First Time Travels Checklist - Kiev

[chivo]

LOL they sure do stay the same... surprisingly I haven't had any food poisoning episodes in Russia.

I have. About 1 year ago at Media Mart's cafeteria here in Moscow. Media Mart is a giant German Corporation for those unfamiliar with them. It was brutal.
 
And to think that when I first got here I would at times try the always dangerous шаурма (shaurma) from the street kiosks without a problem. The little shop by my flat made the best ones, extra crispy just the way I like them  . Great dog, er animal product BTW  .
 
To the OP. Nowadays most things can be had in Kiev, even Immodium. Getting your flat situated IMO should be priority one. Good suggestions nevertheless.

[Eduard]

To the OP. Nowadays most things can be had in Kiev, even Immodium. Getting your flat situated IMO should be priority one. Good suggestions nevertheless.

yes most meds are available in the FSU now days and you don't even need a prescription for antibiotics and many other meds that you couldn't buy here in the US without one. You just ask a pharmacist what she recommends for your condition and she'll sell you the meds for it.
Something like Imodium I would bring with me from home because if you do get food poisoning the last thing you'll wanna do is run around looking for a pharmacy 

[Muzh]

yes most meds are available in the FSU now days and you don't even need a prescription for antibiotics and many other meds that you couldn't buy here in the US without one. You just ask a pharmacist what she recommends for your condition and she'll sell you the meds for it.
Something like Imodium I would bring with me from home because if you do get food poisoning the last thing you'll wanna do is run around looking for a pharmacy 

I have tried Imodium and, personally, nothing works better than Pepto Bismol. Regarding the food poisoning, I have eaten anything everywhere in Ukraine (except the meat jello) and never had food poisoning. What I get is the initial adjustment diahrrea that almost everyone gets when travelling from one part of the world to another. Like it or not, you body has to adjust to a few new bacteria that will inevitably (try to say that word or inevitability real fast) get in your system. It happens to us the same way it happens to them when they come here. Some people get the runs while others get constipated. This is absolutely normal. And you'll be back to normal in a couple of days. So bring the pink stuff; much, much better.
 
Also, the last thing you want to do is take antibiotics if you have stomach problems. Unless you want to experience the hospitality of the Ukrainian health system.

[Eduard]

I have tried Imodium and, personally, nothing works better than Pepto Bismol. Regarding the food poisoning, I have eaten anything everywhere in Ukraine (except the meat jello) and never had food poisoning. What I get is the initial adjustment diahrrea that almost everyone gets when travelling from one part of the world to another. Like it or not, you body has to adjust to a few new bacteria that will inevitably (try to say that word or inevitability real fast) get in your system. It happens to us the same way it happens to them when they come here. Some people get the runs while others get constipated. This is absolutely normal. And you'll be back to normal in a couple of days. So bring the pink stuff; much, much better.
 
Also, the last thing you want to do is take antibiotics if you have stomach problems. Unless you want to experience the hospitality of the Ukrainian health system.

I never experienced this "adjustment" when travelling to Russia though. And when I only eat at a place that I know is safe in Ukraine, also no "adjustments".

[ML]

So bring the pink stuff; much, much better.
 
Also, the last thing you want to do is take antibiotics if you have stomach problems. Unless you want to experience the hospitality of the Ukrainian health system.

Different things work for different people.  Pepto  Bismol does nothing to help  me.  Immodium usually works great for me.

Not understanding your comment about antibiotics.  When the Immodium doesn't work, it usually means a more serious bacteria in your stomach, and then I take Cipro which knocks the problem right out.

[Wayne]

I ate food from all different places in Ukraine for many weeks and did not get sick from it. However, in Egypt I did get the runs and had a hard time getting rid of it!
 
They have American brands of toilet paper in the stores for higher prices, but you can get it. In fact, many American brands of foods and things are available.
 
Don/t expect your credit/debit card to work. Bring cash! Traveler's checks can be cashed for about 2% fee. US dollars should not be exchanged for grivinas until you need them. Show around for the best exchange rate. Yes, marked bills can be exchanged for a lower exchange rate at some places. If you cash travelers checks for US dollars, check each bill carefully before you accept them.

[Wayne]

A taxi ride from the airport to Kyiv would be very expensive. You can pre-arrange a ride for a lot less.
 
There is also a bus from the airport to the train station in Kyiv that is very cheap. You could take a taxi from there or the metro (subway). The train station is in the city center. There is the main metro station right there. Get a metro map to see where all the stops are.
 
If your girl is not familiar with Kyiv, you might have trouble getting around.

[Natasha1]

hello. maybe I' say not good things for you. But. I was born in Lugansk, now I live in kiev. Nice town.
 
Your girl can help you. she can looking for apartment for you using the Internet. for it is easier. just call and negotiate a lease. good apartment can be found for $ 39-50. Hotel from 100 $ and up. Although if she had not offered to help you,
I think you hardly going to ask for help.

[Muzh]

Different things work for different people.  Pepto  Bismol does nothing to help  me.  Immodium usually works great for me.

Not understanding your comment about antibiotics.  When the Immodium doesn't work, it usually means a more serious bacteria in your stomach, and then I take Cipro which knocks the problem right out.

Antibiotics attack bacteria, right? When you get rid of the bacteria that normally live in your gut that maintains your absorption process, your body will react adversley to that.
 
IF you have a virus in your stomach, what you are doing is incrementing the toxicity of the virus when you take antibiotics since you are making the bacteria (it is called flora) in your gut susceptible for viral growth by reducing its strenght.
 
Take your pick. The only time you are benefitted from antibiotics is when a flora that is not supposed to be there has taken place and for you to know that, you need some tests. Taking antibiotics anytime you have a stomach issue will increase your resistance to the drug.
 
Cipro would not be the best antibiotic for stomach problems. I hope you don't have any issues with weak muscles and tendons.

[ML]

Thanks for your reply Muzh.  I understand you have some expertise in this area.

All  I know is that I live in a neighborhood of MDs, and several of them recommend carrying CIPRO when travelling abroad to treat cases of diarrhoea that don't respond to Imodium.

As I understand it, diarrhoea that continues on can lead to serious dehydration and even death.

[BC]

Thanks for your reply Muzh.  I understand you have some expertise in this area.

All  I know is that I live in a neighborhood of MDs, and several of them recommend carrying CIPRO when travelling abroad to treat cases of diarrhoea that don't respond to Imodium.

As I understand it, diarrhoea that continues on can lead to serious dehydration and even death.

Plenty of bottled water is available.  Never had a problem with showering or brushing my teeth with tap water.

[Beachboy4u2c]

Thanks everyone, for your generous contributions and for sharing your experiences with me.  I can't wait to discover it all on my own now... 

[Muzh]

Thanks everyone, for your generous contributions and for sharing your experiences with me.  I can't wait to discover it all on my own now... 

Anxiously wating for your TR.   

[JR]

Put a shirt on. Women prefer it if you dress well. When all you got to show for yourself is a six pack don't blame the lady if she treats you like a mule...
> luggage
< cash
= better time