First Trip - Basic Questions (Kiev)

[Photo Guy]

I've got a few questions designed for those of us who just fell off
the turnip truck, or who were born yesterday, wet behind the ears,
and other cliche's. Some of this has been covered before, but
often the posts shoot off on a tangent.

1- Electricity. I just picked up a Voltage Converter for 220/240 to
    standard US 110/120     50-watt   Will that work for the basic
    small appliances, like charging my camera's battery, electric
     razor, cell phone charging, etc?

2- What exactly do I have to do, to have cell phone service there?
    Can I buy a cell phone in advance here in AZ, like T-Mobile, etc?
    Do I really need a cellphone, if my apt. or hotel has a phone?
    Are there pay phones around the city? Avoid them? Will a
    business let me borrow their wall phone, like here in AZ, for a
    local call?

3- Money. I've read that I can 'exchange' my money, just by using
    an ATM machine. Is that true? Do I go into any bank for that?
     How much cash should I initially bring?

3a-  Are gratuities the same there as here?

4- Money again. Should I hide my money in a money belt?
     Just how paranoid should I be about robbery?

5- Clothing. I live in my jeans. Can I wear them? What would
    proper clothing be for, say, The Opera? The same as here?
    Do I need a black suit and tie, or just a nice jacket, or what?

6- Should I refrain from chewing tobacco.  

7- Can I feel free to photograph everything or will people think it is
    rude and beat the crap out of me?

8- Does the typical man in Kiev walk like a New Yorker or like
    a southern Californian? I'm versatile. I can do either.

9- Is there something like a Starbuck's in Kiev?

10- What do I need to know about the subway?

11- Can we walk a few blocks at night or is that dangerous?

12- If she smiles at me in that 'special' way, should I stand closer?

13- What map of Kiev do you recommend?

14- Does TV have any channels in English?

I'd like to thank everyone for all of the advice posted this year
so far, and for future advice.  -Doug
 

[Son of Clyde]

Photo Guy, I'm on my way out the door but I wanted to tell you that T-Mobile will rent you a phone. I saw it on their website. You should check out the prices of calls because it looked pretty expensive. You may be able to use your phone and replace the sim card while you are in Ukraine. I would phone T Mobile and ask them.

 

All the street signs are written in Russian except for a few at the airport that are in English.

Good luck.

 

[Noyrt]

[user=134]Photo Guy[/user] wrote:

I've got a few questions designed for those of us who just fell off
the turnip truck, or who were born yesterday, wet behind the ears,
and other cliche's. Some of this has been covered before, but
often the posts shoot off on a tangent.

1- Electricity. I just picked up a Voltage Converter for 220/240 to
standard US 110/120 50-watt Will that work for the basic
small appliances, like charging my camera's battery, electric
razor, cell phone charging, etc?

--I bought a AA battery charger that works in 220v in Ukriane (about $15) and used ni-cads for my camera, etc. Worked great and cheap.  the voltage converters can be bought there cheaper than here, but you'll walk a lot looking for them.

--Digital camera reccommended.  Most shops can process media cards now, but get a camera with a popular common card. like compact flash/smartmedia, etc. No film to deal with, about 25cents a print to develop, easy to carry.

2- What exactly do I have to do, to have cell phone service there?
Can I buy a cell phone in advance here in AZ, like T-Mobile, etc?
Do I really need a cellphone, if my apt. or hotel has a phone?
Are there pay phones around the city? Avoid them? Will a
business let me borrow their wall phone, like here in AZ, for a
local call?

---- Don't buy a phone here,  too many variations on the service GSM frequency. Hard to find and you pay just as much. Buy a phone there, get a new one, not a used one (about $100)  All the services are similar and  prepaid with "Jeans" being the cheapest as I remember.  You pay for cards, dial a # to recharch the time, then trash it.  Its about 30-40 cents a minute to talk, but you only pay for calls you make,  If mom,  calls you from the US, its free..

   Keep the damn phone, though, don't give it away to your girlfriend.  I made this mistake and had to buy another one, after we broke up.  She just wanted the phone.

3- Money. I've read that I can 'exchange' my money, just by using
an ATM machine. Is that true? Do I go into any bank for that?
How much cash should I initially bring?

---I carry about 2k.  CAsh. But I am brave.  Two money belts, one around my neck, and the other in my pants. (thin vinyl kind) Around my neck "decoy" I get mugged (never have) figure to loose the one around my neck with less than $50. My day to day money.  If your at gunpoint,  take it off, throw it and run.. :-)

3a- Are gratuities the same there as here? 

