Traveling to Minsk

Hi. I will be traveling to Minsk for about 1 week from late November to early December this year.

I have a few questions -

1) Can US ATM cards (not credit cards) such as Cirrus, Plus be used in Minks to withdraw cash? I wasn%26#39;t sure if I needed to bring lots of cash or if I can withdraw fairly easily

2) Are credit cards generally accepted at hotels and restaurants? I normally use my Amex everywhere I go but again, I%26#39;d hate to have to pay for hotel in cash.

3) I am an American of Asian descent. Is there much racism in Minsk/Belarus?

Any info. would be much apprecited!

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There%26#39;s no racism in Minsk and Belarus at all - one of the benefits of being in the country. The place is renowned for being tolerant to other nations and religions.

Only major hotels and a few restaurants and shops accept cards, all the rest only accept BYR (Belarusian ruble), in cash.

Cannot say about the cards you are talking about - mainly people Visa Electron and suchlike.

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you can pay by card in almost every hotel and in most of the restaurants.

Well my foreign friends did have problems with the cards with PLUS sign.. You%26#39;d better take Visa or Maestro then you%26#39;ll easily get money from any ATM

cheers

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There are only 2 hotels in Minsk that Accept American Express - Hotel Minsk %26amp; Hotel Victoria.

No problem to pay by other credit cards, true.

No racism either :)