Money and duty free for Belarus
Currency and Money
Currency information
Belarusian rouble (BYN; symbol Br.). Notes are in denominations of Br.500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of 1 and 2 roubles and in 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 2 kapeks.
Credit cards
Major international credit and debit cards, including American Express, Cirrus, Electron, MasterCard, Maestro and Visa are accepted in larger hotels and at foreign currency shops and restaurants.
ATM
ATMs are widespread throughout the country, located in banks, shops, supermarkets and on the street. Most will accept foreign cards, with Mastercard and Visa being the most widely accepted.
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. Note that American Express cheques are no longer accepted.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1700.
Currency restrictions
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. Please note: It is prohibited to import cash into Belarus in the official currencies of the EU member states.
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. Where possible, change money in US Dollars, Euros or Russian Roubles since travellers may encounter difficulties with other currencies. The US Dollar or Euros are the preferred foreign currencies. Some foreign currencies may be hard to exchange.
Belarus duty free
Overview
Belarus duty-free allowance:
The following goods may be imported into Belarus by travellers over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of loose tobacco products/tobacco or 200 tobacco products to be heated (‘sticks’) or 250 g of a mixture of the above tobacco products;
• 3 litres of alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of more than 0.5% vol;
• Other goods for personal use up to a value of € 500 and up to a total weight of 25 kg (by land) or up to a value of € 10,000 and up to a total weight of 50 kg (by air).
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.
