Minsk, Belarus π§πΎ
#666
53.902471, 27.561822
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| ποΈ City | Minsk is the capital and largest city of Belarus, known for its Soviet architecture and vibrant culture. |
| π₯ Population | Approx. 2 million |
| π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 30 Mbps. |
| πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 EUR β 3.25 BYN, 1 USD β 3.05 BYN. |
| π° Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; it's advised to drink bottled water. |
| π Power | 220V, 50Hz, π Type C sockets. |
| πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Velcom, MTS, and A1; prepaid SIMs available at kiosks and shops. |
| π³ Banking for Expats | Major banks include Belarusbank and Priorbank; cash and cards accepted. |
| π Accommodation | Options include hotels, hostels, and serviced apartments via platforms like Airbnb and local listings. |
| π³ Cashless Friendly | Many places accept cards, but it's good to have some cash available. |
| π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com offer various options in the city center. |
| ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Dream House Hostel provide affordable options starting from β¬10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| π’ Best Coworking Space | iClub Coworking, located in the center, offers modern amenities and a community feel. |
| β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Dzerzhinski is popular among digital nomads for its cozy atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| πΌ Networking Events | Monthly meetups such as Startup Grind Minsk provide networking opportunities. |
| π₯ Social Events for Expats | Join the Minsk Expats Facebook group for community events. |
Transportation
| π Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex Taxi and Gett are widely used and reliable. |
| π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental services like CityBee offer electric scooters throughout the city. |
| ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Sosnovka Beach, approximately 30 mins away by public transport. |
| βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Belavia serves numerous regional destinations. |
| βοΈ Top International Airline | Belavia and Lufthansa connect Minsk with major international cities. |
| π£οΈ Highway Access | Connections via M1 (Minsk-Moscow) and M3 (Minsk-Grodno) highways. |
| π Main Train/Transit Hub | Minsk Passazhirsky is the main train station with connections throughout Belarus. |
| π Public Transport Passes | Transport cards are available for buses and metro; a monthly pass costs around 20 BYN. |
| βοΈ Regional Travel | Trains and buses efficiently connect to nearby cities like Brest and Gomel. |
Health and Wellness
| π₯ Best Hospital | Belarusian Railways Hospital offers comprehensive services for expats. |
| π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga 55 provides classes in a friendly environment. |
| ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Form Fitness and World Class are popular gym chains in Minsk. |
| π§Ί Laundry Services | Self-service laundries like Laundromat 'Clean' are available. |
Food and Drink
| π± Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food is a popular choice among locals for quick deliveries. |
| π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Draniki, traditional potato pancakes served in many local restaurants. |
| π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegano is a well-known vegan restaurant offering a variety of dishes. |
| π« Best Dessert Spots | Vasilki CafΓ© is famous for its traditional cakes and pastries. |
| π Affordable Shopping Spots | Centralny Rynak is a local market with affordable produce and snacks. |
| π E-commerce/Online Store | Local stores like 21vek.by offer a range of products online. |
| π Grocery Delivery | Service like Ecomarket provides grocery delivery across the city. |
| πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Zavtra Pub is a popular spot for nightlife and local brews. |
| π» Local Brewery | Belarusian Craft Brewery offers tours and tastings. |
| π· Wine Bars | Wine Club is a cozy spot for a wide selection of wines. |
| π² Street Food Stalls | Stalls near the Gorky Park offer diverse street food options. |
| π Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Mamma Mia serve various Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Independence Square and the National Library are iconic spots. |
| ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | The Belarusian National Arts Museum showcases local art. |
| π° Historical Sites | The Minsk Ghetto Memorial is a significant historical site. |
| π Religious Sites | The Holy Spirit Cathedral is a notable architectural landmark. |
| π Annual Events | Minsk hosts the annual Minsk International Film Festival in July. |
| π¨ Cultural Districts | The Trinity Suburb is a cultural hotspot with galleries and cafes. |
| π Theater Venues | The Yanka Kupala National Theatre features local performances. |
| ποΈ Local Markets | The Komarovsky Market offers fresh produce and local crafts. |
| πΌ Music Scene | Venue like Club Bricks hosts live music events regularly. |
| π¨ Street Art | Explore the street art in the Upper Town district for vibrant murals. |
| π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | The Culinary School offers classes in Belarusian cuisine. |
| π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Gallery U offers a platform for contemporary artists. |
| π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Church of Saints Simon and Helena is a notable landmark. |
| π΄ Local Heritage | The Red Church symbolizes Belarusian architectural heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| π Nearby Nature Escapes | Loshitsky Park offers scenic walking trails and greenery. |
| ποΈ National Parks Nearby | BiaΕowieΕΌa National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is about 3 hours away. |
| π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Svislach River embankment offers picturesque paths. |
| π Scenic Viewpoints | View from the Victory Mountain provides great views of Minsk. |
| π¦ Birdwatching Locations | The Minsk Sea is a well-known spot for birdwatchers. |
| π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Zaslavl Reservoir has areas designated for picnics and bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Belpost and DHL offer reliable shipping services. |
| π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Techno City provides repair services for gadgets. |
| π Table Tennis Spots | Ping Pong Club Minsk is a popular venue for enthusiasts. |
| π§βπ« Language Classes | The Minsk Language School offers Russian and Belarusian classes. |
| π Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Belarus provides quiet study areas. |
| ποΈ Community Centers | The Center for the Development of Modern Culture hosts events and gatherings. |
| πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Cybercat is a popular spot for gaming enthusiasts. |
| π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Shangri La offers various gaming options. |
Business
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬60,000) |
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬40,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬108,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬72,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬2,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬176,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬1,600 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬128,000) |
| πΌ Corporate Tax | 18% |
| π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| π¦ Tax System | Belarus has a flat personal income tax rate of 13%. |
| π Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 13%. |
| π§Ύ VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 20%. |
| π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules in place. |
| π Property Tax | There are no significant annual property taxes. |
| π Property Transaction Tax | The property purchase tax is generally around 2%. |