Poltava, Ukraine

[noelscot]

Hi,


I'm getting my ducks in a row to visit a Lady in Poltava in Oktober.


Currently, we are working on coordinating our vacation days, so there is not a set date yet.


I don't want to put the cart before the horse, but advice about the trip would be much appreciated.  Below I will describe my basic game plan, and you experienced gentleman, please advise me.


1) Already have U.S. Passport. My research tells me Ukraine requires no Visa for Amerikan citizens to enter.


2) P.O.E. --Kyiv airport. Take train or bus (preferably train) to Poltava from there.


3) I've been advised to NOT do any currency exchanges at an airport, because I will get taken for a ride. Please let me know a specific spot in Kyiv that is good for currency exchange.  I'm planning on carrying $1K. (I'll whip up a more accurate budget once I tally all of the numbers.)


4) Lodging: I'll either stay with my Lady or rent an apartment. I do not want to be presumptuous, so I will go ahead and rent an apartment. If there are any handlers for ignorant foreigners like myself in Poltava who are reputable, please send me their contact info or message me.


5) Length of stay: roughly 2 weeks. My idea is to make this visit a vacation for my Lady as well. If she would like to go on a trip to Odessa or any other places that are fun, we will have enough time to do more than hang out in Poltava. She has a sister in Kyiv, so maybe we can meet in Kyiv.


6) Clothes: Pretty much dress like Cary Grant the whole time I am with her, unless we are in a casual situation which warrants informal dress. Tailored suits, tailored shirts, nice Allan Edmond shoes, overcoat, scarves, gloves, etc. Shoe polish, brush, and rag.  Since it will likely be cold, I will dress accordingly.


7) Medicine: analgesic, intestinal sedative, antibiotic, antihistamine, water sterilizing tablets, anti-malaria tablets, potassium permanganate, dramamine, plasters, butterfly sutures, etc.


Feel free to really go Howard Hughes on this.

[Faux Pas]

1) Already have U.S. Passport. My research tells me Ukraine requires no Visa for Amerikan citizens to enter.

True. Your visit is only for two weeks, nothing to concern you here

3) I've been advised to NOT do any currency exchanges at an airport, because I will get taken for a ride. Please let me know a specific spot in Kyiv that is good for currency exchange.  I'm planning on carrying $1K. (I'll whip up a more accurate budget once I tally all of the numbers.)

I've never been to the Kyiv airport however, the money exchange rate may not be the greatest but, it's likely not a gouge either. You'll probably have a need for some local currency as soon as you step out of the airport. At the very least exchange a $100 or so. Be prepared

4) Lodging: I'll either stay with my Lady or rent an apartment. I do not want to be presumptuous, so I will go ahead and rent an apartment. If there are any handlers for ignorant foreigners like myself in Poltava who are reputable, please send me their contact info or message me.

Rent an apartment. You'll need a refuge. For a number of reasons. Does anyone live in the same apartment as your lady? The apartment is much smaller than you think, privacy will be an issue. If you and the lady don't jive, it will be a pisser to be stuck at her place for two weeks or kicked to the curb, wouldn't it?

7) Medicine: analgesic, intestinal sedative, antibiotic, antihistamine, water sterilizing tablets, anti-malaria tablets, potassium permanganate, dramamine, plasters, butterfly sutures, etc.


Feel free to really go Howard Hughes on this.

Do you carry these items with you all the time? Most people do not, why now? Everything you've listed you can obtain in UA. Be weary of the tap water. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.


Prepare yourself as you would for any other 2 week trip (say, to Europe)and you'll be fine 

[noelscot]

I was thinking about getting about $100 US converted to Ukraine money through AAA before I depart and acquiring a pre-paid AAA TravelMoney Visa debit card, which I could use at ATMs, etc. Then, of course, have some hard cash.


I agree about the lodging. It would be dumb to not have a place of my own to stay.


I do have a lot of the medical items, and more, that I mentioned in a B.O.B., but I am admittedly weird like that. That's a great tip about the local water. I'd heard Ukraine was a "2 1/2 World country."

[Muzh]

Below I will describe my basic game plan, and you experienced gentleman, please advise me.

