Davai! Davai!

[noelscot]

Don't forget to use bottled water for brushing teeth as well.  It's easy to forget.
 
Travel insurance is a must.  I don't think that any US insurance will work in Ukraine.  Travel insurance is inexpensive and usually provides evacuation coverage (they fly you home).  Allianz and Travel Guard are two of the larger ones.  A Google search will bring up many more options.  If you chose to purchase the insurance that was offered by the airline when you purchased your tickets you're probably already covered.
 
Bring a couple of pens and some small note paper.  Standard size post its maybe or a small note pad.  Paper for writing notes comes from old receipts and other small, thin scraps.  It's best to have your own paper for writing addresses for cab drivers and the like.

There is a Western style "supermarket" (it's small) in Kyiv near the TGI Fridays.  I think it's called "Billa" and is an Austrian chain.  There may be others like it but it's the only one that I'm aware of.
 
Have an excellent trip.  Looking forward to reading your trip report. . .

Vada ne-horosho. Check.
This is great information!
I'm pretty much going Howard Hughes on a lot of this stuff, so that when I get there I can relax and not have to think about much.

[noelscot]

Yep, you'll make your own sweet tea.  Be sure to use the bottled water and not the water from the tap.  Many drink it without seeming consequence after boiling, and yeah you can do that in a pinch during an earthquake or something to stay alive, but otherwise use bottled water.  Not many iced tea drinkers over there.  Try McDonald's because their coffee is great (really) so they may be able to quench your iced tea craving whilst you're out and about.


And take grits with you. They'll be a hit!  especially if you get the magic ones from the same guy who sold Jack his beanstalk beans! 

I think I'm going to inevitably spill borshch on my nice dress clothes. So I've added Tide pen to my list of essential items. lol

[Daveman]

Vada ne-horosho. Check.
This is great information!
I'm pretty much going Howard Hughes on a lot of this stuff, so that when I get there I can relax and not have to think about much.

Indeed it is... here's some more great info from a related travel thread.


First Time Travels Checklist

[Faux Pas]

Never done this, never been sick.

I too have always brushed my teeth with tap water in Russia and never been sick. Although, I do take extra caution to not swallow any. As for the insurance, my Blue Cross is good in Russia but, I also buy the travel insurance. Mainly for bags and trip interruption and pay for the medical as well. It's a good value if you do ever need it

[Kunstkammer]

I cook with it too, granted only the cold water, and it is boiled during the cooking.  I also drink unboiled but filtered cold water often and never have any adverse effects.

[Gator]

I cook with it too, granted only the cold water, and it is boiled during the cooking.  I also drink unboiled but filtered cold water often and never have any adverse effects.

I have consumed tap water in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Chelyabinsk (and perhaps others without knowing it).  Never, repeat never, became ill (knock on wood).

Please keep in mind that from my many many years of global travel, sometimes to places without fllush toilets, I probably have a diverse, vigorous and  well established colony of flora and fauna in my 25-ft  GI tract.     

[ML]

The susceptibility to problems from water and other sources is very person specific.
What will disable one person will not affect another.
There is zero value in avoiding caution just because one person (or ten persons) tell that they had no problems.
Such luck by a few will be of little comfort to the person who has serious problems, up to and including death.

[Jack]

I agree ML.   I know many people who live in Ukraine, they live there, and will never drink the water out of the tap.   And you have some people who have lived in Ukraine all there life, drink the tap water with no problem.  These people's body has adapted to the water and various things living in the water.

I have seen what drinking the water can do to foreign men.  If they take AmodiumAD they will be down about 1 day, it is the best medicine. I always take this medicine with me and it is something I recommend all my clients to take.  Otherwise its a 2 or 3 day ordeal.  Most guys cannot afford to give up 2-3 days by staying close to the bathroom.   

One of the things our support staff does with all men as soon as we get their luggage to the flat is to take them to the closest, best market and help them to buy food, juice, snacks and bottled water for brushing teeth and bottle water for the frig.  I'd rather my guys not take the chance and for only 35 cents, it's cheap insurance.

[noelscot]

Bolshoi spasiba! I'll be on Boulevard Shevchenko in Kiev the first several days.

I won't be on RWD for a while, so don't send a search party or anything.
On top of a last minute trip to Ukraine, I have to move to San Diego by 4-23.
I return from Ukraine to Alabama 3-23-12.
So I'm a busy guy, to say the least.
I'm sure I'll have all sorts of hijinks and shenanigans to post from the trip report by at least May, though.
Special thanks to Jack for all of his help. I recommend him to anyone who is planning on going. He's very professional and a great guy.

