Key facts
Belarus is a country located in Eastern Europe. There are 5 countries (Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russian Federation, Ukraine) that Belarus shares its borders with. As for languages, the country’s residents speak Belarusian and Russian. Unfortunately, if you speak English, it might be problematic to communicate fluently unless you know Belarusian.
In the EF English Competency Index (EF EPI), which assesses the language proficiency of non-native speaking countries, Belarus was ranked 38th out of 100 countries in 2021.
The national currency in Belarus is New Belarusian ruble (BYN). The ruble (р) is subdivided into 100 kapeyka (к).
Belarusian
Banknotes
5102050100200500
Belarusian
Coins
k1k2k5k10k20k5012
Check with your bank before your trip to find out if there are any fees for using your card abroad. Some banks do not charge fees when you use a foreign ATM or pay in foreign currency, but others may charge a fixed cost for each transaction or allow a limited number of free withdrawals. The travel card provided by Wise.com, Revolut or Monose might be an excellent option to cut down on transaction fees.
Ookla® Speedtest The average fixed internet speed in Belarus is 112.72 Mbps and mobile is 28.65 Mbs.The global average is 194.02 Mbps and 126.09 Mbps respectively.
ATM Density When compared to the world average, Belarus has more ATMs.57.30 ATMs per 100,000 people.The global average is 39.49.
SIM Registration In order to purchase a SIM card in Belarus, a passport or ID is required as identification.
Socket types
There are 2 socket types used in Belarus. Type C is a popular socket type throughout Europe (except the United Kingdom), Russia, and certain Asian countries.
The sockets’ shapes and voltage differ from country to country and a travel plug adapter may be required. Portable devices, such as phones, notebooks or tablets, usually handle the entire range of voltages used across the world (110-240V).
Public holidays
In the year 2024, Belarus will celebrate 10 national public holidays. The next one October Revolution Day will take place on November 7.
| Date | Holiday name | |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2024Moving holiday | New Year’s DayНовы год | |
| January 2, 2024Moving holiday | New Year’s DayНовы год | |
| January 7, 2024Moving holiday | Orthodox Christmas DayКаляды праваслаўныя | |
| March 8, 2024Moving holiday | International Women’s DayМiжнародны жаночы дзень | |
| May 1, 2024Moving holiday | Labour DayДзень працы | |
| May 9, 2024Moving holiday | Victory DayДзень Перамогi | |
| May 14, 2024Moving holiday | Commemoration DayРадунiца | |
| July 3, 2024Moving holiday | Independence DayДзень Незалежнасцi | |
| November 7, 2024Moving holiday | October Revolution DayДзень Кастрычніцкай рэвалюцыі | |
| December 25, 2024Moving holiday | Catholic Christmas DayКаляды каталiцкiя |
Sources
- EF English Proficiency Index (EF Education First)
- Speedtest Global Index® (Ookla®)
- Automated teller machines (ATMs) (per 100,000 adults) (The World Bank Group)
- Registration Policies Per Country (Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki)
Tourism
What hotel chains are present in Belarus?
There are Mariott hotels in Minsk.
The Hilton hotel chain operates in Belarus.
There are no IHG hotels in Belarus.
There are no Best Western hotels in Belarus.
There are no Radisson hotels in Belarus.
There are no Accor hotels in Belarus.
What fast food chains are present in Belarus?
The McDonald’s chain operates in Belarus.
The KFC chain operates in Belarus.
The Burger King chain does not operate in Belarus.
The Subway chain does not operate in Belarus.
The Domino’s Pizza chain does not operate in Belarus.
The Starbucks chain does not operate in Belarus.
Sources
- Country by National Dish (Samson Daniel)
Weather
What is the weather like in Minsk?
Weather data for Minsk (capital city) by Open-Meteo.com
Transport
Railways There are passenger trains operating between some cities.
Subway Systems The subway system is available in Minsk.
Taxi Apps Unfortunately neither Uber nor Bolt are available in Belarus.
Sources
- List of high-speed railway lines (Wikipedia)
- List of metro systems (Wikipedia)
- Left- and right-hand traffic (Wikipedia)
- The Global Enabling Trade Report 2016: Road connectivity (World Economic Forum)
Safety
Emergency phones in Belarus
Sources
- Belarus Travel Advisory (United States: Department of State)
- Travel Advice for Belarus (United Kingdom: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
- Mortality caused by road traffic injury (The World Bank Group)
- Corruption & Economic Crime (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
Smoking & Alcohol
Smoking ban No known rules against smoking, or no information is available.
Cananbis legality Both recreational and medicinal use of cannabis is prohibited.
You are not entitled to a duty-free allowance for tobacco or alcohol if you are under the age of 18.
Alcohol allowance
- 3 liters of alcoholic products
Tobacco allowance
- 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco or a set of these products weighing over 250g