Minsk

"OMG. I can't believe Mongers not rushing to Minsk. When today at Bloomberg. Com / currencies, its nearly 8000 Ruble to the US$."

Don't you guys know that pimps follow the raise and fall of currencies?

That said, paying in USD or Euro shouldn't help a bit.

It is 20, 40USD today, it will be the same tomorrow and this despite the falls of local currency.

Reading the last 4 page on your thread.

Besides, and please no offense, but you are most talking about investment, economics, politics than girls.

I am not reading any street name, girls prices.

[QUOTE=Felix Nordic; 1234296]Todays news about Belarus is that a new law has been passed and being effective today 6th of January. It means a lot of new restrictions regarding internet.

In short it means that foreign web pages will be banned for free internet surfing. Only. By addresses will be free unless you submit to government supervison (spying). Businesses can only be done via. By web pages. That makes Ebay and Amazon purchases and sales impossible and it might affect facebook and Gmail.

Everybody has to register and show a passport to get access to foreign web pages (not a new thing since it has been like that for at least a year) but now it is even stricter. Internet cafes must report to the government which users have accessed foreign pages. It is not clear if you need a normal passport or a government approved passport to get access to foreign internet sites.

According to the lovely nice and freedom loving Belarus government it is in order to stop access to extremist sites and pornographic sites (gee thats bad for the poeple with porno). Lukasjenka aka "Batka" tries to do something nice for the people. The real reason is of course to stop the opposition from using internet and to clip their wings.

It is not clear how this will affect us foreign mongers. For instance to access your e-mail or your internet bank. Regarding myself I used to do some business on Ebay when having a spare time in Belarus when the devushkis has gone home. As it seems Ebay will be blocked. And probably paypal as well and access to internet banks.

It is hard to say how this will affect us. But one thing is clear. It will be harder. It might not be too severe for us foreigners if it is enforced in a mild way. Or perhaps not all. If its enforced in a strict way it will make a lot of problems. Most of the restrictions is to stop internal extremists (ohhh. Those evil people who likes freedom and democracy) and journalists and not so much for us hmm "sexomaniacs", I mean tourists.

I was in Minsk last time in November and it was as usual. Foreign currencies in the banks and no more black exchange though. USD was close to 9000 but is now at 8400. As mentioned many girls are open for sponsoring now. Nothing bad that doesn't bring along anything good. However it seems that this fact has been observed and I see a tendency that prices has got slighly higher for "top girls" used to the game. Many amateurs or first time semi-pros are still more open. There is a new club that is very popular and has to be checked out. The new club is called Dozari and is in the centre quite near Max Show. It should be at Nezavisymosty Ave. Its close to where I stay in Minsk and I will go there to see what kind of club it is. It seems quite upscale though, and is many girls new favourite club in Minsk. That goes for at least the jet set girls or those who tries to be part of that.

I am off to Minsk in 2 weeks time and will of course give feedback about this new restrictions for the internet.

Cheers and Happy New hunting year! .

/Felix[/QUOTE]I was at Dozari in Minsk last fall on two differnet occassions. The first time I went was with two beautiful studentka's and we had a great time together there. The second I went by myself. First of all, if you do not speak Russian it is very difficult to meet women at Dozari. Secondly, it is a nice, high end club but I don't think it is the best one in Minsk for meeting women. In fact, I am sure of this. It is better to bring a woman who cannot afford to go to such a club and show her a good time. However, that is just my impression. If you speak Russian than you will probably have success. Many girls I have spoken to in Minsk and have added me to their vkontakte have pictures of themselves at Dozari. By the way, the sexiest girls at Dozari and the one's working behind the bar on the dance floor.

I am looking at going to Belarus in April, anyone know of a good hotel in the Minsk area, close to the local scene so I can get a tourist voucher / letter? Also has anyone got their visa at the airport? I travel a lot and usually don't have the time to send off my passport when I am in the states to get visas.

[QUOTE=Haokool; 1234315]"OMG. I can't believe Mongers not rushing to Minsk. When today at Bloomberg. Com / currencies, its nearly 8000 Ruble to the US$."

