Going to Odessa!

[Mikebos32]

Well, almost done finalizing all the preparations for the trip now. Leaving on September 3rd and arriving on the 4th in Odessa. Got a local rock band and a couple friends of a friend here meeting me at the airport as I am very much a newbie traveler. I am getting pretty excited to go! The band wanted, of all things, an NFL football. Apparently those are hard to come by over there. My days are hectic and time draws nearer but I think it will be a lot of fun. Any of you guys or gals been to Odessa?  Do feel free to point out anything worth noting or seeing. I will be there for 2 weeks and intend to enjoy every minute. Opted to go for an apartment rental. Was cheaper to book it for the whole month than to arrange for the time I will be there. Having people over there to help has been invaluable as what I was finding on the web, while adequate, was nowhere near as good. I will be visiting Nikolaev for some of that time as well. Really appreciate anything constructive you can add as I stated before, very much a newbie traveler to anywhere, let alone another country. Everyone I have met who has been helping me so far has been a bunch of great people so we are off to a good start. I will post more as the trip progresses.
Mike

[Muddy]

Odessa
For renting flats in Odessa--best to rent a flat in the center Deribasovskaya/ Ekaterininskaya streets
http://rent-in-odessa.com/
Our address: 47 Ekaterininskaya St., office 18, Odessa, Ukraine
Phone: 38 097 5712557
E-mail: rentinodessa@gmail.com

http://www.Letsgoodessa.com
info@letsgoodessa.com
cel: +38067-484-43-02
tel: +38048-799-40-02

They do have transfer service to/from the airport for $15-$20 and if you call the 2nd agency they have taxi transfer from Odessa to Nikolaev for $65
------------------------------
Nikolaev
Renting flats in Nikolaev- Best to rent in the center corner of st. Sovetskaya/Prospect Lenina, McDonalds is right in there
Their driver can pick you up in Odessa and drive you to your flat in Nikolaev for $65-$70
nikolaevapartmentsrent.com
Victoria
Address:
Pr. Lenina 73 office 38, Nikolaev, Ukraine
Phone: +38 050 190 2876
e-mail: office@nikolaevapartmentsrent.com

[Muddy]

In Odessa there is grocery market On Deribosovskaya street next to McDonalds in Europa shopping plaza, its downstairs, you can buy a map of downtown Odessa there too

[Mikebos32]

Good info thanks Muddy.

[Mikebos32]

I meant to ask. Do atm cards work there ok? I would really rather not bring a lot of cash to carry.

[JR]

Don't know about debit cards but your credit cards should work.

It is imperative that you call your credit card companies and let them know of your travel arrangements or you'll most likely find them refused. If you've never travelled and a bunch or even one purchase in a foriegn country will flag outside or your profile and the fraud department will shut you down until they can get ahold of you. That could prove inconvient for you.

Oh yeah, Welcome and hope your trip is awesome

[Muddy]

I meant to ask. Do atm cards work there ok? I would really rather not bring a lot of cash to carry.

Also ask the bank how much is the fee per transaction, some cfredit card compnaies charge 4-5% or higher

If you have a laptop make sure your flats have inernet access, its not easy to find internet clubs in Nikolaev

[Mars]

In Odessa there is grocery market On Deribosovskaya street next to McDonalds in Europa shopping plaza, its downstairs, you can buy a map of downtown Odessa there too

The grocery market you refer to is not 'next to' McDonalds.  It isn't even on Deribosovskaya street.  It may not be too far away, but it certainly is not 'next to.'

[Ulysses]

Your debit cards should do very well.......ckeck with the officer at your local bank...in fact, keep their number with you.   I needed it in France once as a glitch came up there recently.   Probably good to set a daily limit on transactions so you & bank have a clear understanding in case of some "mis-use" issues......and know those numbers in your head or keep protected.....pickpockets are everywhere, not just in Ukraine or FSU......a recent event in Paris cost several $$$.

[Vinnvinny]

The grocery market you refer to is not 'next to' McDonalds.  It isn't even on Deribosovskaya street.  It may not be too far away, but it certainly is not 'next to.'

I think you will find Muddy is 100% correct. The shopping centre IS right next door to McDonalds (on the left as you look from street) and downstairs there IS a supermarket.

[Donhollio]

 Your ATM fee may be $5.00  Your bank will be able to tell you. And it doesn't hurt to tell them you'll be going to Ukraine.
 ATM cards are widely accepted, spend the $5 and take cash as a visa card is only good in the tourist area, and after all there's an entire city to see. Venture out from the centre,and see the real Odessa. I have spent about 5 months there,and going down Deribosovskaya ( Odessa's most popular street) you will find the most English services in the city.
 It's too bad you will be just missing the summer season,and the nightclub scene will be slower then even a week prior to your arrival.  Do always have your passport on you,failing to do so will result in a small fine $10-15 depending on the number of cops.

