Currency of Belarus. What kind of money is in Belarus? Comparison of new and old money in Belarus

From July 1, 2016, new money will appear in Belarus. Yesterday a presidential decree on denomination was signed. Four zeros will be removed from current money. Today, representatives of the National Bank held a press conference on the denomination of the Belarusian ruble.

From the history. The appearance of Belarusian banknotes began with the collapse of the USSR. On May 25, 1992, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus issued paper banknotes in kopecks and rubles. Based on the image of a hare on the ruble banknote, Belarusian money was called “bunnies”. Initially, when Belarusian banknotes were issued, 1 of our rubles was equal to 10 Russian rubles.

And on July 24, 1993, banknotes of the USSR and Russia were declared withdrawn and taken out of circulation.
On August 20, 1994, the government of the Republic of Belarus announced a 10-fold reduction in the value of Belarusian money. No coins were minted for Belarus.

Although the NBRB banknotes were not declared banknotes and were initially issued in addition to the main monetary unit - the Soviet, and later the Russian ruble, subsequent events made it possible to elevate them to the rank of cash Belarusian rubles. In May 1994, by resolution of the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus, the only legal means of payment on the territory of the Republic of Belarus is the Belarusian ruble, and in cash circulation - banknotes, called payment notes.
5,000,000 rubles RB 1999.(It will come as a surprise to many, but the bill is in excellent condition and a rare series and is now worth quite a bit of money).

On March 1, 1995, 50 kopecks, as well as 1, 3, and 5 rubles, were withdrawn from circulation due to wear and tear. Representatives of the fauna of Belarus are depicted on banknotes from 1 to 100 rubles, and architectural images are placed on banknotes of higher denominations. The 5,000 ruble note, dated 1992, was released into circulation in 1993, and the 10,000 note was omitted altogether, since the 20,000 ruble note was released into circulation in 1994. In 1998, in connection with the change in the state emblem and flag, the design of banknotes also changed. In 2000, redenomination was carried out, thus removing three zeros from banknotes.

In accordance with the Decree of the President of Belarus, on January 1, 2000, new Belarusian banknotes were introduced into circulation in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, as well as 500, 1000 and 5000 rubles, and in 2001 - 10,000 rubles. , in 2002 - 20,000 rubles and 50,000 rubles, in 2005 - 100,000 rubles.

New money of the Republic of Belarus - July 1, 2016, Rubles, kopecks!

About new money. There will be approximately 600 million 2000-style banknotes in circulation. At the same time, to replace them, only 80 million new banknotes will be required, as well as 400 million coins, architectural monuments are placed on the new Belarusian banknotes, which is not on the euro, and in terms of color scheme, you can also consider dollars, which are also changing in this direction, during development banknotes and their production, attention was paid, first of all, to security and recognition, as well as convenience for the population.

Features and cost of banknotes The design of the banknotes was developed by the artists of the National Bank, as was the concept of money. Manufacturer employees and historians were invited to participate in the project. The new banknotes have six visible degrees of difference. In addition, there are many invisible degrees of protection that are known only to banks. Moreover, some such degrees are known only at the National Bank. The Deputy Chairman of the Board of the National Bank said that the cost of producing one banknote or coin is 0.1-0.4 euros.

What to do with old money?
Until July 1, 2016, the only legal tender for cash payments in the Republic of Belarus will be banknotes of the 2000 model currently in circulation. It will be possible to pay with current money until December 31, 2016 (for six months old and new money will be in parallel circulation and must be accepted when making all types of payments by all business entities without restrictions).

When and where to exchange new old money for new ones?
Old money can be exchanged for new ones over the next five years in any amount without restrictions and without charging a commission.
- from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019 inclusive - in the National Bank, banks and non-bank financial institutions of the Republic of Belarus;
- from July 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021 inclusive - at the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus.
From January 1, 2022, banknotes of the 2000 model will be considered invalid.

