Belarus Card Prices: Cheaper Or Costlier?

If you're planning a trip to Belarus, you might be wondering about the best way to pay for things while you're there. The official currency in Belarus is the Belarusian Ruble (BYN), and there are a few different ways you can spend it. While foreign cards don't work in Belarus, you can use cash or a local card. Here's what you need to know about payment methods in Belarus to help you plan your trip.

Foreign cards don't work in Belarus, except for one: the 'MIR' card

Foreign cards, including Visa and Mastercard, do not work in Belarus. However, there is one exception: the MIR card. MIR cards are accepted at all terminals and ATMs in Belarus, although cards issued by sanctioned banks may encounter problems with online transactions and payments at some retailers.

MIR is the national payment system in Russia, and it has gained popularity in the post-Soviet space over the past decade. It was developed as an internal payment system that does not depend on external factors after sanctions were imposed on Russia in 2014. Since 2022, banks and shops in Belarus have been required to accept Russian MIR payment cards.

The Belarusian Belkart payment system was integrated with the Russian MIR payment system in 2020. While MIR cards cannot be issued in Belarus, Belkart cards can be issued and accepted for payments in the same places as MIR cards. These co-branded cards are usually Belkart Premium cards, and almost all Belarusian banks offer them.

With a Belkart-MIR card, you can make payments and withdraw cash at ATMs in Russia, where cards issued by other countries' famous international payment systems do not currently work. Belarusian cards are also protected from sanctions by American and European banks. This is a significant advantage for those who frequently travel between Russia and Belarus.

Obtaining a Belkart-MIR card in Belarus is straightforward. Some banks allow you to apply for the card online through their application, and the card can be delivered for free or picked up at a bank office with a passport. Additionally, several banks offer the option to issue the card for free.

It is important to note that the Belkart-MIR card has limited acceptance outside of Russia and Belarus. Due to the risk of sanctions from the US Treasury Department, banks in some countries, such as Turkey, Uzbekistan, and South Korea, have refused to cooperate with the MIR payment system. Therefore, it is essential to check the acceptance of Belkart-MIR cards before travelling to other countries.

Belarusian cards work in all countries except Russia and Ukraine

In Belarus, foreign cards are generally not accepted, with the exception of the Russian 'MIR' card. This means that, for foreigners, the best option is to bring cash, preferably in USD, to exchange in-country.

Belarusian cards, on the other hand, are accepted in all countries worldwide, except Russia and Ukraine. This is due to sanctions placed on Russia by Visa and Mastercard in 2022, which also affect Belarus due to the integration of the Belkart and MIR payment systems. This integration means that Belkart cards are accepted in the same places as MIR cards, and vice versa.

It is important to note that, while Belarusian cards are widely accepted, they are not always compatible with all foreign ATMs and points of sale. This is due to some banks being sanctioned, and others choosing to suspend cooperation with the MIR payment system. For example, some European banks, such as Revolut and Wise, do not allow transactions from Belarusian ATMs or points of sale.

Therefore, while Belarusian cards are generally accepted worldwide, it is always best to carry some cash as a backup.

All purchases in Belarus are made in Belarusian rubles

It's important to be aware of the local currency when travelling to a new country. In Belarus, the official currency is the Belarusian Ruble (BYN). All purchases in the country must be made in this currency.

Foreign cards do not work in Belarus, with the exception of the Russian 'MIR' card. This means that if you are visiting from another country, you will need to exchange your cash for Belarusian rubles at a bank or specialised exchange office. It is also a good idea to carry some cash with you, as cards are not accepted everywhere. For example, you will likely need cash at bazaars, in taxis, and for public transport in small towns.

If you are staying in Belarus for a longer period, you may want to open a local bank account and get a Belarusian card. To do this, you will need a passport, and in some cases, a Belarusian SIM card. You may also need to provide a translation of your passport into Russian or Belarusian, certified by a notary or a foreign authorised person.

When exchanging money, it is recommended to avoid doing so at the airport or your hotel, as this is often the most expensive option. It is also worth noting that you will not be able to pay with cryptocurrency in Belarus.

Foreigners can open a Belarusian card

To open an account and obtain a card, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport or another acceptable travel document. If your passport is not in Russian, you will need a translation into Russian or Belarusian, certified by a notary or a foreign authorised person.
• Information about your registration in Belarus, such as a permanent or temporary residence permit, if available.
• Employment confirmation, especially if you plan to open an account with an insurance deposit.

Some banks may also require additional documents, such as proof of address or a local SIM card. It is recommended to contact the specific bank for detailed requirements.

When visiting the bank branch, you will typically need to be present in person. However, some banks, like Zepter Bank, offer remote application options. You can also use the Earlyone application to book an appointment at certain banks, avoiding the need to wait in queues.

The cost of obtaining a card varies depending on the bank and the type of card you choose. For example, a Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard, or Belkart card may have different associated fees. Digital cards are often cheaper than plastic cards, and some may even be free. It is essential to compare the offerings of different banks and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Once you have obtained your Belarusian card, you can top it up in various ways, including cash deposits at bank branches, card-to-card transfers, and international transfers via services like Swift.

Cash is accepted by some shops and restaurants

While it's true that foreign cards don't work in Belarus, cash is still accepted by some shops and restaurants. It's always useful to have cash, not just for paying the bill but also for tipping.

It's a good idea to carry a low-cost ATM card so you can withdraw cash when you find an ATM. Your card may also be accepted in larger hotels or restaurants, especially in tourist areas. However, it's best to keep some local currency on you at all times, as well as your card(s), so you're prepared for any situation.

If you're bringing cash into Belarus, make sure your bills are in good condition, with no writing on them. Otherwise, banks may refuse them. It's also a good idea to bring cash in USD, as it can be difficult to find an exchange that accepts other currencies.

If you're travelling to Belarus, it's important to be aware of the local laws and customs. For example, it's illegal to pay with cryptocurrency, and all purchases must be made in Belarusian rubles.

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