Tours
Money
Rate of exchange is about 8 hryvnias (plural - hryvna) to $1,00 Exchange kiosks are plentiful in all larger towns and cities and in all hotels. If traveling into the countryside, exchange dollars prior to leaving the city. Travelers checks are very rarely accepted, however credit cards can be used at larger hotels, stores and restaurants. Please note that you will receive money in UAH currency according to the National Bank of Ukraine Rate. Please mind that via ATMs you are not able to take more than $ 200 of cash per day from your account. You will be able to pay by credit card in restaurants, hotels and many shops
Safety
Very often you can read myths on various web-pages about bloodthirsty mafia, scary policemen, harassments and crimes in Kiev - things that rarely happened even in 90's. Ukraine is different from Russia police and nobody is going to check your documents on the streets or search your bags and pockets. Kiev is 5 times safer than Moscow and 17 times safer than New York. Kreschatik Street is a nice place where the whirl of life does not disappear before midnight. Simply use your common sense - do not flash your thick wallet of cash sticking out of the back pocket of your jeans. In fact, Kiev is much safer place then London, Paris and New York. Street crime exists as anywhere, but on a lower degree and usually people who are not looking for troubles will be not meeting troubles. There are no crime districts in Kiev, but the center is much more adapted for night walking.
At the moment, police is the most corrupted organization in Ukraine, and they will do nothing to help you without bribe but will do everything to assign your money. Be sure your documents are ok.
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 4:00pm.
Telephone
In Kiev
Kiev telephone numbers consist of 7 digits. The Kiev area code (if you make a call on Ukrainian territory) - 044. Ukraine code - 380. If you call to Kiev from abroad, dial 380 44 and the telephone number.
If you stay in a hotel, you will pay for your calls separately, depending on the hotel's policy. In apartments, all local calls are included in your payment. Dial 0, wait for a second dial tone and then dial the city code and subscriber's number. The city code and telephone number together should consist of 10 digits.
If you call abroad, dial 8 - dial tone - 10 - country code - city code and number. Long distance phone services in Ukraine are operated by 'Utel". The rates for calls to Europe are about $0.60 - $1.50 per minute. Calls to the USA are about $1.80 per minute. In some apartments, international access is blocked.
Mobile operators
How to Use a Cell Phone in Ukraine
1. Obtain the correct plug adapter from an electronics store before you leave home so that you can charge your cell phone while in Ukraine. Ukraine uses plug type "C."
2. Use a transformer that can handle 220 volts, which is the voltage used in Ukraine, when charging your cell phone. Your cell phone will likely burn up if you do not use the correct transformer.
3. Call your cell phone provider to make sure that they offer phone coverage in Ukraine. Ask to be upgraded to international roaming.
4. Consider renting a cell phone or SIM card to use with your personal cell phone if your cellular company does not offer coverage in Ukraine.
The most popular standards are GSM or CDMA, so you need to find out which standard do you have . Most cell phones 3 or 4 standard will work in Russia and Ukraine. So if you would like to take your cell phone with you , you need to find out at the instruction, it should be GSM 850/900/1800/1900.
You can buy a new one and use a prepaid-card. The start package costs UAH100 in most companies. Europeans can use their telephones, having bought the start package.
Callback
The 'Telegroup' company will assist you in calls abroad that will be billed to your partners and relatives. Call their English-speaking operator at 562 4796.
Apartment (hotel)
Approx. price $ 80 – $120 per night.