Basically,  In Ukriane.  5-1 exchange. You'll lean the notes and coins,  it's easy.

 4- Money again. Should I hide my money in a money belt?
Just how paranoid should I be about robbery?

Money Belt, see above.....  If paranoid..  Common sense,  don't trust anyone, not even your girl.  Open it only in private, bathrooms etc. Don't tell ANYONE how much you have.  I always felt safer carrying it, as to leaving in in a hotel or apartment.  If I have it your gonna have to fight me for it.  You never know who has a key to your hotel or flat! , Though I have never had a problem in 4 trips. And I carried my computer the last 2 times.  

 As for customs, they only want to know how much your birnging in and out.  So as long as you don't leave with more than you brought,  Your Fine.   They want you to bring money IN!

5- Clothing. I live in my jeans. Can I wear them? What would
proper clothing be for, say, The Opera? The same as here?
Do I need a black suit and tie, or just a nice jacket, or what?

Blue Jeans / decent shirts are fine, day to day  everyone wears them,, But "Black Jeans",  black dress shoes/ nice shirt / belt / are better for casual dress dates.  Suits?  I wore one once, flet wayyyy over dressed, now I opt for  casual slacks, dress shoes, and a sport coat, tie is optional.  Try to keep the dress clothes simple, one or two nice sets.. YOu won't wear it much and can wear the same many times,, Women will do the same.  They don't have many clothes, so they wear the same alot.  But they are proud to be with you when you look good! Tennis shoes are fine day to day, but if you choose "White" your the obvious torisit in a land of dark colors and leather shoes.

I always wear white tennis shoes, comfort counts first for me,  and I know I;m not local anyway.

6- Should I refrain from chewing tobacco.

---Don't spit on sidewalks in public.  Find a bush, or trashcan.

7- Can I feel free to photograph everything or will people think it is
rude and beat the crap out of me?

Do not take photo's inside churches.   Aside from that, snap away.........

8- Does the typical man in Kiev walk like a New Yorker or like
a southern Californian? I'm versatile. I can do either.

Not "New York"   Maybe Denver CO> :-)

9- Is there something like a Starbuck's in Kiev?

Not that I've ever seen, but check out O'Malley's Pub, if you need a taste of home, lots of American /British people hang out there. In in the center area, where all the glass domes are / Mall's / shops etc..  If your facing McDonalds, its 3-4 streets to the right and up the hill a little ways.. You'll find it.. Good food too.

10- What do I need to know about the subway? 

By a token,  Always crowded....carry your wallet in an inside coat pocket, have fun and hold on..  Not too confusing if you learn the maps,, but getting up and down the tunnels is real disorentateing..   Be sure to flirt with obvious single women.  If you smile a lot they will know you are from out of town.  This can work to your benifit sometimes.  People are always friendly, be polite, and if you sitting, give up your seat for women, expecially old women, you may be scorned if you don't. YOur a man, you can stand.  

11- Can we walk a few blocks at night or is that dangerous? Depends on where you live?  Never be a problem for me.

12- If she smiles at me in that 'special' way, should I stand closer?

Ahhh yes,  definetely.....

13- What map of Kiev do you recommend?

Any map,  They will all be in Russian mostly,, But you need that, to leanr the road names, what good is an english map if the signs are in russian.

14- Does TV have any channels in English?

Usually not, but english movies overdubbed un Russian, ((you can still hear the english) . Don't worry about TV your there to meet women.

I'd like to thank everyone for all of the advice posted this year
so far, and for future advice. -Doug

 Your Welcome,, NOYRT

[Noyrt]

MORE NOTES  on ATM's

Don't use machines at BARS/ HOTELS / CASINOs, etc. use machines only at BANKS. 

Try to use them on in the Daytime, and avoid crowds.. Wait till there is not a line.

Set up a new account only for travel money, and have the ATM card for that account only. 

I use online banking to transfer money to my specific account a day or so before I need to witdraw.  Don't keep more than 500 in the account at a time, if possilbe.

Carry a spare ATM card in a safe place, moneybelt etc. In case a machine eats your card.  You will likely not get it back from the bank.

Try to space out your W/D's when you can,  not more than 2 times a week. If you find a machine that works good, stick with it..  Dont try others just for fun.. you increase your risk of problems.  Most machines have an English option.

If you have online banking verify your W/D's online to check the amounts,  and fee's are correct.  If you find a problem, report it to the bank as soon as possilbe, and keep the receipts of the transactions, as proof.   Your not in the US. so it hard to dispute problems with foreign banks.  Though, I've never had problems, using this pattern.  Banks can be corrupt there too.

