Belarus, a land of medieval castles, dense forests, and Soviet-era charm, offers a unique travel experience in Eastern Europe. Whether you’re exploring the grand squares of Minsk, wandering through the historic streets of Brest, or visiting the picturesque Mir Castle, understanding how to access cash is essential. While card payments are becoming more common, cash is still widely used, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. This guide provides key details on cash and ATMs in Belarus, including withdrawal fees, transaction limits, exchange rates, and card acceptance, ensuring a smooth journey through this fascinating country.
Where to find ATMs in Belarus?
Urban Areas: In major cities like Minsk, Gomel, and Brest, ATMs are widely available, especially in bank offices, supermarkets, and shopping malls.
Tourist Spots: Popular destinations such as the Brest Fortress, Mir Castle, and the National Library in Minsk have ATMs nearby, often within or near tourist facilities.
Rural Areas: In smaller towns and rural regions, ATM availability can be limited. It’s advisable to carry sufficient cash when traveling outside major cities.
Best ATMs to use in Belarus for foreigners
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.
Don’t accept conversion at ATMs and withdraw only in local currency
In Belarus, some ATMs may ask – Accept OR Decline Conversion (also known as With or Without Conversion, or, Charge in BYN).
- “Accept” means ATM converts your money at ATM’s set exchange rate you will pay extra fees for this.
- “Decline” means the ATM will convert at exchange rate of the bank/card logo (Visa, Master, etc.).
So, to avoid extra fees, select ‘Decline/Without’ Conversion or ‘Charge in BYN’.
Can I use a foreign debit or credit card at an ATM in Belarus?
No, Belarus ATMs will not accept many foreign debit and credit cards.
Types of cards accepted at ATMs
Foreign issued Visa and Mastercard will not be accepted at ATMs in Belarus. 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.
What are the ATM opening hours
Most ATMs are open 24/7, but some depend on their location or if ATM does not have cash at that time.
What are ATMs called
ATMs in Belarus are usually found by a signage of word Bankomat’ or ‘ATM’ .
Language options at ATMs
ATMs in Belarus typically offer Russian and Belarusian as the primary languages. Some ATMs may also provide an option for English. If you’re not familiar with the available languages, using live translation via Google Translate’s camera function can be helpful; however, proceed cautiously as translations may not be perfect.
What currencies can I withdraw from ATMs in Belarus?
ATMs in Belarus primarily dispense cash in the local currency, Belarusian Ruble (BYN or Br). Most banks also offer the option to withdraw in US Dollars and Euros, but note that withdrawing foreign currency from ATMs in Belarus has high withdrawal fees!
ATM withdrawal limits in Belarus?
ATMs in Belarus have a maximum withdrawal limit per transaction of Br 500 (Belarusian Ruble). ATMs typically have a monthly withdrawal limit of Br 900 to Br 1,960. Some banks also impose weekly withdrawal limits of similar amounts. If you are withdrawing US Dollars or Euros from the ATMs, then withdrawal limit is limited to US$ 450 per month.
ATM Fees in Belarus
There are some fee-free ATMs in Belarus. Some Bank ATMs in Belarus charge between 1.9% to 5% of the withdrawal amount as ATM fees per transaction and some bank ATMs do not charge ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders. So you have some options of fee-free ATMs in Belarus.
Apart from ATM Access Fees, there can be other potential charges to withdraw cash in Belarus. These are:
1. ATM’s Currency Conversion Fees (Accept or Decline Conversion)
2. Your Bank’s forex markup fee
How to avoid high fees when withdrawing cash in Belarus
Use the lower fee ATMs in the country.
Use the ATM Fee Saver app to find fee-free or low-fee ATMs.
Opt for “Decline Conversion” or “Without Conversion” during ATM transactions.
Consider getting fee-free cards from your home country.
Ways to find fee-free ATMs in Belarus?
Discover fee-free and low-fee ATMs here on the ATM Fee Saver mobile app for iOS and Android. This app provides ATM PINs and details of leading bank ATMs such as ATM fees and withdrawal limits for foreign cardholders at ATMs in Belarus. Moreover, its simple fee calculator helps you determine exact withdrawal charges. You can also find cash tips and tricks on the app for 160+ countries including Belarus.
Safety at ATMs
Belarus has reported instances of cybercrime, including ATM and credit card fraud. It is advised to use ATMs only located inside major banks to minimize the risk of card skimming and other fraudulent activities. There have been reports of travellers experiencing unauthorized charges or funds withdrawn from their accounts after using ATMs in Belarus. Additionally, local and transnational organized criminal activity exists in Belarus, with certain establishments like casinos and adult clubs being operated by criminal elements and should be avoided.
FAQs
What to do if an ATM takes your card?
If an ATM here takes your card, contact the bank (if you used an ATM inside a bank branch), they may retreive your card if you have proof of identity. You can also contact the bank’s helpline but they usually retreive and resend new cards only for their own customers. If so, you’ll need to contact your own bank and ask them to deliver a new card at home or abroad.
Fee-free ATMs and possible to withdraw cash free of cost at ATMs here?
Yes, its possible. There are some fee-free ATMs in Belarus. Some Bank ATMs between 1.9% to 5% of the withdrawal amount as ATM fees per transaction and some bank ATMs do not charge ATM Access Fees per transaction to foreign card holders.
Foreign cards from US, UK, India, China, Europe, Australia accepted?
You can use cards from the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and other countries at ATMs in Belarus, however, please note that Visa, Mastercard and Amex cards don’t work so you will need to get other card types if you want to use them in Belarus.
Bitcoin ATMs
As of now, there are no known Bitcoin ATMs operating in Belarus.
Foreign bank ATMs’ presence in Belarus
Bank of America: No, there are no Bank of America ATMs here.
Citibank: No, Citibank does not operate ATMs here.
Barclays: No, Barclays does not have ATMs here.
HSBC: No, HSBC does not operate ATMs here.
Standard Chartered: No, Standard Chartered does not have ATMs here.