Fine, you asked.
 

1) Already have U.S. Passport. My research tells me Ukraine requires no Visa for Amerikan citizens to enter.


2) P.O.E. --Kyiv airport. Take train or bus (preferably train) to Poltava from there.

Avtolux is a bus you can take right there at the airport and gring you to Poltave bus depot. Price is like $15. IF you take a train you'll have to get to the center of the city and that's about $40 for a cab ride and the train can cost you between $20 to $40 depending if it is the fast train and accomodations in the train. Personally, don't take the train unless she goes and picks you up at the airport and you get a personal car just for the two of youse. Very romantic slow train to Poltava.

3) I've been advised to NOT do any currency exchanges at an airport, because I will get taken for a ride. Please let me know a specific spot in Kyiv that is good for currency exchange.  I'm planning on carrying $1K. (I'll whip up a more accurate budget once I tally all of the numbers.)

Exchange money at the airport ONLY IF you need to make a cash transaction like buying bus tickets. Nothing more. If you have not made arrangements to stay in Kyiv, avoid it at all costs. To stay in Kyiv and not get ripped off you have to plan this with anticipation and have a local make the transactions.

 

4) Lodging: I'll either stay with my Lady or rent an apartment. I do not want to be presumptuous, so I will go ahead and rent an apartment. If there are any handlers for ignorant foreigners like myself in Poltava who are reputable, please send me their contact info or message me.

 

I don't know what your situation is with your lady but if you have an opportunity to saty with her, do it. Just ask her, she'll give you excuses tell you if it is okay or not. If you are planning on getting an apartment, as her to make the arrangements. You'll soon find out if you will trust her or not.
 
 

5) Length of stay: roughly 2 weeks. My idea is to make this visit a vacation for my Lady as well. If she would like to go on a trip to Odessa or any other places that are fun, we will have enough time to do more than hang out in Poltava. She has a sister in Kyiv, so maybe we can meet in Kyiv.

Is that the only time you have available? Visit Odesa or other places? In two weeks? If things go well maybe you both can stay with her sister in Kyiv the day before you depart and get to know her.
 
Two weeks?? Oh boy.
 

6) Clothes: Pretty much dress like Cary Grant the whole time I am with her, unless we are in a casual situation which warrants informal dress. Tailored suits, tailored shirts, nice Allan Edmond shoes, overcoat, scarves, gloves, etc. Shoe polish, brush, and rag.  Since it will likely be cold, I will dress accordingly.

Is this the way you dress regularly? If not, my apologies but you are no Cary Grant. Do the opposite and stay casual. Just bring one suit. I've been there a number of Octobers and the temp is normally in the 60s. One October I was frying in 85 degree weather. You'll be standing out like a sore thumb dress like that in October.
 
 

7) Medicine: analgesic, intestinal sedative, antibiotic, antihistamine, water sterilizing tablets, anti-malaria tablets, potassium permanganate, dramamine, plasters, butterfly sutures, etc.

Overkill. Some Pepto Bismol AND Imodium. Those two you will definitely need and you cannot get there. You can get something there that is supposed to do the same but will not. (I know this for a fact.) Everything else you can get there.
 
You forgot to mention one thing. Bring your optimism and coolness. And most of all, bring your happy self.
 
Haver fun.

[Jumper]

for apartments in kiev or poltova,
as well as airport transfers to the train station or other,
like pre arranging bus tickets or train tickets as example..
 
I would recommend you contact member Jack.
 

poltova isn't too far from kiev,,
 still a bit of a long  ride in either the bus or train
,but both will get you there quirte well 

As far as exchanging money, i think you'll find plenty of currency exchange kiosks anywhere in ukraine.
 
I prefer to use a debit/visa card for travel there.
Simply for convienience..
I generally have a seperarte account set up for this ,and deposit what  i want for the trip , then withdraw afterwards for a bit of added security.
generally your card will haver a decent exchange rate, but check with your bank about this or any international ATM fees
and yes you'll find ATMs every 100 meters (say:bankomat)
 
 
on dress, you might be a bit overdone ?
for a first date its ok to dress to impress!
she probably will!
 
but be aware that while FSU people may general dress a bit better to do daily things like going to the market, its still casual.. not *formal wear*
 
 
2 weeks -
well you can  spend some time  there , and then in another city like  kiev or another area..?
(crimea might still be good weather in october as example?)
 
