Travel tips for Belarus - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

1. Citizens of many countries can visit Belarus without a visa for no more than 90 days. Check whether your country is eligible for no-visa entry before the vacation. All tourists must pay a special tourist tax that is charged once upon entering the country’s territory.

2. Citizens of some CIS countries do not need to purchase medical insurance before a vacation because their standard medical insurances are valid in Belarus. For everyone else, it is a good idea to buy medical insurance that can cover medical costs in case of an accident.

3. It is allowed to import no more than 50 kilograms of luggage per person to Belarus. The maximal allowed weight of food is 5 kilograms. The luggage weighing more than 50 kg is eligible for a tax fee equaling 30% of the nominal value. Clothing, notebook and other gadgets, photo and video equipment are not eligible for import taxes in case they are not new and intended for personal use.

4. The national currency, Belarusian ruble, is mostly represented by paper money. Coins became widely adopted in the country only in 2016. They have a nominal from 1 kopek to 2 rubles. In accordance with the local laws, all financial operations in Belarus are possible only in the national currency. It is possible to pay with a foreign currency only if you use a debit or credit card.

5. Tourists can always exchange money in any exchange office or a bank. This is a lot safer than exchanging money from individuals. Don’t forget to save exchange receipts. You will need them when leaving the country.

6. When entering Belarus in own car, it is mandatory to purchase Belarusian insurance. This insurance is purchased at the customs, and it is valid for two weeks.

7. Tourists can always book a car in Belarus. To be eligible for this, tourists need to present a passport and an international driver’s permit. The driver’s age must be no less than 21 years, and he or she must have driving experience of at least two years. Car rentals are paid with credit cards only. A violation of traffic rules will result in a large fine. Belarusian traffic police (they are called DAI in the country) is particularly intolerant to driving under influences. Never try to offer a bribe to a Belarusian traffic police officer. In the best case, the violator will get a bigger fine, in the worst – he can be jailed. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

9. Tips in Belarus are not mandatory but are always welcome. A reward of 10% to 15% of the total is enough. Taxi drivers will also be grateful if you live a small reward for them. In this case, it is enough to round up the total indicated on the meter to the nearest convenient amount.

10. It is prohibited to take pictures in Belarusian airports, metro and railway stations. Photographs with various administrative buildings or the president’s residence on the background are also banned.

11. The taxi fare can be different in different cities and companies, but it is no more than 1 Belarusian ruble per kilometer. Boarding is paid separately. Taxi drivers near airports usually ask a higher fare that can be up to 3-4 times higher. That being said, it is better to call an official taxi rather than using the services of private individuals.

12. Belarusian laws prohibit drinking alcohol in public areas and using swear words. Local police may consider this a petty crime. Do not use any drugs, recreational ones included, because drugs are not legalized in the country. Smoking is prohibited in parks, stadiums, and close to educational institutions.

13. The period from May to September is considered the best time to visit Belarus. The weather is usually pleasant and warm during this time of the year. It doesn’t rain much as well, so it is very comfortable to explore the country’s historic and natural landmarks.

14. Belarus has a well-developed chain of public transport. It is represented by buses, fixed route mini-buses, trolleybuses, and metro in the capital. Minsk metro works until 1:30 am. Many buses and trolleybuses work until 11 pm or 1 am depending on the route.

15. To make phone calls in Belarus, it is better to use phone booths that are widely present in many cities of the country. These booths offer beneficial rates when making both domestic and international calls. To be able to do that, you will need a phone card that is sold virtually everywhere. Of course, it is possible to make phone calls using mobile phones, but the connection may be weak or absent in some areas like national parks and the countryside.