Using Credit Cards In Belarus: What You Need To Know

If you're planning a trip to Belarus, it's important to know that foreign cards do not work in the country. This applies to all foreign Visa and MasterCard cards issued by any country except Belarus. The only exception is the 'MIR' payment system, which is accepted at all terminals and ATMs in Belarus. However, MIR cards issued by sanctioned banks may encounter problems with online transactions and payments at some retail outlets. Belarusian Visa and MasterCard cards, on the other hand, work in all countries except Russia and Ukraine. It's also worth noting that Belarusbank, the largest issuer of payment cards in Belarus, offers cards by BELKART, Visa International, Mastercard Worldwide, and UnionPay International payment systems. So, if you're visiting Belarus, it's advisable to carry cash and be prepared for potential challenges with card usage.

Foreign cards in Belarus

Foreign cards do not work in Belarus. This applies to all foreign Visa/MasterCard cards issued by any country except Belarus. The only foreign card payment system that works in Belarus is 'MIR'.

However, there are some conflicting reports from travellers who claim that Visa and Mastercard cards issued in countries other than Russia do work in Belarus. One traveller reports that their Visa and Mastercard cards issued in Georgia worked in Belarus. Another traveller reports that their Visa and Mastercard cards issued in the US worked in Belarus, except at ATMs.

If you are travelling to Belarus, it is recommended that you bring cash in USD or EUR, as well as a backup. Banks and currency exchange offices in Belarus accept USD, EUR, RUB, and some also accept yuan.

Withdrawing cash with a credit card

As a foreigner, you can open an international Visa or Mastercard account with Belarusbank, the country's largest issuer of payment cards. To do this, you will need to visit a branch office of the bank in person with your ID document and sign an agreement. If your ID is not in Russian, you will also need a notarized translation of the document.

Once you have a Belarusian credit card, you can withdraw cash, including in foreign currency, from ATMs and bank branches throughout Belarus and abroad.

However, it is worth noting that foreign cards do not work in Belarus. This includes all foreign Visa/Mastercard cards issued by any country except Belarus. Therefore, if you are visiting from another country, you will not be able to use your credit card to withdraw cash from ATMs in Belarus.

Some travellers have reported issues with using their plastic cards in Belarus, such as ATMs displaying an error message or requiring a forgotten PIN code. Additionally, some banks charge a commission for cash withdrawals. Therefore, it is recommended to carry a reasonable amount of cash in small denominations (EUR or USD 10, 20, or 50) when travelling in Belarus.

Belarusian rubles

In Belarus, all purchases are made in Belarusian rubles.

Using Credit Cards in Belarus

Belarusian banks do not accept foreign cards, including Visa and Mastercard. However, cards issued by Belarusbank, the country's largest issuer of payment cards, are available in five currencies: BYN, USD, EUR, RUB, and CNY. Belarusbank offers cards by BELKART, Visa International, Mastercard Worldwide, and UnionPay International payment systems.

Using Cash in Belarus

It is recommended to bring cash in USD, EUR, or RUB, which can be exchanged at banks or specialised exchange offices. Some banks do not charge a commission for exchanging currency.

Other Payment Methods in Belarus

Mobile payment services such as Oplati and various contactless payment apps are also available in Belarus.

Visa and Mastercard in Belarus

Visa and Mastercard cards issued by foreign banks are blocked from use in Belarus. This is not the case for cards issued by domestic banks. However, it is worth noting that some foreign cards can operate, but it is not guaranteed, and you will need to check each time you pay.

It is recommended that you bring cash (USD or EUR) as there are currency exchanges everywhere. It is also advised that you call the issuer of your card, as it is likely blocked. Even if it isn't blocked, this is an evolving situation, and your card could be blocked during your trip.

If you are a non-resident in Belarus, you can obtain a Belarusbank card, which supports multiple financial transactions and cash withdrawals worldwide. Belarusbank is the largest issuer of payment cards in Belarus and offers a wide selection of cards by BELKART, Visa International, Mastercard Worldwide, and UnionPay International payment systems.

To obtain a Belarusbank card as a non-resident, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A notarized translation of your ID document
• Information about your registration in the Republic of Belarus (permanent/temporary residence permit), if available
• Employment confirmation certificate, if you have permanent employment

If you are obtaining a card with an insurance deposit, you will also need to provide a security deposit.

Apple Pay in Belarus

Apple Pay is a mobile payment service by Apple Inc. that allows users to make payments in person, in iOS apps, and on the web. It is supported on iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro.

Apple Pay was rolled out to Belarus in 2019 and is supported by BPS-Sberbank. Both Visa and Mastercard are supported.

Apple Pay can be used with any EMV contactless terminal globally as long as the user is using a supported card. It is important to note that there may be acceptance issues when travelling to a different country. For example, in the US, some contactless terminals do not support EMV-mode contactless transactions and will result in an error when attempting to use Apple Pay.

In Belarus, it is also important to consider that while Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted, there may be some instances where certain banks or merchants do not accept foreign cards.

Therefore, when travelling to Belarus, it is recommended to carry multiple forms of payment, including cash in USD, as a backup.

Frequently asked questions