Group trips to Belarus

Belarus operates on Moscow Standard Time (MSK), which is UTC+3. Belarus does not observe daylight saving time, so the time difference remains consistent throughout the year.

If it is 12 pm in the UK, it will be 3 pm in Belarus.

If it is 12 pm on the East Coast of the USA, it will be 7 pm in Belarus.

Belarus uses the Belarusian Ruble (BYN) as its currency. The daily exchange rate can vary, but for a rough idea:

• 1 GBP is approximately 3.50 BYN
• 1 USD is about 2.60 BYN
• 1 EUR is around 3.00 BYN

You can exchange your currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and some hotels. Always check the latest rates before exchanging your money.

Credit cards, debit cards, and cash are widely accepted in Belarus. Visa and MasterCard are the most common cards, but it is always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller shops or more rural areas. ATMs are available in cities and towns, and you can withdraw Belarusian rubles. It's best to let your bank know if you plan to use your cards abroad to avoid any issues.

In Belarus, tipping is appreciated but not compulsory. In restaurants, it's common to leave a tip of around 5 to 10 percent for good service. For taxi rides or other services, rounding up the fare or adding a small extra amount is a nice gesture. Just remember, tipping is not an obligation but a way to show appreciation for excellent service.

In Belarus, internet connectivity is pretty good, but it's not part of the Schengen area, so roaming charges may apply if you're using a European SIM. We suggest you buy a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan for convenient access. Popular providers include:

• A1
• MTS
• life:)

Wi-Fi is widely available in urban areas like Minsk, with many cafes, hotels, and public spots offering free connections. However, in rural areas, Wi-Fi might be less accessible, so a local SIM could be your best bet for staying connected.

In Belarus, the official languages are Belarusian and Russian. Here are some useful colloquial expressions you might hear or use:

• Hello: Pryvitannie (Belarusian), Privet (Russian)
• Thank you: Dziakuj (Belarusian), Spasibo (Russian)
• Please: Kali laska (Belarusian), Pozhaluysta (Russian)
• Yes: Tak (Belarusian), Da (Russian)
• No: Nye (Belarusian), Nyet (Russian)

Both languages are widely spoken, with Russian being more commonly used in urban areas.

In Belarus, the plugs are of type C and F, which are the same as those used in Italy and many other European countries. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. If you're coming from a country with different plug types or voltage, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to ensure your devices can be charged without any issues.

In Belarus, the main religion is Eastern Orthodoxy, with the majority of Belarusians being members of the Belarusian Orthodox Church. Other religions practiced in the country include:

• Roman Catholicism
• Protestantism
• Judaism

Important religious holidays for Orthodox Christians include Easter and Christmas (celebrated on January 7th), while Roman Catholics celebrate these on different dates, such as December 25th for Christmas.

When packing for Belarus, it's important to consider the season and your planned activities. Here's a handy list to help you prepare your backpack:

• Clothing:
  • Warm sweaters or jackets for colder months
  • Light shirts and trousers for summer
  • Raincoat or waterproof jacket
  • Scarf, gloves, and hat if visiting in winter
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Waterproof boots for rain or snow
  • Sandals for warmer days
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Universal travel adapter
  • Power bank
  • Camera or smartphone for photos
  • Travel guidebook or map
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Basic toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, and shampoo
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Common travel medications like pain relievers, antihistamines, and any personal prescriptions

Adjust your list depending on the season and your personal needs.

Belarus experiences a continental climate with distinct seasons. Here's what you can expect:

• Summer (June to August): Warm and sometimes humid, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). It's the best time to visit if you enjoy outdoor activities.
• Autumn (September to November): Cool and wet, temperatures drop from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) in September to around 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F) by November.
• Winter (December to February): Cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping below 0°C (32°F), sometimes reaching -10°C (14°F) or lower.
• Spring (March to May): Mild, with temperatures gradually increasing from 0°C to 15°C (32°F to 59°F).

The best time to visit Belarus is during late spring or summer when the weather is pleasant and the landscapes are lush.