Starting 12 February visitors from 80 countries will be able to come to Belarus visa-free for 5 days. A trip will be more pleasant and convenient if there are useful apps, that can help find the way or recommend a cafe, in your smartphone.
Here are 5 handy apps with English versions that we recommend taking a look before you travel to Minsk or Belarus.
1. Belarus Guide by Triposo
The Belarusian version of the global service Triposo includes an offline map with sights, hotels, nightclubs and tips about public transport.
There are 2 walking routes to explore the center of Minsk. The app will not only show the information about landmarks but tell how to reach them on foot.
Language: English
Price: Free
Download: Android
2. HelloMinsk
As you can guess from the name, this app is about Minsk only. But it has the descriptions of 50 sight!
There are text versions and and audio guides to each of them – 2 hours of audio excursions altogether.
Language: English, Belarusian and Russian
Price: Free (the offline version is paid)
3. KrokApp
One more guide that both tells and shows. Besides, it can be your helper not only in Minsk, but in 7 other Belarusian cities, from Hrodna to Baranavichi.
Right now the app offers one sightseeing tour to each city lasting for 30 minutes. Routes include 5-6 sights with pictures, marks on the map, short text and audio descriptions.
Language: English, Belarusian and Russian
Price: Free
Download: Android
4. Minsk, Belarus — Offline Guide
The guide has information about restaurants, hotels and sights. Places can be sorted by distance and popularity.
The app works offline, so you can download a map with marks before going out.
Language: English
Price: Free
Download: iOS
5. Минск Minsk
This app had a lot of useful information: a map, a list of sights, a long directory with details on whatever you want – from ATMs to cottages for rent. However, it is translated in English only partially and does not work offline.
Language: English and Russian
Price: Free (the offline version is paid)
20 more apps to help you while traveling to Belarus
Besides guiding you around tourist attractions, mobile apps can help not to get lost and suggest all sorts of entertainment. Check out 20 more free apps that work in Belarus and have English versions.
To find your way around: Google Maps (Android, iOS), Yandex. Maps (Android, iOS), Navitel (Android, iOS), Maps.me (Android, iOS), Waze (Android, iOS).
To call a taxi: Uber (Android, iOS), Yandex. Taxi (Android, iOS), Taxi NEXT (Android, iOS), Taxi107 (Android, iOS)
To find out public transport schedule: Yandex. Transporti (Android, iOS), Avenue (Android, iOS), MinskRoutes (iOS), Minsk Guide (Android), Goes — transport schedule (Android), Minsk Trasnport — schedule (Android).
To learn some words in Belarusian: moVa (Android, iOS), Belarusian (iOS), Belarusian phrasebook (Android), Belarusian Flashcards (iOS).
To learn more about Belarus: iBelarus — interesting facts about the country (Android, iOS), Taste Belarus! — names and pictures of Belarusian cuisine (Android, iOS), Belarus Land: 360° Panoramas — 3-dimensional panoramas with sights (Android).
The Russian version of this article is available on 42.TUT.BY