Useful Tips For Foreigners About Ukraine

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION — Ukraine is a newly independent nation undergoing profound political and economic change, still in the process of stabilizing its relations with neighboring countries. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Travel within Ukraine is unrestricted. Though fuel shortages are generally no longer a problem, internal travel can be difficult and flight and train schedules can be irregular.

LANGUAGE — Ukrainian became the official language only in 1990, replacing Russian. Most of the population in eastern Ukraine and in Kyiv speak Russian as a first language, while Ukrainian is the first language in western Ukraine. Although those in the political world and the local media use both languages, official documents are now in Ukrainian. The two languages share almost the same Cyrillic alphabet, and if you arrive unfamiliar with either language a phrase book or interpreter is almost essential. Not much English is spoken here.

INTERNATIONAL TIME — Ukraine has two time zones (two hours after Greenwich Mean Time in 24 oblasts and three in the Republic of Crimea). Daylight savings time is observed from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October when you will need to advance your clocks by one hour.

ENTRY REQIREMENTS AND LOCAL REGISTRATION — A passport and visa are required. Visas can be obtained in advance from the Embassy of Ukraine, located at 3350 M Street, NW, Washington  D. C. 20007, tel. (202) 333-0606 or 333-7507, fax: (202) 333-0817, or Ukrainian consulates in Chicago and New York. A letter of invitation from a person, company, or organization in Ukraine or a tour company voucher is currently required to obtain a visa.

You can find addresses of Ukrainian Embassies and consulates here.

All foreigners visiting Ukraine, except those staying less than three working days and minors (under 18), are required to register their passports with local law enforcement authorities. Visitors who do not register may experience delays when leaving Ukraine, or difficulty when trying to extend visas. The registration requirement is automatically met when foreigners stay in hotels, when resident business persons register their companies, or when students register under established exchange programs. Private visitors must have their hosts, relatives or landlords register their U. S. passport at the local Section of Visas and Registration Office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (known by the acronym «VVIR» in Ukrainian and «OVIR» in Russian). A fee is usually charged for visa extensions or passport registration.

MEDICAL FACILITIES — Medical care in Ukraine is limited. The availability of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics has improved. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Foreighn medical insurance is not always valid for Ukraine. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including air evacuation coverage, has proved to be useful.

MONEY — The new official ukrainian currency ’Hryvnia’ (UAH) was introduced September 2, 1996 replacing the old temporary ukrainian currency ’Coupon’ and became the only legal payment bill within Ukraine after September 15.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE — You can easily change your dollars or other hard currecies for Hryvnias in major banks and special exchange points.
You can see the current official exchange rate of Ukrainian National Bank here.
Changing  U. S. dollars for ukrainian Hryvnias or another currency is legal only at banks, currency exchange desks at hotels and at licensed exchange booths. There are a lot of such exchange points throughout the city. Beware of changing money on the streets or with private individuals: it’s illegal and it can be dangerous. Remember however that old or damaged bills may not be accepted or accepted under the lower rate. The «hard currency» stores only accept Hryvnias but almost all of them have a money exchange booth on the premises.

CREDIT CARDS — Ukraine is a cash economy. Traveler’s checks and credit cards are gaining wider acceptance in larger cities. Use of credit cards is limited to the better hotels, Western-style restaurants, international airlines and select stores. American Express, MasterCard, and Visa are commonly accepted. A passport or diplomatic card may be required whenever a credit card is used. Customs regulations prohibit sending cash, traveler’s checks, personal checks, credit cards or passports through the international mail system to Ukraine. These items are regularly confiscated as contraband by customs authorities.

EXPORT OF VALUABLES OF UKRAINIAN ORIGIN — To export any antique items and/or works of art the permission of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine must be obtained. In addition to samovars, paintings, and rugs, this restriction applies to collections or separate works of fine, applied, and folk art, archeological and numismatic items, valuable musical instruments, gold, silver, precious stones, hand-woven carpets, manuscripts, books published before 1966, and furniture made before 1945.