Don't you guys know that pimps follow the raise and fall of currencies?

That said, paying in USD or Euro shouldn't help a bit.

It is 20, 40USD today, it will be the same tomorrow and this despite the falls of local currency.

Reading the last 4 page on your thread.

Besides, and please no offense, but you are most talking about investment, economics, politics than girls.

I am not reading any street name, girls prices.[/QUOTE]I can partly understand your oipinions but yet they are partly totally wrong or a leechers way to get info without adding anything yourself (which is ok but then you first should have read whats been posted on this forum. Have you?). This is not an insult but I suggest you re-read whats been posted in this forum and secondly read and understand this reply to you (and others, as I do get some questions in PM's)

I think its been said before, and I rewrite it, that Belarus is a country for the pioneer or a scout. It is not Bangkok or Germanys FKK scene. About these two last subjects and other well know tourist sex destinations tons have been written and a sort of a price according to quality has been established. It is for instance widely known that the standard 30 min session in a German FKK club costs 50 Euro. That does not go for Belarus as it is not on the world map for sex tourism. (ok, street girls have fixed prices as they are maffia operated. I do not use them as it is not my interest as I can get 10 times better quailty in a normal girl if I invest some time and effort. Street girls are along Nezavisymosty Ave in the night and I think prices are USD 50 for an hour, or at least it used to be that. There might be WG's in other streets as well but I don't know (used to be on Masherowska as well and it has been posted). Ask a cap driver for latest info on street girls or learn Russian and go to a Belarus / Minsk forum and learn or get to know a someone in Minsk who can give you insiders info. Most street girls are ugly but some beauties can be found, and do not be sure that they go with a foreigner like that, as many girls pros or not, are scared of foreigners. Perhaps they are more desperate today?) In fact I think that most mongers go to Belarus for free amateur girls or semi pros. Very few goes to Belarus for prostitutes as there are several better and cheaper places in the world, in Europe, in Asia or in many places where you chose to go. Some "middle east guys" might go to Belarus for hookers but they do not really use their brain as there are many other cheaper and better places for paid sex.

Regarding myself I do not go to Belarus to shag street girls (did a few 2005 but not after that. Got a super 3some with two street girls in 2005 for total USD 60 for an hour. Great fun and nice looking girls. I have posted this in the past. However that was 7 years ago!) or go to established hookers. I mostly hunt freebies and sometimes amateur semi-pros and sponsor girls. There are no fixed prices regarding this wide range of girls that wish some sort of compensation. As examples I have shagged an ex-model for USD 100 for an evening and I had sponsor girls for USD 50 for a night. I have been asked USD 200 / hour by some girls and they have obviously not been interesting to me as I try not to waste my money. Girls asking such high prices have in general not been very keen to negotiate about the price and has told me to find another. Which is of course fine with me, and with her as well. With the girls wanting compensation, ranging from gifts to straight up money or a fancy exotic trip, it is like an undefined dance. No fixed rules in this dance and it is up to you and the girl to make an arrangement that fits you both. The girl will be much more willing to lower her "sale" if she feels or sees you as a potential good man and to perhaps get some kind of future with you. If you're an asshole it will be strictly business in most cases. It pays to be nice but by this said I do not mean to be a looser or a pussy kind of man. Then you will get used. Be fair but firm. Do not treat girls in a bad way as that will help ruin foreigners rumour even further. To be an asshole is no gentelman way either, and I think that would feel wrong for any decent man. That does not mean to be folish or treat them like a princess, but in a decent way. Do not be desperate and do not hesitate to dump that semi-pro, and avoid to get fooled. Other girls which are not that spoiled can be had and the reward so much greater. All this has been written before if you bothered to read this forum and others. Thats how I started nearly 9 years ago.

