Belarusian national currency. All about the new Belarusian money

Other currencies of Belarus: Belarusian ruble (BYR)

In the Republic of Belarus, the official Belarusian currency is now represented in the form of a monetary unit called the Belarusian ruble. One Belarusian ruble is divided into 100 kopecks, but coins and banknotes in kopecks are not issued. Banknotes in circulation are in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000 and 100000 rubles. People often call the Belarusian ruble a bunny, since this animal was depicted on the 1 ruble banknote (sample 1992). After the collapse of the all-Union monetary system began in early 1992, a coupon system was introduced in the country, after which - payment notes of the National Bank. In 1993, the withdrawal of Soviet rubles began, which became the starting point for the national currency of Belarus. Since the beginning of the 21st century, the question of creating a single currency with Russia, based on an agreement on a union state, has been raised. But due to disputes over the location of the emission center and the unpreparedness of the economy of both countries, it was decided to postpone the issue. Since the beginning of 2009, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus has established fixed exchange rates, which led to the denomination of the Belarusian ruble by 20%. A peculiar case of bilingualism is represented by the 500 Belarusian ruble banknote of the 1992 model. The inscriptions on the banknote are in Belarusian. The obverse of the banknote depicts Victory Square in Minsk along with the first two words in Russian, “The feat of the people is immortal,” laid out on one of the semicircular buildings encircling the square and being one of the landmarks of Minsk. "Grodno Fair", which reported this fact in one of the July 1994 issues, noted that thanks to this bilingualism, the banknote quickly turns into a valuable exhibit of bonistic collections. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 09:00-09:30 to 17:00-17:30. Belarusian currency can be exchanged in banks and exchange offices, and all exchange transactions must be accompanied by the receipt of a special form confirming the legality of the exchange. Exchange of currency on the street or at private money changers, although the exchange rate of the Belarusian ruble may be more favorable here, is associated with certain difficulties. Travel checks can be cashed at major bank offices. The use of non-cash means of payment outside the capital and other large cities is difficult.

Reading time: 8 minutes. Views 203 Published September 28, 2018

Belarus attracts many Russian tourists and is one of the popular tourist destinations. No visa, ease of communication, excellent infrastructure, wonderful nature, historical places - all this makes our neighbor an attractive tourist destination. Especially considering the fairly low prices and the friendliness of the local population.

But it’s worth finding out what the currency is in Belarus, what the exchange rate is and why such a funny name came about? Everyone knows that the currency of the brotherly country is called “bunnies”. It is also worth separately considering the features of money exchange and the current exchange rate.

The first banknotes of Belarus depicted a hare, for this reason Belarusian money began to be called “bunnies”

Traveling to Belarus: what currency do you need?

The funny name appeared in the early 90s, when Belarus issued its first banknotes, the design of which included images of local fauna (a hare was depicted on the ruble bill). Now the cover of the banknotes of our neighbors has changed, but the name, which so successfully entered into everyday life, has been preserved. Money in Belarus has its own special and interesting history, because the national currency was created in the most difficult situation for the country, during the period of separation from the Union.

Despite all the difficulties of the transition period, the ruble of Belarus has become a full-fledged and internationally recognized currency unit.

History of Belarusian money

The national currency in Belarus is quite young; until the collapse of the USSR, only Soviet rubles were used in the country, but with the collapse of the Union and the secession of the country, the question of creating a national currency arose. This task was especially urgent, because Belarus had the lowest food prices, and to prevent the massive import of foreign goods, the government urgently introduced special cash coupons.

Such signs were in circulation until the beginning of 1992, and already in the spring special payment tickets appeared in the republic (at the rate of 10 Russian rubles). At that time, the first national currency had already been prepared, which was in electronic accounts. Initially, they planned to call the new money “thaler”, by analogy with the strange German money. But such a proposal did not find a response among the local population, who were more familiar with the old name - “rubel”.

Many people wonder what money is called in Belarus and where such a cute nickname “bunnies” came from. In order to get away as much as possible from the tense political situation during that difficult period, the republic’s leadership decided to create a design for a new currency with images of animals that make up the local fauna. Therefore, banknotes began to be decorated with animals such as bison, squirrel, elk, wolf, bear, lynx, beaver and hare.

In the first money of Belarus, fauna was depicted on banknotes with a nominal value of up to one hundred rubles. On large banknotes, historical and architectural monuments were used in the design.

