Airport transfer and interpreters

[john2013]

I was recently in Ukraine and just wanted to tell everybody about a great company http://www.ukrainetravel.co, that helped me with all my needs from picking me up from the airport and taking me to the apartment. The driver was kind enough to ask if I need something on the way and took me to the closest market, that I can buy a couple stuff, they also provided interpreter and guide service while I was in Kiev. And maid my trip great!
kiev interpreter
kiev airport transfer

[jone]

Should be placed in the commercial section.

Noticed that no prices were given for TERPs.  Would assume that the reason this is is either because the prices are more expensive than nominal or because there is negotiating involved.

But the car fee, while not exorbitant compared with taxis that figure out that you don't speak Russian, is greater than I pay for my private car that picks me up at Borispol, Terminal F, with a smile on the driver's  face.

Am unimpressed with people who come on to make a single post for a service and then leave.  Having said that, another service provider on here is always welcome.

[Hammer2722]

[size=78%]Am unimpressed with people who come on to make a single post for a service and then leave.  Having said that, another service provider on here is always welcome.[/size]

Agreed, another "one post wonder". I agree more service providers would be welcome as long as others can vouch for their services....

[Anotherkiwi]

Should be placed in the commercial section.
...
Am unimpressed with people who come on to make a single post for a service and then leave.  Having said that, another service provider on here is always welcome.

Give the guy a break!  He only posted today, not a month ago.

[john2013]

Thank you for the warm welcome. I see that you don’t like new members, have a good day

[Hammer2722]

Thank you for the warm welcome. I see that you don’t like new members, have a good day

Far from it John. Perhaps you should introduce yourself to the forum first. We have an area where new members can start their first post there.

[BoozeBaron]

Slaying the new guy aside.... Jone said "I pay for my private car that picks me up at Borispol, Terminal F, with a smile on the driver's  face."

I'm landing in Kiev in 3 weeks, and need a private car to Kremenchug (152 miles) - to and from - Can you recommend an executive car service then? (or, for the faint of heart, would anyone hire a car and drive this?) suicide I know - but would like to have wheels for the 2 weeks in Krem...

Cheers-

BB

[JayH]

Slaying the new guy aside.... Jone said "I pay for my private car that picks me up at Borispol, Terminal F, with a smile on the driver's  face."

I'm landing in Kiev in 3 weeks, and need a private car to Kremenchug (152 miles) - to and from - Can you recommend an executive car service then? (or, for the faint of heart, would anyone hire a car and drive this?) suicide I know - but would like to have wheels for the 2 weeks in Krem...

Cheers-

BB

I rent a car  for nearly all my time in Ukraine. It is not to difficult to drive from Kiev as you are proposing.
The driver--needs to be a 110% involved driver at ALL times. It is not just the mistakes you can make--but everyone else as well. The road conditions can be EXTREMELY dangerous and the catalyst for accident-- yours and someone Else's that you become involved in.
If you are not on the high end of competent in your own environment driving this is not for you. I presume you have driven in numerous countries previously? If you have driven in Spain,Italy,France etc-- that is a good start!! Do you normally know what is behind you? In mirrors? Do you have good anticipation? If you don't-- forget driving!!
Road conditions can be from ok--- to shocking-- down to 20kmh averages in some sections as the "road" can be so bad as to be close to impassable. Best illustrated by saying that in places it is faster to drive alongside the so called "made" section of the road!!
The biggest danger on road conditions does come at the end of the cold weather-- and how much damage has been done to the surface. Potholes big enough to swallow a car appear-- and holes that puncture tyres or rip the suspension out of the car can appear with little warning.  All in all--it can be quite an adventure in itself driving.
The road from Boryspil to Kremenchug  is (or was!!) fairly good for the most part( good surface condition,verges good etc)-- so easy enough in itself--only normal Ukraine traffic hazards to worry about.
You 100% need a dedicated GPS--I  use top of the range Garmin Nuvi  with EU maps with Ukraine option. There is another great Ukraine specific map option( discused on forums about GPS options-- I can give you link to purchase if needed)-- and for the area you are in maps are excellent.
For me personally-- driving and having the car is how I live my life normally-- and I like to do the same when I am in Ukraine.You do need to learn local laws relating to accident contact etc and do some preparation.
I try and avoid driving at night unless I know the road-- obviously not such an issue in cities. Other drivers being alcohol affected is a reality-- like many other places!!
Last word--while you have probably already seen and will see some crazy driving -- contrary to some opinions--I think Ukrainian drivers are good--they have to be to survive!!

[jone]

There is a saying about the seasons in Ukraine: 

There are four seasons:

Almost Winter
Winter
Still Winter
and, of course, Road Construction.

Travel at your own risk.

[BoozeBaron]

Hahaha - Yes, driving in Spain should prepare me for just about anything )) (I did use to race cars back in the day - and still do 'track days' here at Rockingham in open wheel and DB9's - so I'd LIKE to think I'm somewhat capable- but as you said - drunk drivers, and potholes that can swallow an entire car ... that is scary - so it's not 'me' I worry about so much, but the other guys) .... Either way - I appreciate the input (both of you) ..

I'm still weighing out options - It's almost 3AM here in London, and just got off a USA call - so am heading to bed, but saw this response, and felt I had to chime in before calling it a night ...

