Belarus’s blend of Soviet-era history, charming cities, and vast natural reserves makes it a fascinating destination, where managing money wisely ensures a hassle-free trip. Whether you’re strolling through Minsk’s modern avenues, exploring medieval castles, or visiting the stunning Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, this guide provides all the details – what currency to bring, the best ways to get money and currency in Belarus (Belarusian Ruble (BYN)), cash safety tips, and important dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll navigate Belarus’s financial landscape smoothly and avoid unnecessary fees while immersing yourself in the country’s unique culture.
How to pay in Belarus – cash or card?
In Belarus, cash remains the primary method of payment, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. While credit and debit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and stores, particularly in Minsk, there are significant limitations due to international sanctions. As of 2025, many major banks in Belarus do not accept foreign cards, and those that do may charge higher commissions.
You can use cash for:
Public Transportation: Buses, trams, and local taxis primarily operate on cash payments.
Local Markets and Street Vendors: Purchases at traditional markets and street stalls are predominantly cash-based.
Small Businesses: Many small or family-run shops and eateries prefer cash transactions.
Tips and Gratuities: It’s customary to tip in cash for services such as dining, tour guides, and hotel staff.
Rural Areas: In less urbanized regions, electronic payment facilities may be limited, making cash essential.
You can use card for:
Hotels: Major hotels, especially in urban and tourist areas, may accept credit and debit cards.
Restaurants and Cafés: Some dining establishments in cities like Minsk facilitate card payments, but this is not guaranteed.
Retail Stores: Shopping malls, branded stores, and supermarkets in larger cities may accept cards, but it’s advisable to confirm beforehand.
Car Rentals and Travel Agencies: Established agencies might offer card payment options, though many prefer cash.
Online Bookings: Some tour operators and hotels offer online payment facilities via credit cards, but bank transfers are more commonly used.
What’s the best currency to take to Belarus
Belarusian Ruble (BYN) is typically the best currency to take if you are traveling to Belarus. Paying or withdrawing cash in the local currency comes with the least amount of fees, sometimes fee-free too.
While some businesses, especially in tourist areas, may accept Euros or US Dollars, this is not common practice, and the exchange rate may be poor. Therefore, it’s advisable to pay in BYN to avoid losing money.
British Pounds are not widely accepted here.
Where to get currency in Belarus
There are 3 main ways to get cash in Belarus. They are:
ATMs, or
Currency exchange, or
Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Belarus
Visa and Mastercard transactions are commonly accepted for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Types of cards at ATMs in Belarus
If you’re withdrawing money in Belarus from an ATM, they do not accept foreign issued Visa and Mastercards. American Express cards will also likely not work at ATMs here. You may need to try other cards like Rupay, UnionPay, JCB or cards of MIR system.
Should I exchange currency before travelling to Belarus
Bringing a small amount of Belarusian Rubles (BYN) before traveling can be useful for immediate expenses like taxis, tips, and small purchases. However, exchange rates outside Belarus are often poor, and most foreign banks do not stock BYN.
Withdrawing BYN from ATMs in Belarus is the easiest and most convenient option, as ATMs are widely available in airports, cities, and tourist areas. Most ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, Plus, and Maestro cards, but check with your bank for international withdrawal fees.
It’s best to exchange money in Belarus at banks or licensed exchange bureaus, which offer better rates than airports or hotels. If exchanging at the airport, do so only for a small amount.
Carrying a mix of cash and cards is advisable. If bringing USD, EUR, or RUB (Russian Ruble), they can be exchanged easily at banks or currency exchange offices. USD and EUR are widely used for exchanges, but paying in BYN ensures the best value, as foreign currency is generally not accepted for direct transactions.
Where to withdraw money in Belarus
You can withdraw money in Belarus at leading bank ATMs in the country. The best ATMs for foreigners to use in Belarus are those owned by popular banks such as:
Priorbank
BPS-Sberbank
Paritetbank
MT Bank
BSB Bank
Belinvest Bank
There are other banks with ATMs that also accept international debit and credit cards.
Where to exchange currency in Belarus
You can exchange currency in Belarus at licensed exchange bureaus or banks.
Currency Exchange Offices: In Belarus, currency exchange offices are commonly referred to as Обменный пункт (Obmennyy Punkt). These are widely available in tourist areas, shopping centers, and airports.
Banks: Major banks such as Belarusbank, Belagroprombank, and Priorbank offer currency exchange services. These banks have branches throughout cities, providing reliable services. Operating hours are typically from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays.
You can find good currency exchanges using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 100+ countries, including Belarus.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: Currency exchange services at airports often have less favorable rates and higher fees. It’s generally better to exchange money in the city for better rates and lower charges.
Is carrying cash in Belarus safe?
Carrying cash in Belarus is Generally safe, but with restrictions on foreign cards. Belarus has a low crime rate, and violent crime against tourists is rare. However, petty theft, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can happen in crowded areas and on public transport. While cash is widely used, many international payment systems are restricted, and some foreign bank cards may not work at ATMs or for transactions.
To keep your cash safe:
Carry only the amount you need for daily expenses.
Bring U.S. dollars or euros and exchange them at licensed currency exchange offices.
Use a money belt or secure bag.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Belarus
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
