First timer headed to Ukraine

[Daveman]

You don't need dollars unless you are buying something which is only sold in $ or Euros, such as real estate. You'll get by fine with an ATM card; only use machines inside bank lobbies; call your bank to notify it that you are in Ukraine and the withdrawals in that country are being legitimately done by you.

This is absolutely true... for like 9 out of 10 people.  For some reason my bank card (visa) never worked there.. the bank says it'll work.  They clear it for the trip.. tell me everything is fine, and never once have I been able to get money from an ATM there. 


BoA.. two different cards.. nada..


Hopefully you have some cash with you just in case, being our first trip. If you can't get money from your card, you'll have a serious PITA on your hands.  If you are depending on your ATM card, you might want to grab a few hundred dollars while you are at the airport, just in case you get that unwelcome surprise.


I still have no idea why my cards won't work there.  Everyone, my bank included, says it should. But it flat doesn't.

[ML]

I still have no idea why my cards won't work there.  Everyone, my bank included, says it should. But it flat doesn't.

Likely because when you arrive in Ukraine, you not only lose your mind, you forget your password also.

[CanadaMan]

This is absolutely true... for like 9 out of 10 people.  For some reason my bank card (visa) never worked there.. the bank says it'll work.  They clear it for the trip.. tell me everything is fine, and never once have I been able to get money from an ATM there. 

I still have no idea why my cards won't work there.  Everyone, my bank included, says it should. But it flat doesn't.

Dave, don't feel lonely being that 1 out of 10 people.
I often have issues with my bank/visa cards when I travel.

I do everything right beforehand, but it doesn't seem to matter.
Now I arm myself with two bank cards and two visa cards, plus I know a really cool trick if they all fail me. 

[Jack]

Daveman, read of your experience.
 
I have a BoA account with an atm card.  This one account I call my "Ukraine" account.  If I need to send money or pay for something in Ukraine I will email my associate Val in Kiev and tell him how much to  take out.  He keeps the atm card in his possession. We really don't have any problems.
 
Based on what you have written I think if I were you I would open a brand new account, forget the other one or two, open a new account.  Test it here in the states, make sure your able to make a withdrawal.  Then when you get to Ukraine, try to use it there.   Continue to do as you have done and let BoA know in advance that you will be using the account in Ukraine.  I know the system works but in your case their must be a bug in something. Something is not working right.

[calmissile]

Daveman, read of your experience.
 
I have a BoA account with an atm card.  This one account I call my "Ukraine" account.  If I need to send money or pay for something in Ukraine I will email my associate Val in Kiev and tell him how much to  take out.  He keeps the atm card in his possession. We really don't have any problems.
 
Based on what you have written I think if I were you I would open a brand new account, forget the other one or two, open a new account.  Test it here in the states, make sure your able to make a withdrawal.  Then when you get to Ukraine, try to use it there.   Continue to do as you have done and let BoA know in advance that you will be using the account in Ukraine.  I know the system works but in your case their must be a bug in something. Something is not working right.

Once I notified Wells Fargo that I will be using my cards in Ukraine I had no problems either, including going into the bank and making large withdrawals.  A few months ago I had a problem finding banks that had USD, but it was an exception as I normally just need grivna.

I have two accounts and  debit cards for each one.  I like to keep only a few hundred $$ in the account that I use for day to day transactions and then I go on line and transfer money periodically to that account just to make sure someone doesn't rip off a  large amount when using the debit card.

Val in Kiev is a super guy that can provide so many services to guys going to Ukriane.  I highly recommend him.

[ML]

I have two accounts and  debit cards for each one.  I like to keep only a few hundred $$ in the account that I use for day to day transactions and then I go on line and transfer money periodically to that account just to make sure someone doesn't rip off a  large amount when using the debit card.

Not to be a spoil sport, but if your two accounts are with the same bank, it can take money from one account and use it to cover overdrafts from another one of your accounts . . . whether you specifically agree to it or not.

It's all in the fine print.

