In case you are contemplating traveling to Ukraine, we present these facts, travel tips and suggestions based on our years of experience living in Ukraine.  The way of life and standards of hotels, restaurants, taxis, air and ground transportation may be quite different from what you are accustomed to.  Be prepared for these differences, accept them as you find them, and you will have a most enjoyable time.

  BACKGROUND: 

Location - Eastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, between Poland and Russia.

Geography - strategic position at the crossroads between Europe and Asia; second-largest country in Europe.

Capital - Kiev (Kyiv)

Population - 48,760,474 (July 2001 est.).

Languages - Ukrainian, Russian, Romanian, Polish and Hungarian.

Currency - hrevnya (UAH) - 5.05 UAH per 1 USD (1/2008).

  GENERAL:  Ukraine is 7 hours ahead of USA Eastern Standard Time.  The telephone country code for Ukraine is 38 and the city code for Kiev is 044.  (Back to Top)

 KIEV WEATHER:

  UKRAINE PASSPORT CONTROL AND CUSTOMS:  You are allowed to bring in up to $10,000.00 USD without any special documentation. Should the funds you bring in exceed this amount then you will be required to complete a special form requesting information on the purpose of your bringing in such a large amount and to whom the money will be transferred.  (Back to Top)

It is strongly suggested that you be completely truthful when declaring the amount of money you are bringing into the country.  This also pertains to items of value.  On your departure from Ukraine you will be required to complete an exit declaration form.  All items of value should be the same as upon arrival except for the cash.  You should not leave the country with more cash than what you entered with.  Should you lose your entry declaration form the customs officer has the authority to confiscate all your items of value including your cash. (Back to Top)

  VISA FOR UKRAINE:  Information can be obtained from the Ukraine Embassy in Washington or Consulates in Chicago or New York.  A completed visa application form, two recent passport size photographs and appropriate payment are required.  These should be sent to the appropriate Ukraine Embassy or Consulate by courier and contain a self addressed pre-paid return courier envelope.  (Back to Top)

  ALCOHOL:  Ukraine is a Zero Tolerance country, so please do not drink and drive.  The penalties are severe and you are never sure what may happen in such incidents involving the Militia.  It is advisable to purchase liquor in the better shops rather than small kiosks; this reduces the risk of weak, fake or dangerous products.  (Back to Top)

  DRIVING:  Most international driving rules apply in Kiev.  However, beware that most locals fail to follow many driving laws.  Officially, speed limits are 60 kph/37 mph in cities, 90 kph/56 mph in unpopulated areas, and 120 kph/72 mph on highways.  You cannot turn right on red lights.  Parking in Kiev is as difficult as in any other major European city. (Back to Top)

  TRAIN SERVICE:  Train travel within Ukraine is a convenient and inexpensive way to get around the country. First class sleeping cars are recommended.  Cars should be booked as double occupancy.  If you are traveling alone it is recommended you purchase two tickets, this way you have the compartment to yourself.  It is also recommend you bring your own soap, toilet paper and towels.  (Back to Top) 

 CITY TRANSPORTATION:  Kiev has the 3rd oldest subway system (Metro) of all former Soviet countries and is the deepest in the world with the longest escalators.  A visit to Kiev is not complete without a tour of this beautiful and very impressive subway system.  Travel on the subway is safe and  convenient.  (Back to Top)

 TAXIS:  Taxis are very plentiful in Kiev and comparatively inexpensive.  Official taxis will have markings similar to US taxis complete with a meter.  Just about any vehicle in Ukraine qualifies as a taxi.  For a small fee most Ukrainian drivers will be happy to pick you up and take you to your destination if it is on their way.  (Back to Top)

  BUSINESS HOURS:  An 8-hour day is considered a standard work day.  Most offices and institutions operate on this schedule Monday through Friday.  A lunch break is taken between 1 and 2 PM.  Most banks are open without breaks Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM.  Many shops now stay open until 8 PM and later.  (Back to Top)

 MAIL SERVICE:  In Kiev the main post office is located at 22 Kreshatik Street, near Freedom Square.  At this post office you can purchase stamps, send mail, use fax machines, access the Internet and place international phone calls.  (Back to Top)

  CURRENCY:  Credit cards are being more widely accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops.  Most other foreign currencies are also accepted.  (Back to Top)

One of the safest ways to obtain cash is through ATM machines.  You will get a decent exchange rate and the funds you will receive will be in Hryvnias.  ATM transaction fees are comparatively low.  All major debit and credit cards are now being accepted.  Travelers checks have not yet gained acceptance and may be difficult to cash, and when they are, expect to pay a high commission rate.  Should you have no choice then Vabank and Ozhadbank are your best bet.  (Back to Top)

Be sure to carry an ample supply of Hryvnia with you, as most stores can no longer accept foreign currency for purchases.  Exchange booths are plentiful.  One should avoid exchanging currency with individuals on the street. It is illegal and dangerous.  Be sure your U.S. dollars are clean and not wrinkled, free of marks and tears.  Even tiny magic marker strokes used by many US banks can be cause for refusal to accept your bills.  Personal checks do not yet exist in Ukraine.  (Back to Top)

  PERSONAL SAFETY:  While traveling in Ukraine protect yourself as you would in any other foreign country.  Be sure to place your passport, declaration form, airline tickets, any other official forms and cash in a safe place, if one is available, or carry them in a money belt under your clothing but not in a pouch on the outside of your clothing.  (Back to Top)

Be sure to make a copy of your passport and airline tickets and keep one copy in your luggage and one copy on your person.  Do not flash large amounts of money in public and try not to go out at night alone, rather go out with another person.  (Back to Top)

  HEALTH INFORMATION:  According to the US Embassy in Kiev, levels of radiation in food items and in the air are very minimal and do not pose a threat to your health.  DO NOT drink tap water.  Bottled water is easily available in most stores. Once boiled, as for coffee and tea, the tap water is fine.  (Back to Top)

 ELECTRICITY:  Electricity in Ukraine is 220-260 Volts/50Hz and appliance plug tips are of the smaller round European type.  If you plan on taking any electrical devices, you will need a voltage converter (transformer) of sufficient wattage.  Electric razors, hair dryers and appliances not rated for 50 Hz will fail to operate properly even with a transformer.  Some 60 Hz devices may even burn out.  ALL devices rated for 110 volts will burn out if used without a transformer.  (Back to Top)

 LOCAL ETIQUETTE:  Here are a few simple rules of local etiquette that may help avoid embarrassment when visiting someone in Ukraine:

• If invited into a family home, it is traditional to bring a gift, such as a bottle of wine and a cake.  A bouquet of flowers is also customary.  Make sure it is an uneven number of flowers (even numbers are for funerals).  If there is a child in the house, it is appropriate to provide him/her with a small gift, such as chocolate.

• Do not shake hands across the threshold of a door.  It is considered bad luck.

• Be prepared to remove your shoes upon entering a home.  To keep apartments or homes clean, most hosts will provide you with a pair of slippers called "tapochki".

• Be ready to give toasts at dinner, for guests are often asked to do so.

• If you smoke, offer to share your cigarettes with those around you.

• Be prepared to accept all food and drink offered you when visiting.  Ukrainians are known for their generous hospitality when it comes to feeding others.  Turning down food may be considered rude.  (Back to Top)