I was talking with a girl in Kyiv. The prices of some things in the US are tons cheaper than in Ukraine.
Some perfumes are 3 or 4 times the price in Ukraine. I can buy Michael Kors purses for 70% off on the website. In the Tsum shopping center in Kyiv, they are even higher than list price in the US.
If she takes orders from friends and coworkers, I can order stuff, ship it to Ukraine via Meest. She can sell it to them at a discount, and her and I can still make money. She is concerned that any packages would get stolen before delivery. And if the declared value is over $100, she would have to pay an 18% tax on it.
I believe you can bring in $1,000 worth of goods in your luggage when entering Ukraine. So pack your suitcase with $1,000 worth of goods to be resold. If you buy $1,000 of Michael Kors purses at 70% off, you can resell them in Ukraine and pay for your trip.
The last time I went to Ukraine, the customs officer never asked me if I had anything. They just looked at my passport, looked at me, and then stamped it. They handed it back to me and said, "Welcome to Ukraine." Maybe it helped that I was wearing a suit and tie.
Has anyone ever looked at developing a small scale import business into Ukraine?
Profits could be sent back via Western Union. Or the girl could hold them, and you could use them as your spending money when in Ukraine. (or an allowance you give her.)