You should keep in mind that this is probably the best online information, or ever written information in english, that exists about what can be expected in Belarus and how to manage with Belarus girls. Belarus if far off the beaten track and not a tourist destination at all. Anyone going to Belarus should realise this. You should read all that has been posted here and learn from it. Most of what you ask for has more or less already been written and this feels like a huge repeat to your questions. It can't get any better I guess regarding that so few peoples goes to Belarus even though it is not a dummies guide to shagging pros or amateurs. To complement the information scene you should also browse through forums like Ukraine or Russia to get a general feel. With that said I feel that Belarus is very different but yet again it is slavic women in all the cases. Some things are in common and some not. Its been said that in general Belarus girls are not so slutty as girls from Ukraine or Russia and I think there is some truth behind these words. Belarus people in general are quite humble as they are living in strictly controlled dictator country. They never had any freedom and have not really been exposed to tourism and what that brings. On the other hand, thats what is the REAL Jewel. In Belarus you find far less scamming hookers and money hungry sharks than in Ukraine, Russia or Moldova. The normal Belarus girls is not spoiled and if you treat her in a good way and show some good sides it is a good chance you find a very nice girlfriend or a good shag.

I can't tell too much about the paid scene as it is not my game. Girls in max Show have asked me for USD 100-150 for 1 hour and they are no beauties. I try to avoid the so "popular" option to go to clubs like NEXT and get the many pro girls there. If you want free normal girls you must first learn how to dance and be prepared to spend some hours of work and effort. Ask yourself what you want? Paid sex? I advise you to to Germany or Thailand! You'll get better value and more sex for the total price. If you go to Belarus for prostitutes I would say you are not an economist. You need to have more money than brains. Do you want sponsor girls? Use internet and all the sites that has already been mentioned. Spend some hours and days and you will find something. It is not that hard unless you want a playboy girl or a good GFE horny sponsor girl for a good price. Then you must be lucky, nice and charming and work for it and be willing to open the wallet. Do the job as there are no free lunches. I won't give you my girls as they have costed so much time and effort, and we have special relations even regarding my various sponsored girls. Do you want free normal girls for a good relationship? Thats my game and again all the internet sites has been mentioned. Apart from that you can visit the clubs and cafes in Minsk or much preferred in shopping malls or even in the metro, as I try to do myself. (I picked up a real beauty 8+ or 9- in the metro and dated her for nearly 10 times before I got to shag her, but what a joy when I did her! And a fun challange. With this short anectdote I want to tell that this is only an option for someone like me who often comes to belarus and can afford this. Otherwise I would not have pursued) With free girls more time effort and charm has to be invested. Again, the reward can be huge! If you can't pick up normal girls, you need to learn this as well. It is not a paid hunt in Afrika where guides will help you find the game elephant. Anyway, for such a hunt you would pay big money, unless you learn to become a hunter yourself. Thats what it is about. That comparison is a good advise I think. That does not mean that the rules in the west for picking up girls can be completely translated into the Belarus scene as the game here is different. A good word of wisdom is that it is hard to become a prophet in your own country. Well, when In Belarus, let go of that and relax and make contact. If ditched, and believe me you will be, smile and continue like a bee to the next flower. In the end you will get phone numbers and contacts. The most important feature is to dare and act a bit. If you behave like a gentleman, and adopt to the situation, you are of course interesting as a foreigner AND as man.

Real GFE sex is so much better than the often encountered robot sex from hookers. Some sponsor girls will give you perfect service as well, and some bad. As always. I have a young porn princess that does not cost me an arm or a leg and we have very good sex. She agrees on all in sex, including anal, A2M and she likes to be filmed. She is 20 and a natural acting video talant and I'm quite keen on keeping her. I posted photos of here before. She is the bottom girl in the photo with two girls playing bisexual. However I do not spoil her but treat her nice. With the risk of being selfish, I will keep her for my self. I have 3 regular girlfriends that has cost me a lot of time (we are talking about 1-2 years and 3 years in the longest case) and effort to build up working good relationships. These girls do not need any compensation, but love and a good partner in a relationship. The love part is important for me. The sex I get is wonderful and can hardly be valued in money. If so, it would cost me a lot. All 3 girls are a bit different, have different ages (22, 24 and 28) , blonde and two brunettes which makes it nice. However I am slowly falling in love with two of the girls and I think I will go serious with one of these girls in the future. It will be hard to chose, and a sad loss for the girl not chosen (and for me). These relationships means also I meet their parents etc and I'm invited for Sunday dinners and so on.

