VISA
PASSING THROUGH CUSTOMS
GETTING AROUND
PHONES
INTERNET
ELECTRICITY
CURRENCY
SAFETY
HOLIDAYS
Visas
Travel to Ukraine has become easier than ever. US and Canadian citizens do NOT require a visa if the stay is less than 90 days in length. Certain citizens such as Australians and New Zealand require an invitation letter to visit Ukraine which we can provide. Some citizens still require a visa though, for complete list of visa rules in Ukraine please click here.
Passing through customs
It is not advisable to bring expensive gifts into Ukraine. If you bring jewelry or another type of an expensive gift you may be asked to pay a customs duty which in some cases equates to the price of the gift. We recommend these purchases be made in Ukraine where these items are likely to be less expensive. Legally, you are allowed to bring up to $15,000 in no longer need to declare amounts at the border as long as your amounts are below $10,000. Ukraine is largely a cash economy so having large amounts of cash is not unusual.
Getting around
Taxis are easily available in any city in Ukraine. In Kiev & Odessa, most common way of dispatching a taxi is by calling the taxi agency of choice and ordering a car. The call can be made ahead of time but most commonly is made when the car is needed. Typical response time is 5-10 minutes and the operators will either identify how much time is needed for car to get there or will call back when the car has arrived.
Taxis are also available simply by hailing them from the side of the road. The rates are then negotiated with the driver. Note that it is common in Ukraine for non taxi autos to stop and offer to provide the taxi service. These drivers are usually not professional taxi drivers and are looking for part time income or are trying to find a customer on their way home to make extra income from their ride. Always make sure to agree on the fare before getting into the vehicle to avoid later disputes.
In addition to taxis, both Kiev & Odessa have wide variety of public transportation ranging from trolley busses, regular buses, trams and ‘Marshrutkas’ (private mini vans). Public transportation is subsidized by the government and as a result very affordable. Public transportation while may be crowded during rush hours, is reliable and well developed.
Phones
Ukraine uses a GSM 900/1800 standard for mobile phone communications. This system is compatible for mobile phone networks used in Europe, most of Asia, Australia and New Zealand. If you have an unlocked dual or tri band phone, it will function in Ukraine. You will need to simply purchase a SIM card or starter package as they are called which typically cost no more than $5 depending on the provider.
Starter packages or SIM cards are sold at any communication stores or street vendors (sitting under umbrellas with Kiyvstar, Life and MTC logos). You can purchase as much talk time as you require from the same vendors. Talk time is issued in the form of a unique code which is entered into your phone (instructions are on the scratch cards with the code). Users pay only for outgoing calls and all incoming calls are free. You can easily check the balance on your phone at anytime. To get more information on phone communications in Ukraine you can visit Wiki Kiev phone information.
Internet is widely available in almost all daily apartment rentals and can be easily ordered for any apartment that is rented long term, even if it is not yet wired for it. There are also many Internet cafes (some open 24 hours) which can be used for access. Finally, many cafes and restaurants now offer free Wi-Fi access.
Electricity
Electricity throughout Ukraine is 220 volt/50 Hr. The plug is the two-pin thin European standard. Be sure to bring your own converter as most stores in Ukraine do not carry them. Most modern devices such as laptops and cameras are 220 volt compatible and you will simply need a plug converter.
Currency
Local currency is hryvnia (code UAH). The currency is linked to US dollar and commonly prices for large items are quoted in USD (frequently stated as YE – translated as agreed units since technically pricing services or products in currency other than UAH is illegal). Common currencies such as USD, Euro, Sterling, etc can be easily converted in banks or kiosks located all throughout major cities. Exchange rates change daily and are shown with large signs at points of exchanges. Typically tourist populated areas will have weaker exchange rates than those outside of the center, but usually the difference is negligible. Coins are also used but are not common. If you are coming from a country with currency other than the ones stated above, we suggest exchanging money in your home country into USD or simply using your ATM card in Ukraine for UAH withdrawals as you may have a hard time locating a place of exchange that accepts your currency.
Safety
Generally speaking Ukraine is a very safe country in general. Violent crime is seldom but petty crimes such as pick pocketing or various street scams can be common. Westerners can be targeted for various street scams more so than the locals, so use common sense and ignore anyone trying to speak to you that looks suspicious. Also, it is wise to keep a close eye on your bag along with your wallet, especially during rush hour in the metro or other busy areas. Pickpockets can be highly organized and can use various distractions on their targets.
Avoid drinking water from the tap, unless it has been boiled. Bottled water is very cheap and is available anywhere, including numerous 24 hour kiosks scattered across the city.
It is also not uncommon to see groups of teenagers or young adults to be hanging out in courtyards or on city benches during various hours of the night. This sight is common and while may appear alerting to Westerners, it is typical for Ukraine and poses no safety concern. To get a more comprehensive guide to staying safe in Ukraine you can visit Wiki stay safe section.
Holidays
· January 1 - New Year
· January 7 - Christmas
· March 8 - Women’s Day
· May 1, 2 - Labor Day
· May 5 - Easter
· May 9 - Victory Day
· June 23 - Whitsunday
· June 28 – Constitution Day
· August 24 – Independence Day