[calmissile]

Not to be a spoil sport, but if your two accounts are with the same bank, it can take money from one account and use it to cover overdrafts from another one of your accounts . . . whether you specifically agree to it or not.

It's all in the fine print.

Nope!  The accounts are seperate and only one is linked to overdraft protection.  The smaller account I use for day to day is not a credit card, only a debit card. The transaction will be denied if over the daily limit or the amount in the account.  The larger account is the only one that is also a credit card.  I refuse to use the credit card account for ordinary transactions.

[cc3]

This is absolutely true... for like 9 out of 10 people.  For some reason my bank card (visa) never worked there.. the bank says it'll work.  They clear it for the trip.. tell me everything is fine, and never once have I been able to get money from an ATM there. 


BoA.. two different cards.. nada..


Hopefully you have some cash with you just in case, being our first trip. If you can't get money from your card, you'll have a serious PITA on your hands.  If you are depending on your ATM card, you might want to grab a few hundred dollars while you are at the airport, just in case you get that unwelcome surprise.


I still have no idea why my cards won't work there.  Everyone, my bank included, says it should. But it flat doesn't.

If you get a card with the best bank in America, USAA, you should have no problems at all. It started out as a savings bank for military officers, so it is very internationally oriented.

[I/O]

For some reason my bank card (visa) never worked there.. the bank says it'll work.  They clear it for the trip.. tell me everything is fine, and never once have I been able to get money from an ATM there.

You are , I assume, using the credit function?

[Faux Pas]

Despite me notifying my bank before traveling to Russia on my first trip and despite me calling them from Russia that my card wouldn't work and to "fix it". It never did work during my 3 weeks there. It did work in Europe on the way back.

After I returned from that trip I went personally to my bank to express my displeasure at the situation. It was then they really started looking and discovered that my card hadn't been approved for a few of the atm networks in Russia. The network (not my bank) had a box to click that would have allowed my card to be used on certain networks that were present in Russia. This was the explanation I got. On subsequent trips, my card worked without fail

[lonedrake]

  sooo....my flight to Chicago gets later and later. 7:00pm then 7:17 then 7:35. We finally take off at 8:25. My flight to Turkey departs at 10:00pm.  Ok...that should work....1 hour to get to Chicago and then another 30-35 mins to change planes. Not to worried.

 So its 9:25 when I step into the Chicago airport. My e-ticket has no gate number and I have no idea where I am at...or where to go. So the first directions I get "take left at starbucks, next left,down stairs and to two green flags"  Fine....but lost at the two green flags. There are red and green flags and some flashing lights that are green but whatever....ask again "go to that guy" ok..he says "brown building,take elevator and tram to terminal 5."  So I am still thinking.....ah....I am right there....two minutes...no problem.

 So I find the tram which I believe is the right one.....but all I can read is T1. No T5 sign anywhere. But its open and about to leave so I jump on. Turns out it is the right tram....but it seems like it takes a fair amount of time to get to T5 with the other stops and all.
 Get off at T5. " take elevator and go all the way down to the end" No problem. When I approach the gate the lady is asking me what my last name is before I am even close enough to understand her. As soon as she gets my last name she uses her radio to let someone else know I am there.

 After security and checkpoints I make it onto plane. Everyone is waiting and one flight attendant tells me  "where have you been? I have been paging you!"  I just mumble something and keep moving.

 Where is my seat? The only one that someone is not sitting in
. So even the overhead doors have already been closed. I open one up and find enough room to jam and slam my carry-on bad in there.

 This whole time I was still wearing my winter jacket and literally sweating bullets   But....I was relieved

[lonedrake]

 So I sit down and get organized. The guy sitting be side me speaks some English and introduces himself. His name is Fahad I believe and lives in Bagdad (sp) So not sure of how he views americans and all I play it easy. We did bomb the hell out of them a couple of times   But surprisingly....he loves America. In fact he could not say enough great things about it. We have the best this ,the best that and everyone wants to go there. He thinks we did a wonderful thing by removing Sadamn.

