Capital city, Belarus
Internet in Minsk: speed, SIM cards and coworking
Is the internet good in Minsk?
Café wifi is common and usually fine. Independent news sites are blocked, so many people use VPNs, which is risky if you carry 'extremist' content.
Getting online in Minsk
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Home fibre | Fibre from Beltelecom and A1 in most buildings; roughly 30–50 BYN a month. |
| Cafés and coworking | Café wifi is common and usually fine. Independent news sites are blocked, so many people use VPNs, which is risky if you carry 'extremist' content. |
| Tourist SIM | Buy a prepaid SIM at A1, MTS or life:) shops with your passport; prices are low and data is generous. |
| eSIM | Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors. |
| Carriers | A1, MTS, life:) |
| Monthly data plan | Br15–30 ($5–10) |
| Blocked services | Most independent and opposition news sites are blocked. VPNs are widely used, but 'extremist' content on your phone is prosecuted. |
Coworking in Minsk
There's no dedicated coworking scene here; people work from cafés and accommodation.
Internet speeds in Europe
National medians, Speedtest Global Index.
| Country | Fixed | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| France | 332 Mbps | 133 Mbps |
| Iceland | 283 Mbps | — |
| Switzerland | 281 Mbps | 120 Mbps |
| Denmark | 278 Mbps | 161 Mbps |
| Romania | 276 Mbps | 83 Mbps |
| Hungary | 271 Mbps | 94 Mbps |
| Spain | 263 Mbps | 84 Mbps |
| Portugal | 252 Mbps | 128 Mbps |
| Andorra | 244 Mbps | — |
| Netherlands | 226 Mbps | 158 Mbps |
| Luxembourg | 221 Mbps | 173 Mbps |
| Poland | 215 Mbps | 109 Mbps |
Quick answers
Is the internet fast in Minsk?
Café wifi is common and usually fine. Independent news sites are blocked, so many people use VPNs, which is risky if you carry 'extremist' content.
Which SIM card should I get in Minsk?
Buy a prepaid SIM at A1, MTS or life:) shops with your passport; prices are low and data is generous.
Can I use an eSIM in Belarus?
Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.
More about Minsk
Going to Minsk solo?
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Sources
- Speedtest Global Index: Belarus
- A1
- MTS
- life:)
- UK FCDO travel advice: Belarus
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus
- Minsk National Airport
- Belarusian Railway tickets
Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.