There are no longer animals on banknotes of modern design, but in local usage, Belarusians, out of habit, continue to call their money “bunnies.” By the way, the Belarusian national currency, along with the Russian one, is the leading settlement instrument in the Customs Union (an economic trade association of Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan).

Modern money of the Republic of Belarus

Exchange rates

The national currency of Belarus has gone through difficult times in its history. If at the beginning of their circulation (1992–1993) Belarusian rubles were exchanged for Russian rubles at the rate of 1x10, then subsequently their quotation began to rapidly decline under the pressure of inflationary processes. In total, three denominations were carried out in the republic:

1. 1994. The first change took place when the national currency was recalculated tenfold.
2. 2000. Soon the need arose for a second denomination, this time the recount occurred 1,000 times.
3. 2016. The third and so far the last procedure for recalculating the nominal value of the national currency was carried out 10,000 times. Then coins with a nominal value from a penny to two rubles appeared.

Now Belarusian rubles are converted into Russian rubles at the existing rate of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation 1x31.23 (that is, one Belarusian ruble costs 31.23 Russian). The dynamics of the exchange rate tend to change slightly.

According to the advice of tourists, it is better to transfer money from Russian to Belarusian on the territory of the neighboring republic. There are many reasons for this and they are quite compelling:

1. There are a lot of exchange offices in Belarus, and these points can be found even in small urban settlements. And in areas favored by tourist travelers, they appear at almost every turn.
2. The exchange rate for the national currency in the republic is quite favorable in comparison with Russian exchangers.
3. Russian tourists do not have any problems regarding language exchange. Almost everyone speaks Russian, so there are no difficulties associated with exchanging money.
4. In Russia, it is quite difficult to purchase Belarusian banknotes; even in Moscow, not every exchanger offers them. For travelers departing for a neighboring republic, it would be useful to know that you can find “bunnies” at the exchange offices of the Belorussky railway station.

The first money in Belarus was dedicated to the local fauna

Where is the best place to exchange currency?

Since the Belarusian national currency is classified as non-convertible, it is almost impossible to obtain it outside the country. But there are no problems with exchange within the republic. To exchange Russian currency for Belarusian currency, a passport is required.

Currency exchangers in Belarus can be found in the following places:

• train stations;
• airports;
• on city streets;
• hotels and hotels;
• bank branches;
• major trade centers.

It is worth remembering that bank branches in Belarus are open from 9 am to 5 pm, except Saturday and Sunday. It is better and safer to use official exchange opportunities. In the country since 2010–2011 There is an active “black market” for currency exchange, which offers tourists to make conversions at an attractive and reduced rate (almost 20–30% lower than in official exchange offices). But you should not take advantage of such offers; it is prohibited by law and Russians may face large administrative fines.

Belarus is an attractive destination for Russian tourists

Features of payment in cash and cards

When traveling to a hospitable neighbor, it would be a good idea to arm yourself with a plastic card. It is better to use a card of international payment systems - it is accepted throughout the country. Moreover, regardless of what currency the plastic is (dollars, Euros or Russian rubles), conversion takes place at a preferential rate when purchasing goods or services with Belarusian money.

Also, using a plastic card, you can easily exchange Russian rubles at the existing local exchange rate into Belarusian rubles using exchangers. But it is worth remembering that with such a transaction, a certain commission will be deducted from the owner of the plastic card. Therefore, it makes sense, if you need to cash out money, to order a large amount of “bunnies” at once.

Tourists are advised to use debit cards to cash out money, and pay with credit cards by bank transfer in order to reduce the amount of commissions. To roughly navigate future costs, you can consider the following average prices (according to reviews of tourists who visited there):

• drinking water (1 l): from 3,000 BYN. (17–18 Russian);
• regular bun: from 20,000 BYR. (almost 70 Russian);
• gas stations: from 9,000 BYR. (32 Russian) per liter of gasoline;
• lunch in a bistro, cafe: from 100,000 BYN. (about 350–400 Russian);
• short-distance taxi ride: from 30,000 BYN. (100 Russian);
• hotel room (per day per person): from 400,000 BYR. (about 1,500 Russian).

