Back from Odessa, Ukraine. Advice needed

[hutcher47]

I first thought of visiting Ukraine in 2005 when I started correspondence with a Ukrainian woman and thought why not give it a go. I was also informed that US citizens do not need visa for an entry to Ukraine anymore. I arranged a tour including apartment, taxi, and airfare and had no problems to come over there. So I was holding my bags in the afternoon airport when my and Irina’s eyes met. I was even more stuck to my suitcases when my whole life ran through my brains and stopped at these hazel eyes. I carried on holding them when I heard first “Hello” and had no idea what was it that I should say!!! What was going on with me!!! A 47 year old asshole would have never thought of falling so deep into the love thing as soon as he saw these eyes. I heard a lot of happy stories and miracles about Russian brides but no expecting it this time. Everything before I saw these eyes was so banal as though I sat into my car and drove a few miles. With those eyes I woke up and realized I was in another place and was breathing different air!!! We spent the whole week together with her child and a lot of impressions. I left Ukraine hoping that this feeling will abandon me but it hurt me even more when I took off in my plane.

Special thanks to our translator Elena for both times who helped me through with the language so we could normally communicate with Irina. Elena was patient enough with us to have her hundred buck tip 

The places I visited both two times are:

1.   2 days in Yalta;
2.   Odessa catacombs,
3.   Opera house;
4.   Arcadia-Ibiza, Ithaca, Western, Stereo night clubs, Assol restaurant;
5.   Umon park Sofievkiy;
6.   Bodyart festival- saw naked girls when still Irina still remained the best sight ever with her see-threw shirt on;
7.   Dolphin park,
8.   Sea port;

I stayed both times in a private 2 bedroom apartment in Deribaskovskaya street that I rented from the same dating agency. Not sure if 70 USD per night is an appropriate price for it. All I know is this price was worth privacy we had with Irina along with laundry, bathroom and a good sofa (hehe) all this time around. I heard 4 star hotels there cost 140 dollars per night min.

There is also something special about Ukraine – I never had to pay more than 5 dollars for the taxi around the city there. I could drive there for hours for fun which I would not normally do at home.

The thing that still wonders me after visiting this country for the second time is the number of single and beautiful Ukraine ladies. Going there you should always have head in your pocket and never lose control. Starting my journey was a bit fussy and boring. Luckily U.S. citizens have free gateway to Ukraine now. Hence this was not a stress-free trip to Ukraine as for the first time I had misunderstanding with Aerosvit. The agency I ordered airfare through just forgot to book me a back ticket )

I stood at the airport like thrash for the whole hour unless the lady stewardess informed me that such flight doesn’t EVEN EXIST!  ???

Luckily the only number I had is of the agency I was registered with a couple of months and I phoned them. I was urgently picked up, made my photocopy of passport and stuff. There was one smooth circumstance about it -I could spend this whole day with Irina while the agency could take care of my ticket and I took care of the bills )I got my ticket within an hour or so and knew when my flight is. Phew!!!!!! I landed in Kennedy the next day and already missed Odessa and my little poopsik Shashenka and Irina. I thought I’d ask if anyone has ever thought about moving to Odessa, buying a house or an apartment there and what wages they pay.

I left my heart in Odessa to the woman called Irina and I am still thinking of coming back there in winter. I am also thinking of arranging a fiancée visa for her and her little daughter as long as we both are interested in each other. I do not know what should be my next step. I am feeling as though I am back to school over 30 years younger hutcher!!!!

[Son of Clyde]

hutcher47,

Nice trip report but be careful. Use your next trip to decide how you feel about her and if she is the one for you. You will have time now to see if she misses you.

Can you explain further about entering Ukraine without a visa? How was it different at the airport? Did you spend less time waiting in line?

[Jumper]

Nice trip report and glad you had a great time!

The visa thing in the past wasnt much hassle really,easy enough to obtain and no in-country registration..
 but glad they lifted it.

Odessa,......buying a house or an apartment there and what wages they pay?

Some guys have started up a business, or owned a flat there..
but if you are planning to relocate and work there at a regular job-
  language skills and being bi-lingual, would be fairly important?
 Since you used a interpreter its doesnt seem you'd be fluent enough to hold a good job in that marketplace?
Even fluent odds are your pay might not be much,,
just what did you interpreter  make in salary?
( not much more than your tip most likely )

there are exceptions, and certainly ex-pats working in Ukraine,,
normally for a foriegn firm though! with foriegn salary .
If seriuos about this relocation , that would be the thing to look into.

Getting hired by a local employer would be rough..but sure some westerners may be hired locally for example teaching english etc..??
but its likely in Odessa your pay scale would be dismal compared to here, but cost of living is less.
Odessa average monthly salary is about $150 USD maybe $200.

Salaries in Kiev are higher,but still the average salary is very low in comparison to what you are used to.

Definantly take your time in contemplating a move there.

[Michelangelo]

I am also thinking of arranging a fiancée visa for her and her little daughter as long as we both are interested in each other. I do not know what should be my next step. I am feeling as though I am back to school over 30 years younger hutcher!!!!

