ON THE GO
Traveling by plane
The national airline is called Belavia (B2) (Internet: www.belavia.by).
On the way by car / bus
Tolls are required on the following routes (Internet: www.beltoll.by):
M-1 / E 30 Brest (Koslowitschi) – Minsk – border with the Russian Federation,
M-2 Minsk – International Airport,
M-4 Minsk – Mogiliev,
M-5 / E 271 Minsk – Gomel and
M-6 / E 28 Minsk – Grodno – Polish border.
State of the roads
According to usprivateschoolsfinder, the road network in Belarus covers around 93,000 km, some of which are asphalted. The quality of the roads can vary greatly depending on the region. Driving at night is not recommended.
Distances: Minsk – Moscow: 700 km, Minsk – St. Petersburg: 900 km, Minsk – Kiev: 650 km.
Coach
There are numerous bus connections between all major cities. Buses are very cheap, but often overcrowded and you often have to queue up for tickets.
Regulations
The traffic rules and signs generally applicable in Western Europe apply. The alcohol limit is 0.0. Maximum speeds: 60 km / h (built-up areas), 90 km / h (country roads), 110 km / h (motorways).
documentation
International driving license.
Traveling in the city
Public transport is good and cheap. The underground (metro) in Minsk runs between 5:30 a.m. and 1:00 a.m., buses, trams and trolleybuses from 5:35 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Subway tickets are available at all train stations, bus tickets are also valid for trams and trolleybuses. You can buy them from the driver or at any station. Taxis can carry a maximum of four people.
On the go by train
The rail network covers 5490 km. There are regular train connections between all major cities.
TRAVEL WARNING
Overview Belarus
Security
advice from the Federal Foreign Office: As of
: February 16, 2017 Unchanged valid since: February 15, 2017
Current information
On January 9, 2017, the introduction of visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries, including Germany, was announced in Belarus. Accordingly, visa-free entry to Belarus is possible for a period of up to 5 days. This regulation applies from February 12, 2017. In order to benefit from visa-free entry, travelers must enter and leave Minsk International Airport. Please note that you are not allowed to enter the Russian Federation or to leave the Russian Federation. Travelers must have – a valid passport or
Country-specific safety instructions
There is currently no country-specific safety notice for Belarus / Belarus.
MONEY
Currency
1 Belarusian ruble. Currency abbreviation: Br, BYN (ISO code). Banknotes are in circulation in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 BYN. Coins are in circulation in denominations of 1 and 2 rubles, as well as 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 kopecks.
The old Belarusian ruble with the currency abbreviation Br, BYR (ISO code) is exchangeable until January 1st, 2022.
Credit cards
American Express, MasterCard, and Visa, as well as some other major credit cards, are accepted in major hotels, shops, and restaurants. In larger cities you can withdraw cash with your credit card from ATMs. Details from the issuer of the credit card in question.
ATMs
EC / Maestro card / Sparcard
ATMs at which cash can be withdrawn with an EC card are available nationwide in larger cities.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank customer card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the options for using their card from their bank prior to departure.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of the local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currencies is unlimited; Obligation to declare from an equivalent value of US $ 10,000. The export is limited to the amount declared on entry, minus the exchange amounts.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currencies should only be exchanged in official exchange offices and banks. Any currency exchange must be noted on the declaration form and all receipts should be kept until departure. Remaining rubles can be carried out.
SHOP
Overview
Basketry, decorative wooden boxes, painted plates and other handicrafts make great souvenirs. In Minsk there are special shops where you can pay with hard currency. Wristwatches, cameras, wine, spirits, furs, ceramics, glass articles, jewelry and toys – only against foreign currencies and credit cards – are offered here. Also typical Russian souvenirs like matryoshkas, the colorfully painted wooden dolls, are available here. You can even buy a real samovar. In all other shops you have to pay in the local currency. There are two large department stores on Skarina Prospect in Minsk. Almost all shops are closed on Sundays; however, the special currency shops are usually open every day. An export permit is required for antiques, other valuable objects, works of art and manuscripts. In general, it is advisable to keep receipts until you leave the country, as they may have to be shown to customs. Shop opening times: Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-6 p.m. In larger cities, shops are open all week, some around the clock.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Minsk has a diverse cultural life, opera, classical ballet, theater, circus and puppet theater are available. In the cultural center you can experience the rousing folk dances. Brest also has a stage and a puppet theater.
CULINARY
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
There are 4, 3 and 2 star hotels in Minsk, Brest, Grodno, Mogilev and Vitebsk. One-star hotels are available in Pinsk and other regional centers. More information Minsktourist, ul. Tankavaya 30, Minsk. (Tel: (0172) 23 73 60. Internet: www.minsktourist.by).
Camping
There are only a few campsites. However, camping outside of cities in rural areas is allowed, provided that there is consideration for nature and people.
