Tips and general information

Climate and clothing

The weather in October in Minsk is typically cool and rainy. The average daily temperature ranges between 9 ˚C (48 ˚F) and 15 ˚C (59 ˚F). We recommend you to bring an extra sweater or jacket as well as umbrella.

Credit cards

• Most stores, restaurants and hotels accept Visa and MasterCard
• Taxis and public transport only accept cash in local currency
• Travelers’ checks are accepted only in banks

Currency / Exchange

The currency of Belarus is the Belarusian ruble (BYR). Currency exchange can be done at any bank, large hotels or exchange offices in Minsk

The Belarusian ruble comes in denominations of: 100 rub., 500 rub., 1 000 rub., 5 000 rub., 10 000 rub., 20 000 rub., 50 000 rub., 100 000 rub., 200 000 rub .

Delegates are advised to check the current exchange rate before the flight to the General Meeting.

Electricity supply

Mains voltage in Belarus is 230 V, network frequency is 50 Hz

Electrical sockets in Belarus are one of the two European standard electrical socket types:

• The “Type C”
• The “Type F”

We recommend that you bring with you an appropriate adapter if needed.

Internet connection

In hotels, as well as the locations of the General Meeting, free high-speed Internet (Wi-Fi) is available.

Language

The state languages of Belarus are Belarusian and Russian.
In business communication Englisch and German are also common.

Meal facilities

Near the main venue and hotels are restaurants and cafes meeting any gastronomic tastes. Italian, Japanese and French cuisine restaurants are available within walking distance. Hotel menus consist mainly of national and European cuisine dishes.

Smoking

In a number of public venues in Belarus (governmental institutions, health, culture, education, trade and consumer services, public catering, as well as inall kinds of stations, the subway and public transport) smoking is permitted only in specially designated and equipped areas.

Taxes

All taxes are included in the price indicated on the product. In Belarus the system of VAT refund for foreign citizens is applied.

Tax free applies to certain categories of goods subject to VAT at the rate of 20%, and provides for a refund of 15% of the purchase price.

Additional information is available on the link (available in russian only).

Telephones

• Network providers for mobile phones: Velcom, MTS, life:)
• Number of digits for local calls: 7 – for city calls; 10 or 11 – for mobile network operators
• International access code of Belarus: 8 375
• For international calling it is necessary to dial before a country code: 8 10
• For international calls from the hotel, please consult the hotel operator

Time zone

In Belarus, the time calculation is carried out in accordance with the international time zones Standard Time plus one hour without the annual transition to seasonal time, i.e. UTC+3

In October, When it is noon in Belarus, it is 11:00 a.m. in Paris, 10:00 a.m. in London, 5:00 a.m. in New York, 2:00 a.m. in Los-Angeles

Tipping

The usual amount of tip is 10 % for the average service in a café or restaurant. Taxis, housekeeping and porters: optional.

Vaccination

For entry into the Belarus compulsory vaccination is not required.

Emergency numbers

• 101 – Ministry of Emergency Situations service
• 102 – Police
• 103 – Emergency medical services

Information and referral services in Minsk and Belarus

• 105 - Minsk railway station reference
• 106 - National airport “Minsk” reference
• 114 - Bus station reference
• 153 - Long-distance and international codes referenceв

Additional information about Belarus can be found at the following website: www.belarus.by.