Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended for travel to Belarus. Make sure your routine vaccines (like measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and your yearly flu shot) are up to date. Consider rabies vaccine if you’ll be in contact with animals or going to rural areas. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Belarus, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for BelarusCulture & Customs
Belarusians value politeness; offer a firm handshake and maintain eye contact when meeting someone. Dress modestly, especially when visiting churches or rural areas. If invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift like chocolates or flowers, but avoid yellow flowers as they can symbolize a breakup.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, discretion is advised due to conservative attitudes. Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention.
Women should be aware that gender roles are traditional, and they might encounter unsolicited advice or help. Trust your instincts and maintain personal boundaries.
Avoid discussing politics unless you’re certain of the other person’s views, as it can be a sensitive topic. Always respect local customs and traditions, and you’re likely to have a positive experience.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Belarus.
- Draniki: These are Belarusian potato pancakes, made from grated potatoes, eggs, and flour, fried until crispy. They’re a staple because potatoes are a huge part of Belarusian cuisine, often served with sour cream or mushroom sauce.
- Borscht: While it’s popular across Eastern Europe, Belarusian borscht is a hearty beetroot soup that comes with a unique local twist, sometimes made with fermented beetroot juice for an extra tang. It’s cherished for its vibrant color and comforting warmth.
- Mochanka: This is a thick pork stew traditionally served with pancakes. It’s a celebration of Belarusian love for pork and is usually enjoyed during festive occasions, making it a must-try for understanding local flavors.
- Kholodnik: A cold beet soup that’s perfect for summer. It’s refreshing and uniquely Belarusian, made with kefir, cucumbers, and fresh herbs. It’s a cool way to beat the heat and taste local ingredients.
- Pyachysta: A roasted meat dish, typically pork, that’s often prepared for holidays and special events. It’s seasoned and cooked to perfection, highlighting the Belarusian approach to hearty, meat-centric meals.
Tap water in Belarus is generally considered safe by locals, but many still prefer boiling it or using filters just to be cautious. For tourists, it’s recommended to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any potential stomach issues. Bottled water is cheap and widely available in stores.
The main language in Belarus is
Belarusian. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Belarusian skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Belarus includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
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Get the Travel Guide - In Belarus,
English proficiency varies significantly depending on the region and the demographic. In major cities like Minsk, you will find a higher number of younger people, professionals, and those working in the tourism and hospitality sectors who can communicate in English. Many university students also have a good command of the language, particularly in technical and scientific fields.
However, in rural areas and among older generations, English is less commonly spoken. Russian and Belarusian are the predominant languages, and many locals may not speak English at all. It’s advisable for travelers to learn a few basic phrases in Russian or Belarusian to enhance communication, especially in less touristy areas.
Overall, while English is becoming more prevalent, especially among the younger population, it is not universally spoken throughout the country. Travelers should prepare accordingly, using translation apps or phrasebooks to navigate language barriers effectively.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Belarus is BYN (Brilliant New Belarusian).
Backpacking in Belarus can be a unique experience, especially when it comes to handling money. ATMs are fairly common in cities, but less so in rural areas. It’s a good idea to always have some cash on you. While Euros and US Dollars are widely accepted for exchange, you’ll want to get your hands on some Belarusian Rubles for local transactions. Many shops and restaurants in cities accept cards, but smaller places and markets often prefer cash.
When it comes to exchanging money, try to stick to official exchange offices or banks. Avoid street exchangers to steer clear of scams. Remember, Belarus isn’t the most card-friendly place, so keep a stash of rubles handy, especially when venturing outside major urban centers. A useful tip: download a currency converter app to keep track of exchange rates on the go.
Tipping in Belarus isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated. In restaurants, a 5-10% tip is common if service is good. For taxis and other services, rounding up to the nearest ruble or leaving some small change is usually sufficient.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.