Main Surprises Awaiting Belarusians In June

The main changes, which will affect purses and not only.

The first summer month will bring many novelties for Belarusians. The "Green Card" for entering the EU will not be valid anymore and loans will become cheaper. The most important changes are in the monthly "Smartpress" selection.

The Refinancing Rate Will Decrease

Once again the refinancing rate will be decreased to 9.75% per annum (previously it was 10%). This means that it is possible to wait for the credits to become cheaper.

The rate on overnight loans is also going to be lower - 10.75% per year (from 11%) and the rate on overnight deposits - 8.75% per year (from 9%).

Communal Payments Will Rise

In June the cost of utilities will grow up - tariffs for heating and electricity, natural and liquefied gas for heating will increase by 4 roubles 39 kopecks.

We remind that tariffs for housing and communal services, except for heating, have already been raised since January 1 - by 9.53 kopecks.

Meanwhile, the MART promised that the increase in tariffs in 2023 will not exceed the equivalent of $5 per standard two-bedroom flat of 48 square meters.

Ban On Withdrawing Cash From "Virtualls"

Starting from June 1, Priorbank customers will no longer be able to withdraw cash from virtual cards in U.S. dollars and euros either at cashpoints or from ATMs. At the same time, customers will still be able to pay with a virtual card for purchases in online shops, including foreign ones, as well as for subscriptions to any services (taxis, music, movies, etc.).

"Green Card" Not Valid

From June 1, Belarusian car owners will no longer be able to use the international liability insurance policy "Green Card" when traveling in the European Union, the UK and Switzerland.

Border insurance contracts will be required instead.

9th Grade Examinations Will Take Place

The exams will take place for Year 9 basic school students from June 1 to 9. There will be four final tests: an essay in the Belarusian language, an essay in Russian, a test in mathematics and an oral exam in the history of Belarus.

University Entrance Campaign Will Start

Applicants have to apply for employer-sponsored education in universities until June 5. However, entrance exams are scheduled for June 6 to 13. Students may enrol until June 16.

Bans On Fishing Will Be Lifted, But Not All

Fans of fishing should be careful so as not to get fined for violation of the ban on fishing.

So, a ban on catfishing, set on May 19, will still be in force until June 20 in Brest and Homel regions. It will be effective until July 1 in Vitsebsk, Hrodna, Minsk and Mahiliou regions.

And starting from June 8, spring spawning ban will be no longer in force in Vitsebsk region.

Cigarettes Will Rise In Price

The price of some brands of cigarettes with filters will go up. Monte Carlo Super Slims and Azure Camel Studio Sunny Mix will go up by 30 kopecks (up to Br4.9), the cost of Sobranie Element Caster will go up by the same amount (up to Br6.05).

Pharmacies Were Supposed To Limit Prescription Drug Sales

It was assumed that the fifth category pharmacies (most of the private ones) would not be able to sell prescription drugs.

As an exception, they were going to allow sale of prescription drugs, if the institution provides free and preferential treatment of certain categories of citizens with drugs and bandages.

However, the MART issued a warning, arguing that such a decision created "discriminatory conditions". The ministry demanded that these points be removed from the official document by May 30. So, it is likely that this innovation will not take place after all.