Travelers Guide for Ukraine, Travel Info

Ukraine Travelers Guide

Are you planning a trip to Ukraine? Ukraine.com provides you with a helpful Traveler's Guide to Ukraine. Check out basic facts on traveling through Ukraine, visas, safety and more. We are certain that this Ukraine travel guide will assist you in having a pleasant, memorable holiday in Ukraine.

General

Time Zone – GMT +2
Electricity – 220 volts, 50Hz. A converter is usually necessary to use electrical goods. Consider purchasing an Eastern-European adapter.
Business Hours – State and public offices: Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm with lunch between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm. Stores: Monday to Saturday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Banks: Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with lunch from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
Tipping: Embassies and Consulates throughout the world. Invitation letters are unnecessary for travelers from: USA, Canada, Turkey, Switzerland, Slovakia and countries from the European Union. Visas are not required for travelers from: Poland, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, Hungary, Mongolia, Lithuania and Commonwealth of Independent States countries (excluding Turkmenistan). Visas available include business, private, sport, tourist and transit. When applying for a visa the following documentation is required: valid passport, completed application form, passport photograph.

Transport

The fastest form of transport in the larger cities are the marshrutka or minibuses. These vehicles follow a particular route with a particular fare. Transport systems in the cities are very good and include buses, trolleys and trams which are inexpensive to use.

Safety

As when traveling through any larger city it is important to use common sense to keep safe and avoid becoming a victim of crime. Crime is not a major problem in Ukraine but is unfortunately increasing. When making your way around Ukraine, try to avoid attracting undue attention to the fact that you are foreign. Dress conservatively and do not flash money, so that you will not appear wealthy to potential criminals. Stick to well-lit, populated roads and rather walk about in groups. Rather don't stop for strangers. Keep away from gangs of youths and be alert to con artists or pickpockets. Hide money, passports, tickets etc in several different spots to guard against easy theft and don't leave valuables in hotel rooms. Ensure your hotel door is always locked. Only open the door if the individual clearly identifies him/herself. Money must only be exchanged at authorized locations. Be sure to report any irregularities or incidences to the police.