You complain about prices in USD or Euros. That will only go for the prostitutes or the advanced sponsor girls. Normal people (and girls) get their salary in Belarus Rubles. Their salaries have not increased since the crash of the Blr rouble. That means normal people are hurt big time and have to take the pinch. That makes normal girls ranging to sponsor girl of the ligher cadre more prone to money offers or sponsor offers. (these sponsor girls do in general not have any pimps, no fixed rules or prices. Again its a dance and it takes two) This has been observed by many including me. All this means that for normal people in Belarus it is close to 3 times more expensive to buy USD than before the crash. Same of course goes for imported goods or goods that can be exported for world marked prices. The people will suffer. Therefore, you are only partly correct and in some aspect totally wrong that the exchange rate does not matter. About politics and economy which I post about myself it is quite important if you want a good stay in Belarus and taking economy, security and all into the context. I think this imformation is really valid. It is a free forum with the theme of mongering, but all other relevant info that makes us more prepared and smarter is good info. Thats where you are wrong. Girls hard info is only one part, and as we have come to learn, it is not that easy as in Germany or Thailand.

With my words of own experience, I am sure others do it in another way and it works for them. I know some hunters are much better and smarter than me. I can only relate to my own experiences and they are honest. I know they works for my personality, but I also have bad luck, but also get gold medals and lots of fun. I also learn every time I go to Belarus. In my rucksack I have quite much EE experience and girl chasing there. You might find some member (or other person) to take you around as a guide hunting girls, but very few comes to Belarus on a regular basis. In Russia or Ukraine it would be easier to get guided. I have chosen to go on my own with its pros and cons. One part I really miss is a good mongerer friend in Minsk to meet and talk to. (male friendship and common hunting of girls and sharing experiences and just common talks about life. I really miss that in Belarus. I used to have that when I hunted in Moldova and in Romania and it was great fun. I remember how me and my friends teamed up a few girls)

This forum in total is VERY valuable and I have learned so much here, shared joy and met new people. However, in the end you have to gather the information, adopt and do the work. Improvise and get laid. Its all very possible, but it has to be done in real.

/Felix

[QUOTE=Expat1234;1234446]I am looking at going to Belarus in April, anyone know of a good hotel in the Minsk area, close to the local scene so I can get a tourist voucher / letter? Also has anyone got their visa at the airport? I travel a lot and usually don't have the time to send off my passport when I am in the states to get visas.[/QUOTE]Hotel depends on your Budget.

I stayed at Hotel Planeta, when I got a good rate+ voucher, and is close enough.

Taxis are cheap, agree on a price.

Here is something on Minsk nightlife& clubs.

[url]http://www.minsknightlife.net/nightclubs.htm.[/url]

Visas check with Belarus Embassy, or a reputable travel agency

I 'm on your team!

Felix, I read most of what you wrote and for the most part I could not agree more. Well said, sir. You're right, Minsk is off the beaten path and that is why I went there last fall for one month and will go again this April instead of Kiev or some city in Russia. It was for the pioneer experience and it proved a unique one at that. I was in Kiev in summer 2010 and in truth I had a wonderful time there. I met some terrific girls and people. However, I prefer Minsk. Not only is it cleaner and safer than Kiev but it has not been spoiled by western tourism. In Kiev or Budapest (where I lived for one year) one always has to be sure to ask the taxi driver how much the trip will cost to avoid being scammed. In Minsk this never happens. In fact there is a refreshing innocence to taking a taxi in Minsk. A fare from one side of the city to the other is about 3. 25 USD. Often I would give the equivalent of 4 USD in BYR and not ask for change and the driver would always look at me with a puzzled expression. Meanwhile I am thinking 'That trip would have cost me 20 USD in Canada. '

