Tips for Travellers to Belarus
Roughly 400 miles x 400 miles
We do not guarantee that the agents listed will always give you the best prices so we recommend that you bargain and do not accept their prices unless you are satisfied.
Prices. There are three prices for hotels in Belarus, the cheapest price is usually only for Belarusians and is usually only a few dollars per night. The price for Russians and 'friends' of Belarus is usually only a few dollars more. The price for Westerners is very much higher. The spread for a good hotel in Minsk could be from $2 to $500 for a suite for Westerners (who are all rich!).
If you have friends or good contacts in Belarus let them book the rooms and they can often get a $45 room for the night for about $10 depending on their knowledge of the market.
Hiring a car in Belarus is prohibitive because few drivers have any insurance and car hire companies know this. If you know anybody in Belarus they will arrange your transport although it might be a bit primitive! I usually pay them about $100 for a week (this represents at least 8 weeks earnings). The petrol (gas) is very cheap about 40c (25p) per gallon so offer to pay this as well. They may refuse to accept this much so give them presents instead - a workman is worthy of his hire!
Remember that Belarus is GMT plus 2 hours. For example 12 noon in London is 2 p.m. in Minsk
The Belarusians are a very friendly people but their businessmen are difficult to deal with - be prepared to talk straight.