Russians who have visited our hospitable neighbor more than once are advised to divide the cash they plan to take with them on the trip. In particular:

• put the main amount of money on a debit card (for payments and cash withdrawals);
• It is better not to touch the credit card at all to withdraw cash (in this case the interest rates will be too high), but to use it exclusively for non-cash payments for purchases or services;
• immediately after arriving in the republic, it is worth buying Belarusian rubles for small and obligatory expenses, but it is better not to buy a lot of “bunnies” at once, so as not to take them back to Russia, where it is much more difficult to exchange Belarusian currency for Russian.

It is a must to have some Belarusian money with you. Especially if the trip is planned not by train/plane, but by your own car. After all, sometimes travelers find themselves in rural villages and they need refueling, water, food and other little things. And exchangers, which are available in abundance in cities and large villages, may not be available in small villages.

conclusions

Belarus is a beautiful country with a rich and glorious history. It is completely open to the public and has remained dear to Russian tourists since the times of the Soviet Union. There is a lot to see and a place to relax and have a great time. Well, for tourists traveling to Belarus, exchanging Russian currency for local currency will not cause any difficulties. You just need to know some nuances and exchange money only at official exchange points.

Belarusian ruble It is just beginning its journey along the long winding path to the wide currency highway, so it can only boast of modest achievements. ISO code - BYR, digital - 974.

The emergence of the Belarusian ruble

The emergence of the Belarusian currency dated to the early 1990s, after the collapse of the Soviet system. At first, coupons were introduced in the country, and then banknotes of the National Bank, but the need for its own strong currency was brewing. The only question was in its name: from the proposed “Belarusian ruble” and “thaler”, the first option was chosen. By the end of July, the remaining Soviet rubles began to be replaced by their Belarusian counterpart and withdrawn from circulation. And despite the signing of an agreement by the Russian Federation, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Armenia on the creation of a new type of ruble zone, this idea did not receive a response in Belarus and the national currency remained in its position.

The Belarusian ruble is a strong national currency

Popularly nicknamed the “bunny” after the image of this animal on the one dollar bill sample 1992, the national currency underwent two denominations: in 1994 by 10 times and in 2000 by 1000 times. The second added stability to the ruble relative to the dollar exchange rate and began to gradually reduce inflation. Also, the National Bank of Belarus has begun to consistently reduce the refinancing rate. Thereby, Belarusian ruble became attracted the attention of the international community, and in 2006 the French bank BNP Paribas began quoting it against the US dollar on the interbank market. In Belarus itself, this was noted as a manifestation of significant interest in the national currency. From January 2, 2009, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus switched to a mechanism for pegging the exchange rate of the Belarusian ruble to a basket of foreign currencies, at the same time by 20.5% against the US dollar.

Failed integration with Russia

For a long time there was an issue of currency integration with the Russian Federation. According to the “Treaty on the Establishment of the Union State,” signed in 1999, both countries provided for the introduction of a single national currency. After concluding a new agreement in 2000, the parties agreed that from January 2005 the role of a common monetary unit should be fulfilled, and from January 1, 2008 a single monetary unit should be adopted. However, according to a statement by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov in 2006, Belarus is not ready to introduce a single currency. Since then, the issue of monetary integration has been postponed indefinitely.

Some facts about the Belarusian ruble

Belarusian ruble graphic sign, adopted by the National Bank - “Br”, however, in business transactions, as in the case of its Russian counterpart, the abbreviations “r” are used in most cases. and "rub."

There are banknotes in circulation in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 rubles. Formally, it is divided into 100 kopecks, but no coins or banknotes denominated in kopecks are issued.

What is the currency in Belarus? Just like us Russians, Belarusians have their own ruble, also known as the “bunny”. This is an interesting currency. It was created in the conditions of a difficult transition period for Belarus after the collapse of the USSR, but still emerged as a full-fledged currency recognized by all countries of the world.

Belarusian ruble: interesting facts

What is the name of the currency in Belarus? Definitely the ruble. But in the early 90s, when the newly independent Republic of Belarus was working on creating banknotes, there was an idea to call the national banknote “thaler”. This is what some types of coins in Germany were called in the Middle Ages, and this word became widespread in Europe. The "thaler" became the prototype of the "dollar", as well as a number of other currencies at different times.

True, this initiative was not accepted by the Presidium of the Supreme Council of Belarus - the majority of votes were against it. Another fact: Belarusians sometimes call their currency “bunnies.” This is because the 1 ruble banknotes issued in 1992 featured a hare. People very quickly got used to calling the new currency after this furry animal.