Visa is more widely accepted than Master Card in Ukriane but try to avoid cash advance on the Visa,  It gets expensive!

I have carried as much as 3K cash,,  but now usually 1500 and use the ATM, saving my cash for emergencies, or lack of ATM machines. 

Machines give local currency,, but usually not more than $180 worth or so at a time.  So keep on a budget.

 

Hope this helps..  NOYRT

[wendaaaal]

Photo Guy,

 I'd pretty much second most of what Noryt has to say. Here's my take on a few things:

2. Mobile phone. Look for a used "triband GSM unlocked" phone on ebay. I got one for about $50 and brought it over. Works just fine. Once there, buy a "starter kit" sim card from one of the local providers. I used KyivStar. Starter kit costs about $25 I think. It gives you a phone number, which remains yours as long as you use it once a year, I think. You get a few minutes of calls, then buy more "scratch cards" for more time. You can buy the cards at almost any shop. A phone is a MUST. Even girls who don't speak much English will give you their number and communicate via SMS (text message). Plus the phone is handy when you get lost, need help, etc.

3. Cash. I don't bring more than $500. Use ATMs at banks. They're everywhere. Never a problem. I have cards from two different banks. 90% of the time the one from my credit union (no fee) works, otherwise I'll pull the other out. Most ATMs there don't charge a fee, if so it's very small.

3a. Gratuities. The concept of "tips" is only starting there. Just round up the bill a bit, no need for the 15-20% we do here.

9. Lots of cafe's serving good coffee in Kyiv, usually with hot waitresses!

Don't worry about "sticking out like a sore thumb" You will, but nobody will hassle you, and the girls WILL notice you. No furtive eye contact like here. There's no question when you're being "checked out" . Hope this helps, Have a great time! Wendell in Austin

[BC]

[user=134]Photo Guy[/user] wrote:

6- Should I refrain from chewing tobacco.  

Cigs are bad enough unless you both smoke, but finding a woman that chews will probably be tough.. Swapping leftover pieces of tobacco and yucky brown goo? That's gotta be worse than pubic hair caught in the back of your throat..

Surely will limit the playing field, but rekon you better be honest and up front about it...

[TigerPaws]

[user=134]Photo Guy[/user] wrote:

6- Should I refrain from chewing tobacco.

 Photo Guy,

 You might consider giving the chew, this will be a huge turn off to the VAST majority of ladies in the FSU. In all of my years traveling throughout the FSU I never saw anyone using chew, believe me it will totally gross out the ladies.

[Photo Guy]

Chew?
Just kidding. I don't chew. I'm an ex-New Yorker and just wanted to
kid the Texans here at RWD.  

Okay, some follow-up questions. If you bring all that cash from the
US over there, do you have to convert it all? And where do you
exchange it? Banks? Hotel? I assume it all has to be gradually exchanged as you need it. On the other hand, ATM cash is
automatically exchanged.

Do I have to show the airport authorities my cash when I arrive in Kiev?  

I'm probably going to use a translator/guide. Any comments or suggestions about that?  

How do I send money to Larisa for her train fare from Mariupol
to Kiev? Western Union?

I assume I should carry my passport in my front pocket with my wallet, right?

More questions later....     -doug  

[deden]

Hi Photo Guy

I'd carry the passport with your other important paper (Money) in a concealed money belt.  Losing money is one thing, losing your passport is another!  Only exchange the money you need to live on for a few days.  As you travel around the city, you'll find the best rate of exchange places to convert it.  You can convert a little at the airport (not so good exchange rate) and convert more in town later.  Translators usually know the best places.  You won't be the first he or she has worked with.

If you are arriving with significantly more than $1,000, yes you will want to declare it if there is a chance you will be leaving with more than $1,000.  No penalty for declaring it.  Also advise using the VIP services (its worth it) at the airport which needs to be arranged in advance.

As for translators, you should arrange someone in advance to meet you at the airport if this is your first trip.  I like the electronic translators myself so I don't have to have someone with me all the time and only use the human translator for meeting me at the airport, getting the apartment keys, etc.  After that, I find when with the ladies, its better one on one instead of a threesome.

Train ticket isn't much so why not western union the money to her.

