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.

The old Belarusian rouble (BYR) will be exchangeable until 1 January 2022.

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.

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 16 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 250g of loose tobacco.
• 3L of alcoholic beverages (spirits and beer).
• Goods for personal use up to a value of €1,500 and weighing no more than 50kg.

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.