General Information
Airport
From the airport to the city centre of Minsk is 50 km.
Currency
The currency is the Belarussian Ruble. Currency can be exchanged at any authorised bank or at exchange offices in hotels. Travellers cheques are not widely acepted. Credit cards that area accepted in most hotels are AMEX or VISA. Hotel Planeta provides cash from VISA credit cards during business hours.
Electricity
Sockets are continental 2-pin plug. Voltage is 220V 50Hz.
Health
First aid, if hospitalisation is not required, is provided free to foreign travellers. Hospitalisation is at traveller's expense. For emergency medical service, phone 03. Pharmacy information service - phone 069.
Telephones
Long distance calls are connected through operators. Phone calls may be placed from hotels or post offices.
Tipping
Tipping is a matter of choice.
Visa
To enter Belarus, one has to be in possession of a valid passport to obtain a visa.
Minsk
Minsk was first mentioned in chronicles in 1067. The city has seen a lot during its history. Many conquerors have passed through Minsk. It was in ancient times one of the busiest trade-routes connecting the Baltic and the Black Sea. During World War II it was ruined almost completely. It is a city with broad streets, modern and ancient architecture, fountains, shady parks and boulevards.
Brest
Founded in 1019, Brest is on the border of Poland, and is a large tourist centre in Belarus. It has an fortress and an archaeological Berestye museum with 11th-13th century structures and relics.
Grodno
Founded in the 11th century as a fortress on the banks of the Niemen. Today the city rates number one among old Belarusian cities in the authentic old planning and 12th-16th century monuments of religious and public buildings..
Polotsk
Polotsk is the oldest Belarusian town and the centre of old Slavic history. Founded in 862, Polotsk is famous for its St. Sophie 11th century Cathedral, the 12th century monastery, and fortification murals.