If you want to see a huge outdoor market go to 7km market. It's just outside the city, and you can catch a bus going there from outside the train station if you pass up on the taxi. Avoid any 1st dates with a girl who wants to take you to a sushi joint. She doesn't really care about you and is just living high on your $$$

 Odessa agency chicks are a tough nut to crack...good luck dude 

 If you want more info PM me.

[wendaaaal]

I think you will find Muddy is 100% correct. The shopping centre IS right next door to McDonalds (on the left as you look from street) and downstairs there IS a supermarket.

Vinny,
Agree with you and Muddy. There's a nice supermarket in the Euro complex next to McD's. Mars is probably thinking of the one in the "Greek Center" a block away. That supermarket is even bigger. They both have everything anyone would need. Cheers, Wendell

[zigmund65]

Hey Mike, sounds like you are departing Odessa just as I am arriving. I should be in town around September 18 or 19 and will be around for 2 weeks at least. If you happen to stay longer, let me know.

Thanks to whomever posted the apt rental links in Odessa and Nikolaev. That is definitely the route I will be going.

[Mikebos32]

Sure will, I actually rented the place for a month but will only be there 2 weeks. I am about all done with prep and dreading the plane ride, but will be excited once there I am sure. 9 hour wait time in NYC something I am not looking forward to but I brought a few books and will have a laptop as well so hopefully the time will fly. As it stands I have at least 6 people who will be meeting me at the airport now so I feel a little safer at least on that front. I will post more as time goes on and once there. To everyone posting with suggestions here, once again, thanks very much.
Mike

[Muddy]

Good info thanks Muddy.

You're welcom sir

[ScottinCrimea]

Never been to Odessa but lived a few years in Crimea so I think I can offer you some ideas.  There are ATM machines on every corner and they work fine so don't worry about having to bring a bunch of cash.  Exchange maybe $50 to hryvna at the airport for immediate cash but wait until you are settled in before exchanging more because you will get a much better rate than at the airport.

Having someone meet you at the airport is great because the initial shock of arriving in a new country can be overwhelming. It really is another planet.

If you don't have time to learn anything else before you go, at least learn the Cyrillic alphabet and the numbers in Russian.  Not so difficult but will be an enormous benefit.

Most of all, enjoy the experience and keep an open mind and a sense of humor.  Remember that things there are as they are because they work for those involved.  Don't fight it, just go with it

[Mikebos32]

Thanks Scott, I am a go with the flow kinda guy anyway. I really look forward to seeing the markets and trying different foods, and just overall being a tourist. Here in Florida I pretty much wear shorts exclusively year round so I had to go get some long pants and some less conspicuous outfits etc, it is my hope to experience the trip more as a local than a foreigner. Doing those Pimsleur CD's and Rosetta stone things for a while now so I can do a small amount of conversation too. Just seemed to be sensible to be a little prepared on that. I am sure it is very different  but no matter what I think, it is probably even more different than I imagine. I go in with a positive outlook though and will have some friends there to fall back on for other advice too so that is a blessing. As of now, it is a week away!
Mike

[Stirlitz]

I would not be so sure about ATMs because sometimes they fail for no obvious reason. Do have some cash just in case. Ukrainian ATM system is crappy.

[BC]

I would not be so sure about ATMs because sometimes they fail for no obvious reason. Do have some cash just in case. Ukrainian ATM system is crappy.

Same here... get 'so much' at this one, twice that amount at other... or none at all.  Since the banking crisis, trust between ATM circuits has hit an all time low.

Even have 'your card is invalid'... walk across the street and works fine.

[travelua2009]

Well, almost done finalizing all the preparations for the trip now. Leaving on September 3rd and arriving on the 4th in Odessa. Mike

Cheap Odessa apartments for short term and long term rent. Discounts from 7 days renting. Pick up at the airport and transfer directly to apartment.

[doctorLove]

If you will need a transfer from Odessa to Nikolaev please let me know!
If you will need to meet women check this www.catchyourmatch.net
Dont take your wallet when you go to nightclub!

[Vinnvinny]

If you will need a transfer from Odessa to Nikolaev please let me know!
If you will need to meet women check this www.catchyourmatch.net
Dont take your wallet when you go to nightclub!

Are your women for dating leading to marriage, or other 'things'?

[Stirlitz]

Nice promo thread for cheap women.

[visit2odessa]

Odessa Ukraine has long been known as a prime budget destination. There is so many things to see and do in Odessa, Ukraine.

[Patagonie]

If you will need a transfer from Odessa to Nikolaev please let me know!
If you will need to meet women check this www.catchyourmatch.net
Dont take your wallet when you go to nightclub!

For any newbies, you should avoid this type of crap agency.  You will find tons on internet. No office in Ukraine, No contact phone in Ukraine, No copy of their legal registration in Ukraine, NO prices.