The largest bill is 500 rubles - how much is it?
Translated into today's money, 500 new rubles are equal to 5 million. Let us recall that today the largest bill is 200 thousand rubles. That is, from July 1, 2016, many people will be able to receive their salaries in one bill.

In Belarus (locals say “Belarus”) the Belarusian ruble is used. In mid-February 2017, at the exchange rate of the National Bank of the Republic, 100 Russian rubles cost slightly less than 3.5 Belarusian rubles. The US dollar exchange rate against the local currency at the same time was 1.97.

People call Belarusian money “bunnies”. In the 1990s, the first banknotes of independent Belarus featured representatives of the local fauna, and there was a hare on the ruble bill. Now Belarusian money has had a new design for several years, but the colloquial name remains the same.

What to travel with from Russia

It is best to travel from Russia to Belarus with Russian rubles, and then exchange them for local currency in the country of arrival. This is recommended by travel sites and people who have already visited the republic. The main reasons for this are the following:

1. There are many exchange offices and bank branches in Belarus where they exchange currency. Moreover, this applies not only to Minsk. Exchange offices can be found even in small towns.
2. In places where there are a lot of tourists, exchangers can be found almost at every turn. So, in the building of the Minsk railway station and at the airport there are several of them.
3. The exchange rate at Belarusian exchange offices is very favorable for the client.
4. In Belarusian exchange offices there will be no problems with not knowing the language. Everyone in the republic speaks Russian.
5. Buying Belarusian rubles in Russia is quite problematic; not every bank sells them, even in Moscow. This currency can be found in exchange offices, in particular at the Belorussky railway station. But in the Russian outback, the “bunny” is exotic.

In Belarus there is also a free exchange of American dollars or euros. But, of course, it’s not worth buying these currencies specifically for the subsequent acquisition of “bunnies” - this is both unprofitable and unnecessary.

Cashless option

In addition to cash, you should take a plastic card with you to Belarus. If you have a card from one of the international payment systems, you can freely pay in many shops and restaurants. In large cities, cards are accepted almost everywhere.

It does not matter in what currency your card was issued: Russian rubles, dollars or euros. You can just go with your “salary”. You will make a purchase in Belarusian rubles, and your bank will debit the amount in the currency of your account. Moreover, the conversion will take place at a preferential rate.

In addition, using Visa or MasterCard cards, you can exchange your “card” money for Belarusian rubles at local ATMs or cash points. Again, at a favorable rate. But please note: there is usually a fee for withdrawing money from a non-native ATM. Therefore, it makes sense to cash out an impressive amount at once, and not a couple of hundred rubles.

Please note: if the card is a credit card, there will be a fee for withdrawing cash. And usually quite big. Therefore, use a credit card only for payments in retail chains, and go to the ATM with a debit card.

Knowledgeable tourists recommend dividing the money you plan to take with you when traveling to Belarus. Place the main amount on a plastic debit card so that you can conveniently pay and withdraw money from it. And for small expenses, immediately upon arrival in the republic, purchase Belarusian rubles.

Moreover, it is better not to buy too many “bunnies”. If you do not have time to spend them during your trip, you will have to go to the exchange office with them again before leaving. And in Russia it will be much more difficult to sell Belarusian money.

Just in case

In conclusion, advice from experienced travelers. Sometimes it's better if you already have some local currency in your pocket when you arrive in the country. Just in case. Even if you are going to “brotherly” Belarus.

There will be no problems if you arrive by train or plane. At large train stations and airports you can exchange Russian money for Belarusian money, usually even at night.

But it's a completely different matter if you travel by car. And so, when the border of two countries is crossed, some difficulty arises. For example, drinking water runs out, gasoline runs out, or a car gets stuck. And you are in a rural area, where cards are not accepted and there are no exchangers.

You won't be able to pay in Russian rubles anywhere. Dollars or euros too. Well, if only you agree with someone privately. Therefore, if you can buy some “bunnies” before traveling to Belarus, buy them.