Like you, I prefer semi-pro's or to sponsor a young woman who would never go to a club and try or join the internet and demand straight up sex for money. Last fall I sponsored a studentka and she was an absolute pleasure to spend time with; tall, lean, pretty, sexy and warm. No head games. No deception. She would even come to my flat and cook dinner and wash the dishes afterwards. Meanwhile I am relaxing on the sofa with a Guinness watching sports highlights and thinking 'Why did it take me so long to come to Minsk? '

Another adept point you made was about Belarusian people. They are a different breed even compared to Russians. I certainly prefer Belarusians to Ukrainians. They are more civil and kind to each other not to mention much more trustworthy. Next time any of you happen to be in the Ukraine watch how two strangers will speak to each other – with some form of coldness. Not in Belarus. People are much warmer to each other there.

Lastly, to comment on what Haokool said, more specifically 'Besides, and please no offense, but you are most talking about investment, economics, politics than girls. ' The politics and economy of a country one is visiting for whatever reason is absolutely important! This plays into the mentality of the local people including girls, even street girls. The more the economy goes down the drain the less it costs to get a girl in Minsk. It has been my experience that one can get a girl usually considered a 7 or 8 for 100 USD for two hours in Minsk. If the economy was stronger they would not be so cheap, in my estimation.

[QUOTE=Jojosun; 1234463]Hotel depends on your Budget.

I stayed at Hotel Planeta, when I got a good rate+ voucher, and is close enough.

Taxis are cheap, agree on a price.

Here is something on Minsk nightlife& clubs.

[url]http://www.minsknightlife.net/nightclubs.htm.[/url]

Visas check with Belarus Embassy, or a reputable travel agency[/QUOTE]Got off the Bus at the main Bus station in Minsk, coming from vilnius lithuania, there were few Taxis waiting outside, and each one of them quoted me US$10 to take me to Hotel Planeta.

A short ride away. It would have only been a matter of few cents, if I used local transport.

Didn't have that option or the balls to try it, being my first time there.

So I was scammed for 10 bucks.

The nice girl on reception was shocked when I told her how much I was charged, and advised me to agree a price first, especially with drivers hanging outside nightclubs, Bus Stations & places where the few tourists freuent.

And that wasn't the first time that I was overcharged by a taxi driver there.

You don't get overcharged, if you order Radio Taxis.

[QUOTE=Jojosun; 1234463]Hotel depends on your Budget.

I stayed at Hotel Planeta, when I got a good rate+ voucher, and is close enough.

Taxis are cheap, agree on a price.

Here is something on Minsk nightlife& clubs.

[url]http://www.minsknightlife.net/nightclubs.htm.[/url]

Visas check with Belarus Embassy, or a reputable travel agency[/QUOTE]Here is a good Travel Agency for Minsk.

You get the voucher for the Visa, once you make the booking with them for the Hotel [url].http://www.select-a-room.com/hotels/belarus.[/url]

I might go back there again in May

[QUOTE=Expat1234;1234446]I am looking at going to Belarus in April, anyone know of a good hotel in the Minsk area, close to the local scene so I can get a tourist voucher / letter? Also has anyone got their visa at the airport? I travel a lot and usually don't have the time to send off my passport when I am in the states to get visas.[/QUOTE]I recommend you to get an apartment instead of a hotel. Anyway, thats how I always do it. More space, less price and less problems especially when taking a girl, or several girls to your nest. You can arrange your own party and cook some food as well. Its more like home but abroad.

Use google and type apartments Minsk and you will find several options. Tourist support document (voucher) can be had if you ask these guys:

[url]http://angelikaminsk.com/visa.shtml[/url]

I usually use their service. What they will issue even for apartments is a phoney voucher saying you will stay in this or that hotel. Use this info when filling in the visa form. (and do not forget to get registred within 5 working days. Or you are a smoked fish)

Visa at the airport is only possible if your country does not have an embassy in Belarus. Still you need the invitation (voucher) but ask to send it to the airport in Minsk.