 
Last year i went to nikolaev for about 4  days then went to crimea for the remainder and took an overnight train back to kiev to fly out..  with overnight trains, (from keiv to niko, then simferiopol to kiev)  it was not really hectic or rushed.
and i did not pre-plan it all out,just had a general idea of travel plans that might change.
(but did make sure and get the train tickets to niko pre purchased) Was a great trip.
 

Good luck!
 

[noelscot]

Avtolux is a bus you can take right there at the airport and gring you to Poltave bus depot. Price is like $15. IF you take a train you'll have to get to the center of the city and that's about $40 for a cab ride and the train can cost you between $20 to $40 depending if it is the fast train and accomodations in the train. Personally, don't take the train unless she goes and picks you up at the airport and you get a personal car just for the two of youse. Very romantic slow train to Poltava.

 
 
It's funny, she just told me the same thing about taking the bus this morning, but she said it is crowded and uncomfortable. She prefers the bus, though, and does not like trains. Maybe we'll have a romantic bus ride. We'll see. lol
 

To stay in Kyiv and not get ripped off you have to plan this with anticipation and have a local make the transactions.

She said she likes Kyiv. I'll let her make all of the arrangements if we decide to spend some time there. She has family there, too.
 

I don't know what your situation is with your lady but if you have an opportunity to saty with her, do it. Just ask her, she'll give you excuses tell you if it is okay or not. If you are planning on getting an apartment, as her to make the arrangements. You'll soon find out if you will trust her or not.
 

We've never met one another, and we are realistic about how all of this is going to take some time and patience.  I also think she has a flat mate, so it would probably be inconvenient for me to stay there.
 

Is that the only time you have available? Visit Odesa or other places? In two weeks? If things go well maybe you both can stay with her sister in Kyiv the day before you depart and get to know her.
 
Two weeks?? Oh boy.
 

I wish I could stay there for several months exploring eastern Europe, but, alas, I have a day job and a limited amount of vacation days. Also, she has a job, too. She has a limit to how long she can be away from work, because she is self-employed. When I was working 7-on/7-off, I would have been able to get a month off if I owed someone a week's time, but that's neither here nor there. She said she wants to visit Kyiv, so I figure that the latter portion of the trip we can stay there before I depart.
 

Is this the way you dress regularly? If not, my apologies but you are no Cary Grant. Do the opposite and stay casual. Just bring one suit. I've been there a number of Octobers and the temp is normally in the 60s. One October I was frying in 85 degree weather. You'll be standing out like a sore thumb dress like that in October.

 

Believe it or not, I am a suit and tie guy. I always wore a suit and tie to the university. My work now is in a clean room environment a lot of the time, so I never wear nice clothes to work, because they will get ruined. But in social situations, I do like to dress formal. If it is a hot weather situation, I think a man can still dress to impress without sacrificing comfort. Thank you for telling me how the weather is, as I was indeed concerned about it being too hot for winter wear.
 
Re medicine: How are the pharmacies in Ukraine? Do I need a prescription, or is it like Mexican Pharmacias (sp?)

[noelscot]

for apartments in kiev or poltova,
as well as airport transfers to the train station or other,
like pre arranging bus tickets or train tickets as example..
 
I would recommend you contact member Jack.
 

poltova isn't too far from kiev,,
 still a bit of a long  ride in either the bus or train
,but both will get you there quirte well 

As far as exchanging money, i think you'll find plenty of currency exchange kiosks anywhere in ukraine.
 
I prefer to use a debit/visa card for travel there.
Simply for convienience..
I generally have a seperarte account set up for this ,and deposit what  i want for the trip , then withdraw afterwards for a bit of added security.
generally your card will haver a decent exchange rate, but check with your bank about this or any international ATM fees
and yes you'll find ATMs every 100 meters (say:bankomat)
 
 
on dress, you might be a bit overdone ?
for a first date its ok to dress to impress!
she probably will!
 
but be aware that while FSU people may general dress a bit better to do daily things like going to the market, its still casual.. not *formal wear*
 
 
2 weeks -
well you can  spend some time  there , and then in another city like  kiev or another area..?
(crimea might still be good weather in october as example?)
 
