On arrival

Traveling is always a charge of positive emotions and impressions. You have already bought tickets, boarded a plane, flew in, and the question immediately arises: where to go? Belarus has a lot of interesting and exciting places, but where to start? How to choose the most convenient route with a rich entertainment program? What you need to know about the features of the mentality? You can find answers to all these questions in this article.

What can be found in the section "On arrival"

All relevant information, namely: what you need to know upon arrival? All about the regional centers, shopping, visa, rental housing, mobile operators, registration, and all the activities you are interested in upon arrival in our country.

Top 6 Things Tourists Need to Know in Belarus

1. Since 2016, the Belarusian currency has been the ruble, so it is unlikely that it will be possible to become a millionaire upon arrival. 1 Belarusian ruble is equal to approximately 33 Russian or 0.5 US dollars.

2. There are two official languages ​​in Belarus: Belarusian and Russian. Any resident can be contacted in Russian, and he will definitely understand.

3. Make a note of the following numbers, just in case: Consular Section of the Embassy of Russia: (375-17) 222-49-85, (375-17) 222-49-84. Consulate General of Russia in Brest: (375-162) 53-78-42. Emergency telephone numbers: fire department: 101; police: 102; ambulance: 102; single emergency number: 112.

4. The main feature of the Belarusian mentality is benevolence. The main thing to remember is that you should not call the country Belorussia, since this name is outdated, it is correct to say “Belarus”. And do not expect to meet Emelya from the Soviet cartoons, because you should not forget that the Viber messenger, Apalon company and the World of Tanks game were created by Belarusians.

5. As for the law, it is worth observing, for example, you should not drink alcohol on the streets only if it is not a territory related to cafes and restaurants. Smoking is prohibited at public transport stops, in underpasses and at playgrounds. Also, be careful with photography, as there is a closed list of objects that is prohibited to take a photo.

6. Despite the abundance of standard souvenirs, very practical memorabilia can be brought from Belarus. These are locally produced goods for every taste: sweets of the Belarusian manufacturer, alcohol (Krambambulya liquor, Zubrovka tincture), cheeses, sausages, shoes and underwear.

Average taxi cost

In Minsk, services such as the well-known Uber, Yandex and Next are available.

You can call a car through the website or using a mobile application where you can choose a driver and a car to your liking, calculate the cost of the trip before it starts, make automatic payment from a bank card, etc.

Subscribing a car will cost 3.9 r. (this includes landing and 2 km of track), and 0.4 r. for every kilometer.

Rental housing in Belarus

Even in a 3 * hotel you will see high quality service. Many hotels are located in the central part of the city, and the room rate is not high.

If you still don’t like the hotel option, then in the hostel you can find prices quite low.

In case of failure with the hostel, it will not be difficult to find a rental, and the cost will be lower than in a hotel.

Mobile operators

The telephone code of Belarus is 375. It will not be difficult to choose a mobile operator, as there are 3 of them in Belarus: MTS, A1, Life.

Language

As mentioned below, in Belarus there are 2 languages - Russian and Belarusian.

Visa

There are several visa-free regimes in Belarus, thanks to which foreigners can visit the country in a simplified manner:

up to 30 days - to visit anywhere in Belarus subject to arrival and departure through the National Airport Minsk;

up to 15 days - visit a visa-free zone (it applies, including to the largest cities in the west of the country - Grodno and Brest) if you have a pre-issued document for an individual or group visit to the zone.

Registration

All foreigners need to register online within five work days or at the Citizenship and Migration Office at the place of actual residence. It’s a little easier for those who are going to spend their time in Belarus at a hotel, sanatorium or “subjects of agroecotourism” - you don’t need to go to the Citizenship and Migration Department, you can register right there.

Tourism in Belarus

In Belarus you can find any kind of recreation, but it is better to pay attention to those that have already become the hallmark of our country: agroecotourism, medical tourism, ecological and cultural-educational.

Tourism for personal purposes

If you came to Belarus as a free tourist, then all doors are open for you. Visit the famous opera house, go to a football match, walk along the central streets, plunging into the atmosphere of the country, and in the evening go down to Zybitskaya bar street and see how modern Belarusian youth has a rest.

Tourism for work purposes

A business trip to Belarus is unlikely to disappoint you, as conference rooms, transport, and even the services of an excursion guide for hosting foreign delegations are presented here.

Shopping in Belarus

Foreigners often leave Belarus with large packages of purchases, and Belarusian products are highly praised. What you should pay attention to is local products, such as hosiery, underwear, knitwear, baby clothes, cosmetics and jewelry.

Cities to visit in Belarus

If you think that Minsk is the limit of Belarusian culture, then you are deeply mistaken. Each regional center of our country will delight you with its beauty and uniqueness.

Minsk

Usually tourists decide to start an acquaintance with the country from this city. Spacious squares, huge avenues, interesting examples of Soviet and modern architecture will not leave you indifferent.

Polotsk

One of the oldest cities in Belarus, a mention of which is found in the "Tale of Bygone Years". Polotsk will open for you on the other hand, if you visit the Spaso-Evfrosinievsky Convent, and then plunge into the Belarusian culture by visiting the Sofia Cathedral of Organ Music. Otherwise, Polotsk is famous more for the past than the present.

Brest

You can talk about Brest for a long time, but why, if you can come once. Over the centuries of its existence, Brest has been repeatedly attacked and rebelled from the ruins. The Great Brest Fortress, Belovezhskaya Pushcha and many other attractions of the city and its environs are worth a visit to understand the scale of beauty of this center.

Grodno

Known since the time of the "Tale of Igor's Campaign", it has always been a major center for trade, crafts, and arts; visited both the capital of the principalities and the regional center. Now Grodno is also the administrative center of the region, an important intersection of transport routes and an interesting tourist attraction.

Gomel

It’s worth visiting Gomel just to admire its many monuments-ridicule. Laying flowers on the pedestal of Lenin, immediately stumble upon Iron Man or Pinocchio. And there is another monument that asks for a light.