Just 2 cents from a cold war veteran

[wxman]

There are a lot of good reccomendations! I have been to Kiev and Ukraine 3 times in the last year, and I don't have as much experience as a lot of the people here who have travelled more than I have, but I thought I would add what I have observed while I was there.  First, notify your credit card company that you will be visiting Ukraine. I was lucky I did it the first time I travelled. They told me that if I would not have called them ahead of time, they would have denied any transactions from Ukraine. I would have been stuck with a useless credit card. Visa is readily accepted at bank ATMs and was stated earlier, only use the bank's ATM's. Some of the machines will allow you to withdraw dollars, but I never really undserstood why, since most places only take local currency. Do not exchange much money at Borispol airport as the exchange rate is not good. You can find many cabbies that speak english, and they do like Americans and will be quite helpful. My cabbie took me to a bank that gave a much better rate than at airport.     

Also I noticed that debit cards do not work as well as credit cards when withdrawing money from ATM's. I was told that is it better to have a 4 digit pin vs a 5 or 6 digit pin, as the banks are set up that way. I do not know if that is true, but it worked better for me.

 

[deden]

"Cigs are bad enough unless you both smoke"

 

I have been married to a RW and we have numerous friends that are AM/RW and have get-togethers at least every three months at one of our homes.  Almost EVERY RW that I know smokes (out of 9 couples, maybe two of the ladies don't smoke of which I know one quit when she met her husband)!  The funny thing is that out of the 9 American men, only two of us smoke.  It's kind of comical as the men will be inside talking and suddenly it'll be like where did the women go?  They're all outside smoking!  If you look at the profiles of ladies with agencies they'll all say they don't smoke (which if 7 out of 9 that I know do, you'd think there might be a few profiles saying "yes, I smoke").  So, the truth is, many RW smoke.  But since they are lead to believe by the agency owners that it would be best to say they don't, so that's what they put on their profile.  And, if you don't smoke, they more then likely won't smoke around you while you're "dating".  If you ask them they will say they don't smoke.  Some may quit all together once they discover you don't smoke and you end up getting married.  You'll never know they did.  But don't kid yourself, many RW smoke (or should I say used to smoke before they met you).  Ahhh, the little white lies.  Just a side note FWIW.  But I agree, even ladies that smoke ain't going to be much into chewing.

[Elen]

How do I send money to Larisa for her train fare from Mariupol
to Kiev? Western Union?

Promice her to return these money when you meet her. That's all. I'm sure she does have enough money to pay for train, life can't be such bad even at Ukraine;)

[Elen]

And where do you exchange it? Banks? Hotel? I assume it all has to be gradually exchanged as you need it

Banks, hotels and special exchane points (which you can meet at every step on Moscow streets for example. I think it's the same in Kiev. Let ask your girl to show you them)

Just NEVER use a "HELP" from some kind guys at streets or near banks  who offer you a very tempting rate of exchange - 100% you will lose all your money.

I assume I should carry my passport in my front pocket with my wallet, right?

 

Do you have a saying "don't put all eggs in one bag"? I don't know what's that thing you call money balt but I know a front poket is not the most save place for wallet together with pasport. One push with a shoulder from stranger at a street and you are free from your wallet in one second.

 

 

 

[Turboguy]

I will just make a couple of comments.   I find the electronic translators useless.   I own three of them and the ladies I was with could not understand a thing they translated.     They could figure out what I was trying to say from the english I typed in.    I tried to buy the best I could and it is not a case of a "cheap machine"

I like to take cash with me.  I guess I worry that I will get over there and the card won't work.   I really don't even use ATM's here either though.    I use a sock safe.   It fits down in your sock.   They are pretty available. 

There are places to change money everywhere.   It is not hard to find them.   I have only had to "show them" my money once and that was a while back.   The prices in Kiev are not bad.   Better figure a absolute minimum of $ 100 a day plus the apartment cost. 

It is easy to send money by western union.   You won't be sending that much so I would just send it.  You will have to e-mail her the control number.   It will be hand written on the top right of your western union form.   Other wise you just need her correct name and the city where she is likely to pick up the money.   There are Western union agencies all over the place there.

[Bruno]

[line]
It is easy to send money by western union.   You won't be sending that much so I would just send it.  You will have to e-mail her the control number.
[line]


Never send a control number via e-mail... several woman use computer from internet club, from work, from agency... it is possible that some one read the e-mail before and the money dissappear...

Yep, in some place, with only the control number, they pay the money, without control of identity...

Phone to her and give her the control number personaly...