 
Last year i went to nikolaev for about 4  days then went to crimea for the remainder and took an overnight train back to kiev to fly out..  with overnight trains, (from keiv to niko, then simferiopol to kiev)  it was not really hectic or rushed.
and i did not pre-plan it all out,just had a general idea of travel plans that might change.
(but did make sure and get the train tickets to niko pre purchased) Was a great trip.
 

Good luck!

Thank you, Sir! This is great information.
 
Here's my umpteenth stupid question of the day: Do the ATMs in Ukraine have an English language option, or should I just learn some basic Russki to be able to make a cash withdrawal? Is there any particular bank with which you have had pleasant dealings in regard to setting up a separate account for international travel?

[Jumper]

Not a stupid question at all..
 
 
The ATMs there  almost always have language choices,
if you did run into one that doesn't,
you wouldn't have to walk far to find one that did have an english language option.
 
 
almost all will only give out in Grivna..
so be aware your banks exchange rate
(likely not the very best rate , but  often its not  bad rate either)
 
also check with them on purchases and that exchange rate (often decent)
 
I use Chase for this ,although i have no particular affinity for that bank,
but they do make it pretty easy to set up a checking  account
with a visa/debit card, and notate it for travel..plus the on line banking convience.
(but most banks have that anymore and easy to transfer funds online from one account to another if needed)
 
 
The main thing is to inform your bank  of your travel dates ,
 and make sure they notate your account to allow both purchases and ATM cash advances in Ukraine or any transit countries.
 
**********
 
If you take US bills, be sure they are in very good condition as many exchange kiosks will not accept even the slightest damage.
 
They do not seem as strict about this as they were in the past, particularly in Kiev,
yet in the provincial cities prepare accordingly and have fresh bills.
(you may have to give your bank some advance notice to make sure and get you new ones or very good ones)
 

[noelscot]

Overkill. Some Pepto Bismol AND Imodium. Those two you will definitely need and you cannot get there. You can get something there that is supposed to do the same but will not. (I know this for a fact.) Everything else you can get there.
 
You forgot to mention one thing. Bring your optimism and coolness. And most of all, bring your happy self.
 
Haver fun.
 

Hey, I left off Devrom and activated charcoal pills. lol.
I'll pick up some percoset from the local apothecary, too.
I should be right as rain then.
That's a joke...about the percoset.

[mendeleyev]

Most of what you mentioned, such as the charcoal pills, are easily found in a local Apteka (pharmacy).

I always take several little carry packs of kleenex type tissue. Napkins and TP in public areas, depending on where you are, are sometimes in short supply or in public toilets you are handed a small swatch when you pay. 10 small packages for a buck at a USA dollar store will be more than enough.

And if you forget you can easily find those upon arrival.

Get an electric converter for appliances at Walmart, Radio Shack or Ebay and you'll be fine.

[Faux Pas]

Most of your electronics and/or appliances will already have a converter in the electrical cord. You will need an adapter plug for 220 and you can get those at Radio Shack for 5-10 bucks

[Muzh]

Re medicine: How are the pharmacies in Ukraine? Do I need a prescription, or is it like Mexican Pharmacias (sp?)

It's Farmacias or Drogerias. In UA they are called аптека (aptieka) and they are everywhere. Yep, just walk in and ask what you want.

[Vincenzo]

I googled. It was rather cold and rainy last October in Poltava. 4-10 degrees Celcius.

Ukrainians dress very nicely when they go to theaters or concerts. Ask your lady to buy tickets. They are relatively inexpensive: $10-15.

There is nothing you can do in Odessa in October, the swimming season will be over.

I think she won't mind flying to Kiev to watch opera.

[noelscot]

FYI,


This is how dynamic all of this internet "dating" stuff is. I'm not going. All of the information provided is extremely helpful, and I can still apply it to future endeavors. 

[Muzh]

I take it "bitches be crazy?" What happened?