Belarusian ruble: history

After the collapse of the USSR, all the former republics began to print their own. The local government began to think about what kind of currency in Belarus should appear as an alternative to the Soviet ruble in 1992. First, so-called coupons were introduced. In May 1992, the country's National Bank introduced “payment notes”, which began to be used simultaneously with the ruble (still Soviet-style). When buying something in a store, you had to pay with both types of payment methods. In July 1992, national truth appeared, in non-cash form: they were kept in the Central Bank of Russia on a special basis. Against the backdrop of the exit of the former Soviet republics from the ruble zone in 1992, Belarus banned payments with banknotes of Russian origin and from the times of the USSR and secured “tickets” as the only legitimate means payment for goods and services.

In 1993, rubles were withdrawn from circulation. In 1994, the National Bank of the country announced the resolution “On the means of payment of the Republic of Belarus”. According to this document, a new currency appeared in the country - the Belarusian ruble. Payment notes were exchanged for it in a ratio of 1 to 10. In the same year, the ruble was dedenominated so that the cost of these two means of payment was equalized. National began to be traded on stock exchanges. From this moment on, foreigners, in turn, now had to keep in mind what currency to take to Belarus.

Inflation in the 90s

Before deciding which currency in Belarus would be able to serve as a full-fledged means of payment, the country's bankers worked in difficult economic conditions. When it was finally approved, the young state felt the realities of the post-Soviet collapse in full. In the 90s, the new type of currency of the Republic of Belarus, due to inflationary processes, constantly grew in nominal value and at the same time became cheaper in relation to the main world banknotes. For example, at the beginning of 1994, the dollar was worth 3,800 “hares”, and in December - already more than 10,000. In 1995, the ruble continued to fall in price, but more slowly - in March, the American banknote was worth about 12,000 units of the Belarusian one. Moreover, until the spring of 1996, exchange rate fluctuations were completely insignificant. True, as some note, this was due to a large loan from the IMF - about $300 million. However, in mid-1996, the Belarusian ruble began to lose value again. By December, the rate had settled at 1 to 15,000. And this, as experts noted, is just a nominal figure. The real market ratio required about 26,000 units of Belarusian banknotes per US dollar.

By December 1998, the rate reached the level of 1 to 320,000. In 2000, the Belarusian ruble underwent redenomination - banknotes in denominations from 1 to 5,000 national banknotes were introduced. Belarusians, especially entrepreneurs, sometimes used American currency in their calculations. Residents of the country, as some experts note, did not themselves know which money should be considered national in Belarus - dollars or “hares”.

2000s: relative stability?

In the year of the redenomination, the Belarusian ruble continued to fall sharply in price - by December the exchange rate to the dollar was 1 to 1180. But over the next few years, there was a relative smoothness in the adjustment of the value of the “bunny”. From 2001 to 2008, the Belarusian ruble exchange rate increased to 2100-2200 units per dollar.

The first surge in devaluation in a long time occurred at the beginning of 2009, when the Belarusian banknote fell in price to 2650 per 1 unit of US currency. By the middle of the year, the figure increased to 4930. Two courses appeared in practice - official and “underground”. By October, 1 US dollar required 8,680 Belarusian rubles. From then to the present, however, the Belarusian currency exchange rate has not changed very much. Now for 1 dollar you need to pay about 10 thousand Belarusian rubles.

What determines the exchange rate of the Belarusian ruble?

The exchange rate of the national currency of Belarus is influenced by many factors. Now, as many countries admit, they are going through difficult times. Belarus needs to pay off external debts and diversify exports. If the resolution of these issues is unsuccessful, then the country’s national currency, as analysts believe, will become cheaper. According to experts, Russia plays an important role here. At the end of last year, it was possible to agree at the highest level that the Russian Federation would issue a loan to Belarus for 10 years in the amount of 450 million dollars. Also, Russian state banks can provide additional loans to the neighboring country. At the very end of 2013, Belarus received a loan from VTB in the amount of $440 million, however, analysts say, this is not enough, taking into account payments on the national debt in the amount of 3.6 billion units of US currency in 2014. What way out does Belarus have? The first, experts say, is the sale of state-owned enterprises, privatization. The second is to negotiate with other countries (primarily with Russia) regarding further work with public debt. The exchange rate of the national currency will largely depend on how the government of Belarus conducts business in each of these areas. What currency in Belarus is stable, promising, or prone to crisis? The question is quite complex, and not all experts can answer it unambiguously.

