Exploring Belarus: Budget-Friendly Or A Splurge?

Belarus is a reasonably affordable destination for travellers on a budget. It is known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities.

The average daily cost per person is $78 (Br256), including accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. This can be broken down as follows:

- $11 (Br36) on local transportation

- $53 (Br173) on hotels

- $29 (Br93) on food

- $12 (Br40) on alcoholic beverages

- $20 (Br64) on sightseeing and entertainment

For those travelling alone, $32 a day should be sufficient for a backpacking trip, while a mid-range budget is $175, and an upscale budget is $345.

Accommodation is easy to find at a reasonable price, especially in Minsk, with prices for hostel dorms starting from $15. Eating out is also affordable, with the average bill in cafes, bistros, and fast-food restaurants no more than $10. Public transport is also relatively cheap, with three one-use tickets for $1.

Food and drink

Belarus is known for its hearty, traditional cuisine, with staple meals consisting of meat and potatoes. The average cost of food in Belarus is $29 (Br93) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travellers.

Eating Out

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Belarus is about $29 (Br93) per person. Previous travellers have typically spent from $11 to $69 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but this will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.

• Fast food or street food: $5
• Sit-down restaurants: $30-100
• Casual traditional restaurants: $6-12
• Glass of wine: $7-9
• Cappuccino/latte: $3.50

Belarusian Specialities

The most popular dish among Belarusians is traditional draniki (also known as "latkes"), thick pancakes prepared from shredded potatoes and usually served with sour cream.

As a landlocked country, freshwater fish features prominently in the local cuisine. Popular dishes include yushka (fish-based soup), galki (fish-balls in broth), and baked or boiled river fish.

Beef and pork are the most common meats, typically served with vegetables like carrot, cabbage, black radish, or peas, and of course, potato. Salted pork fat is also commonly used.

Onions, garlic, parsley, dill, caraway seeds, and pepper are the main seasonings and are used moderately in cooking. Mushrooms (dried, salted, or pickled) are also popular, as are berries like bilberry, wild strawberries, red whortleberry, raspberries, and cranberries.

Buying Food

The cheapest option for eating in Belarus is to buy food from supermarkets, where decent ready-to-eat meals can be purchased. The average bill in cafes, bistros, and fast-food restaurants is no more than $10.

• Milk (1 litre): $0.67
• Loaf of fresh white bread: $0.56
• Domestic beer (0.5-litre bottle): $0.82
• Imported beer (0.33-litre bottle): $1.60
• Bottle of wine (mid-range): $6.10
• Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro): $1.50
• Chicken breasts (skinless and boneless, 1kg): $3.60
• Beef round (1kg): $3.80

Drinking

The average person spends about $12 (Br40) on alcoholic beverages in Belarus per day.

Transport

Belarus has a well-developed transportation system, making it easy to get around the country without the assistance of a travel agency.

Rail

Belarus has an extensive rail network, with over 5,500 kilometres of railway tracks. Rail travel is one of the most comfortable and reliable options for getting around the country, with trains connecting over 2,100 destinations. Belarusian Railways offers various lines, including urban, regional, interregional, and international lines. The cost of train travel depends on the line, class, and category of the railway car. For example, a ticket from Brest to Vitebsk, which is a journey across the entire country, costs around $7-10 for a reserved seat and $9-10 for a compartment. Tickets can be purchased at train stations, booked by phone, or booked online. Digital tickets are available for some lines by paying with a bank card or digital money systems such as EasyPay and WebMoney.

Bus

Buses and minibuses are also available for travelling within cities, between cities, and for international travel. Tickets for international and suburban buses can be purchased online using systems such as WebPay and iPay. Bus stations or bus stops are located in all cities and towns, where passengers can buy tickets, wait for their bus, or have a snack. Private bus companies also operate in addition to the bus operators of the Transport and Communications Ministry.

Air

There are no regular domestic air flights in Belarus due to the country's small size. The National Airport Minsk handles international flights, connecting the capital with many countries worldwide. Existing airports in other cities welcome charter flights, cargo aircraft, and emergency landings. The airports in Gomel, Grodno, and Brest offer regular flights to the Russian city of Kaliningrad.

Water

Water transport is not commonly used for passenger transportation in Belarus, with low demand currently. However, during the warm season, water sightseeing tours are popular. These tours are arranged in various locations, including Vitebsk, Grodno, the national parks of Pripyatsky, Narochansky, and Braslavskiye Ozera, the Zaslavl reservoir (Minsk Sea), and Vygonoshchanskoye Lake. The floating hotel Polesie, with eight suites, offers trips along six waterway routes lasting up to three days.

Urban Transport

Within cities, mass transit systems such as buses, trolleybuses, trams, private buses, and taxis are available. Minsk, the capital, has the country's only metro system. In Minsk, the cost of a single trip on public transport (bus, trolleybus, or tram) is Br0.85, while the metro costs Br0.90. In other cities, the cost of public transport is typically lower. Seasonal tickets for multiple trips within a specified period, such as 10, 15, or 30 days, can also be purchased.

Taxi

Taxis are available in most places, with prices starting at around Br3.50 and an additional charge of Br0.60 per kilometre.

Car Rental

Car rentals can be found for as low as Br50 per day for a multi-day rental. It is important to note that most cars in Europe feature manual transmission, so an automatic vehicle may come at a premium. Drunk driving is also common in Belarus, so caution is advised when driving. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for drivers, and they must be at least 19 years old.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is relatively safe in Belarus, and it is usually easy to get a ride on major roads. However, English is not widely spoken, so learning some basic phrases can be helpful. It is recommended to avoid discussing politics, as it is a sensitive issue in the country.

