List of things to take to the Ukraine

[Terran]

Stealing or losing camera happens from time to time, mostly losing them, and I use multiple SD cards and/or an upload site for photos every couple of days so that a lost camera doesn't mean I lost all the pictures taken.

So would it be better not to bring a big camera like nikon D90 and just bring a smaller one? When i go on vacations i always bring my big camera because i like taking HD photos... But i have been thinking the last few days it might not be so safe to bring.

[XMan]

As always, to each his own.  But here are some things I would recommend about your trip in general.  My apologies if I inadvertantly repeat something someone else has covered.
 1)     Consider carrying a money belt.  I have one that appears to be just a regular belt, but has a hidden zipper.  It is a handy way to carry emergency funds with relative safety.
2)     Contact your credit card company prior to leaving to notify them of your travel. 
3)     ATM’s are questionable at best.  I worked in technology and banking, and it is far too easy to steal information via ATM.  Someone always says, "it worked fine for me, nothing bad will happen."  Sure.  Until it does.  I also strongly recommend you leave any debit type cards at home.
4)     Carry your wallet in a secure way.  One way may be in your front pocket or a zippered pocket that is difficult to access. 
5)     Exchange some dollars or Euros for Grivnas (Ukrainian currency) at the airport in Kiev (or wherever you land).  $100 should be enough to deal with any immediate necessities.  Be prepared to show your passport, although I have not been since last October and there was talk of dropping that requirement if you were exchanging under a certain dollar or euro amount.
6)     Internal (domestic) restrictions on luggage may differ from international restrictions.  Current weight limits for Aerosvit are 1 checked bag at 20 kg (44 lbs.) and 1 carry-on at 6 kg (13.2 lbs.)  Going above this limit may incur significant (several hundred dollars or more) additional charges, and those charges must be paid in Ukrainian currency.  So if you are flying internally in Ukraine, keep that in mind.
7)     Some form of electronic translator (or app on an iPhone or laptop, etc.) may be of assistance to you.  It was to me on occasion.
     Register your travel dates with the US Embassy.  This is recommended for all USA travelers.  The website is located here: http://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
9)     Make a color photocopy (or 2 copies) of your passport.  If your passport is lost, a color copy will greatly assist you in getting a new passport through the US Embassy in Kiev.
10)   When you bring cash from the USA, try to acquire new bills.  Sometimes bills with tears, ink markings, or other damage may not be accepted for exchange.
 A few other bits:
Concerning the toilet paper, I cannot begin to tell you how often public restrooms are entirely lacking any.  I packed a small amount in my carry on, and carried some as ML mentioned folded in my back pocket.  You'll be glad you did.  And be prepared for some unusual toilets, depending upon where you are.  You'll know it when you see it.  It's quite a unique experience. As far as buying TP, Zewa seemed to be a pretty good local brand.
Stick with bottled water.  Tea and coffee generally seem OK as far as bacteria since they are usually fairly hot (in restaurants and cafes).  Who knows as far as heavy metals or other contaminants.  The water in some areas of Ukraine is far better than in others.
Try to have at least a 2 hour pad between flights, assuming you have multiple flights. 
If you do fly domestically in Ukraine, you must pick up your luggage in the Kiev airport and recheck it.
It may seem obvious, but don't pack anything of significant value in your checked luggage.  Keep it on your person or in your carry on.
Pack a zip lock baggie with a few bandaids, aspirin, anti-biotic salve, etc.  You don't need a portable drug store, but a few of each item can really come in handy.  Far easier than trying to buy it there.
Check into either getting your clothes laundered, or get an apartment with a washing machine.  I took 5 sets of clothing for a 14 day trip.  You will appreciate packing lightly.  I kept a minimal set in my carry on (1 shirt, underwear, socks, pants).  If your luggage is lost, you'll have something to wear.  Again, obvious perhaps, but important none-the-less.
Look for official taxi's. 
Dress in dark clothing and look menacing.  (Both are easy for me.)  Well, at least wear dark clothing.  I generally think it's wise not to draw attention to yourself, or advertise that you are a foreigner, for a number of reasons.
I also still recommend avoiding the pointy toed boot wearers, though I saw them more frequently in Russia than in Ukraine. 
Virtually every restaurant or cafe I visited had good food.  I think it's hard to go wrong.  Many do not have English menu's, however.
The information booth in the airport, with a sign that says Information in both Russian and English, almost never has someone who can actually speak English, or so it seems.  So don't expect much in the way of assistance.
I always plug the little restaurant on the 2nd floor of terminal B in Kiev.  Free wireless, average food, a good place to kill time if you have a long wait.  You do, however, have to haul your luggage up some serious stairs.  A few times I noticed guys handing out coupons and they'd carry your luggage up for you.  Handy on both counts.
This may sound strange, but once you get some local cash, keep an eye on the denominations.  With the exception of restaurants, no one (cab drivers, shop owners, etc.) wants to give you change.  It's frickin universal.  I don't know if it's because they keep such a small amount of cash on hand that they don't want to run out of certain bills or coins, or if they are annoyed by math, or what.  If something is 22 grivnas, it is frickin unlikely they will give you change for 100.  You better have 30. 
Which reminds me.  I went into a bank once to cash in $200.  About 1,600 grivnas, all in 50's, is what she counted out.  And she was very annoyed when I asked for some 100's and 20's.  Once I got two 500's.  I gave them back and asked for 100's because no one wants to change a 500. 
I am sure there is more, but I am also sure this is quite enough.

