Belarus is a popular tourist destination among Russians. Visa-free entry, absence of language barriers, beautiful nature and good tourist infrastructure make this country especially attractive. And there are also quite low prices. You will definitely want to buy everything and more, but in what currency should you take cash?
Belarusian money
In Belarus (locals say "Belarus"), the Belarusian ruble is in circulation. In mid-February 2017, at the rate of the National Bank of the republic, 100 Russian rubles cost a little less than 3.5 Belarusian rubles. The exchange rate of the US dollar against the local currency at the same time was 1.97.
People call Belarusian money "bunnies". In the 1990s, representatives of the local fauna were depicted on the first banknotes of independent Belarus, and there was a hare on the ruble bill. Now the Belarusian money has a new design for several years, but the colloquial name has remained.
What to go with from Russia
It is best to travel from Russia to Belarus with Russian rubles, and in the country of arrival change to the local currency. This is advised by tourist sites and people who have already visited the republic. The main reasons for this are as follows:
- In Belarus, there are many exchange offices and bank branches where currency is exchanged. And this applies not only to Minsk. Exchange offices can be found even in small towns.
- In places where there are a lot of tourists, exchangers are found almost at every step. So, in the building of the Minsk railway station, at the airport there are several of them.
- The exchange rate in Belarusian exchange offices is very favorable for the client.
- In Belarusian exchangers, there will be no problems with not knowing the language. Everyone in the republic speaks Russian.
- It is rather problematic to buy Belarusian rubles in Russia; not every bank sells them, even in Moscow. This currency can be found in exchange offices, at the Belorussky railway station in particular. But in the Russian outback, the "bunny" is exotic.
In Belarus, a free exchange of American dollars or euros is also carried out. But, of course, buying these currencies specifically for the subsequent acquisition of "bunnies" is not worth it - it is both unprofitable and unnecessary.
Cashless option
In addition to cash, it is worth taking a plastic card with you to Belarus. If you have a card of one of the international payment systems, you will be able to pay freely in many shops and restaurants. In large cities, cards are accepted almost everywhere.
It does not matter in what currency your card is issued: in Russian rubles, dollars or euros. You can just go with your "salary". You will make a purchase in Belarusian rubles, and your bank will write off the amount in the currency of your account. Moreover, the conversion will take place at a preferential rate.
In addition, with the help of Visa or MasterCard, you can exchange your "card" money for Belarusian rubles at local ATMs or cash points. Again, at a favorable rate. But please note: there is usually a commission for withdrawing money from a non-native ATM. Therefore, it makes sense to cash out an impressive amount at once, and not a couple of hundred rubles.
Please note: if the card is a credit card, then the commission for withdrawing cash will be required. And usually rather big. Therefore, use the credit card only for payments in the retail network, and go to the ATM with a debit card.
Knowledgeable tourists recommend that when traveling to Belarus, divide the money that you plan to take with you. Put the main amount on a plastic debit card so that you can conveniently pay and withdraw money from it later. And for small expenses, immediately upon arrival in the republic, purchase Belarusian rubles.
And it is better not to buy too many "bunnies". If you do not have time to spend them during the trip, you will have to go to the exchanger with them again before leaving. And in Russia it will be much more difficult to sell Belarusian money.
Just in case
In conclusion - some advice from seasoned travelers. Sometimes it is better if you already have some local currency in your pocket when you arrive in the country. Just in case. Even if you are going to “brotherly” Belarus.
There will be no problem if you arrive by train or plane. At major train stations and airports, you will be able to exchange Russian money for Belarusian money, usually even at night.
But it is completely different if you are traveling by your own car. And now, when the border of two countries is crossed, some difficulty arises. For example, you run out of drinking water, gasoline is running out or your car gets stuck. And you are in a rural area, where cards are not accepted and there are no exchangers.
You won't be able to pay in Russian rubles anywhere. Dollars or euros - too. Well, if only you can negotiate with someone privately. Therefore, if you manage to buy some "bunnies" before your trip to Belarus - buy it.
