Money & duty free for Belarus

Exchange rates:

Belarusian Rouble
C$1 = р.14941.63
€1 = р.22249
£1 = р.26674
US$1 = р.20043

Currency & Money

Currency information

The Belarusian ruble (BYN; symbol Br) is the official currency of Belarus. Banknotes are issued in denominations of Br500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5. Coins are in denominations of 2 rubles, 1 ruble, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1 kopecks. The 1 and 2 kopeck coins are rarely used in daily transactions.

Credit cards

In major cities like Minsk, credit and debit cards are commonly accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger retail stores. However, visitors should be aware that there are incidents of credit and debit card skimming.

Cash is the primary method of payment in smaller towns and rural areas.

ATM

ATMs are widely available throughout Belarus, especially in major cities such as Minsk, Brest, and Gomel. They can be found in banks, shopping centres, airports, and near large hotels. Most ATMs allow cash withdrawals in Belarusian rubles (BYN) using international cards such as Visa and Mastercard.

Banking hours

Mon-Fri 08:30-17:30.

Currency restriction

Foreign currency: Travellers are allowed to import and export foreign currency without limitation. However, amounts exceeding USD 10,000 (or its equivalent) must be declared to customs authorities upon both entry and exit. This applies whether the currency is in cash or monetary instruments.

Local currency: Travellers are advised to reconvert any remaining Belarusian rubles before departure, as restrictions may apply to taking local currency out of the country.

International sanctions: Due to international sanctions, the import of banknotes denominated in the official currencies of EU member states into Belarus is prohibited.

Currency exchange

Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, official exchange bureaus, airports, and large hotels. The most commonly accepted currencies for exchange are U.S. dollars and Russian rubles. Make sure that the banknotes you bring are clean and undamaged, as torn or heavily worn notes may be rejected.

Belarus duty free

Travellers aged 18 and over are permitted to import the following items into Belarus without incurring customs duties:

• Alcoholic Beverages: Up to 3L.
• Tobacco Products: Up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco.
• Personal Goods: With a total weight less than 50 kg and a total customs value less than €1,500.

Banned imports

Weapons and ammunition of any kind, military equipment, narcotics, poisons, and radioactive and explosive substances are banned. There are also restrictions on bringing animals and plants into the country.

Banned exports

Weapons and ammunition, narcotics, raw precious metals, minerals, wild herbs, wild animals and some wild plants.

Items of cultural value require authorisation.

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.
By using worldtravelguide.net you agree to our cookies and privacy policies. For more on cookies see the BBC's article what are cookies?.
OK