[celluloidheros]

As always, to each his own.  But here are some things I would recommend about your trip in general.  My apologies if I inadvertantly repeat something someone else has covered.
 1)     Consider carrying a money belt.  I have one that appears to be just a regular belt, but has a hidden zipper.  It is a handy way to carry emergency funds with relative safety.
2)     Contact your credit card company prior to leaving to notify them of your travel. 
3)     ATM’s are questionable at best.  I worked in technology and banking, and it is far too easy to steal information via ATM.  Someone always says, "it worked fine for me, nothing bad will happen."  Sure.  Until it does.  I also strongly recommend you leave any debit type cards at home.
4)     Carry your wallet in a secure way.  One way may be in your front pocket or a zippered pocket that is difficult to access. 
5)     Exchange some dollars or Euros for Grivnas (Ukrainian currency) at the airport in Kiev (or wherever you land).  $100 should be enough to deal with any immediate necessities.  Be prepared to show your passport, although I have not been since last October and there was talk of dropping that requirement if you were exchanging under a certain dollar or euro amount.
6)     Internal (domestic) restrictions on luggage may differ from international restrictions.  Current weight limits for Aerosvit are 1 checked bag at 20 kg (44 lbs.) and 1 carry-on at 6 kg (13.2 lbs.)  Going above this limit may incur significant (several hundred dollars or more) additional charges, and those charges must be paid in Ukrainian currency.  So if you are flying internally in Ukraine, keep that in mind.
7)     Some form of electronic translator (or app on an iPhone or laptop, etc.) may be of assistance to you.  It was to me on occasion.
     Register your travel dates with the US Embassy.  This is recommended for all USA travelers.  The website is located here: http://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
9)     Make a color photocopy (or 2 copies) of your passport.  If your passport is lost, a color copy will greatly assist you in getting a new passport through the US Embassy in Kiev.
10)   When you bring cash from the USA, try to acquire new bills.  Sometimes bills with tears, ink markings, or other damage may not be accepted for exchange.
 A few other bits:
Concerning the toilet paper, I cannot begin to tell you how often public restrooms are entirely lacking any.  I packed a small amount in my carry on, and carried some as ML mentioned folded in my back pocket.  You'll be glad you did.  And be prepared for some unusual toilets, depending upon where you are.  You'll know it when you see it.  It's quite a unique experience. As far as buying TP, Zewa seemed to be a pretty good local brand.
Stick with bottled water.  Tea and coffee generally seem OK as far as bacteria since they are usually fairly hot (in restaurants and cafes).  Who knows as far as heavy metals or other contaminants.  The water in some areas of Ukraine is far better than in others.
Try to have at least a 2 hour pad between flights, assuming you have multiple flights. 
If you do fly domestically in Ukraine, you must pick up your luggage in the Kiev airport and recheck it.
It may seem obvious, but don't pack anything of significant value in your checked luggage.  Keep it on your person or in your carry on.
Pack a zip lock baggie with a few bandaids, aspirin, anti-biotic salve, etc.  You don't need a portable drug store, but a few of each item can really come in handy.  Far easier than trying to buy it there.
Check into either getting your clothes laundered, or get an apartment with a washing machine.  I took 5 sets of clothing for a 14 day trip.  You will appreciate packing lightly.  I kept a minimal set in my carry on (1 shirt, underwear, socks, pants).  If your luggage is lost, you'll have something to wear.  Again, obvious perhaps, but important none-the-less.
Look for official taxi's. 
Dress in dark clothing and look menacing.  (Both are easy for me.)  Well, at least wear dark clothing.  I generally think it's wise not to draw attention to yourself, or advertise that you are a foreigner, for a number of reasons.
I also still recommend avoiding the pointy toed boot wearers, though I saw them more frequently in Russia than in Ukraine. 
Virtually every restaurant or cafe I visited had good food.  I think it's hard to go wrong.  Many do not have English menu's, however.
The information booth in the airport, with a sign that says Information in both Russian and English, almost never has someone who can actually speak English, or so it seems.  So don't expect much in the way of assistance.
I always plug the little restaurant on the 2nd floor of terminal B in Kiev.  Free wireless, average food, a good place to kill time if you have a long wait.  You do, however, have to haul your luggage up some serious stairs.  A few times I noticed guys handing out coupons and they'd carry your luggage up for you.  Handy on both counts.
This may sound strange, but once you get some local cash, keep an eye on the denominations.  With the exception of restaurants, no one (cab drivers, shop owners, etc.) wants to give you change.  It's frickin universal.  I don't know if it's because they keep such a small amount of cash on hand that they don't want to run out of certain bills or coins, or if they are annoyed by math, or what.  If something is 22 grivnas, it is frickin unlikely they will give you change for 100.  You better have 30. 
Which reminds me.  I went into a bank once to cash in $200.  About 1,600 grivnas, all in 50's, is what she counted out.  And she was very annoyed when I asked for some 100's and 20's.  Once I got two 500's.  I gave them back and asked for 100's because no one wants to change a 500. 
I am sure there is more, but I am also sure this is quite enough.