 So I tell him the story about going to Ukraine and meeting a woman. He gets a big kick out of it and wonders if she is real and all. I tell him....I do not know....it may even turn out to be a man. So of coarse he wants to know everything and even gives me his advice.

 He says " First day you meet her and talk. Second day you kiss her. Third day you suck on every inch of her body from head to toe"   So I think.....This is The Iraqian ML 2.0

 Anyways we had a good time on the flight and I ended up calling him "The great one" and he was calling me "the hero".
 He predicts this woman I meet will want to marry me asap......just because I am an American

 I did not bring any food or drink along and that will be the last time I do that. It really sucks when they just give you basically a thimble full of water to drink.

 Fahad help he to the right gate at Istanbul and everything went fine there once I figured out want gate I needed to go to.

 Istanbul looked like a beautiful city from the air. It had the sea there with hills and mountains and lakes. Looked very modern and I always appreciate natural features.

[jone]

Congratulations, you have made it through your first cross cultural experience.  Most of us just call it "O'Hare".

[lonedrake]

 The flight to Donetsk was pretty uneventful. The only words of English I heard was from the flight attendants. As we landed I could see it had been snowing and was now lightly raining. I wondered if there will be any taxis around. So I exit the plane and just follow everyone. We end up at some security gates that say passport something. I was a little nervous here as I was not even sure if I was in the right line. So I give the guy my passport and he looks at it and says something and all I can understand  is "U". I am like  'Yes that is me" he says something and starts typing. But then just gives me the passport and and I go. I see a sign that says taxi and then some security checkpoints. One line says declared...other says undeclared. So I just walk through the undeclared and ask the guys "taxi" just points me to the door and I go through it.

And there where taxi drives on the other side. None of the five gathered around me spoke english.Lets just say......lesson learned...the hard way.

 The trip to Lugansk took much longer than expected due to the falling snow and "slow" vehicles. As far as the roads go....they seemed fine. I would have not problem driving them anytime. I excepted terrible roads but they seem as good or better than many of the roads I travel in the rural midwest. It was dark out but the countryside look like you would find around Minnesota. I like that. Next time...I guess if there is a next time....I will be renting a car. 

 So I got settled in last night around midnight and now I am just figuring out the electronics. Computer works fine and my cell phone seems to be working ok also. I need some caffeine so off to the store. Hopefully they have diet dew here.

 Looks like I need an adapter also.  I heard they are not that easy to find around here . I should have purchased one before I headed over.

[Brillynt]

LD,

Give me a call today, I have a spare adapter you can have.  I am glad to see you made it to Lugansk. I hope the rest of your trip is fun.
I will be following your trip report. 

[lonedrake]

 R,

 Got the adapter so that problem is solved. Thank you for the offer. I'll call you later tonight.

 I was able to get in contact with Anna. "I will be there in 1 hour" she says.

 So after 1 hour I call her on the rental phone. bad connection. Try again...bad connection. So I try my cell phone.....surprise.....perfect connection   She says  "don't worry. I be there in 1 hour"

 So the moment of truth is soon. You know one thing that is crossing my mind is that I suspect her pictures are a year or two old and when I skyped her....I only see her from the shoulders up.  What if she has a big ass?

 The room is nice and the bed is very comfortable. Nice and firm....not the kind that squish way in. Its about freezing out and thats actually warmer than where I live. The flat screen is nice although I have only found 2 channels in Engish. So As I am waiting "1 hour " I am watching Americas Top Model/MTV.

My poison oak/ivy has pretty much disappeared. Some bags around the eyes and hands have a few scabs so that worked out ok. I feel much better about it than a couple of days ago.

[I/O]

What if she has a big ass?

LOl, depends whether or not you like big arses. You'll know shortly........

[Brillynt]

LD,

I hope everything went well with Anna.  Hey you have 2 more english channels than I do.    Though I do enjoy watching the Russian music videos. Damn those girls are hot.