Costs

On average, past travellers have spent around $11 (Br36) per person, per day on local transportation in Belarus. This includes costs for taxis, local buses, subways, trains, and other forms of transport. The cost of a taxi ride is significantly higher than using public transportation.

Accommodation

Belarus is a reasonably affordable destination when it comes to accommodation. It is in the top 25% of countries in Europe for its affordability.

Budget Accommodation

Belarus offers a wide range of budget-friendly accommodation options, especially in the capital city of Minsk, where you can find hostels with dorm beds starting from $15 per night. Private rooms in hostels with shared bathrooms are also available for a slightly higher price, typically ranging from $18 onwards.

Mid-Range Accommodation

For those seeking more comfort, mid-range hotels in Belarus offer double-occupancy rooms for around $53 per night for two people, or $27 per night for a single person. These prices are based on the reported spending of previous travellers.

Luxury Accommodation

If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, Belarus has several high-end hotels and resorts. The average price for a luxury hotel room for two people can range from $94 to $505 per night.

Alternative Options

In addition to traditional accommodation options, holiday houses, cottages, and health resorts are also available in Belarus. Camping is another affordable option, with campsites costing around $12 per night.

Tips for Saving Money

To save money on accommodation in Belarus, consider visiting during the off-season when prices tend to be lower. Booking your stay in advance can also help you secure better deals. Additionally, staying in smaller cities or outside the city centre can result in significant savings, as apartment prices in these areas can be up to $100 cheaper than in the capital city of Minsk.

Activities

Belarus is a great destination for nature lovers, with over half of the country covered in forest, including Bialowieza, the oldest woodland in Europe. The country is also full of lakes and rivers, where visitors can fish, canoe, kayak, or camp.

For those interested in history and culture, here are some activities and attractions to check out:

• Museum Strana Mini in Minsk is a great place to learn about Belarus' major castles, historical sites, and important buildings.
• The Memorial Complex Brest Hero-Fortress is a must-see for those interested in military history. The site includes interesting exhibits, a well-maintained castle, and an excellent restaurant.
• The Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War showcases traces of the war between Belarus and Russia, with exhibits that highlight both the dark and bright sides of the conflict.
• The National Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve Nesvizh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes a stone castle dating back to 1582 and the beautiful Palace Ensemble in Niasvizh.
• The Church of Saints Simon and Helena in Minsk is a red-brick church that is impressive from the outside and a peaceful place to visit and pray.
• The Money Museum Groshi in Minsk offers interesting insights into the history of coins, paper money, and the history of Belarus.
• The National Library of Belarus in Minsk is an impressive building that houses 8,600,000 items and is a must-visit attraction in the city.
• The Ballet Theatre of Belarus in Minsk offers excellent ballet performances in a beautiful building that survived World War II.
• Sovetskaya Street in Minsk is a scenic walking area with shops, bars, restaurants, and markets.
• The Kalozha Church Boris-Gleb Church in Grodno is a unique monument of architecture from the 12th century and is a place of worship to this day.
• The Holy Spirit Cathedral in Minsk stands out from other Eastern European churches with its lack of gold colors.

For those seeking outdoor activities and natural landmarks, consider the following:

• Gomel Palace & Park Ensemble is considered one of the most beautiful parks in Europe, featuring a full-character palace and stunning landscapes.
• The Central Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus in Minsk offers a nice walk, especially on hot days, with plenty of shaded areas.
• Belovezhskaya Pushcha is a historic walking area and a national park that is home to the largest relic forest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Svislach River Embankment in Minsk is a popular spot, offering concrete paths and parks along the river.

Belarus also has a vibrant food and nightlife scene, with restaurants, cafes, and bars offering a range of cuisines and entertainment.

Visa and registration

Most foreign travellers need a visa to enter Belarus. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose and length of your visit. The following types of entry visas are available:

• B – transit visa, valid for up to 2 days
• C – short-term visa, valid for up to 90 days
• D – long-term visa, valid for the period exceeding 90 days with the right to stay in Belarus for up to 90 days

Entry visas may be single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry.

To obtain an entry visa, you must submit the following documents to an entry visa-issuing authority:

• One copy of a duly completed visa application form
• One photograph (35x45mm, made not earlier than 6 months prior to submitting, full face, with the size of the face covering nearly 70-80% of the photograph)
• A foreign travel document
• Visa support documents
• Additional documents (if requested by the consular officer)
• Medical insurance contract signed with "Belgosstrakh" or "Beleximgarant" or a medical insurance contract signed with any foreign insurance organization
• A confirmation of the consular fee paid

The term of the visa procedure is 5 working days (or 2 working days for urgent cases) from the date of application. The consular officer has the right to reduce the number of entries and the validity of the visa, increase the term of visa processing, and deny the visa without stating the reasons for denial. In the case of visa denial, the consular fee is not reimbursed.

Citizens of some countries can enter Belarus without a visa, including Albania, Argentina, Brazil, China, Cuba, Ecuador, Israel, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Serbia, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela.

The cost of a visa is €60 for all types, with some exceptions. Foreigners under the age of 14 are exempt from the visa fee. Japanese citizens are exempt from paying for any type of Belarusian visa. There may be additional fees for expedited processing or for obtaining a visa at Minsk National Airport.

Upon entering Belarus, foreign citizens must register with the Citizenship and Migration Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs within ten days, unless otherwise specified by international treaties. This can be done electronically through the Unified Portal for electronic services free of charge. However, if you arrive in Belarus through the border with Russia, you must apply in person to the Citizenship and Migration Unit.

Frequently asked questions