Currency
The currency is the Belarussian ruble (BYR), which is equal
to 100 kopeks. There are no coins in circulation (plastic cards and
tokens are used for the metro and public telephones). Currency and
travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and official bureaux
de changes in Minsk and the larger towns. US Dollars and Euros are
preferred and some currencies may not be accepted. Exchange offices
may reject old/damaged notes and it is advisable to keep all
receipts for exchange transactions as these may be required on
departure, or when re-converting your leftover rubles. Mastercard
and Visa are accepted at the larger hotels and tourist restaurants,
but American Express and Discovery cards are not accepted at all.
ATMs are widely accessible in major towns and banking hours are
weekdays from 9am to 5pm.
