Useful facts you should know when traveling to Ukraine/Kharkov
Travelling to Ukraine and staying in Kharkov second largest city of Ukraine can be very pleasurable and exciting experience for you. To make the most of your visit, we have compiled these travel tips and suggestions based on our years of experience in receiving foreign guests to Kharkov.
Baggage
Starting from early 2008 many international visitors have complained to us on such unpleasant fact as their overseas airline loosing or delaying their luggage – it simply does not arrive to Kiev or Kharkov along with the passenger, and airline company delivers the luggage a day or two later. If it happens to you, don’t panic, just fill out claim form for lost or damaged luggage prior to leaving the airport baggage area. Leave them your apartment contact person mobile phone and apartment address, so that they can deliver luggage to your apartment and we can help coordinate this process. Note that some airlines do not do delivery, instead would request you to pick up your luggage in the destination airport on the day of its arrival (when they finally find your luggage and it arrives into Kharkov).
We recommend you carry your personal items, medication and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag in case of lost or delayed luggage.
Customs
Travelers from all countries to Ukraine must pass through Ukrainian passport control and customs upon arrival. A customs declaration form will be supplied to you on the airline prior to landing in Ukraine. When passing through passport control be ready to answer such questions as to where you intend to stay while in Ukraine, what is the name of person you are visiting, how much money you have with you etc. We advise you to carry on your rented apartment address with you.
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.
It is very important to keep this declaration form, and any other forms they may supply you with, in safe keeping and be prepared to present any and all of them when leaving the country.
Customs inspection is a personal matter between you and the customs officer.
Here are some suggestions to make this process go smoothly for you. It is strongly suggested that you be completely truthful when declaring the amount of money you are bringing into the country (even if you bring in lets say 2.5 thousand, always tell the officer the exact amount you bring in, when he asks you). 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. This has happened so protect this declaration form as you would your passport.
Temperature
When traveling to Ukraine bring clothing that is appropriate for the season. An umbrella, raincoat and good walking shoes are also suggested.
Average temperatures in Ukraine: APRIL 10° C or 50° F - MAY 15-21° C or 60-70° F - JUNE 21°+C or 70°+F - JULY and AUGUST 27°+ C or 80°+ F. However, for last several years we experience increase of average temperatures by 5C° – 10F° and winters have become unusually warmer.
Money/Credit cards
Ukraine is still most a cash economy. Credit cards are gaining wider acceptance in larger cities, while in shops and restaurants you still can pay only in local currency - grivna. 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.
Make sure your bank knows you are traveling to Ukraine – some US banks automatically prohibit use of their credit cards in certain number of countries including Ukraine as a measure against fraud etc.
You can take cash from your card in many ATMs in all large cities and towns of Ukraine. Be prepared to pay a service charge of up to 3 percent. There is a daily limit for withdrawing cash in ATMs, so you may need to visit a bank’s department – bring your passport with you. We do not recommend taking Travellers Checks because of the time involved cashing them at banks and the service fees that such institutions impose.
Be sure to carry an ample supply of grivna with you, as almost all stores do not 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 North American banks can be cause for refusal to accept your bills in exchange booths.
Personal checks do not yet exist in Ukraine.
Personal Safety
While traveling throughout Ukraine protect yourself as you would in any world country. Kharkov in particular is a very safe and calm city, but of course you should not “step in unnecessary adventures”.
You can leave your passport, declaration form, airline tickets, any other official forms and cash in your apartment, or carry them in a money belt under your clothing but not in a pouch on the outside of your clothing.
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 a small group. If you go to a night club or bar alone, its better not to drink with suspicious strangers.
Medical facilities
Medical care in Ukraine has been improved over past several years a lot. The availability of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics has improved as well. But of course some things still lag behind Western health care standards. 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. Foreign 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.
Food/restaurants
Public catering has been a growing industry in Ukraine. In all large cities you will find many nice restaurants, cafes and fast foods, including national cuisine, Kharkov is a wonderful site to experience good quality local food, which most will find inexpensive (average meal in café would cost $10-20 per person, restaurant - $30-60 per person). There are some more expensive places of course, but in general Kharkov is cheaper than Kiev and Odessa. But be aware of the cost of wines and always look for the price for wine – sometimes it can happen that a waiter would suggest you a very expensive wine. French and European wines are often overpriced in local restaurants.
Alcohol
Alcoholic drinks in Kharkov are cheap and easy to buy. Alcohol is available on sale in stores, kiosks, bars, restaurants, at the market, and in specialized shops. Don't be tempted to buy alcoholic drinks at cheap prices in kiosks. In shops, you can buy Ukrainian alcoholic drinks, and this will not be a forgery. In bars and restaurants the drinks cost much above retail price. And, please, do not forget that you must not drive a car in a state of intoxication. If you are stopped by a traffic militia, you will be subjected to a substantial fine or your driver's license will be withdrawn. Militia (Police) in Ukraine is rather intolerant towards drunk drivers, so it would be better for you if you take a taxi.
Public rest rooms
Free of charge toilets in Kharkov are practically not available. But if there are some, they are not at all pleasant site to see. Due to lack of detergents and servicing personnel, they look very unclean. It is better to use pay toilets, in which for 30 - 50 copeek (0.30 – 0.50 grivna) it is possible bring itself in the order. Under all restaurants, bars, clubs there are free toilets, in which is supported shining purity and freshness.
