Do they change old money in Belarus? The procedure for exchanging old money for new ones in Belarus. How does denomination happen?

Close economic ties, as well as the territorial proximity of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Belarus provoke frequent trips by citizens of one country to another. Naturally, it is not always possible to buy the currency of a third-party state in advance. Or after visiting it, foreign monetary units remain. In any of these cases the question of exchange arises. In particular, where can you convert Belarusian rubles into Russian ones. Considering that our portal specializes in the Russian banking system, we decided to identify which domestic credit institutions carry out this operation. The issue with Belarusian rubles of 2000 and banknotes of an earlier sample from 1992-1999 was also considered, since some of these banknotes, subject to certain conditions, can be exchanged for Russian rubles.

Where to convert cash Belarusian rubles to Russian rubles

We analyzed information on the official websites of the largest domestic banks about the service of exchanging cash foreign currency into national currency. Small credit institutions were not included in the assessment, since their resources often do not contain details of all the possibilities of the operation in question. As it turned out, only one bank provides the opportunity to exchange Belarusian rubles into Russian ones. It is Sberbank. Moreover, only 15 of its branches throughout the country are vested with the corresponding right.

It is worth noting that it is not necessarily only Sberbank that provides the service of exchanging the national currency of the Republic of Belarus into domestic monetary units. This may also be available in small regional credit institutions. Or at exchange offices, for example, airports, border areas, railway stations, etc. Unfortunately, it is not possible to analyze these options remotely, since information about their activities is either incomplete or completely absent on the Internet. Therefore, monitoring of such methods of the conversion in question must be carried out in the form of personal visits.

Separately, two nuances can be noted regarding Sberbank conversion centers. Firstly, they offer the opportunity to exchange not only Belarusian rubles for Russian rubles, but also 14 other types of foreign currencies. Secondly, it clearly traces the option of determining the offices in which the service in question will be available. They were selected not on a territorial basis, for example, to cover the majority of regions or to make offices as accessible as possible for nearby ones, but according to the population size in the cities of presence. 15 conversion centers are located in 15 Russian cities with the largest population.

Where to change Belarusian money of 2000 and earlier, and how much they cost

The above exchange offices accept Belarusian rubles exclusively from the 2009 model. Other monetary units that were previously in circulation in the Republic of Belarus cannot be directly converted into another currency, for example, the Russian ruble. At the same time, it is worth considering that in Belarus the denomination was carried out twice. Accordingly, there may be two versions of banknotes on hand - 2000 and 1992-1999. The possibility of their use differs. Therefore, both options should be considered separately.

How to change Belarusian money from 2000 to rubles

As stated above, it is impossible to directly exchange Belarusian rubles of 2000 into Russian ones. Although, there is still a solution to the issue. These samples are being replaced with new ones - 2009. This can be done exclusively on the territory of the Republic of Belarus. That is, it is impossible to make a replacement in Russia or any other country. The operation time is limited. Depending on the possible point, they can be divided into two periods.

1. Until January 1, 2020, Belarusian money from 2000 can be exchanged for new money from 2009 at any credit institution in Belarus. That is, in any bank. Whether it is commercial or state-owned does not matter.
2. Until January 1, 2022 - exclusively at the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus (NB RF).

After replacing old samples with new ones, it becomes possible to convert Belarusian rubles into Russian ones. Here it is worth considering an additional nuance - the denomination rate. That is, a decrease in the denomination of banknotes. The ratio is 10,000 to 1. Accordingly, instead of Belarusian rubles of 2000, 10,000 times less rubles of the new 2009 model will be provided.

For example, if you have 5,000 rubles from 2000, then after replacing them the holder will receive 50 kopecks of the Belarusian currency of 2009. It is these 50 kopecks that in the future will be possible to exchange for Russian rubles at the above conversion centers.

After the deadline (from January 1, 2022), the national currency of the Republic of Belarus of the 2000 model is canceled. That is, it completely loses its value. It will be impossible to exchange it for newer samples and especially for other currencies. The only option to get at least some money for it is to sell it to collectors.

Is it possible to replace banknotes from 1992-1999?

Regarding Belarusian rubles 1992-1999. These monetary units were withdrawn from circulation on January 1, 2000. The allotted period for replacing them with newer models was 4 years. That is, they could be replaced with 2000 rubles before January 1, 2004. With a denomination rate of 1000 to 1. Thus, at the moment it is impossible to use banknotes from 1992-1999. Not by any means. Naturally, if we do not consider selling them to collectors.

