]

Been to order some currency and the lady in the post office told me there was no such currency as Brunei dollars - has it got another name? Am I living in a parrallel world????? Or is it me? Have I missed something? Seems like a daft question now I've posted it but I wonder if anyone can clarify?
Thansk in advance

[celtica]

There is , but its a controlled currency - cannot buy it outside Brunei. Get Singapore dollars instead. Singapore accepted here as Brunei currency $ for $. Make sure you get no torn or damaged notes ...shops and banks won't take them. You can change on arrival at the airport also.

[Javaggall]

Cheers for the info - I had thought I was losing my marbles!!!
Will get a few Sinapore dollars and then wait until we arrive to change teh rest.
Really appreciate all the advice etc - thank you

[gajackson1]

Singapore dollars will get you started just fine, and since it sounds like you have HSBC atm cards anyhoo, those should do here, as well (I think there are more HSBC machines scattered about than I see S&C ones, too).

I'm not sure if CfBT greets you all at the airport with a driver, etc., but be forewarned in any case: taxis are NOT ripoff artists here . . . but the service is very expensive. They are polite, good drivers - just not many of them, and they charge a lot in relation to the car & fuel costs.

Sounds like everything is coming along for you all! Good job!

[Javaggall]

Thanks for your advice - I am under the impression that we will be met at the airport with a car - anyone out there who can confirm this???
We have HSBC account in UK and will open another once settled and sorted in Bruei.

All coming along really well - still a little nervous but I think that helps - I'm being ultra organised!!

Looking forward to meeting you all and really appreciate the advice given.

Can anyone also confirm if CfBT pay wages one month in arears? And is this one month after your contracted start date? Cheers

[jsteventon]

Hi

When you arrive in Brunei you will be met at the airport by CfBT and taken to your hotel where you will be given your hire car.

Salary is paid at the end of each month,but new teachers are given a settling in allowance, which I think aims to tide them over until the first salary.

The orientation is very helpful and everything will soon fall into place....

Have a good flight!
JS