The official currency of the Republic of Belarus is the Belarusian ruble. The monetary unit has firmly strengthened in the territory of the country, and also gained recognition in the post-Soviet states and in Europe. In the international banking system, the currency of Belarus received the code BYR.
From Soviet rubles to own money
It was not long before the currency of Belarus was officially approved. After the disappearance of the USSR from the political map in 1991, Soviet rubles were used in trade. A year later, a decree was issued on what currency should be in Belarus.
Within two years, the transition to the official monetary unit was carried out. As a result, banknotes were issued, on the obverse of which there were images of animals characteristic of Belarus: on a 1-ruble note - a hare, on a 50-ruble note - a squirrel, etc.
In 2000, the state was forced to denominate in the ratio of 1 to 1000. Thus, the modern currency of Belarus appeared, which is used, according to forecasts, until 2016.
Belarusian bills
Gradually, small banknotes with a face value of 1, 10, 20 rubles were removed from the exchange of goods. In 2015, 50-ruble notes were finally withdrawn from use. As a result, today Belarusians carry in their wallets paper money worth 100, 1000, 5000, 10000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000 rubles.
The country appreciates its culture and traditions, therefore the currency of Belarus on the obverse and reverse shows the treasures of architecture, as well as paintings, monuments and sculptures:
- a bill of 100 rubles - the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater, as well as one of the scenes of the ballet “The Chosen One”;
- 500 rubles - the palace of culture of trade unions and sculptures on the ledge of this building;
- 1000 rubles - National Art Museum and the painting "Flowers and Fruits" by Ivan Khrutsky;
- 5000 rubles - Minsk Sports Palace, as well as the sports complex "Raubichi";
- 10 thousand - Vitebsk summer amphitheater;
- 20 thousand - the Rumyantsev-Paskevich palace in Gomel;
- 50 thousand - Mir Castle and its architecture;
- 100 thousand - Nesvizh castle;
- 200 thousand. - Art Museum in Mogilev.
Each bill carries a piece of history and invites us to visit the most significant places in Belarus.
The ratio of other countries to the Belarusian ruble
In almost all countries of the CIS and the former USSR, they know what currency is in Belarus. In parallel with the formation of new trade relations, the Belarusian ruble is spreading in European countries. In some countries, you can even exchange the national currency.
Strong commodity-money relations are being established with Russia. Back in 1999, a decree was issued according to which the leaders of both states decided to issue a common currency. However, due to the wave of economic crises, the plan lay on the shelf for a long time. Already in 2016-2017, another currency denomination will be held, which will bring the value of the Belarusian ruble to the Russian unit.
Currency denomination of Belarus
By the end of 2016 - the beginning of 2017, cash banknotes will be replaced. Denomination is carried out in a ratio of 10,000 to 1, i.e. 4 zeros will be removed from the value of the bill. Banknotes worth less than 5000 rubles will be replaced by coins. For example, a 100-ruble note is equivalent to 1 penny.
The denomination of the national currency is carried out in order to simplify the calculations and improve the system of monetary circulation in the country.
During 2016, a price in the old and new currencies will be offered for any product. This is done to simplify the transition between monetary units, because not every Belarusian will be able to immediately manage copecks and new bills.
Currency exchange in Belarus
To exchange money in Belarus, just contact any of the banks or exchange points. The exchange rate is set in the morning, however, during a period of unstable economic situation, it can change during the day.
Belarusian banks work from 9: 00-9: 30 to 17: 00-17: 30 on weekdays. Among them: BelVeb, the National Bank of Belarus, BPS-Sberbank, Belagroprombank, Technobank, Moscow-Minsk Bank, Belinvestbank, Paritetbank and others. In any of these institutions you can find out the real exchange rate and exchange money.
Depending on the situation in Russia, the currency of Belarus against the ruble is constantly changing. Both currency units are strongly connected due to close trade relations between the two states.
Do not change the currency at private entrepreneurs or on the street, otherwise a number of difficulties may arise, especially among tourists. For foreign guests, it is best to keep a check of their money exchanges until they return to their homeland. The legality of the exchange is the guarantor of stay in the country.
Interesting facts about the Belarusian currency
- Sometimes Belarusian rubles are affectionately called “bunnies,” because a hare was depicted on the first national banknotes in denominations of 1 ruble.
- Belarus has so far remained one of the few countries where the total amount of capital can reach millions or even billions. In such units salaries are issued and expensive purchases are made. Therefore, Belarusians are often called "millionaires." Nevertheless, after the 2016 denomination in Belarus, a penny will appear, and the most expensive bill will be worth 500 rubles.