Alternative options for converting Belarusian rubles into Russian rubles

These methods do not provide for the direct exchange of cash monetary units of the Republic of Belarus into the national currency of the Russian Federation. There are two options in total.

1. Transfer from card to card.
2. Electronic means.

The first involves sending money from a plastic payment instrument with an account in Belarusian rubles to a card with an account in Russian rubles. When performing an operation, a forced conversion is performed. Accordingly, a person ultimately receives the national currency of the Russian Federation. You can complete the transaction through most online banking services, specialized services on the websites of credit institutions and third-party resources.

It is important to consider the nuances of this operation:

• Transfers can be made using the card number. The main thing is that the recipient and sender have plastic from international payment systems. For example, MasterCard or Visa.
• Before performing the operation, you should contact the issuing bank, whose call center number is always indicated on the plastic itself, to clarify the exchange rate. Sometimes it can be quite unprofitable.
• The transfer period may be quite long. The delay in some cases reaches 5 working days. These include: Monday-Friday. Naturally, dates that are defined as public holidays are also subtracted from them.

Electronic money involves the use of the WebMoney service, which allows you to open accounts in different currencies, exchange them online, and also transfer money to other users of the system anywhere in the world. An important nuance is that to carry out the conversion, you first need to top up your online wallet, and then withdraw funds after the exchange. In fact, this can only be done if one person is registered in Belarus and the second in Russia. You can top up or withdraw money in WebMoney only in the national currency of the service user’s place of residence.

Many Russians have relatives in Belarus. Taking this into account, our compatriots often face the question of exchanging Belarusian rubles for the national currency. There are several ways to solve this issue. Firstly, the exchange of Belarusian rubles is carried out by almost any domestic bank. Secondly, such an exchange can be carried out on the Moscow Currency Exchange.

Speaking about Belarusian rubles, it is worth recalling that this official monetary unit of Belarus appeared in the 90s, immediately after this country abandoned the use of Soviet rubles. The Belarusian ruble is considered a rather problematic currency. It has been subject to significant devaluation several times. This happened for the first time in 2009. Then the exchange rate of this currency was reduced by 20%. The Belarusian ruble continued its fall in 2011. During the year, the exchange rate of this currency fell by more than 100%. The gradual fall of the ruble continued in subsequent years. As a result of this, the government of Belarus was forced to introduce Belarusian rubles with a denomination of 200,000 into circulation. It is also worth noting that today Belarusian rubles are in circulation in various designs. This is due to the fact that in 2009 a new series of Belarusian rubles was introduced into circulation.

When to exchange old Belarusian rubles for new ones

In the early 2010s, the devaluation of the Belarusian ruble reached a critical point. In Belarus, only banknotes in denominations of 100 and 200 thousand were in use. This situation did not satisfy either society or the government of the country. As a result, in 2016 it was decided to redenominate the national currency. From July 1, 2016, 10 thousand old banknotes became equivalent to 1 new ruble. Accordingly, this currency was denominated 10 thousand times.

The denomination of the currency has confronted residents of Belarus and Russia with the need to exchange old-style currency for new banknotes. Old-style currency was accepted indefinitely until December 31, 2016. Starting from 2017, all owners of old-style banknotes are required to exchange Belarusian rubles for currency issued in 2009. The exchange must be carried out without restrictions and any commissions.

Until the end of 2019, old banknotes can be exchanged for new ones at the National Bank of Belarus, as well as at various financial institutions in this country. From 2020, the exchange can be carried out exclusively at the National Bank of Belarus. The deadline for accepting old banknotes is December 31, 2021. The very next day, old-style banknotes will be considered out of circulation.

Denomination of the Belarusian ruble

It is worth recalling that denomination is considered to be a change in the denomination of banknotes to simplify financial transactions in conditions of severe inflation. The Belarusian ruble was first denominated back in 1992. Then this currency was introduced in the ratio of 1 Belarusian ruble for 10 Soviet rubles. Two years later, the currency was re-denominated. The Belarusian ruble was denominated 10 times. At the beginning of the new century, this currency was denominated 1000 times. Finally, the last denomination took place on July 1, 2016. Such actions by the government of Belarus are, first of all, aimed at stabilizing the national currency, which experiences periods of devaluation from year to year.

