Brest, Belarus 🇧🇾
#667
52.093751, 23.685185
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Brest is located in the southwest of Belarus, near the border with Poland, and is known for its historical significance and cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 300,000 people. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 35 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 2.60 BYN. Local currency is Belarusian Ruble (BYN). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is drinkable but filtered water is recommended for better taste. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include A1 and MTS, with prepaid options available at local stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard accepted widely. Local banks include Belagroprombank and Belarusbank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local apartments, airbnbs, and hostels, with average rent for a one-bedroom apartment around 800 BYN. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local real estate sites offer many choices. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Brest has options starting at 15 BYN per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Zavod 163 provides a good atmosphere with hot desking and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de Paris offers free Wi-Fi and a comfortable work environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local event calendars on Meetup for tech and startup gatherings. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Expats in Brest' can help you connect. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Gett is a popular ride-hailing app in Brest. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available through local shops, and Brest has bike-friendly paths. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Bled is about 30 minutes away for a beach-like experience. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Belavia operates regional flights from Brest. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Belavia and LOT Polish Airlines provide international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Brest is well-connected via M1 and M10 highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Brest Central Station serves local and international trains, including connections to Warsaw. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Single tickets for buses cost about 1 BYN. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses connect Brest to cities like Grodno and Minsk. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Brest Regional Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga studio 'Veda' offers classes for various levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness center 'Gimnasija' has good facilities and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are available around the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | FoodPanda is popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Draniki (potato pancakes) at local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan Cafe offers a variety of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Visit Kulinaria for delicious pastries and sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Central Market offers local produce and snacks at good prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping is available through sites like kupit.by. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local services like Euroopt offer grocery delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The pedestrian area near Sovetskaya Street has various bars and pubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brest Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinnyy Bar is a popular spot for wine lovers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various food stalls can be found around the central market area. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Dishes from Italian and Chinese cuisines are widely available. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Brest Hero-Fortress is a must-visit historical site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Brest Regional Museum showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Brest Hero-Fortress and local churches are of historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Nicholas Orthodox Church is notable for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Brest Music Festival takes place every summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center has a vibrant atmosphere with shops and cafes. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Brest Drama Theater hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Central Market is vibrant and bustling with local vendors. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local cafes often host live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Some areas of Brest feature impressive murals and graffiti. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools offer classes on Belarusian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery B serves as a platform for local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Many Soviet-era buildings give a unique character to the city. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Brest has a rich heritage linked to the Eastern European narratives. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Belovezhskaya Pushcha is about 50 km away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Brest has several parks with marked cycling and walking paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the Brest Waterfront for scenic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The areas near the Mukhavets River are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the riverbanks allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like Belarus Post and courier options are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Nearby shops offer repairs for mobile devices and laptops. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer English and Belarusian courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Brest City Library is a good study environment. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community clubs are available for social activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes offer console and PC gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Casino Cote d'Or offers gaming options in the city. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 800 BYN per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 32,000 BYN). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 600 BYN per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 24,000 BYN). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 900 BYN per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 54,000 BYN). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 700 BYN per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 42,000 BYN). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,000 BYN per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 80,000 BYN). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 800 BYN per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 64,000 BYN). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Tax rate is 18%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents pay taxes on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum income tax rate is 13%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, involves strict regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard fee is 2%. |