Awesume, Just Awesume !   Professor Xavier would be proud ! Hats off to you Xman

[mendeleyev]

Excellent, Xman. Especially the passport copies.

[mendeleyev]

So would it be better not to bring a big camera like nikon D90 and just bring a smaller one? When i go on vacations i always bring my big camera because i like taking HD photos... But i have been thinking the last few days it might not be so safe to bring.

I use a Nikon also and yes, it seems as you know how to take great photos and this is the place to take them. Just guard it carefully and either upload files every couple of days or use multiple SD cards.

I carry a good quality cloth supermarket bag with me everywhere. Not only is my camera and case out of sight in the bag but there is room to pick up a loaf of bread or other items on the way home from the market. Call it a man purse, I don't care. 

This bag makes it possible to enjoy a glass of KBAC from a neighborhood kiosk when walking around Moscow!

[ML]

Excellent, Xman. Especially the passport copies.

But in a 'catch 22' it is officially illegal to photo copy a passport.

I do it anyway.

Good listing XMan.  A couple of points.

For me, better than the money belt is a pouch that goes under outer shirt (and over T shirt) and wraps around your body on elastic band.  You can find them in travel section of WalMart, KMart, etc.  I put my passport there along with my major stash of cash, credit cards, airline ticket printouts, list of email addresses, phone numbers, copy of eyeglass prescription, and a few other important scraps of paper.

I agree on avoiding ATM's.  Most people think they  are safe if they go into lobby of bank or look for obvious scams like something that will read your card, etc.  But those are  not the current problems.  The big problem now is fraud within the banking system of FSU.  Bank workers, particularly  computer jock types, capture all of your debit card info including PIN you punch in.  Then they clone the cards and sell them for use by others.

[celluloidheros]

so what's the best way to pay for things ?  I assume its cash, but what do u do if u run out of cash  ?  I get cash from.and atm.or my bank. So what's the best method ?

[calmissile]

I am somewhat curious about the comments that ATM's are not safe in Ukraine.  I spent the full month of Sept in Ukriane as well as a previous visit and used the ATM's almost daily without any problems.  My fiance also uses the ATM's for a Walmart Money Card that I deposit money into from the US.

Were these actual experiences you have had, or reports from others.  While I took a fair amount of cash with me from the US, I had assumed that using ATM's were the best bet for not carrying large amounts of cash.

What are you recommending as an option to using ATM's to get money from your US banks?

[mendeleyev]

ATM = банкомат ("bankomat") as they say.  Other than taking a suitcase full of cash and thereafter getting ripped off in currency exchanges, ATM is your best friend.

1- Notify your bank before leaving.
2- Carry some cash (and phone number of your bank) with you for emergencies.
3- Change your password immediately after returning home.






Fortunately in 99% of the time there will be and option for English language instructions.

[ghost of moon goddess]

thought this link might be useful

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1053.html

I am somewhat curious about the comments that ATM's are not safe in Ukraine.