Rubles and altyns

The currency of Belarus, like its Russian counterpart, is one of the leading means of payment in the Customs Union - an interstate economic association of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. Recently, information appeared in the media that soon, along with the banknotes of the three countries, a new monetary unit - the altyn - will appear. According to this information, the currency could be put into circulation by 2025 (and some media outlets have forecasts that include 2019).

There are experts who say that there is already an interstate, albeit unofficial, agreement regarding the circulation of this banknote. The initiative of the governments of the three countries is connected, according to analysts, with the deterioration of the international political situation, as well as with the fact that the integration of economies may require the introduction of universal means of payment.

The national currency of Belarus is the Belarusian ruble (Br). The international designation of the Belarusian ruble is BYR. The National Bank of the Republic of Belarus regulates transactions with the Belarusian ruble.

There are banknotes in circulation in denominations of 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000, 10000, 20000, 50000, 100,000 and 200,000 rubles.

1 Belarusian ruble consists of 100 kopecks, but metal money is not used in Belarus. There are commemorative coins dedicated to various dates and events, but you cannot pay with them.

Approximate prices

A liter of gasoline from 9,000 BYN. rub. (32 rubles)

Short taxi ride from 30,000 BYN. rub (100 rubles)

1 liter of drinking water from 3,500 bel. rub (17 rubles)

Lunch in a cafe from 100,000 BYN. rub. (350 rubles)

Bun from 20,000 bel. rub. (70 rubles)

Hotel room from 400,000 BYN. rub. per day (1500 rubles)

Currency exchange in Belarus

The Belarusian ruble is a non-convertible currency. This means that it is impossible to purchase Belarusian rubles outside of Belarus. You can exchange currency in Belarus at bank branches or exchange offices.

You can find exchange offices in:

• Large shopping centers
• Hotels
• Airports
• Railway stations
• Bus stations
• On the central streets

Currency exchange in Belarus will not cause problems for most tourists. To exchange large amounts, it is advisable to have a passport with you.

Russian rubles, dollars and euros are used unofficially in Belarus.

Working hours of banks in Belarus: 09:00-17:00, Saturday and Sunday - closed

Important! You must keep all receipts and papers received at exchange offices; you will need them when leaving Belarus.

After the economic instability of 2011, a “black market” for currency exchange appeared in Belarus, where many tourists prefer to exchange money at a more favorable rate. The exchange rate on the “black market” is 20-30% more favorable, but such transactions with money are prohibited by law. If caught, the tourist faces an administrative fine.

Credit cards in Belarus

Bank cards in Belarus are accepted for payment in large shopping centers, hotels and supermarkets, but not all street ATMs support working with foreign currency. Outside of large cities, paying with cards is difficult.

The most common payment systems in Belarus are Visa And MasterCard.

Traveler's checks in Belarus are accepted at most banks and exchange offices.

Payment tokens in Belarus

Due to the fact that there are no coins in Belarus, payment tokens and cards are used instead.

To pay for vending machines, you need to purchase tokens sold at news kiosks.

Subway travel is paid for with tokens and cards purchased at the ticket office. To pay for calls from payphones, you should purchase telephone cards; you can buy them at printed kiosks.

Taxes on goods in Belarus

Since 2013, the Tax-Free system has been operating in Belarus. Residents of the Customs Union countries (Russia and Kazakhstan) will not be able to use the Belarusian Tax-Free system.

For tourists from other countries, the minimum purchase amount for Tax-Free is 800,000 BYN. rub. (about 3000 rubles or 100 $).

Banks of Belarus

Banks in Belarus are mainly private enterprises. Some of the Belarusian banks are controlled by the state.

In all banks in Belarus, tourists will be able to change currency or make money transfers. In addition to Belarusian banks, there are branches of Russian and Kazakh banks in the country.

Shopping in Belarus

Prices in large stores and supermarkets in Belarus are fixed, and bargaining is not accepted. They are most often traded on Belarusian markets, but this does not always lead to the desired discount.

At the restaurant

Tipping in Belarus is usually 10% of the bill. In large cities of Belarus, a tip of 5-15% is already included in the total bill.

In a taxi, it is usually customary to round up the amount, but be sure to negotiate the cost before the trip.