I advice you to get a Belarus sim card asap (much cheaper to call the girls as well). That can be done in the shops selling mobiles. Just ask. It is advicable to know at least a few phrases in Russian. Or take a chance and get lucky (but you might get very frustrated). That only goes for hotels and advanced shops though unless you are lucky. Dial 135 for a good taxi company (with Belarus sim card). You need to speak some Russian though. If you have not got a local sim card yet, ask in a hotel if they can help you with a taxi. As a newcomer to Belarus, expect to be overerly charged. Again to know some Russian is essential. If you arrive at the airport in Minsk take the Marshrutka (minibus) to Minsk. It costs around USD 1 compared to USD 30 that is a normal asking price for a taxi. I usually tell the driver to stop at the first metro and from there I take the metro. (tell the driver. Pashalsta stop pirvim metro and keep your eyes open. But he will stop). To make it less complicated but more expensive, most travel agencies (where you can get you invitation voucher) offers airport pick ups. Usually at around USD 30-40. At least that way you know you make it to the town. I only use my apartment agency if I am short of time or airplane lands at a very bad time. Otherwise I prefer to save money and take the minibus.

Canadianboy;

Thanks for the info about Dozari. I will go there any way I think. I'm still a bit of explorer. Even if have been around 25 times in belarus.

Cheers.

/Felix

Thank you all for the good info here, especially on visa and apartments. I was in Minsk once before, and enjoyed the place. Minsk can come across as place that is hard to penetrate when reading these pages, but I felt that females everywhere where very open and inviting. All the advice about acting like a gentleman is of course relevant. Pigs attract pigs, anywhere on the globe. If you want good girl, you must behave good, even in Pattaya (good is however always relevant). As suggested, you just have to go there and do the work. There are shortcuts in for example getting referrals, but you rarely ever get them except from very good monger friends, and if you do, they are most often left overs for some reason, anyway. Humans are greedy, envious and have a hard time to trust each other.

Referrals from local females are easier than from mongers normally, as long as both the girls see some form value in the transaction (not only financial value counts here). So here is a question for the veterans in Belarus; how are the girls in this country when it comes to referring a friend? The broker role is a great facilitator in getting prime punani in for example Asia. I am not talking hookers here but all from aunties with heavy e-cups to teenage virgins, that all where available, once Barba proved for ten minutes that he was a decent guy.

It can even be a door opener, or should we say panty opener, to the one you ask. It takes off the edge, and you get to say what you like to find, without putting her on the spot.

"My pretty friend, could you refer me to a blond innocent student girl, with natural the cups and an interest in Schopenhauer, who are willing to invest a day and a night to get to know a foreign guy that just arrived to this city?"

"Giggle giggle, but that is me you describe. Giggle giggle. I would be happy to take you around and I love shopping."

And the door is wide open.

For me it was quite easy to get contact with friendly females of both the professional and the innocent kind in Minsk. Stayed in Hotel Victoria (the hookers there where horrible) and walked down the big street to what was suggested to be 'West World Club' by CanadianBoy in a PM (thank you for helping my failing memory). Many very attractive females, and just about all seemed to be on the job in some form. I met one friendly guy from London (D if you see this, send my a ping here) that goes to Minsk regularly, and he introduced me to another disco (yes I still call them disco) that was more or less packed with serious looking but approachable females. The best night in Minsk ended in some social club in the high rises somewhere, where we danced and drank until the sun welcomed us to a new day. I am normally a moderate drinker, but these days in Minsk I managed to strike out all days on the grand finale, due to to much Russian caviar and vodka by the half kilo. Crazy and fun days, that I remember with a smile, even though I deeply regret not getting back with that promised drink to the slim student with hair to her waist, and deep brown friendly eyes. A dold fish's attention span that night.

I liked Minsk a lot and will go back in a couple of months for some days of work and play. Have some loose plans to hit some other provincial pearl at that time as well, so I better start on improving my Russian by a few million percentages.

All the best from Barba!

[QUOTE=Jojosun; 1234843]Got off the Bus at the main Bus station in Minsk, coming from vilnius lithuania, there were few Taxis waiting outside, and each one of them quoted me US$10 to take me to Hotel Planeta.

A short ride away. It would have only been a matter of few cents, if I used local transport.

Didn't have that option or the balls to try it, being my first time there.