[Turboguy]

During my 25 +/- trips to the FSU I had times I drank the water with no problem.  I quite often brushed my teeth with tap water, spitting it out.   


I had one trip which was a European Connections tour where I drank no water, brushed my teeth with bottled water and still got sick as a dog.   I think it was from the food being washed in the water or the like.   At first I thought it was just me but as the group sat around having breakfast together the subject came up and everyone on the tour was experiencing the same thing.  For me it lasted about 7 days with the last 4 or so being treated with a heavy dose of Immodium.   I was ok during the day as long as I never got too far from a rest room.  The worst part was at night when I slept.  That was the last trip I took without some Immodium but never had a problem again.  Be sure you pack some just in case.

[noelscot]

I know much more about odessa.....
 
Getting around walking wise is simple in centre, you cannot get lost. Taxis are easily identifiable but you will be gouged on price. From centre to half hour away should be 50-60 uah at most but i am sure price will start over 100. The older taxis are cheaper. If you put your hand out hip level someone will stop to 'taxi' you...need an address and 'skolka', have a paper and pen handy for writing. My gf used to text me a location or address she was at and I would show driver.
Have the girl take you to arkadia to see.....it is closed till summer.
In afena mall( close to deribasovskaya) there is a very good market in bottom with most everything you need but not like home!!!!
I have my favorite restaurants there are 99 and Japanese down street from each other on rishelevskaya. There is a bowling alley and dolphin show. Try to get out to the huge outdoor market if not too cold.
Forget the mixed drinks...I have never had one close to what is at home.....though last time I saw a bottle of Malibu and asked if they had pineapple juice!!!!!!
BTW...Where are you staying at in odessa? How are you getting from Kiev to odessa?
 
Hope some of this helps...

I'll be real close to deribasovskaya st. When we travel from Kiev to Odessa, we will take a train. I'll check out the afena mall. That's good info. Thanks!

[noelscot]

Kyiv medical, scroll do page past Moscow medical info:
http://russianreport.wordpress.com/come-to-russia-get-a-visa/medical-care/


You can purchase an inexpensive travel medical policy as your private insurance in most cases will be iffy, unless you live in the EU. Get one that also transports you home in case of something very serious, and a policy that pays the hospital directly so that you can leave the country without having to pay first.



This is the world of small specialty markets in most residential areas. To find a superstore or truly Western supermarket you'll go to the outskirts of most cities. The beautiful thing about the markets is that each has a unique charm.


Of course you'll be gouged if all you can do is hand the driver a piece of paper. Likely you'll become accustomed to the little vans that run specific routes.

The Kyiv underground Metro system is good as well. With your study of the language, use this as an opportunity to immerse yourself in situations that help you use and expand your language ability.

This is of the Moscow Metro but it is almost the same in Kyiv: http://russianreport.wordpress.com/come-to-russia-get-a-visa/moscow-the-metro-city-transportation/

Kyiv info: http://www.gokiev.info/subway.php

A town of any size will have taxi mini-vans (Маршрутка/marshrutka) which drive specific routes, generally starting at Metro stations. The price is the same for everyone so you won't be gouged. They typically seat 10 to 12 riders and you can request a stop at any time. This would be the driver to show your written sign. 





Each van has its own route so watch the numbers on the side of the van and you'll figure out the system in no time. Pay upon finding a seat by passing the fare from person to person up to the front. If your amount is wrong the other riders will tell you. Riders will often help you make correct change.

Odessa transport: http://www.odessaportal.com/transportation_ukraine



That has been covered, complete with terms and photos, here: http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?topic=14065.msg281033#msg281033

Bolshoi spasiba! I now added a canvas tote bag to my list of essential items after reading some of your blog. I bookmarked your blog because it is chock full of great travel information. Molodets!

[noelscot]

Don't forget to use bottled water for brushing teeth as well.  It's easy to forget.
 
Travel insurance is a must.  I don't think that any US insurance will work in Ukraine.  Travel insurance is inexpensive and usually provides evacuation coverage (they fly you home).  Allianz and Travel Guard are two of the larger ones.  A Google search will bring up many more options.  If you chose to purchase the insurance that was offered by the airline when you purchased your tickets you're probably already covered.
 
Bring a couple of pens and some small note paper.  Standard size post its maybe or a small note pad.  Paper for writing notes comes from old receipts and other small, thin scraps.  It's best to have your own paper for writing addresses for cab drivers and the like.

There is a Western style "supermarket" (it's small) in Kyiv near the TGI Fridays.  I think it's called "Billa" and is an Austrian chain.  There may be others like it but it's the only one that I'm aware of.
 
