Money and duty free for Belarus
Currency and 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 restrictions
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
Overview
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.
