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Money & duty free for Belarus

Currency information: 

Belarusian Rouble (BYR; symbol p.). Notes are in denominations of p.100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10.

Credit cards: 

Major international credit and debit cards, including American Express, Cirrus, Electron, MasterCard, Maestro and Visa are accepted in some larger hotels and at foreign currency shops and restaurants. There are a number of ATMs in central Minsk.

ATM: 

There are a number of ATMs in central Minsk.

Travellers cheques: 

May be accepted at larger banks, but cash is easier to exchange. To avoid exchange rate charges, traveller's cheques should be taken in US Dollars or Euros.

Banking hours: 

Mon-Fri 0900-1700.

Currency restriction: 

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. All remaining local currency must be reconverted at the point of departure. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared upon arrival.

Currency exchange: 

Foreign currency should only be exchanged at banks, money-changing kiosks and official bureaux de change, and all transactions must be recorded on the currency declaration form which is issued on arrival. It is wise to retain all exchange receipts. It is best to change money in US Dollars, Euros or Russian Roubles since travellers may encounter difficulties with other currencies. Most aspects of a tour, including accommodation, transport and meals, are paid before departure (through Belintourist or a recognised tour operator), so large amounts of spending money are not necessary. The US Dollar or Euros are the preferred foreign currencies. Some foreign currencies may be hard to exchange.

Belarus duty free

The following goods may be imported into Belarus by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 1000 cigarettes or 1000g of tobacco products.
• 1.5L of spirits and 2L of wine.
• A reasonable quantity of perfume for personal use.
• Other goods up to a value of US$1000.

On entering the country, tourists must complete a customs declaration form which must be retained until departure. This records the import of articles intended for personal use, including currency and valuables. Customs inspection can be long and detailed.

Banned imports: 

Weapons and ammunition, narcotics, photographs and printed matter directed against Belarus, and fruit and vegetables. Contact the embassy for further details of import restrictions (see Contact Addresses).

Banned exports: 

Weapons and ammunition, precious metals, works of art and antiques (unless special permission has been granted by the Ministry of Culture) and furs.

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