When planning a trip to Belarus, it will be useful to familiarize yourself with the features of the country’s payment system. But this article contains valuable information on this topic not only for guests of the Republic, but also for its residents.

A little history

The Belarusian ruble is a relatively young national currency in Belarus. The monetary unit began its history of formation in the first half of the 90s, when the Soviet Union collapsed, Belarus became isolated, and the country began to need its own money. Since 1992, coupons have been in circulation, but non-cash payment transactions were already carried out in Belarusian rubles. In 1993, there were payment cards, and starting from the end of July of that year, Soviet rubles began to be withdrawn from monetary circulation.

Since 1994, the Belarusian ruble has rightfully acquired the status of the country’s only currency.

Belarusian banknotes of the 1992 model

Belarusian banknotes of the 1994-1999 model

Belarusian banknotes of the 2000 model

Denominations

The formation of the country's modern money was long and, to some extent, thorny. Already in 1994, the Bank of Belarus carried out the first redenomination of the ruble by 10 times. In 2000, the currency underwent a second transformation into nominal value, but already 1000 times.

On July 1, 2016, the country's economy again required redenomination. The ratio was 1:10,000. Another innovation was that from the same time the minting of state coins began.

The ratio of banknotes after denomination in 2016 (money of the Republic of Belarus of the new sample and outdated)

Commemorative coins

Previously, the Belarusian ruble did not have any units of exchange, however, since 1996, the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus has been issuing commemorative coins, which are legal tender and represent a certain value for collectors. Such coins are minted from gold, silver or copper-nickel alloy on various themes.

Modern money of Belarus

Previously, the lack of coins distinguished Belarus from other countries. But this was done in order to save the state budget.
Currently, modern Belarusian rubles (abbreviated “Br”) are represented by:

• banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 rubles;
• coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 kopecks, as well as 1 and 2 rubles.

In this case, 1 ruble is equal to 100 kopecks.
Both coins and paper bills are regulated by the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus.

I am looking for a currency exchange

For both guests and residents of the country, currency exchange is a sensitive and pressing issue. Therefore, we further suggest that you familiarize yourself with the features of the conversion of Belarusian rubles.

Upon arrival

Since the Belarusian currency is not freely convertible, it will not be possible to purchase it before entering the country.

Banks in Belarus easily convert foreign money into national money. You can exchange existing banknotes of other countries for Belarusian rubles at currency exchange offices. Such points are located in bank branches, shopping centers, markets, hotels. You can also convert cash at airports and train stations, but the exchange rate there is very unfavorable, so it’s better not to change money unless absolutely necessary.
It is convenient to quickly analyze exchange rates using special online services that collect up-to-date information from the websites of local banks.

NJust a note: usually the most favorable currency exchange rates are offered by medium and small banks.

Upon departure

When leaving Belarus, you should take care in advance to transfer money into the currency of the country of arrival. In this case, it is better to be guided by the golden rule: do not put all your eggs in one basket. Namely: take a small part in cash, changing it at the exchanger at the most favorable rate, and transfer the rest to the card. When heading to the countries of the European Union, you should issue a card in euros, to all other countries - in US dollars. In this case, when paying, the conversion will be direct: the local currency will be converted into EUR or USD. But paying with a ruble card abroad is extremely unprofitable due to double conversion: first from the local currency into euros or US dollars, and then into Belarusian rubles.

On the border

When making any payment transactions on the territory of Belarus, it is important not to forget to keep the stamped checks, indicating the transaction. Perhaps they will be checked at customs.