Got 'executive' car service quotes from 5 companies now - all were $400-$500 each way - and my girl wants to meet me -and see me off when I leave - so we're talking like 4-6 trips? Yikes! My flight to Kiev is only 179quid! so it's REALLY hard for me to fathom paying $1000 to drive 150miles roundtrip... seems like such a waste... Private bus if I knew others were going may work... I dunno - Maybe I'll just have her come to Kiev but do need to meet the family this trip... sigh... 

Night!

BB

[cc3]

Hahaha - Yes, driving in Spain should prepare me for just about anything )) (I did use to race cars back in the day - and still do 'track days' here at Rockingham in open wheel and DB9's - so I'd LIKE to think I'm somewhat capable- but as you said - drunk drivers, and potholes that can swallow an entire car ... that is scary - so it's not 'me' I worry about so much, but the other guys) .... Either way - I appreciate the input (both of you) ..

I'm still weighing out options - It's almost 3AM here in London, and just got off a USA call - so am heading to bed, but saw this response, and felt I had to chime in before calling it a night ...

Got 'executive' car service quotes from 5 companies now - all were $400-$500 each way - and my girl wants to meet me -and see me off when I leave - so we're talking like 4-6 trips? Yikes! My flight to Kiev is only 179quid! so it's REALLY hard for me to fathom paying $1000 to drive 150miles roundtrip... seems like such a waste... Private bus if I knew others were going may work... I dunno - Maybe I'll just have her come to Kiev but do need to meet the family this trip... sigh... 

Night!

BB

Rent your car. Drive CAREFULLY but not timidly. It's an infinitely doable endeavor. Have UAH 20 notes for certain law enforcement situations (or just play dumb and don't speak Russian to the gendarmes). Slow down for ALL intersections...that's where the baton wielders like to hang out.

[Muzh]

Rent your car. Drive CAREFULLY but not timidly.

Absolutely.

They can smell fear and if they do, you are doomed.

[BoozeBaron]

Absolutely.

They can smell fear and if they do, you are doomed.

Just curious - Who's "they" ...??? Police or other drivers?

[Muzh]

Just curious - Who's "they" ...??? Police or other drivers?

Yes.

 

[cc3]

Just curious - Who's "they" ...??? Police or other drivers?

  That's good!

[Chicagoguy]

Have seen a couple of videos on u-tube that looks like Moscow where upon merging the new driver is holding a gun out his window to gain entrance.
Not for the timid I would say. And please - no comments about Chicago 

[JayH]

Ahhh --the Police-- I forgot to mention that part of the entertainment!!Cars with number plates from somewhere else- foreign or regional are Police targets. Not helped by rental cars that put stickers on car or number plate surrounds identifying rental company ( I de-sticker car and take tape to cover rental car promo surrounds!!)  anything to stop cops identifying car too quickly--it can give you enough time to look the other way and ignore them!!
Police are poorly paid and use stopping cars to supplement income-- essentially they need no excuse as you will find complete innocence will not prevent frequent stops.They will even try and create a situation!!(eg wave you thru a stop sign -- then the party begins!!
On the open road where the general rule is to ignore speed limits!!-- they sit with radar guns ready.It is easy to outrun the older Ladas( presuming half decent later model)  and the Police soon lose interest in chasing you!! But-- watch out that they have not radioed ahead  and have reception waiting ! Around Kiev and Odessa--Police have been getting much better newer cars over the last 2 years or so-- do not underestimate them !
I do not want to encourage others into my own methods and do not recommend them to anyone--unless you are very confident in your ability to handle whatever arises!! For me it is just plain inconvenient to be stopped regularly and the time wasted in the game of how much is to be paid.I have adopted a not pay policy-- and it has led to many interesting confrontations.

[JayH]

Just curious - Who's "they" ...??? Police or other drivers?

I think your driving background is great to understand what I said about 110% concentration and  awareness. You should drive yourself-- you will be fine!  I can give you a lawyers name not far from your destination to help you when you will need it !!

[calmissile]

Ahhh --the Police-- I forgot to mention that part of the entertainment!!Cars with number plates from somewhere else- foreign or regional are Police targets. Not helped by rental cars that put stickers on car or number plate surrounds identifying rental company ( I de-sticker car and take tape to cover rental car promo surrounds!!)  anything to stop cops identifying car too quickly--it can give you enough time to look the other way and ignore them!!
Police are poorly paid and use stopping cars to supplement income-- essentially they need no excuse as you will find complete innocence will not prevent frequent stops.They will even try and create a situation!!(eg wave you thru a stop sign -- then the party begins!!
On the open road where the general rule is to ignore speed limits!!-- they sit with radar guns ready.It is easy to outrun the older Ladas( presuming half decent later model)  and the Police soon lose interest in chasing you!! But-- watch out that they have not radioed ahead  and have reception waiting ! Around Kiev and Odessa--Police have been getting much better newer cars over the last 2 years or so-- do not underestimate them !
I do not want to encourage others into my own methods and do not recommend them to anyone--unless you are very confident in your ability to handle whatever arises!! For me it is just plain inconvenient to be stopped regularly and the time wasted in the game of how much is to be paid.I have adopted a not pay policy-- and it has led to many interesting confrontations.

Ah yes, the radar guns.  Must have seen at least a half dozen on last trip.  They look like something out of the Korean war era.  Don't know if the  are modern but sure look very old.     

What's with the roundabouts with the police tower in the center and  at least one police car parked  at it's base?   I did not see any radar traps nearby so not sure what the cops are doing in the towers.  The only incident I remember is when riding a packed bus with people standing in the aisle, the driver had the passengers pull down the shades on the left side so the cops could not see people standing.