PUBLIC RESTROOMS — It is always a good idea to have a packet of tissues on hand, for it is a rare occasion when one finds toilet paper supplied in a public restroom. While any public restroom can be unsanitary, relatively clean toilets can be found in large department stores, restaurants and some hotels.
BUSINESS HOURS — An eight-hour day is considered a normal work day, Monday through Friday. A lunch break is taken between the hours of 1:00pm and 2:00pm. Most banks are open without breaks, Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 1:00pm.

FLOORS — In official buildings the entrance hall is considered the ’ground floor’. The next flight up takes you to the ’first floor’. This floor numbering system is the same as the European system. For the private appartments the first floor is actually the ’first’.

TIPS — Restaurant bills normally include a 5% service charge, however, you’ll often find that a few extra hryvnias (10% suggested) can make your dining experience a lot more pleasurable.

WATER — Tap water in Kyiv is chemically safe but may contain elevated levels of lead from the pipes. This problem is remedied by letting the tap run for 10 seconds before collecting the water. There is also no detectable radiation in the water.
You should be aware that hot water is typically turned off for a month during the summer so the pipes can be cleaned.

RADIATION AND FOOD — Radiation is a constant concern because of the 1986 catastrophe at the Chornobyl nuclear power station some 60 miles northwest of Kyiv. The level of background radiation in Kyiv is considered safe. Kyiv’s food supply has been tested for radiation and thus far no elevated levels of radiation has been detected. It is suggested to avoid wild mushrooms, berries, and game, for they are considered to retain radiation.

TAILORING AND DRESSMAKING — Service varies from place to place and it is best to frequent shops or dressmakers recommended by others with similar tastes. Tailoring can be quite expensive, relative to U. S. prices. The choice of fabrics available is limited but improving.

BARBERS AND BEAUTY SHOPS — Although relatively inexpensive, techniques and methods used by hairdressers differ from those in the West. Some European hair products are available in big stores, and there are several beauty salons opening up in Kyiv that offer services using western products.

ELECTRICITY — 220 volts, 50Hz is the standard electrical voltage throughout Ukraine. To use electrical appliances you will need a converter as well as an Eastern-European plug adapter.

ALCOHOL — Throughout Ukraine alcohol is quite inexpensive and easily accessible. Ukraine is a zero tolerance country, so do not drink and drive. The fines are substantial and you are never sure what may happen in such incidences with the militia.

THE CRIME SITUATION
Crime in Ukraine is relatively low as for western standards but now it is on the increase. Common sense guidelines that would apply in any large city, should be used in Kyiv and will contribute to a safe and enjoyable visit.
Keep a low profile. Dress and behave conservatively. Avoid conspicuous behavior which would draw attention to you as a potentially wealthy or important foreigner. Be polite and low-key. Avoid loud conversations and arguments.
Don’t use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets. Try not to travel alone. Do not stop for strangers who want to talk to you or who need their cigarette lit. Let someone know when you expect to return, especially if out late at night.
Carry handbags or backpacks in a secure manner to prevent snatch and run type theft, and place wallets in inside or zippered pockets. Wrapping rubberbands around your wallet, makes it more difficult for a pickpocket to remove.
Instead of keeping all your money, airline tickets, passport, and other valuables in your wallet, conceal them in several places to prevent easy theft. Keep them in your accompanying hand luggage, on your person, or in a hotel safety-deposit box. Do not leave them in your room while you are out. Keep hotel and car keys on your person. Do not leave your bags unattended in public areas or taxis. Don’t flash large amounts of money when paying a bill. Be sure your credit card is returned after each transaction.
Keep your hotel door locked at all times. Be sure of the identity of service or maintenance personnel before opening the door of your hotel room. Meet visitors in the hotel lobby. Don’t meet strangers at unknown or remote locations. Never invite a stranger into your hotel room.
Be careful of selecting taxicabs. Do not get into the cab, if other individuals are in the vehicle. If your luggage is put in the trunk, do not exit the vehicle until the driver exits and proceeds to open the trunk. Also leave the passenger door open until all your luggage is removed from the vehicle.
If you travel by train, purchase tickets for the entire compartment. Do not let the conductor place other passengers in your compartment. Use both locks on the compartment door and secure the door with a piece of rope or wire in addition to the locks.
Only exchange money at the authorized locations. Illegal currency exchange in Ukraine is a criminal offense. Remember, when you are in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.