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Common information about UkraineLocation Ukraine is situated in East-Central Europe. It is bordered by Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova to the West, by Belarus to the North and by the Russian Federation to the North-East and East. To the South lie the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. The capital is Kiev.
Population
By Ethnic Group
Climate The climate in Ukraine is temperate, with the Black Sea coastal region experiencing milder winters. In Kiev, temperatures range from about 21 degrees F in January to about 69 degrees F in July. Annual precipitation averages 24.2 inches/615 millimeters in Kiev. Droughts are not infrequent in southern areas.
Time The time in Kiev is 7 hours later than US Eastern Standard, 2 hours later than Greenwich Mean. As of April 1997 Ukraine covers one time zone.
Language The official state language is Ukrainian, an Eastern Slavonic language written in Cyrillic script. Russian, Romanian, Polish and Hungarian are also spoken. The majority of Ukrainians is bilingual for Russian which is used widely too. Few people know foreign languages, most popular is English.
Flag The national flag (proportions 3 by 2) has two equal stripes, of blue over yellow.
Weights and Measures The metric system is used.
Electricity The standard electric voltage in Ukraine is 220 volts. Make sure to take a plug adapter as well as a converter, if you bring electric appliances.
Money and Currency Ukrainian national currency is Hryvna (UAH). One Hryvna = 100 kopecks. Yet convertible, Hryvna is extremely unstable currency. 1 USD ~ 8,35 UAH for October, 2009. 1 EUR~ 11,45 UAH for October, 2009. USD and EUR are most popular in exchange booths. Other currency is difficult to exchange, it has low rates because of minor circulation in Ukraine. VISA, MasterCard and Eurocard are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, casinos, stores, though credit cards are not in wide use in the cities of Ukraine. Owners of American Express, Diners may experience problems when using their cards even in regional centers. Travelers checks and credit cards can be cashed less out of a bank fee (which is 1-4% of the amount) at the majority of banks. Most popular Travelers checks in Ukraine are Thomas Cook and Visa.
Public Holidays New Year's Day January 1-2 Christmas January 7 Women's Day March 8 Spring & Labor Day May 1-2 Victory Day May 9 Independence Day August 24
Working Hours State and public offices are opened from 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday, with a lunch hour from 1 pm as a rule. The majority of stores are opened from 10 am to 7 pm, closed only on Sunday, and have a lunch hour, which is usually either from 1 to 2 pm or from 2 to 3 pm. As for food stores, many of them work 24 hours without lunch break, a few – from 8 am to 8pm. Most cafes and restaurants – from 11-12 am until a last customer leaves. Most banks are open to public from 9 am to 3 pm with a lunch hour from 1 to 2 pm, closed on Saturday, Sunday.
Custom Formalities As the Ukrainian border is crossed, obligatory Ukrainian Medical Insurance is required. Even if you have a health insurance, you will be asked to pay 3-7 US$ for the temporary policy (cost depends on the length of your stay). You will be given a small sheet of paper with a seal after passport control - permission for temporary stay in Ukraine. Also, you will have to fill in the Entrance Customs' Declaration Form in which is better to declare all valuable objects you bring into Ukraine: money, travelers checks, expensive equipment, jewelry, etc. Make sure you kept these papers! You will need them when leaving the country. Currency and jewelry export is limited in Ukraine, so be sure to quote all money and jewelry you bring into Ukraine and to keep your declaration till departure because you will be asked to present it on departure. If you are going to bring out more than 1000 US$ from Ukraine it is necessary to have the Entrance declaration stating you have brought it in. For preventing any problems with artwork export when leaving, we advise you to obtain license for exporting your purchase (easy to get). As for national currency, its export is prohibited, so be sure to spend it, or exchange it for some other currency.
Transportation Public City Transport Operates from 6 am to 1 am. Bus, trolley bus and tram system is rather slow, but is a cheap way to travel within cities. Prices range from 30 kopecks to 1 hryvna.
Taxi Taxi is comparatively cheap for Russian speaking passengers. Probably everywhere situation with taxi is like this – if one speaks a foreign language price for taxi goes up immediately. There are numerous taxi services, orders are taken via phone. There can be hired a taxi right on the street simply by putting out your hand. Be wary of taking a car having more than one passenger. Price is to be agreed upon beforehand.
Trains Extensive network of railroad connects Ukraine with many European and Asian countries. Trains are cheap though slow and not very comfortable. First class compartments are mostly air-conditioned (very important in summertime) and have 2 berths (some trains do not have 1st class option), second class has 4 berths. It is advisable to buy tickets for the whole compartment, especially when traveling alone. Prices for foreign citizens and Ukrainians are the same. Trains are the most popular and easy way to make intercity trips in Ukraine.
Air Most cities of Ukraine have air connection with Kiev, tickets for non-Ukrainians are more expensive than for Ukrainians for domestic flights. Best air connection with other countries goes via Kiev. Some domestic flights are not very reliable in terms of schedule - it is never too much to make sure that the flight you have chosen is made on a regular basis. Please, note most domestic train/air tickets can be obtained only in Ukraine |
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