Frequently asked questions about trips to the Ukraine.
1) Ok, I`m ready to go. What do I need to do now?
The key things which you`ll need to get out of the way are your visa and your tickets. To get the best airfare rate you should allow for at least 30 days, or more if possible. A lot of times you`ll be able to find a better deal if you have 30 or so days before the actual departure. Getting an airticket to the Ukraine is similar to any other destination in the world, discount fares can be found through the internet, and of course any travel agent would be able to get them for you. Recommended airlines are: Austrian airlines, Lufthansa, KLM.Visas are simple to get. Our recommendation is to apply for a private or business 3 years multi entry visa. The only thing that is required of you on a Ukrainian visa is a permanent contact and address in the Ukraine, which we can and will provide. Visa applications are available on-line at www.ukraineembassy.com where you can obtain a printable version of it as well. Usually it takes about 9 days to get a visa, but we strongly recommend you to allow for at least another week in case of complications.
2) Got my visa and tickets straightened out, what's next?
You are going to be here for a certain number of days, but please don't try to pack everything that you think you might need, because the Ukraine has the same merchandise, which you can get back home, at a better price most of the time.
So, you`ll need to get only the basics. If you are used to certain products like cosmetics, hair-care products or hygiene - bring them. When it comes to clothing I wouldn't say that Ukrainian climate is much different from of upper mid-west of the US. So, depending on the season, when you decide to travel, we would recommend you bring only casual and comfortable clothing, that you are used to wearing every day. If you are planning for a special occasion, then you can either bring one set of dress clothing, or you can always obtain nice dress clothing locally.
If you are bringing your laptop or a digital camera or a cam-coder, then you need to acquire an Eastern European conversion kit, which is available at most retail department stores.
3) Ok, I`m packed, where am I going to stay when I`m there?
You have two options, hotel, or apartment. Hotels in Ukraine are expensive and for a single room you`ll end up paying about an average of 125$, as opposed to renting one of the western-style apartments in a very accessible central location for an average 50-70$ a night. Apart from the fact that you have more privacy and flexibility in an apartment you also have many services that come along with apartment, and at a lower cost in comparison to a hotel, i.e. laundry, cleaning, cooking etc. Plus the fact many of the hotels will charge you extra for any guests you may have during your visit.
4) Food and Water.
As in all travels outside your country pure water is an essential item, which is readily available here. Food for the most part comes at a very reasonable cost, in a wide range of variety, and is very delicious.
5) I`m going to a country with a different culture and language. How do I get around?
Well, easy, because english is a very wide-spread language in the Ukraine, and a lot of people will be able to provide you with directions and wish you a nice day.
Getting a map of the city or a little guide book, might be a good idea, but within the first day you`ll see that finding your way around here is not complicated at all. You have the help of local newspapers and magazines in English, which can be found at almost every restaurant or a bar. For example the Wall or the "Golden Gate" Irish pub, you`ll be able to find a schedule of all the venues in the city for the coming week.
6) How safe it is in Ukraine?
The Ukraine is hoping to become a member of the European Union, this means the government is to provide safety and protection to the people coming in and out. In other words it is pretty much like everywhere else in the world. You have pick-pocketers and people looking after other people's belongings, but it's unlikely to happen.
You are obliged though to have your passport with you 24/7. In order to keep it in good shape, you can always buy one of the Ukrainian leather wallets for your passport, which will protect it from getting wrinkled etc.
7) Should I bring any medicines with me?
Drug stores are pretty up to date in the Ukraine, but if you are used to taking specific medicines it would be convenient to have your regular ones.
8) What is it that I can do in the Ukraine for entertainment?
Apart from visiting site-seeing spots like Saint Lavra, Saint Michael's monastery, Saint Sofia, Golden Gate, Pirohova museum of Ukrainian culture and about a dozen other places, which will remain in your heart forever for their beauty and the special atmosphere of something ancient and mysterious, you can also attend exhibitions and plays at theaters, live music shows, parties, discos, nightclubs. By the way night life in Kiev never stops, and if you like music and dancing, making new friends - go to one of the night-clubs and you will have the time of your life!.
9) Let me check if I have missed anything?
Ok, I took care of my visa and tickets, and they are safe in my wallet waiting to start me off, into adventure.
I packed my bags and I have only the stuff that I really need, because I like to travel light.
I have a map of Kiev and a little guidebook with me.
I know where I`m staying and I have the phone numbers for people who pick me up at the airport.
I know that I`m to fill out the customs declaration form and the immigration paper, and I remember to keep them with me until the end of the trip.
10) Luggage gets lost, what to do?
It's life and all kinds of things happen, don't worry, usually they find the bags in 1 day if you go directly to the "Lost and Found" and fill out the application form. Now, sometimes it takes up to two hours to do that, so it is recommended that you make an announcement for people waiting to pick you up, saying that you are at the "Lost and found" office.
Of course it's not the case if you use a VIP Terminal C.