Why do Belarusians still go shopping in Poland and how popular are such trips?

Not what it used to be

Although the figures seem large, the Polish customs admit that current indicators are far from what they used to be, primarily because, due to sanctions, the export of numerous goods to Belarus is prohibited.

In particular, many electronics cannot be exported, including smartphones, televisions, and computers, as well as washing powders and much more.

Therefore, if someone dares to discreetly bring a phone or laptop from Poland, they do not process Tax Free, and, accordingly, such goods and amounts are not reflected in customs statistics.

It should also be noted that some people do not process VAT refunds because, due to a small amount, they do not see the point in spending extra time on its processing.

But overall, although the opening of border crossings revitalized cross-border trade, the effect was less than expected.

And it's not just about sanctions. Firstly, obtaining a visa for Belarusians is now much more difficult and expensive than before, and secondly, crossing the border itself has become costly. A bus from Minsk to Bialystok now costs from 120 rubles one way, a marshrutka (minibus) from Grodno — from 100 rubles.

When traveling by car, in addition to standard fuel and insurance costs, you have to pay about 70 rubles for various fees.

Went once — didn't like it

A family couple from Grodno, who visited Bialystok for the first time since 2020 in April, says that Poland is no longer the same.

"Prices for everything have risen sharply. If before you could shop in Poland and really save money, now the only plus is perhaps a slightly wider selection of brands," says the interviewee and adds that having lunch in a cafe in Grodno is now much cheaper than in Bialystok.

Павялічыць

Among the reasons why the trip was not liked, sanctions are also mentioned.

"You can't get VAT refunds on household chemicals, and you won't save much on just coffee, Nutella, and other sweets. Besides coffee, which is indeed cheaper there, it also makes sense to buy branded clothing and branded sneakers, especially if you get a good discount," shares the resident of Grodno.

However, according to the man, the final calculations showed that they hardly managed to save anything, as the costs for insurance, fuel, border fees, and food almost completely devoured the price difference.

According to the interviewee, they do not plan to go shopping again. Even considering that the border is open and the round trip took only 5-6 hours in total.

Expenses split among three

Another resident of Grodno says that after the border opened, she has already been to Bialystok twice.

"Both times we went as three in a friend's car and split the travel expenses among three. So we managed to save a bit. We bought coffee at the market with VAT refund, also bought some clothes, and changed the scenery at the same time.

Since I have a Pole's Card, my visa is almost free, so I think it makes sense to go shopping once a season," says the woman and adds that in the past, she used to go on shopping tours by minibus approximately once a month.

Павялічыць

"Round trips used to cost mere pennies by today's standards. For 15-20 dollars, you could go there and back to buy household chemicals, toilet paper, coffee. But now chemicals are under sanctions, so there's no point in going often," believes the city resident.

Has it become more expensive in Poland than in Germany?

A truck driver working for a Polish company shares his observations: shopping trips, as they used to be, are no longer a mass phenomenon.

"In the queue, it's clear that most people are professional shuttle traders or those going to or from work. Obvious 'shoppers,' as was common before, especially on weekends, are not seen now," assures the man.

The truck driver notes that, according to his observations, many items, especially groceries, in Poland now cost more than in Germany.

"Previously, drivers always tried to buy as much as possible in Poland, but now there's not much point in that, because you can buy the same, and sometimes even cheaper, in Germany," he assures.

As for shopping trips, he did go to Bialystok with his wife and children once this spring.

Павялічыць

"Everyone has visas, and car insurance too, so, since there are usually no queues at 'Bruzgi,' we went shopping. But whether we actually saved anything — that's not a given.

Yes, there were a couple of good deals during the sale, but at the same time, you also buy something not entirely necessary. Additionally, two adults and two teenage children also needed to eat, and that's been far from cheap in Poland when it comes to cafes," notes the truck driver.

The man says that for a trip to result in any noticeable savings, one needs to buy many things at once or some electronics and definitely process Tax Free. But due to sanctions, much is impossible, so, in his opinion, the format of shopping trips is no longer relevant.

Visa available — no desire to go

Another interviewee, who was a big fan of shopping trips in pre-COVID times, says that despite having a visa and open borders, he no longer goes shopping to Bialystok.

Павялічыць

"With such prices for a marshrutka (minibus), there won't be much benefit left. Going by car is also expensive, as you have to pay an exit fee, for the electronic queue, insurance, and so on. Therefore, we no longer go there, although before 2020, shopping in Bialystok was a common thing for us," admits the man.

Nevertheless, the interviewee's family has not completely given up on goods from Poland.

"We calculated that it's easier for us to order something through buyers. The difference compared to our own trip will be minimal, if any, but we don't have to go anywhere. And if we need any household chemicals, there are plenty of Telegram groups where all sorts of goods are sold or brought to order. That turns out cheaper than paying for a marshrutka," the man is sure.

The fact that shopping trips to Poland are no longer popular is also evidenced by the almost complete absence of queues at the border crossings "Kuźnica" ("Bruzgi") and "Bobrowniki" ("Berastavitsa") and the absence of organized shopping tours.

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