In addition, since 2013, a value added tax (VAT) refund system has been in place for foreign citizens for purchases made on the territory of Belarus when leaving it. This system is called Tax Free, and about 50 countries are connected to it. It should be taken into account that:

• it does not apply to residents of Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan;
• the price of goods must be subject to VAT of 20%;
• the purchase amount must exceed 80 Belarusian rubles, and it must be made within 1 day in 1 store;
• refund amount – 12.5% ​​of the purchase amount without commissions;
• when purchasing, you must have a passport and notify the seller of your intention to issue a “VAT refund check” (hereinafter referred to as the “Check”);
• the receipt must be marked about the removal of the goods, with the original cashier's receipt attached and a copy of the seller's receipt;
• provide the goods to customs officers strictly within 3 months from the date of purchase;
• at customs, have unused goods in intact packaging, a passport, a buyer's receipt (with attached receipts);
• within 6 months after export, you must send the original Receipt to RUE Beltamozhservice, indicating the recipient’s bank card details on the envelope (sending is free);
• refund of the VAT amount in the recipient’s currency is made within 30 days from the date of receipt of the letter by employees of RUE “Beltamozhservice”;
• The refund amount can also be paid in cash at a special Tax Freecash Refund point (at the Minsk National Airport).

Bank cards

Among all payment methods in Belarus, the most popular is non-cash payment via bank payment cards.

Of the debit plastic cards in the republic, Visa and MasterCard are most often used; there are also Belcard and Maestro. And among credit cards (more precisely, installment cards: the annual percentage is 0.000001%) the most popular among the population are Halva (MTBank), Purchase Card (Belgazprombank), Smart Card (Moscow-Minsk Bank), Magnit "(Belarusbank), "Turtle" (VTB Bank).

Traveler's checks

Until 2013, when traveling to Belarus, you could use AmericanExpress traveler's checks, which were the only payment system of this type. Today such a payment system does not function in the country.

Electronic payment systems

Convenient and modern electronic payment systems operate in Belarus. Popular Belarusian EPS:

• electronic wallets – EasyPay, WebMoney;
• payment via smartphone – iPay, ;
• payment systems by bank cards – WebPay, bePaid, Assist Belarus;

Tokens and payment cards

Since coins appeared in circulation not so long ago, tokens and payment cards have remained relevant in the country. Where they can be used and purchased:

1. For travel on the subway. Plastic cards and metro tokens are sold at each station.
2. Operating payphones are installed on city streets, which are activated via smart cards. You can buy them at newsstands or at supermarket checkouts.
3. Vending machines, of which there are few in the republic, accept special tokens for payment, which are also available in newspaper stalls. By the way, the vast majority of vending machines are equipped with coin and bill acceptors, and national currency is accepted for payment.

A couple of decades ago, to the question “What kind of money is there in Belarus?” there was no clear answer. But now there is an active development of not only the Belarusian currency, but also electronic payment systems.

Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus dated November 4, 2015 No. 450 announced the 3rd denomination of the national currency since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The 2000 money exchange, which began on July 1, 2016, was a consequence of prolonged hyperinflation in the Republic. The exchange of old money for new ones in Belarus is carried out for:

• facilitating the payment system;
• reducing costs for issuing banknotes;
• identifying hidden income of the population;
• strengthening the Belarusian ruble against the euro and dollar.

For the population, the key questions were where, how and until when can old money be exchanged for new ones.

Is it possible to exchange old money for new ones in Belarus?

Denomination in its simplest sense removes extra zeros from banknotes. Banknotes of the 2000 model are useless on their own. Until December 31, 2016, the country, in fact, had a double price tag for goods, i.e. it was possible to pay with both old and new money.

In all stores in Belarus one could see the conversion table:

Starting from January 1, 2017, only Belarusian banknotes of 2009 have value. The exchange of old money for new ones in Belarus is not only possible, but has become a necessary reality. There is no point in keeping waste paper that is worth nothing.

The exchange amount must be a multiple of 100. If the amount is less than the established limit, the National Bank simply has nothing to give you.

In Russia and Kazakhstan, from January 1, 2017, the exchange of Belarusian currency of the 2000 model for domestic currency is impossible due to their withdrawal. The only option is to exchange them for 2009 banknotes. Then, if you wish, you can buy any currency with them.

