Eastern Europe’s outcast, Belarus (Беларус) lies at the edge of the region and seems determined to avoid integration with the rest of the continent at all costs. Taking its lead from the Soviet Union rather than the European Union, this little-visited dictatorship may seem like a strange choice for travellers, but its isolation lies at the heart of its appeal.
While the rest of Eastern Europe has charged headlong into capitalism, Belarus allows the chance to visit a Europe with minimal advertising and no litter or graffiti. Outside the monumental Stalinist capital of Minsk, Belarus offers a simple yet pleasing landscape of cornflower fields, thick forests and picturesque villages. The country also offers two excellent national parks and is home to Europe’s largest mammal, the zoobr (or European bison). While travellers will always be subject to curiosity, they’ll also be on the receiving end of warm hospitality and genuine welcome.
Currency Belarusian rouble (BR)
Language Belarusian and Russian
Money ATMs taking international cards are widely available
Visas Needed by almost everybody
Population 9.46 million
Area 207,600 sq km
Capital Minsk
Country Code 375
Emergency ambulance 03, fire 01, police 02
INSURANCE
Most visitors to Belarus are required to possess medical insurance to cover the entire period of their stay. Evidence of having purchased medical insurance with specific reference to coverage in Belarus for a minimum of €10,000 is now asked for as part of the visa application, so there's no way around this. If you have travel insurance already, ask your insurance company for a letter stating that you are covered in Belarus and for what amount. If you haven't got insurance already, you can simply buy one of the Belarus government's officially endorsed policies: check the embassy website in the country you're applying from.
INTERNET ACCESS
Internet provision is generally very good in Belarus. In major towns wireless is easy to find, and it's now totally standard in all hotels and hostels. It's also hassle free to buy a local SIM card with data at a mobile phone shop, you'll just need your passport and the address of your hotel.
MONEY
The Belarusian rouble (BR) is the national currency and the money's wide spectrum of bill denominations is overwhelming to the newcomer. Ensure you change any remaining roubles before leaving Belarus, as it's impossible to exchange the currency outside the country.
ATMs and currency-exchange offices are not hard to find in Belarusian cities. Major credit cards are accepted at many of the nicer hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets in Minsk, but travellers cheques are not worth the effort.
POST
The word for post office is pashtamt in Belarusian, or pochta in Russian. You can mail important, time-sensitive items via the Express Mail Service (EMS) at most main post offices.
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