Suggestions
Language
Ukrainian became the official language only in 1990, replacing Russian. Most of the population in eastern Ukraine and in Kyiv speak Russian as the first language, while Ukrainian is the first language in western Ukraine. Although Ukrainians in the political world and local media use both languages, official documents are now in Ukrainian. From April 2006 Russian is validated as regional language in Kharkov. Not much English is spoken in Ukraine.
Personal Safety
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While traveling throughout Ukraine protect yourself as you would in any world country. Be sure to place your passport, declaration form, airline tickets, any other official forms and cash in the hotel safe, if one is available, or carry them in a money belt under your clothing but not in a pouch on the outside of your clothing.
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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.
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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.
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If you feel danger in dark time on the street it is more safe to catch taxi and just to pay driver extra money instead to be robbed.
Weather & Clothing
When traveling to Ukraine wear clothing that is appropriate for the season. Average temperatures in Ukraine (Celsius degree in day time, remember that the temperature at night can be 5 degrees lower):
- October +20...+5
- November +10...-5
- December +5...-10
- January -5...-15
- February -15...-5
- March -5...+5
- April +5...+15
- May +15...+20
- June +20...+25
- July-August +25...+30
- September +25...+20
We recommend that you carry your personal items and medication along with a change of clothing in your carry on bag in case of lost or delayed luggage. Clothing should be of the easy wash, easy care variety. Be sure to take warm clothing. Sweats are great as they can be worn on cool days. A jacket with a hood is a good idea especially if traveling in the off-season. An umbrella, raincoat and good walking shoes are also suggested.
Food & Drinks
- DO NOT drink tap water. It is better to buy bottled water, such as "Ordana", "Berezovskaya", "Mirgorodskaya". Tap water once boiled, as for coffee and tea, is fine.
- Throughout Ukraine alcohol is quite inexpensive and easily accessible. Ukraine is a Zero Tolerance country, so please do not drink and drive. The penalties are severe and you are never sure what may happen in such incidents involving the Police. It is advisable to purchase liquor in the better shops rather than small kiosks; this reduces the risk of weak, fake or dangerous products.
Etiquette
- On public transportation, give up your seat to mothers with children, the elderly, or the infirm.
- 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 thres-hold of a door. When shaking hands, take off your gloves.
- Be prepared to remove your shoes upon entering a home. To keep apartments clean, most hosts will provide you with a pair of slippers.
- Men should not take off their jackets unless asked. In Orthodox churches women wear scarves or hats, and men take off their hats.
- 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.
- 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! ;-)
Gifts
If you are going to bring something from your country as gift, there are several easy recommendation for you.
- Take care of good quality of your gift. Buy a famous brand. Be sure it has no label "made in China". Even if it is good quality, things "made in China" have very bad reputation in ex-USSR countries.
- T-shirt, sweater, pullover with symbolic of your city or country are welcomed.
Other
Electricity in Ukraine is 220-260 Volts/50Hz and appliance plug tips are of the smaller round European type (Referred to as type C in the site
www.kropla.com. If you are ex-traveller and have had own experience of visiting Ukraine you are welcome to share it with our visitors. Please just e-mail your suggestions to office@idi-bridge.com
