Travel to Ukraine. Some advices for travelers

For those travelers who plans travel to Ukraine, will be useful some advices about the stay in Ukraine. Sometimes the simplest little things can not be understood in a different country or city.
Often tourists, especially foreign ones, have questions related to currency exchange, with the organization of accommodation or meals, so offer you a summary of the most important moments of your stay in Kiev. Here you will learn what types of transport operating in Kiev, in what languages you can turn to for help to people on the street, what bills go into circulation, is it possible to smoke in public places in Kiev and more.

Airport

Borispol Airport is 34 kilometers from Kiev. Foreigners arriving in Ukraine must obtain a registration card, which should be maintained until the end of of stay, as it is required when leaving the country. To reach from the airport to Kiev can take a taxi or a bus route flight.

Currency

National currency – Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH). Banknotes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20,50, 100, 200, 500 hryvnia. There exists two versions of some banknotes (old and new sample) both options are accepted everywhere. In UAH – 100 coins, there coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 and 50, 1 hryvnia. Currency exchange can be at any bank or exchange office. In Kiev, enough ATMs, today, many hotels and restaurants accept Visa and MasterCard, American Express. Most banks of Ukraine work 5 days a week, some – 6.

Water quality

It is not recommended to drink tap water without boiling. The best option – to buy drinking water in stores. In Ukraine, the common pump with artesian water. Usually they are located in parks and are made as antique hand water pumps.

Events

There are many cultural centers, museums, theaters, a visit which will cost much cheaper than in other European countries. In cinemas movies duplicated in Russian, without subtitles in English. In the repertoire of some cinemas can be found English language films.

Smoking

In Ukraine, only recently passed a law banning smoking in public places and at work, except for the places specially equipped for smoking. Smoking is permitted in most bars, cafes and restaurants. If you do not put the cigarette smoke, you can feel free to ask for a table in the hall for non-smokers.

Public transport

Metropolitan of Kiev operates from 6:00 to 24:00. The cost of one token 2 hryvnia. On holidays or in connection with major sporting and cultural events, sometimes work underground extended. Most common in Kiev taxis, buses. Also in Kiev there are trams and trolleybuses.

Food

There is a huge variety of institutions of national and international cuisine to suit all tastes and all levels. Prices range from a very democratic to very high. Ukrainian cuisine restaurants popular, especially known for dishes such as soup – red and green; different kinds of dumplings with potatoes, mushrooms, berries and fruits, all kinds of meat or cheese; stuffed cabbage – cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat, rice, carrots and fried onions. The peculiarity of the Ukrainian cuisine is also in the fact that it is mainly used natural products grown in the country.

Tips

There is no strict rules, but when you visit the restaurant decided to leave “for a tea” 5-10% of the total bill. In some places the tip is already included in the invoice amount, so before you pay close look at account. Tips are also possible to give the guides and drivers at the discretion.