[wendaaaal]

Photo Guy,

Exchanging dollars is never a problem. Look for signs everywhere "ОВМIН ВАЛЮТ" , sometimes in the back of shops. Rate will be posted on a sign outside. No extra fees charged. Banks usually have a separate line for changing money, but you may have to wait in line awhile. Show your passport (not always asked). They prefer crisp $100 bills, and may reject torn or written on bills. A few of your transactions, ie apartment rent, agency or translator fees, etc. may be priced in dollars, but everything else you'll be paying for in Hrivnas. Once you change money, try to keep smaller bills with you as much as possible. Getting change can be a problem. Changing a 100 Hrivna note can be harder than changing $100 here!

You most likely will be asked to show your cash when arriving if you have more than $1000 and use the "red line". You will also be asked to show cash at customs when departing. You must have less than you entered the country with.

Translator/guide. A good idea for your first trip. Be sure to have a clear agreement what they will and won't do. You don't want to be paying them for times you don't need them, such as meetings with girls who speak good English, etc. When you arrive, make sure the guide helps you to become "self sufficient". Get them to show you how to use the Metro and buses, how to shop for groceries, get your mobile phone set up, etc. That way you can function later on your own. A good guide can also help you meet women "on the fly". You see someone that looks interesting, the guide can see if see would like to talk to you, making use of "dead time" between meetings, etc.

Money for train - The train will cost her $20 tops, probably less than half that. Western Union fees will be much more than that. See should be able to pay that, just assure her you will pay for her ticket immediately on meeting in Kyiv. Once in Ukraine it is also possible to send small amounts of money through the post office for small fees. Hard to do unless you speak Russian or have the guide help with that.

Relax, have fun, get ready for the trip of a lifetime! Wendell in Austin

[Turboguy]

Also while you are in Kiev watch out for the dropped money or dropped wallet scam.   They tried to pull it on me the last time I was there.   There are some posts about it.   Just keep walking and don't talk to them if they try it on you.  

[in_phoenix]

PhotoGuy -

Hey there, just found this site and so far it has a lot of useful information.  I live in Phoenix and have just recently started to have e-mail conversations with a woman in Vladimir.  So far so good.  I am thinking ahead to the day when I may take a trip out there and trying to get things in order as early as possible.  I guess never doing this before I was totally in the dark about things.  I figured I just needed to get a passport, book the flight and hotel and I would be set.  I just recently found out about the visa and a letter of invitation and now my head is spinning in hopes I'll have it all together.  Depending if this goes anywhere I might try to get there in late July.

Anyway, I would be interested in getting together with you if it is ok some time, to pick your brain and get some opinions in person.  Maybe some one to guide me since it appears that you are a lot further along than I.

 

I read a lot on the internet, maybe it is good but maybe too much information is bad, but I hear a lot of bad when it comes to doing all this.  Mostly what I have been reading is a lot about being scammed.  I'm hoping the one I'm talking to now is the real deal but I guess time will tell.  Everything seems to be going well.  At any rate, looking way into the future, what kind of problems will I be having if this does turn out to be a marriage.  Will I have a big problem in culture shock bringing someone from there to here, language barriers, how about the red tape and paper work?  I'm new to this site so I'll look around but the flood of questions running through my mind.

 

Thanks,

John

[TigerPaws]

"Cigs are bad enough unless you both smoke"

 

I have been married to a RW and we have numerous friends that are AM/RW and have get-togethers at least every three months at one of our homes.  Almost EVERY RW that I know smokes (out of 9 couples, maybe two of the ladies don't smoke of which I know one quit when she met her husband)!  The funny thing is that out of the 9 American men, only two of us smoke.  It's kind of comical as the men will be inside talking and suddenly it'll be like where did the women go?  They're all outside smoking!  If you look at the profiles of ladies with agencies they'll all say they don't smoke (which if 7 out of 9 that I know do, you'd think there might be a few profiles saying "yes, I smoke").  So, the truth is, many RW smoke.  But since they are lead to believe by the agency owners that it would be best to say they don't, so that's what they put on their profile.  And, if you don't smoke, they more then likely won't smoke around you while you're "dating".  If you ask them they will say they don't smoke.  Some may quit all together once they discover you don't smoke and you end up getting married.  You'll never know they did.  But don't kid yourself, many RW smoke (or should I say used to smoke before they met you).  Ahhh, the little white lies.  Just a side note FWIW.  But I agree, even ladies that smoke ain't going to be much into chewing.

deden,

 Of the 32 ladies I met with while on my quest for a Russian bride finding a non smoker was an absolute must for me, I came across 2 ladies who lied about their smoking. They were pollitely told that things would never work out between us after one date, there are some things I will not compromise about and smoking is on of them.