Living In Belarus: An Expat's Experience And Insights

Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, formerly a Soviet republic, that remains quite isolated from the international community due to the authoritarian nature of its government. It is one of the poorest countries in Europe by total wealth, with a tiny private sector, and is ruled by a dictator, Alexander Lukashenko.

The country is known for its potato-producing industry and the manufacturing of world-class tractors for farming. It has a rich history and picturesque natural beauty, with a temperate continental climate that includes four distinct seasons.

The standard of living in Belarus is high, with the cost of living significantly lower than in Western Europe and the US. The country offers excellent healthcare, a well-developed transportation system, and some of the best international schools for expats. However, English is not widely spoken, and there are limited wire transfer services and banking options.

Belarusians are reserved upon first meeting but are incredibly kind, friendly, and good-humoured. They are keen to showcase their culture to foreigners and ensure they feel welcome. The country is mostly populated by Belarusians, with pockets of Russians, Poles, and Ukrainians.

While the cities are clean and safe, with little fear of crime, Belarus faces issues such as human, drug, and weapon trafficking. The government has been criticised for its support of Russia in the war against Ukraine, resulting in international sanctions.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Belarus is relatively low compared to other countries. According to one source, the cost of living in Belarus is $564, which is 1.94 times less expensive than the world average. Another source states that the cost of living in Belarus is, on average, 61.8% lower than in the United States.

For a Family of Four:

• With rent: 6,543 BYN
• Without rent: 1,636.6$ (5,359.0BYN) or 1,700.3$ (5,568.7BYN) in Minsk

For a Single Person:

• With rent: 3,224 BYN
• Without rent: 460.7$ (1,508.7BYN) or 477.8$ (1,564.9BYN) in Minsk
• Flat water (0.5 liters): around USD 1
• Americano coffee: EUR 1 or more
• 2 kilos of potatoes: EUR 1
• 0.5 kg of decent sausages: EUR 4
• Basic lunchtime menu in the business district: USD 5
• Dinner at a Belarusian cuisine restaurant: EUR 25-35 per person
• Foreign cuisine restaurants: around EUR 50 per person
• Average sushi takeaway order: EUR 10
• Monthly rent for 85 m2 furnished accommodation in a normal area: USD 500
• Monthly utilities for 2 people in an 85m2 flat: USD 100
• Internet (8 mbps, 1 month): USD 10
• 1 liter of gas: USD 1
• Monthly public transport ticket: USD 20
• Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km: USD 2
• Cold medicine for 6 days: USD 6
• Short visit to a private doctor (15 minutes): USD 20
• 1 pair of jeans (Levis 501 or similar): USD 50
• 1 summer dress in a high street store (Zara, H&M, or similar retailers): USD 30
• 1 pair of sports shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent brands): USD 70
• 1 liter of whole fat milk: USD 1
• 1 kg of tomatoes: USD 1
• 0.5 kg of local cheese: USD 4
• 1 kg of apples: USD 2
• 1 kg of potatoes: USD 1
• 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality: USD 10
• Domestic beer (0.5 liters) in the supermarket: USD 1
• 2 liters of Coca-Cola: USD 1
• 20 pack of Marlboro cigarettes: USD 10

Healthcare

The country has committed to the principle of universal access to healthcare, provided free at the point of use through predominantly state-owned facilities. In 2013, the World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that Belarus had achieved the Millennium Goals, and WHO representatives have praised the country's leadership and efforts to improve the health care system. The Belarusian authorities have purchased modern equipment for hospitals and built new medical centres. In 2015, the first nursing care hospital for patients with chronic diseases and disabilities was opened in Minsk. Belarus has achieved good results in the immunisation of children, the fight against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and child and maternal mortality.

However, there are still some significant problems in the Belarusian public health system. Some cities are missing up to 40% of the necessary personnel, and the average medical worker earns only $325. The country also has a high consumption of alcohol, and Belarusians occupy a leading position in Europe in terms of obesity and smoking. The Belarusian healthcare system is also isolated from global trends, and doctors wishing to attend foreign conferences must take vacation days and pay all costs themselves.

The quality of healthcare in Belarus is concentrated around urban areas, leading to an inequality of health services in rural areas. In 1994, there were 127 hospital beds and 42 doctors per 10,000 inhabitants. According to the Numbeo global healthcare index, Belarus was ranked 90th out of 93 countries in 2021.

Language barrier

Belarus has two official languages: Belarusian and Russian. However, there are very few people in the country who can speak English, so expats living in Belarus will need to make a concerted effort to learn the local language.

Belarusian is an East Slavic language, closely related to Russian and Ukrainian. It is spoken in some parts of Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, and Ukraine by Belarusian minorities in those countries. The language has gone through several historical developments, including being known as Byelorussian or Belorussian before Belarus gained independence in 1991.

Russian is the dominant language in Belarus, with around 70% of the population speaking it at home, compared to 23% for Belarusian. This dominance is reflected in the education system, where the number of schools teaching in Belarusian has declined, and in the media, where Russian-language broadcasts on TV channels account for over 98% of airtime.

The mixed language of Trasianka, which combines elements of both Belarusian and Russian, is also widely spoken in Belarus, with around 30-40% of Belarusians speaking it as their native language.

For those moving to Belarus, a basic knowledge of Cyrillic will be helpful, as street and public transport signs are written in this script. However, it is essential to learn at least one of the official languages to fully integrate into local life.

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Leisure activities

Belarus has a temperate continental climate, with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and comfortable, while winters are long and cold, providing ample opportunities for winter sports and activities. Autumn is extremely wet, and spring sees intermittent rainfall, so indoor leisure activities are also popular during these months.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, canoeing, and fishing in the Belarusian countryside. The country is known for its picturesque natural beauty, with flat, forested land, and an abundance of streams, lakes, and rivers.

The country's cities also offer a wide range of leisure activities. Minsk, the capital, is home to world-class theatres and other entertainment options. The cost of living in Belarus is significantly lower than in Western European countries, so leisure activities are generally affordable for locals and expats alike.

However, it is important to note that English is not widely spoken in Belarus, so learning Russian or Belarusian is essential for effective communication when participating in leisure activities.

Transportation

Belarus has a well-developed transportation system. The country has a fantastic public service network, including railways, bus routes, tram lines, and private hire taxis. The railway system has over 2,100 destinations, with trains offering transportation to regional areas and international destinations. Tickets are generally affordable, and can be purchased at the station, online, or via telephone. Buses and minibuses are also available for travel around major cities, as well as rural areas, with routes covering regional and international destinations.

For city transportation, a single travel ticket can cover all aspects of your journey. Maps are often available from local stores, and travel apps can offer navigation assistance. However, many signs for public transport systems are written in Belarusian, which can be challenging for international residents. Carrying a phrase book is recommended when navigating the public transport system.

The road network in Belarus is also a great way to travel, but it's worth noting that many rural roads are not marked on Google Maps or other satellite navigation systems, so having a physical atlas or map is essential for driving in those areas.

Frequently asked questions