Have an excellent trip.  Looking forward to reading your trip report. . .

Just wanted to make a more robust comment on water consumption precautions and preparedness, because it has received a lot of discussion. I would carry some water purification tablets in a carry-on bag and about a 50g ziplock of potassium permanganate in the checked bag. There is never a guarantee that bottled water will be available, and the SAS and other military forces cover this contingency with chlorinated purification tablets and potassium permanganate, the latter of which can be used to treat athletes' foot, wounds, skin conditions, etc. Also, you can use iodine or bleach to clean water: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Purify-Water-Using-Iodine-Tincture/
http://www.doh.wa.gov/phepr/handbook/purify.htmp://
 
 
 
Bottom line: boiling is the simplest way to purify water.
 
Anyhow, I'll drink and brush teeth with bottled water, carry purification tablets/potassium permangnate, and a medical kit just like I do everywhere I go. Mostly, I will carry a big smile and a happy disposition.
 
This is something else I discovered. Most banks DO NOT have fresh, new $100 bills and they really do not give a crap about helping a customer, either. I discovered that the branch in the most affluent area (where travel of customers is common) was able to meet my needs immediately. Only three of 40 bills ended up being marked. So I'll trade them for fresh bills before I depart Thursday. To guys who are going, GET YOUR FRESH $100 BILLS EARLY; IT'S FAR FROM EASY.

[Gator]

I would carry some water purification tablets in a carry-on bag and about a 50g ziplock of potassium permanganate in the checked bag. 
 
 

Potassium permanganate?  UW will think you weird when you add this to water and produce this brilliant purple solution.  And you will drink it in front of your UW!?

Seriously, don't use it.  All it does is remove dissolved iron.   The water purification tablets are probably iodine which when dissolved in water and allowed to sit will kill bacteria but not all pathogens.   

IMO the major concern with FSU water would be trace carcinogens from industrial wastewater discharges upstream of the water supply intake.  Activated carbon is needed.

Just use bottled water, which is sold everywhere, I mean everywhere.  Food kiosks are ubiquitous in the FSU.   Decide whether you want water with or without gas, and learn to pronounce such before you leave.
 
 

[ML]

Just use bottled water, which is sold everywhere, I mean everywhere.  Food kiosks are ubiquitous in the FSU.   Decide whether you want water with or without gas, and learn to pronounce such before you leave.

Voda biz gaza.  (Water without gas)

At restaurants, ask that they bring the bottle of water 'unopened' to the table.
Otherwise, they may fill up an empty bottle from the water tap.
Most restaurants are pretty used to this request or even do it without having to be asked.
I suspect this is part of the training going on now for Euro 2012.

[noelscot]

Potassium permanganate?  UW will think you weird when you add this to water and produce this brilliant purple solution.  And you will drink it in front of your UW!?

Seriously, don't use it.  All it does is remove dissolved iron.   The water purification tablets are probably iodine which when dissolved in water and allowed to sit will kill bacteria but not all pathogens.   

IMO the major concern with FSU water would be trace carcinogens from industrial wastewater discharges upstream of the water supply intake.  Activated carbon is needed.

Just use bottled water, which is sold everywhere, I mean everywhere.  Food kiosks are ubiquitous in the FSU.   Decide whether you want water with or without gas, and learn to pronounce such before you leave.

The potassium permanganate and chlorinated tablets are for disasters, etc. that might cause bottled water to not be readily available. I seriously doubt that is going to happen, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared. This is not weird for me, because I carry it in a BOB every day. I've never had occassion to use this stuff, but if I do me and my lady will drink some purple water rather than dehydrate.

[SteveOR]

This is something else I discovered. Most banks DO NOT have fresh, new $100 bills and they really do not give a crap about helping a customer, either. I discovered that the branch in the most affluent area (where travel of customers is common) was able to meet my needs immediately. Only three of 40 bills ended up being marked. So I'll trade them for fresh bills before I depart Thursday. To guys who are going, GET YOUR FRESH $100 BILLS EARLY; IT'S FAR FROM EASY.

Yeah, I have run into that problem before.  I've been told that the treasury will only take orders for new, uncirculated bills from banks and credit unions for the holidays.  I have been able to get new $100s and $20s fairly easily before Christmas.  The rest of the year I just go through what I get at an ATM.  Ususally there are a couple of $20s that are or look new.  This is especially true in January when all that new Christmas money gets spent and circulated.
 
As you've discovered, there are also banks in affluent areas where the manager keeps a stash of new bills for birthday gifts or for travelers. . .