Only public banknotes can be exchanged. The denomination did not affect investment and commemorative coins issued by the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus in recent years before the denomination. They are valid for any payments. The value of each banknote is equal to their face value.

The 2016 denomination was planned already in 2008. New banknotes were developed in 2007, but the 2008 crisis that hit the world economy did not allow Belarus to carry out monetary reform on time. Old-style money is exchanged in Belarus at a rate of 10,000:1. This rate is set at the same rate for the entire exchange period.

Both cash and cards can be exchanged. When withdrawing money from a card, the exchange occurs automatically at the accepted rate. Deposit owners will not have to write a new application for recalculation of funds. Some banks were able to switch overnight and their customers were able to withdraw savings from ATMs in the new currency starting July 1, 2016.

Instead of thousandth banknotes, the following are introduced into circulation:

How does denomination happen?

Denomination is the enlargement of a country's monetary unit. As of June 1, 2016, over 97% of the amount and 60% of all banknotes in circulation among the population in the form of cash were seized.

Currency reform is a measure that the Republic’s economy needed 8-9 years ago. Hyperinflation made every first inhabitant of the country a millionaire. At the same time, banknotes of truly high value were extremely rare. Belarusians had to carry a real money bag with them, and the coins went out of circulation completely. Because of this, the Belarusian banknote has become known as one of the strangest currencies in Europe.

Consolidation is a purely technical event. It does not affect the level of inflation, salaries, the amount of debt obligations, the exchanger works automatically. The same cannot be said about special management and accounting programs, such as 1C. With the introduction of kopecks, it became necessary to move to new configurations; it will be necessary not only to modify the form, but also to update the metadata. You can do this yourself following the instructions if you use a simple accounting system. In other cases, the help of specialists is necessary.

Denomination in the Republic of Belarus began not only 8 years later than expected, but also under very strange circumstances. The National Bank has officially admitted that the first batch of new money has a spelling error (“pyatsdzesyat” instead of “pyatsdzyasyat”) and is a facsimile of the former head of the central bank of Belarus. The fact is that the banknotes were printed back in 2008, since then the country has undergone a change in the leadership of the National Bank and language reform. And since they printed a decent amount of banknotes, they did not redo anything.

The design of the new banknotes, although imbued with pride in national places, was developed by EU artists. Many note the fact that the new Belarusian ruble is similar to the euro. It is noteworthy that money was also printed abroad, in particular in Great Britain.

Where can you exchange old-style money for new ones, and until what time can the exchange be carried out?

Most of the old banknotes were changed in 2017. But still every day up to 7 requests are received to exchange old Belarusian money for new ones. The Republic of Belarus has approved the following dates and places where it is still possible to change old money. signs:

• 01.2018–31.12.2019, inclusive: exchange only in the territory of the Republic of Belarus. You will receive banknotes of the 2009 sample from the National Bank, banking and parabank credit organizations.
• 01.2020–31.12.2021, inclusive: only at the National Bank of the Republic.

On January 1, 2022, the 2000 banknotes were officially declared invalid. The population of Belarus, as well as citizens of other countries who still have that kind of money, have 5 years.

Most of those who have not exchanged their old money at the moment are either holders of 50 ruble banknotes. (according to the devaluation rate, there is simply nothing to exchange such money for in a single quantity) or with a face value of 100,000 rubles. and more. There is a possibility that after some time, high denomination banknotes will be of interest to collectors. Already now there are advertisements online about selling them for n-amount in dollars. Enterprising “millionaires” should keep in mind that numismatists will be interested in specimens that have been preserved in good condition, as well as rare series.

Rare and expensive modern Belarusian banknotes

It may not always be profitable to exchange old Belarusian money for new ones. For those who do not understand bonistics, below is a list of banknotes for which collectors are already ready to pay you a tidy sum of money.

Banknotes of rare series:

• 50 rub. 2000 Lo series;
• 100 rub. 2000 TV series;
• 100 rub. 2000 TB series;
• 500 rub. 2000 series Pl;
• 1,000 rub. 2000 series VZ;
• 1,000 rub. 2000 series NG.