[Vincenzo]

I take it "bitches be crazy?" What happened?

Is the girl from Anastasia or Dream?
Actually, it's better to break up after numerous dates on Skype than to travel across the sea.

[ML]

7) Medicine: analgesic, intestinal sedative, antibiotic, antihistamine, water sterilizing tablets, anti-malaria tablets, potassium permanganate, dramamine, plasters, butterfly sutures, etc.

I will go against the grain of what others have posted and encourage you  to take all of these and more.

True, many items are available  in Ukaine . . . but the rub is . . . when, where and how.  Many of these items, if needed, will  be needed immediately, like in your travel bag; not tomorrow or next day when you can communicate your need, try to get it interpreted, try to find it, hear a bunch of nyets, etc., etc., etc.

I also carry small combination tool kit like an upgraded Swiss Army knife.  It has saved my arse several times; and flashlights; and the list goes on and on.

Yes, my FSU friends laugh at me when they see all the items I bring . . . and then at some point . . . they come to me to use some medicine and other items, etc.  FSU people are 'generally' totally unprepared for anything and everything that might happen.  Planning is taboo.

[noelscot]

Is the girl from Anastasia or Dream?
Actually, it's better to break up after numerous dates on Skype than to travel across the sea.

Nope. Someone I was talking to from LL, then on phone and Skype for like 3 months.
Schitte happens.

[noelscot]

I take it "bitches be crazy?" What happened?

I got the whole "You are too good for me" speech, except with Russian terminology. For example, she has "demerits" and is a "terrible person."
I am not completely daft, so I got the point. lol

[LAman]

Is the girl from Anastasia or Dream?
Actually, it's better to break up after numerous dates on Skype than to travel across the sea.

What happened Vincenzo.....disappointed your guess is not right???
Why is it when something goes bad....the ppl's are first to be blamed??

[noelscot]

I googled. It was rather cold and rainy last October in Poltava. 4-10 degrees Celcius.

Ukrainians dress very nicely when they go to theaters or concerts. Ask your lady to buy tickets. They are relatively inexpensive: $10-15.

There is nothing you can do in Odessa in October, the swimming season will be over.

I think she won't mind flying to Kiev to watch opera.

Dude, most of these women are proles and have no concept of high culture whatsoever. (I blame the lingering effects of communism, not the women.) I don't mean that in a denigrating way, although it sounds that way, but nevertheless, I don't foresee a night at the opera house in my future.

[Vincenzo]

Dude, most of these women are proles and have no concept of high culture whatsoever. (I blame the lingering effects of communism, not the women.) I don't mean that in a denigrating way, although it sounds that way, but nevertheless, I don't foresee a night at the opera house in my future.

I don't know about you.
When I visited Russian theaters with ladies, the theaters were always full of other beautiful young women.

I just checked the facts about the higher education in Russia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Russia

According to a 2005 UNESCO report, more than half of the Russian adult population has attained a tertiary education, which is twice as high as the OECD average.

  Tertiary - higher.

[Jack]

Dude, most of these women are proles and have no concept of high culture whatsoever. (

 
Wow!   In my opinion these are the words of someone who does not have a great amount of knowledge or experience. 
 

[noelscot]

 
Wow!   In my opinion these are the words of someone who does not have a great amount of knowledge or experience.

Indeed, I have limited knowledge and experience with the RW scene, which is why I am here.
I should have used more precise language and stated that the majority of the women with whom I have personally corresponded are working class and are not into opera.
I cannot speak to the financial status or the cultural interests of all RW, of course, involved in the international dating scene.

[Boethius]

Indeed, I have limited knowledge and experience with the RW scene, which is why I am here.
I should have used more precise language and stated that the majority of the women with whom I have personally corresponded are working class and are not into opera.
I cannot speak to the financial status or the cultural interests of all RW, of course, involved in the international dating scene.

Actually, you are not wrong.   Most Ukrainians are not particularly interested in this type of culture.  The "layer" in the society interested in opera/symphony is quite small, despite the fortune the Soviets poured into the arts.  However, the audience interested in the arts there is very knowledgeable, more so than their average North American counterpart.