Unfortunately, there is no 100 per cent guarantee that the ATM you use is safe.
I believe an ATM’s safety depends on where it is installed. ATMs installed at banks is somewhat safer than the ones in public places.
A fraud scam ATM  capturing identity of ATM cards and PIN numbers was installed at a shopping mall in Kiev. The ATM had a plate that read "No cash withdrawal fee!" Here is a link (sorry, the text is in Russian)
http://glavcom.ua/articles/2603.html

[Patagonie]

Banks rip you off when you get money from them because my European bank take money from the currency exchange. I consider more interesting to do it by myself.
About those who believe in ATM in Ukraine :
1/ Fraud scam is increasing and in some case it's not possible to detect it. So it is like a lottery, you play, you play, you play and you can win. This also happens in Europe. Also you can have internal pyracy from employees, not only bank employees but also restaurant employees, mall employees .... They copy all informations from your card and they can sell it to swindlers who will buy by internet a lot of things (it's why you have to not let the employee disappear in the back shop)
2/ If the ATM keeps your card, and you leave the city few times after, i let you guess how you will be stressed.
3/ If the card don't work, which happens sometimes, i let you guess how you will be stressed. Particulary if you rely on, and only on this.
4/ I advice to pay by ATM as less as possible.
Cash will be your savior anytime. You keep in your throuser in a special pocket, with your passport, your credit card and  two usb keys replicated (all data) and you have your survey kit for Ukraine. And you keep it with you ANYTIME. Put it under your bed when you are sleeping.

[BC]

But in a 'catch 22' it is officially illegal to photo copy a passport.

I do it anyway.

Can't imagine it being illegal to photocopy a passport... I have heard though that you must carry your original passport and not a photocopy in some FSU countries.

Do make a photocopy of the visa (if applicable) also.  Best to make another of the customs stamp after you get settled in as it establishes your entry date.

Copy of your airline reservations of course..

You don't really have to keep all this stuff in paper form.  Scan and upload to your dropbox or other online storage account.  If you use yahoo, gmail etc you can just email it to yourself.

[BC]

Other things to do..

At least password protect your mobile phones and laptops.  I  usually do a clean install before going on long / overseas trips so no sensitive data is on them.  If you use apple devices / laptops set up the 'find my mac' and 'find my iphone' that can help you if they get lost or stolen and can try to wipe them clean if not recovered.

[celluloidheros]

I'm humbled  by everyone's responses to this thread

[Faux Pas]

so what's the best way to pay for things ?  I assume its cash, but what do u do if u run out of cash  ?  I get cash from.and atm.or my bank. So what's the best method ?

Cash. Crisp, clean, untorn and unmarked $100 bills. Visit a money exchange as often as you need and exchange for the local currency. I usually do $2-300 at a time. Check with your bank weeks ahead of time and request "new" bills. You need walk around cash because often you'll need goods or services and they do not accept credit/debit cards. Think exact change every where you go

Many places do accept debit/credit cards. I carry one of each and when I feel comfortable and have the opportunity to use it, I do.

More hysteria concerning ATMs yadda, yadda, yadda. The banking system is as safe as it is anywhere else. You can become a victim in Ukraine and you can become a victim in Rochester. Your best line of defense is you. Don't be a Gomer. If it appears something is not right, don't use it. The ATM at a bank is 99% of the time safe.

[BdHvA]

Bring some lip balm - unless you want lips that look like the hide of an elephant!

[SMS60]

Can't imagine it being illegal to photocopy a passport.

There is something on the books about this. I dont have time to find the law at the moment.

If you walk into a Staples, Office Depot or someplace that deals with color copies in US and tell them you want a color copy of your passport they will refuse. I think black and white might be ok. They sometimes say you can do it yourself on self-serve copiers and turn their back.

[Muzh]

As always, to each his own.  But here are some things I would recommend about your trip in general.  My apologies if I inadvertantly repeat something someone else has covered.
 

Xman, very good list and advice. Excellent.

But, I found out that the money belt, camera, wallet, etc. issues are quickly resolved with a backpack. I had sent a Jansport to my buddy in Kharkiv because the one he had was falling apart. He never left home without it. Then, when I took my son to spend the summer with my inlaws I brought a couple of Jansport (you'd be surprised how much brand names mean in Ukraine) for my nephew and my son was carrying his from school. While I was there, I put everything I needed; passport, laptop, wallet, money, cams, tissues, water, and I'm probably forgetting a couple more. It seems everyone out there has a backpack or a valise. And no one will bat an eyelash seeing you with a backpack. As a matter of fact, you'd be cool.

FWIW

[JR]

Who knows...   
It seems that Eric (the ballet boy from the ad) came out of the WATER closet to enjoy life's big pleasures   

That is something I definately DON'T want to know )))

[Vincenzo]

The advice not to bring debit and credit cards is wrong.