So I was scammed for 10 bucks.

The nice girl on reception was shocked when I told her how much I was charged, and advised me to agree a price first, especially with drivers hanging outside nightclubs, Bus Stations & places where the few tourists freuent.

And that wasn't the first time that I was overcharged by a taxi driver there.

You don't get overcharged, if you order Radio Taxis.[/QUOTE]For international Travel, I also rely on my 4. Bibles.

Lonely Planet, Tripadvisor. Com, virtualtourist. Com and inyourpocket. Com.

Reading about Tourist Traps section on the Minsk Forum in virtualtourist. Com, it seems that I wasn't the only one who got overcharged by dishonest taxi drivers there, and that there is more than one operating there.

[url]http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Belarus/Tourist_Traps-Belarus-TG-C-1.html.[/url]

The member explains that (Some Taxi Drivers try 2 cheat foreign Tourists, by 3 possible ways.

1. Nightprice at Day time.

2Fast Taxi meters.

3High Price& no Taxi Meter.

He Further advises, always negotiate a price before you get in.

Take official Taxi.).

Having said that, taxi fares even if you get overcharged, is not worth getting overheated over it, when compared how much it costs in western countries.

Just put down 2 experience

[QUOTE=Jojosun; 1235886]For international Travel, I also rely on my 4. Bibles.

Lonely Planet, Tripadvisor. Com, virtualtourist. Com and inyourpocket. Com.

Reading about Tourist Traps section on the Minsk Forum in virtualtourist. Com, it seems that I wasn't the only one who got overcharged by dishonest taxi drivers there, and that there is more than one operating there.

[url]http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Belarus/Tourist_Traps-Belarus-TG-C-1.html.[/url]

The member explains that (Some Taxi Drivers try 2 cheat foreign Tourists, by 3 possible ways.

1. Nightprice at Day time.

2Fast Taxi meters.

3High Price& no Taxi Meter.

He Further advises, always negotiate a price before you get in.

Take official Taxi.).

Having said that, taxi fares even if you get overcharged, is not worth getting overheated over it, when compared how much it costs in western countries.

Just put down 2 experience[/QUOTE]More experiences From virtualtourist. Com on Taxi Drivers.

Ns, Belgrade, Bucharest, Kaunas, Kiev, Krakow, Minsk, Moscow, Prague, Riga, Rome, Sofia, Warsaw, Zagreb.

Something all of these places have in common is no shortage of taxi drivers who see it as a divine right to rip off tourists. In Bucharest, Minsk and Moscow in particular it is utterly outrageous and if there is an honest taxi driver anywhere in these cities then I am yet to find them.

Some thing else each of these cities have in common is a well developed public transport system based on any of metro / tram / trolley bus. The public transport systems are simple, efficient, quick and inexpensive and provide a welcome alternative to the inevitable taxi driver rip off.

Read more: [url]http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Belarus/Minsk-340356/Transportation-Minsk-TG-C-1.html#ixzz1j6X6bKs3[/url]

Has anybody figured out a way to be able to spend longer then 90 days a year in the country? Even long term visitor and business visas doesn't seem to allow it. The only visa that does not categorically state that you can only stay a maximum of 90 days in a year is the 'Short term visa for permanent residence', anybody have any idea about getting residency or this particular visa? I was thinking a possible way might be to go for 90 days, return home 'lose your passport' and apply for a new one and get a new 90 day visa but surely even if you applied for a visa in another country the government data base would flag you up and you're application would be refused. Any ideas?

[QUOTE=Expat1234;1234446]I am looking at going to Belarus in April, anyone know of a good hotel in the Minsk area, close to the local scene so I can get a tourist voucher / letter? Also has anyone got their visa at the airport? I travel a lot and usually don't have the time to send off my passport when I am in the states to get visas.[/QUOTE]If you really travelled that much, you would have had a second passport by now. Good for only 2 years though. Apply through visahq. Com. And while you're at it, have them fill it up with the visas you'll need for the next trip. I try to use mine to keep the yellow fever and african countries on the second passport. Simplifies things.