Begin to get nervous about trip

[Vaughn]

Also found out Elena has told her mother about me.  She tells me her mother is scared and worried for her.

My future wife also travelled a long distance to meet me, the stranger, at the airport. A mutual leap of faith one could say.
 
So of course she's concerned. Within the first 30 minutes of meeting my Elvira, I insisted she call home to let her loved ones know she was in good hands. If you're the gentleman I think you are, things'll be fine. Be sure to bring along a thoughtful and heartfelt gift for her Mama, something very American. It might also be wise to memorize a few pleasantries in their language.
 
My own family-to-be appreciated seeing photos of my daughters and parents.
 

[Pkeel]

I am bringing a couple tea cups and saucers for her mother.  They are locally made and feature a local product on them.

I am also sending her a jar of my honey.  Elena and I are going to mail the gift to her from Sevastopol.

[Faux Pas]

JayH: My flight gets in around 9:00pm.  She arrives in the early am at the train station in Sevastopol. I have already talked to my bank for the debit card and I will call the credit card company if I can't do it myself over the internet.

You are leaving a lot to chance. Despite my notifying the bank before my first trip, my ATM card still wouldn't work. Luckily then I had purchased some rubles before the trip and had a credit card that did work. On my second trip my ATM card still didn't work but, they remedied that occurrence quickly. But I had to wait on the time difference to call. Have a back up for cash. As soon as you land in Kiev, check the ATM for cash

[Pkeel]

For emergencies I am going to Western Union some cash for myself in case I need it.

I will also have a credit card tht I have requested to be unlocked as well.

My flight had to change, I will now go through Amsterdam into Kiev then to Sevastopol.  I will try to get cash in Kiev.

[Faux Pas]

For emergencies I am going to Western Union some cash for myself in case I need it.

I will also have a credit card tht I have requested to be unlocked as well.

My flight had to change, I will now go through Amsterdam into Kiev then to Sevastopol.  I will try to get cash in Kiev.

I never had a problem with credit cards. They were all acceptable every time I went to use it. They are not good for getting cash however and you will find many times, cash is the only acceptable form of payment.

The ATMs in Russia were on the same networks as my bank card. The first time over despite my notifying my bank, my account wasn't ticked for that particular region so the network could recognize my card. I raised hell upon returning but it did no good as my second trip I had the same problem. As I mentioned they fixed that quick enough but, it was the hassle caused, the time and the angst. 10 or so trips after that never a problem but, sometimes even though you notify them initially, it isn't enough. WU is a good viable plan as there is no substitute for cash when you need it.

[Muzh]

I never had a problem with credit cards. They were all acceptable every time I went to use it. They are not good for getting cash however and you will find many times, cash is the only acceptable form of payment.

Actually, the majority of businesses in Ukraine will take your credit card ONLY if you type in your PIN as a debit card.

So, what happens when you do that?

You are not buying on credit. You are taking CASH out of your credit card to pay for the expenses, therefore, the stores do NOT have to pay the percentage to the credit cards when you use it as a credit card.

It doesn't matter if you show your passport, they will insist you use it as a debit card.

The excuse? Er..., we want to make sure it is your credit card and not a stolen one.

Yea, right.

[alex330]

I never had a problem with credit cards. They were all acceptable every time I went to use it. They are not good for getting cash however and you will find many times, cash is the only acceptable form of payment.

My American Express cards never worked in Ukraine. Debit cards with ATM machines I had no issues at all after informing the bank of my travel plans. VISA and Mastercard about half the places would not take (we need Ukrainian card) or would tell me the machine was broken and requested cash. I assume to avoid the high fees associated with merchant accounts.

[Faux Pas]

My American Express cards never worked in Ukraine. Debit cards with ATM machines I had no issues at all after informing the bank of my travel plans. VISA and Mastercard about half the places would not take (we need Ukrainian card) or would tell me the machine was broken and requested cash. I assume to avoid the high fees associated with merchant accounts.

Maybe the difference in Russia and Ukraine I dunno, but my AmEx always works fine and doesn't change me a conversion rate/fee like another card does. I've had merchants tell me right away they don't accept my card, which ever one I attempted to use but never really any shananigans like you and Muzh mention. I don't doubt it, just never happened to me. I never take out the AmEx unless I've seen the amex insignia displayed. Many places in Russia don't take it but surprisingly it is welcomed in many places

[cc3]

Actually, the majority of businesses in Ukraine will take your credit card ONLY if you type in your PIN as a debit card.

So, what happens when you do that?

You are not buying on credit. You are taking CASH out of your credit card to pay for the expenses, therefore, the stores do NOT have to pay the percentage to the credit cards when you use it as a credit card.

It doesn't matter if you show your passport, they will insist you use it as a debit card.

The excuse? Er..., we want to make sure it is your credit card and not a stolen one.

Yea, right.

Supermarkets (national chains) in Luhans'k always accept my debit/credit card as a credit card.

[ML]

For emergencies I am going to Western Union some cash for myself in case I need it.

Unless there has been a recent change in policy, Western Union will not permit the wiring of money to one's self.

[Muzh]

Supermarkets (national chains) in Luhans'k always accept my debit/credit card as a credit card.

You are absolutely correct. I forgot to mention that, although most of the supermarkets in Kharkiv were kinda leery when I whipped out my CC to pay. They still asked me for a PIN though. You have no idea how many times I had to tell them that I was an American and we don't need no stinkin' PINs.

[cc3]

You are absolutely correct. I forgot to mention that, although most of the supermarkets in Kharkiv were kinda leery when I whipped out my CC to pay. They still asked me for a PIN though. You have no idea how many times I had to tell them that I was an American and we don't need no stinkin' PINs.

That's strange that two cities could be so relatively close to each other, but have such different attitudes toward CC's. No one here ever asks for my PIN. The clerks just automatically hand me a pen to sign the statement.

[rockford75]

Fear of the unknown is normal. Do lots of research on the Internet about where your going itll make you feel better. just dont do what Ive seen many Americans do overseas and sew a Canadian flag on your luggage. Good way to get a your Butt kicked lol.... relax and have fun is all i can say.