Hello to Amasty blog readers!
Meet Magento Belarus is coming closer every day. A couple of weeks ago we shared a guide around Minsk for our international visitors. Today I’ll tell you about some practical things you might find useful during your trip to Belarus.
Arrival
All flights arrive at the National Airport Minsk (MSQ), 37km north-east from the city. There are several ways to get to the city from the airport:
- Bus. Please see prices, the timetable and routes here.
- Train. Please see the timetable and routes here.
- Taxi. Depending on the end point, type of car and service, one way prices will start from $35-50. You can pick up a taxi at the airport or order it online, for example, here.
- Car. You can rent a car at the airport and follow the M2 highway.
- Shuttle service. Minibuses №1400 – you can order a ticket online or buy it from the driver if there are free seats available.
Facts about the country/city
- There are two national languages in Belarus – Belarusian and Russian, but most of the people speak Russian in case you’ll need to use a dictionary or a phrasebook.
- Belarusian currency is Belarusian ruble (BYR). You’ll need a passport when buying USD, EUR or other international currency. Check this link for official exchange rates.
- Minsk public transport consists of subway, buses, trolleybuses, trams, shuttle service, and taxi. For now a single subway/bus/trolleybus/tram trip is around $0.35. I recommend subway as the most convenient and fast way of traveling around the city.
- Minsk is a safe city, and you can visit any places even at night. You have to remember only two things: alcoholic drinks are not sold in shops after 22.00 (cafes and restaurants are not in this group), and you might not want to take pictures of governmental buildings (the House of Government, the Executive office of the President, the State Security Committee building) and subway stations.
- For convenient traveling around the city, use Avenue app for Android or iOS – it has timetables, the map, and routes for Minsk.
Random tips
If you don’t have time or desire to wander around the city, use a Minsk City Guide bus: the price of the tour is around $20, and it is equipped with an audio guide in several languages, including English.
If you want to check out some local food, look for:
Draniki is a very popular dish here in Belarus
- kvas – a non-alcoholic fermented beverage made from rye bread
- draniki with sour cream – a potato dish
- kletski – dumplings
- kolduny – draniki with meat
Otherwise, we have pizza, Mc’Donalds, and sushi.
Check the list of shops to buy traditional Belarusian souvenirs here.
Got any questions about traveling to Minsk? I’ll be happy to answer them!
