Welcome to Belarus 😊

Quick Facts About Belarus

Money and Finances

The official currency of Belarus is called the Belarusian Ruble (BYN). The denominations of coins are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 kapeykas. The denominations of notes are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 BYN.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in Belarus, especially in major cities and tourist areas. However, many of them only accept local cards, so it is recommended to bring enough cash or a credit card that is widely accepted.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are not widely accepted in Belarus, especially outside of major cities and tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are the most accepted cards, but AMEX is not widely accepted. It is recommended to carry enough cash when traveling in Belarus.

Internet and Phones

The average internet speed for downloads in Belarus is around 23 Mbps, while uploads are around 19 Mbps. There is some government interference in internet use, including censorship of certain websites and social media platforms.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Belarus has several telco companies such as MTS, Velcom and Life :) which offer mobile phone plans. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around $8-10 per month. There may be some sim compatibility issues, so it's best to check with your provider before traveling to Belarus.

Dialling to Belarus

To call Belarus from another country, you'll need to dial the country code +375, followed by the local area code and phone number. Within Belarus, the area code depends on the location you're calling. For example, Minsk's area code is 17, while Brest's area code is 162.

Transport Around Belarus

Air Travel

Belarus has two major international airports: Minsk National Airport located in the capital city of Minsk and Gomel Airport located in the southern part of Belarus. Minsk National Airport serves as the hub for the national carrier, Belavia, and offers flights to destinations around Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Train Travel

Belarus has an extensive inter-city train network operated by the national railway company, Belarusian Railway. Ticket prices and journey times vary depending on the destination, but a ticket from Minsk to Brest (one of the longest routes) costs around $12 USD and takes around 6 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

Minsk has a metro system with 2 lines and 29 stations. It is the only metro system in Belarus.

Buses

Belarus also has a bus network connecting major cities, towns, and villages. Ticket prices vary depending on the distance, but a ticket from Minsk to Grodno (one of the longest routes) costs around $7 USD and takes around 4 hours.

Rideshare

There are a few rideshare companies operating in Belarus, including Yandex.Taxi and Uber. The average price for a 10km ride is around $4 USD.

Driving by Car

Driving in Belarus is relatively easy with a well-maintained road network, although road signs may not always be in English. The speed limit is 60km/h in cities and 90km/h on highways. Belarus uses right-hand drive.

Local Customs

In Belarus, tipping is not very common, but rounding up the bill is appreciated. Locals usually greet each other with a handshake, but close friends and family members may kiss on the cheek. It is important to address older people with proper titles and show respect to authority figures. When speaking with strangers, it is polite to use formal language and avoid personal questions. Men and women usually address each other formally with Mr./Mrs. or the person’s professional title.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Belarus has a universal healthcare system, which covers most medical services. However, the quality of healthcare is generally lower than in Western countries and some advanced medical procedures may not be available. A visit to the doctor may cost around $10-20. Private insurance is available for those who want to supplement their coverage or for those who want better quality care.

COVID Situation

Belarus has been criticized for its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The government initially downplayed the severity of the disease and refused to implement strict measures to contain the spread. As a result, the country has among the highest rates of infection and deaths in Europe. Currently, the coronavirus situation in Belarus remains serious.

Common Health Risks

Some common health risks in Belarus include tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease and encephalitis, as well as food poisoning from contaminated foods. It is also recommended to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B before visiting Belarus.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Belarus, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. Alcohol consumption in public places like parks, streets, and public transportation is prohibited. Selling alcohol to minors is strictly prohibited and punishable by law. Driving under the influence of alcohol is also prohibited and is considered a criminal offense.

Recreational Drugs

The use and possession of drugs in Belarus is illegal and punishable by law. Soft drugs like cannabis and other party drugs are strictly prohibited. The punishment for drug offenses in Belarus is severe and includes imprisonment and fines.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Belarus has conservative views on relationships, and pre-marital sex is not widely accepted. However, there are no laws specifically prohibiting pre-marital relationships.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

LGBTQ rights are not recognized in Belarus, and same-sex relationships are not legal. There are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Firearms / Guns

Belarus has strict gun laws, and owning firearms requires obtaining a license from the police. Only certain types of firearms are allowed for civilian use. The use of firearms in public places is strictly prohibited and is punishable by law.