I won't leave a few thousand dollars at my hotel room, neither will I carry them everywhere.

When I use my Capital One credit card overseas, there are no foreign exchange fees. Many stores accept it.
I have a checking account with a debit card in a different bank. When I travel, I add funds to it. If I need more money, I'll transfer funds online.

[Gylden]

It is not illegal to copy your passport. If fact the State Department recomends that you make copies.
 
"
Make photocopies of your passport, visa and other important documents that you will be traveling with. Put copies in both your carry on and checked luggage. This makes it easier to replace your identification documents should anything happen. "
 
http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/19795.pdf

[XMan]

Very few things am I adamant about. 

Single malt scotch over blended, the Green Bay Packers over all others, exercise regularly, eat healthy, never listen to rap, disco, or bluegrass.

But I have to add debit cards / credit cards to the list of things I feel adamant about as well.

No offense to anyone.  And do as you will, it's no skin of my nose.  But it is simply incorrect to think that there is not significant risk in using debit and credit cards in Ukraine.

Debit cards do not have the same protection as credit cards (this applies to the USA).  Your entire account can be cleaned out, and quite easily.  So in that regard, credit cards are far safer. With a credit card, someone can charge 10 grand in fraudulent purchases and the most you are out is $50.  (I believe that applies even overseas.)  Millions of people use debit cards.  Many go unscathed indefinitely.  Many do not.  But why take unnecessary risk?

Is the banking system less secure in Ukraine? 
Of course it is. 
So are airports. 
Airport security is laughably lackadaisical in comparison to Amsterdam, Atlanta, etc. 

Anyway, it's not just the devices that skim the numbers (as my credit card was at a local gas station and used minutes afterward), there are a multitude of ways to capture that data and use it illegally.  It's simple technology.  Even more concerning, it's potentially a step toward identity theft, and that is a nasty and costly thing to try to correct, and can take months or even several years to return things to normal.  (It is one reason I leave my driver's license locked up at home when I head out on a trip overseas.)

I don't even use debit cards here in the USA, so I certainly would not outside the country.  I take a single credit card for emergencies.  Otherwise, I carry cash, which is also risky, but I prefer that over using a credit card.  I have gone into a bank, where I knew the tellers, and gotten a cash advance if I had to. 

As I said, at least with credit cards you have some protection.  But it is still a hassle to straighten out fraudulent charges and the difficulties that ensue from them. 

Billions are stolen from debit and credit cards every year. 
They are stealing it from someone. 
It just hasn't happened to be you. 
Yet.

I worked in banking for a long, and technology a lot longer. 
Even with my precautions I've had:
1) My credit card number stolen at a gas pump.
2) A different credit card number stolen from some idiot working for MasterCard who had 10,000 credit card numbers on his unencrypted laptop and had his laptop stolen (I was informed by letter by MasterCard, about 15 days after it happened.   A little late to actually help me.)
3) A federal agency that accidentally released my information, including my SSN, to 8 companies who were not supposed to receive that information.  OF course, the federal agency apologized and asked those companies to destroy that information.   
4) Someone who tried to open an account in my name in a town where I used to live 6 months after I moved.  I got that shut down immediately because I monitor my information closely. 

Enough soap box. 

[Faux Pas]

Even with my precautions I've had:
1) My credit card number stolen at a gas pump.
2) A different credit card number stolen from some idiot working for MasterCard who had 10,000 credit card numbers on his unencrypted laptop and had his laptop stolen (I was informed by letter by MasterCard, about 15 days after it happened.   A little late to actually help me.)
3) A federal agency that accidentally released my information, including my SSN, to 8 companies who were not supposed to receive that information.  OF course, the federal agency apologized and asked those companies to destroy that information.   
4) Someone who tried to open an account in my name in a town where I used to live 6 months after I moved.  I got that shut down immediately because I monitor my information closely. 

Enough soap box.

Wow Xman, all of this happened to you in FSU?  None in the USA or 50/50? I think you know where I'm going with this. Yes, all of it makes for a sad story and a big hassle. It's a pisser when one gets ripped off. It can happen anywhere to anyone. Preach caution, you can't do it enough but, I draw the line at paranoia. You may be different. It is a fact that some people are natural targets and others make themselves to be targets. Be cautious, not paramoid IMHO

[tfcrew]

Going anytime soon?
Pack accordingly...

http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?topic=14358.new#new

[Vincenzo]

Xman.
Do you want to say that it's perfectly safe to carry $1,000-3,000 everywhere in the Ukraine?
I don't think so. People can be robbed and killed for $100.
Nobody was killed in your stories.