As a result of the latest denomination, new banknotes of seven denominations have come into use in Belarus: from 5 to 500 rubles. Interestingly, as a result of the denomination, the design of Belarusian rubles was also changed. The new concept corresponds to the slogan “My country is Belarus”. Each of the new banknotes is dedicated to one of the regions of the country, as well as the capital - Minsk.

As a result of denomination, a mandatory exchange of old banknotes for new ones must be carried out. Owners of old Belarusian rubles can make such an exchange until December 31, 2021.

Where to exchange Belarusian rubles in Moscow

Many residents of the capital are interested in the issue of exchanging Belarusian rubles. Today, this currency is exchanged at Sberbank of the Russian Federation, as well as other commercial banks in Moscow. In addition, the exchange can be carried out at special exchange offices. Most often, such points are located on the territory of Moscow train stations. Another option for exchanging Belarusian rubles is the Moscow Currency Exchange. Currently, not only legal entities, but also individuals can use the services of brokers of this exchange. Here clients can exchange the Belarusian ruble on a par with American dollars, euros and any other currency. But the reverse exchange often causes certain difficulties, since the filling of exchange offices with Belarusian rubles is carried out unevenly.

If it is necessary to exchange old Belarusian rubles for new ones, then Moscow residents have no choice but to contact the National Bank of Belarus in Minsk or one of the Belarusian commercial banks. In Russia, old Belarusian rubles are not exchanged for new ones.

It is also worth noting that today the Belarusian ruble exchange rate is floating. Therefore, residents of the capital should not be surprised that different exchange offices offer completely different rates.

Where to exchange Belarusian rubles in St. Petersburg

The exchange of Belarusian currency in St. Petersburg is carried out without any restrictions. The exchange of Belarusian rubles can be done both at commercial banks and at exchange offices, most of which are located at train stations in the Northern capital. Moreover, some exchange offices operate around the clock, so clients can make an exchange at any convenient time. But the reverse exchange is quite difficult. Like Moscow, St. Petersburg often experiences a shortage of Belarusian currency.

It is worth noting that the Belarusian currency is one of the most unstable in the world. Therefore, before making an exchange, you should definitely make sure of the reliability of the position of the Belarusian ruble on the foreign exchange market. The Belarusian currency tends to fall sharply. In such conditions, there is a risk of exchanging the Belarusian ruble at an unfavorable rate.

At the same time, you should know that in St. Petersburg it is impossible to exchange the old Belarusian currency for the new one. Such exchange is carried out only on the territory of the Republic of Belarus. Owners of old banknotes should hurry, as starting from January 1, 2022, old banknotes will be considered invalid.

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, 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 ignorance of 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 come to an agreement with someone privately. Therefore, if you can buy some “bunnies” before traveling to Belarus, buy them.

Many tourists wonder: do they need a visa to Belarus? The answer is that Russians do not need a visa to visit Belarus. Moreover, you can enter the country not only with a foreign passport, but also with an internal Russian passport. In Belarus, Russian citizens can stay without registration for 90 days from the date of entry. If you plan to stay longer, you need to

The sights of Belarus on the map are evenly located and are very convenient for independent travel. There is something interesting in every corner of the country. In the west of Belarus there is the Brest Fortress, the famous Belovezhskaya Pushcha and tourist towns with colorful European architecture (for example, Grodno). In the east - more familiar to the Russian eye

Previously, the cost of a “guest” tariff for mobile communications in Belarus could shock anyone, but now, due to competition among mobile operators, prices have become more affordable. The most popular mobile operators: velcom, MTS and life:). You can buy a SIM card and top up your account in almost any store, post office, communication store or using a bank card on the Internet.

Belarus is a country that combines Western and Slavic culture. Here, modest old houses coexist with grandiose Gothic cathedrals and giant futuristic buildings, neat eastern cities reminiscent of the Soviet Union - with the European architecture of Western capitals. It is not surprising that there are at least a few unusual and noteworthy attractions in Belarus.

Holidays in Belarus are becoming more popular every year, so the tourism infrastructure is actively developing. Local hotels do not have the “star” system generally accepted in Europe, but tourists note the high quality of service and the friendliness of the owners. Prices in hotels in Belarus depend on the location, but in general they are very affordable. Are in great demand among tourists

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 issued in 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 the 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 adapt immediately and their customers could 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 resident 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 was right to push back the deadline by as much as 8 years. 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.