Defective banknotes are also of interest. For example, a paper jam occurs when printing. It is very difficult to find them, but if you do, you will get 10 times their real value.

The 2016 redenomination is a breath of fresh air in the Belarusian economy. It is difficult to say whether the decision to push back the deadline by as much as 8 years was correct. Reforms are always difficult, since any violation of the usual way of life, especially concerning the financial well-being of the population, is a period of denial and rampant fraudulent schemes. But in conditions of hyperinflation, this is the only tool that can protect the country from default.

More than two years have passed since the redenomination; we have practically forgotten what the old money looked like, have adapted to the new size of banknotes, and have almost stopped losing coins from our pockets. As it became known today, the board of the National Bank will order additional printing of new money in the next two years.

What's happening?

Today, the National Bank announced that in 2019-2020 it will print additional banknote denominations and mint some coin denominations. Yesterday the President signed special decree No. 380. It amends the previous decree on denomination.

Why print more money?

The National Bank explains: the service life of banknotes of small denominations is short, so the number of worn-out banknotes has increased, which means they need to be replaced. 10-ruble notes suffer the most.

- Starting from October 2017, the receipt of old banknotes in denominations of 5 and 10 rubles increased by 3 and 2 times, respectively,- explains the regulator. - Since December 2017, the supply of old 20-ruble banknotes has more than doubled. As for coins, coins of small denominations, primarily 1 and 2 kopecks, are the most in demand mi and are not returned to the National Bank's cash desks. At the same time, their issuance from the cash desks of the National Bank is constantly growing.

The regulator notes that on average, banknotes and coins of small and medium denominations last from 1 to 3 years.

Let us remind you that the manufacturer of Belarusian banknotes is British De La Rue company. Coins were minted by two mints at once - Lithuanian and Slovakian. It took from 1 to 4 euro cents to produce one banknote and coin. It is still unknown whether these companies will print and mint Belarusian money.

It turns out that the printing press has been turned on again?

No. The National Bank reassures: it regularly orders missing banknotes and coins - this is a common practice of central banks around the world. And this is done in order to provide the economy with cash.

- Additional production of cash does not mean an increase in the money supply, since their release into circulation leads to the transition of funds from non-cash form to cash, since banks transfer their non-cash equivalent to the National Bank for banknotes received,- adds the regulator.

Is it only our banknotes that wear out so quickly?

- In world practice, small banknotes are mostly used as change, have a short service life and therefore require constant replacement. Thus, the average service life of a 5 euro banknote is 13 months, a 1 US dollar banknote is 22 months, a 50 Russian ruble banknote is 8.3 months,- the regulator provides statistics.

What specific denominations will be printed and when?

The National Bank says that in 2019 banknotes in denominations of 5 and 10 rubles will be printed, and in 2020 we will see new twenties and fifties.

How will the new money change?

The regulator wants the new banknotes to look a little different. Firstly, the images on the front sides of the banknotes will change and their names will be signed.

- Images of architectural structures will be brought into line with the current appearance, - reports the regulator.

Let us remind you that on the banknote of five rubles the Kamenets Tower is depicted, on the 10-ruble note - the Polotsk Transfiguration Church, on the twenty-ruble note - the palace of the Rumyantsevs and Paskevichs, and on the fifty-ruble note - the Mir Castle.

Also, on the new banknotes there will no longer be the details of “Elder of the Government” and the facsimile signature of the former chairman of the board, Pyotr Petrovich Prokopovich. An era is passing. - concludes the regulator.

What about old money?

- 2009 banknotes will remain legal tender,- says the National Bank and promises to describe in detail all their nuances and features before introducing new banknotes into circulation.

Let us remind you that there are currently 7 denominations of banknotes in circulation - 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 rubles and 8 denominations of coins - 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 kopecks, as well as 1 and 2 Belarusian rubles.