[Faux Pas]

Don't sweat the small stuff and don't pet the sweaty stuff 

[lonedrake]

 Good news! Anna showed up and was pretty much exactly like I thought. We spent the day together. Went to the market and she helped me stock the cupboards  and walked around center square and and spend some time talking at my apartment.

 I do have some concerns. Tonight I hope to get well rested and answer some of those concerns tomorrow.

I am turning in..the jet lag is hitting

 Sorry I didn't make it over Rich....just to tired.. Have a save journey home

 

[Faux Pas]

Good news! Anna showed up and was pretty much exactly like I thought. We spent the day together. Went to the market and she helped me stock the cupboards  and walked around center square and and spend some time talking at my apartment.

 I do have some concerns. Tonight I hope to get well rested and answer some of those concerns tomorrow.

I am turning in..the jet lag is hitting

 Sorry I didn't make it over Rich....just to tired.. Have a save journey home

Had a big ass?

[Brillynt]

Good news! Anna showed up and was pretty much exactly like I thought. We spent the day together. Went to the market and she helped me stock the cupboards  and walked around center square and and spend some time talking at my apartment.

 I do have some concerns. Tonight I hope to get well rested and answer some of those concerns tomorrow.

I am turning in..the jet lag is hitting

 Sorry I didn't make it over Rich....just to tired.. Have a save journey home

No worries LD. I was busy with my girl, enjoying my last evening in Lugansk.   

I am glad Anna showed up, and I hope everything works out. If not, there are plenty of lovely ladies in Lugansk, so hit the next button and carry on.

We are off to Donetsk in the morning, then I am flying out on the 15th. Assuming Aerosvit is flying. 

[noelscot]

This is absolutely true... for like 9 out of 10 people.  For some reason my bank card (visa) never worked there.. the bank says it'll work.  They clear it for the trip.. tell me everything is fine, and never once have I been able to get money from an ATM there. 


BoA.. two different cards.. nada..


Hopefully you have some cash with you just in case, being our first trip. If you can't get money from your card, you'll have a serious PITA on your hands.  If you are depending on your ATM card, you might want to grab a few hundred dollars while you are at the airport, just in case you get that unwelcome surprise.


I still have no idea why my cards won't work there.  Everyone, my bank included, says it should. But it flat doesn't.

I bank with Regions. Before I went to Ulan-Ude, Russia, I notified my bank of my travel dates, etc. Last week I needed to re-up my cash and I went to Sberbank and used the ATM. It worked perfectly and I got my Roubles. Then I did an exchange for some dollars and got a good exchange rate.
When I was in Ukraine, I never used an ATM. I just used cash.

[lonedrake]

 No....her ass was fine


 So I was wiped out last night and slept well However It's 5 am and I have been up for a couple of hours. The six eggs and bread hit the spot.

The awake at 3am and tired at 7pm is not the schedule I want to be on.

 Anna said call her when I wake up and she will come over. Maybe I should

 Some of my concerns about Anna are first and foremost the language. Her English is not as good as I thought. It was difficult at times. I am trying to learn as much as I can. She is rather quiet and reserved....but that is what I had thought. She is no chatterbox thats for sure.

 The box of chocolates went over like a lead ballon. She says" I don't eat chocolate"...but her mom does...so I guess I already bought a present for her mom. Nice to get that out of the way

 One of my others concerns is attitude. I am having a difficult time understanding if it is just her or a FSUW thing. Not towards me, just life in general. I wanted to take a taxi with her and just drive around and see some sights, get a feel for the town. "Lugansk is an industrial city with nothing to see or do, its just gray" she says. Ok....forget that then.

 It's a new day and I am feeling more relaxed so we will see how it goes.

[jone]

Now you know why bowling lanes are in high demand in Ukraine.  Well, at least the Vikings aren't playing this weekend.

Seriously, you do not have to entertain her.  It's just below freezing and it's a winter day.  You are there to be friends and then maybe more.  How about letting her do something for you, like cook you a meal?