Operation hours/holidays
Workday in state-opened and private companies usually begins at 9.00-10.00 and ends at 18.00, some shops may work till 19.00-20.00, with dinner break at 13.00-14.00 or 14.00-15.00, the days off are Saturday and Sunday. Most of the banks are open for visitors from 9.00 till 16.00, days off - Saturday, Sunday.
There also exists at a booking office box such a notion as "technical break" for 15 min., which can happen each 2-3 hours. What they need it for nobody knows. And if your queue has come exactly to the time the "technical break" begins, you will not be served. You will have either to wait till the break ends or occupy a queue in other pay-desk, but there is probability that your new queue will come to exactly the same technical break there.
Taxis
Taxis are very plentiful in cities like Kiev and Kharkov and comparatively inexpensive. Official taxis will have markings similar to North American 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, just raise your hand and the first car that has intention to give you a ride will stop. Negotiate the price, telling the exact destination. If you don’t speak any words in Russian (this is the language of Eastern Ukraine) have somebody write you the address on a piece of paper. Note that fees around central part of Kharkov should exceed 25-40 grivna (data for May 2008).
Car and driver
In Kharkov it is cheaper to hire a car and driver than a rent-a-car. The driver also is responsible for fuel, maintenance, security and most importantly he knows where he's going and can also be your guide and interpreter.
A car and driver may be booked through KharkovRent.Com and if you are ordering our accommodation services and you require a car and driver we will be happy to arrange it for you.
If you are visiting Ukraine on your own then our Ukraine staff will be at your disposal whenever you need them.
Rent a car
Car rental is now available in some of Ukraine's larger cities but very expensive. Here are some locations:
- AVIS - http://www.avis.com.ua/
- EUROPCAR - http://www.europcar.ua/
- HERTZ - http://www.ukrainebiz.com/companiesUKR/hertzkiev.htm
Rental fees can be considerably higher that those regular for Canada or the USA. You must be 21 years of age or older and a credit card and drivers license will be required to rent a car.
Internet Services
Many cyber cafes has been opened, especially in downtown Kharkov, in many hotels there is wi-fi access, as for central part of Kharkov there is wi-fi access in Irish Pub (46 Mironositskaya str) and in Japanese restaurant at Svobody Square (wooden house at “Steklyashka” – Universitet underground station). By visitors’ latest reviews, the latter is the best by speed-quality ratio.
Radiation
Many people remember the accident at Chernobyl atomic stations happened in 1986. You need not be afraid of radiation. In Kharkov it has never been a problem, and of course is not a question now. Kharkov products, coming on sale undergo a strict radiation control.
Ukrainian currency
Official state currency since 1996 is hrivna. We have money bills by nominal values 1,2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 hrivnas and small change coins by nominal values 1,2,5,10,25,50 kopeeks. Payments on the territory of Ukraine are realized only in national currency (hrivnas). You may change hard currency for hrivnas at exchange booths scattered all over the city and at the banks. In order to avoid fraud and troubles, do not use services of street changers. You can get cash for your travelers checks in hotels and some banks, from cards – in ATMs. Credit cards are taken for payment in large hotels, restaurants, shops.
Inflation and the economy
Transition to market economy has appeared highly painful for the average Ukrainian and the country as a whole. Average Kharkovite gets today $150-300 a month. State-owned enterprises quite often delay paying salary. Those retired on pension get $100/month. So, the Ukrainians have to do something to live on such small salary. In many places you may see people, selling newspapers, cigarettes, various trifles in order to earn some money. There are a lot of beggars on the streets. But this is sooner their work and not real necessity. Alongside with this, a lot of private, joint companies are being opened, giving additional working places, and you may observe more and more well – off people, especially in large cities, like Kiev or Kharkov. Ukrainian image as of a poor country is not a complete truth any more, first of all it refers to educated layers of society.
Etiquette
Here are a few simple rules of etiquette that may help you out of trouble or embarrassment when visiting Ukraine:
- If invited into a family home, it is traditional to bring a gift: a bottle of wine, a cake. A bouquet of flowers is customary. If you bring flowers - make sure it is an uneven number of flowers. If there is a child in the house, it is appropriate to provide him/her with a small gift as well.
- Do not shake hands across the threshold of a door. It is considered bad luck.
- When shaking hands, take off your gloves!
- 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". The "i" at the end of "Tapochki" is pronounced as in "hit".
- On public transportation give up your seat to mothers with children, the elderly or the infirm.
- At the entrance of upscale restaurants, expect that a coatroom attendant will check your coat, briefcase or baggage.
- When eating dinner at someone's home, casual dress is recommended.
- Be ready to give toasts at dinner, for guests are often asked to do so.
- Offer to share your snacks and cigarettes with those around you.
- Be prepared to accept all food and drink offered you when visiting friends or relatives. Ukrainians are known for their generous hospitality when it comes to feeding others. Turning down food may be considered rude.
- For business, dress should be conservative. Men should not take off their jacket unless asked to do so.
- In Orthodox churches women wear scarves or hats, and men take off their hats.
- Don't put your thumb between your first two fingers -this is a very rude gesture. It's called "Doolya" and has been used as a symbol of defiance against Ukraine's invaders and oppressors for centuries. If you feel you must make this gesture, be certain your hand remains hidden in your pocket!