Not so fast, Hutch.  Being together over time in different places is vital before you even consider a fiancee visa (in my opinion). You have to get past the romance and infatuation stage and to the point that being together is simply typical.  And that takes lots of time and more trips than two.

Odessa would not be a good place to earn wages.  Better to work stateside and simply retire there later...

[hutcher47]

Thank you all for support and advice. I feel really concerned about our relationship. We have already decided upon our feelings supposedly next time I will go there again in November-December and find out what is gonna happen next.  I start thinking of buying a diamond ring but should I buy it in Ukraine? Would the airport customs let me in with it?

I went to Ukraine both times with no visa January 2005 and May this year. I had my passport and this was enough to declare suitcase and most necessary stuff. Both times I ordered VIP service. It took approximately 30 minutes or so from customs to the taxi that picked me up. I think it's a lot faster than could be.

I agree that going through the period of infatuation is very important and will take it to account.

Irina’s monthly salary is 400 US dollars and what you say is 150-200. Not much difference though. I will have to talk to her about the local prices and businesses in letters.

Rick

[Sohkay]

Rick,
What was the travel agency you used?

[Stirlitz]

Nice report, but I miss the advice part. What is that you need advice on?

Odessa average monthly salary is about $150 USD maybe $200.

Why do you only take poor people into account?

Odessa poor people’s average monthly salary is about $150 USD maybe $200 — probably correct, but let me tell you a secret: we also have well-to-do people and even rich people here.

If you do not believe, just have a look at any main street in the daytime. Terrible traffic jams — and very few Ladas, mostly it is imported cars which cost $10,000 or more. And gasoline — same as in the US. I doubt that it could be possible if the average salary were as you suggest $150.…

[Turboguy]

I have been going to Russia and Ukraine for about 10 years now and it has been interesting to observe the changes.  I think you notice them more if you visit every so often than if you are surrounded by it every day.  It has been a drastic change over that time.

I think one of the situations there is it is often one way or the other.  Either someone is very rich or they struggle to get by.   I think that is starting to change now and the percentage of people in the middle range is growing fast and will continue to grow faster.

I noticed that a lot too when I was in Baku 6 weeks ago.  There is a lot of oil money there and you see one of two things on the road.  Either a new Mercedes or Lexus or an old beat up Lada that is barely road worthy.   In America most people drive a respectable affordable car but not a luxury car or a beater. 

Odessa strikes me as a place that would attract those with money.  It is one of the places I have never been in Ukraine but I have been close enough to see the lights of the city.  8 days from now will be my first visit to Odessa.  I am looking forward to it.  I will now pay more attention to the cars I see there.

[Bruno]

Why do you only take poor people into account?

Odessa poor people’s average monthly salary is about $150 USD maybe $200 — probably correct, but let me tell you a secret: we also have well-to-do people and even rich people here.

Maybe not so poor... my girlfriend work in the export/import sector in Odessa... Officially, she make 200 grivna week, this make around 160$ month... this amount is the official amount used by the government for make  the statistical average monthly salary...

But each time she make a contract, she is pay in $$$ below the table... these non official income is more high that his official income... eluding tax is a national sport in FSU !

[Jack]

hey Hutch, if you were paying $70 a night for a two room flat on Deribaska you were paying a bit too much. You must have been renting from Adam and Eva. Many (most) nice two room flats on Deribaska are going for $60 and $65.

Hutch something you wrote about your report that is not adding up. I think it was impossiable for you as an American to enter Ukraine in January 2005 without a visa. You would not have been allowed in the country without a visa. This new law did not go into effect until the April/May timeline. In January, February, March you HAD to have a visa to enter Ukraine.

[Muj]

Maybe not so poor... my girlfriend work in the export/import sector in Odessa... Officially, she make 200 grivna week, this make around 160$ month... this amount is the official amount used by the government for make  the statistical average monthly salary...

But each time she make a contract, she is pay in $$$ below the table... these non official income is more high that his official income... eluding tax is a national sport in FSU !

Bruno,

Spain also works on the "black" income as common in many eu countries.   Spain collects most taxes from citizens through exhorbitant sales taxes rather than income taxes.

[Bruno]

Hutch something you wrote about your report that is not adding up. I think it was impossiable for you as an American to enter Ukraine in January 2005 without a visa. You would not have been allowed in the country without a visa. This new law did not go into effect until the April/May timeline. In January, February, March you HAD to have a visa to enter Ukraine.

Almost right Jack...

In May 2005, the visa free regime was used for the first time, during one month... It was for the Eurosong festival...

Due to the success, the gouverment have make a law who allow a visa free regime forever... these law was voted in September 2005.

Now, Moldova have follow the same road... they have just voted a law who allow visa free regime, apply from the 01 January 2007...

Certainly with time, other ex-USSR country will follow the same way... tourism is a big income for several country...

[wendaaaal]

Hutch something you wrote about your report that is not adding up. I think it was impossiable for you as an American to enter Ukraine in January 2005 without a visa. You would not have been allowed in the country without a visa. This new law did not go into effect until the April/May timeline. In January, February, March you HAD to have a visa to enter Ukraine.

Jack,
Seems like I remember Odessa and Simferopol airports having some sort of visa-on-arrival scheme before the countrywide visa free regime that we enjoy now. Seemed to involve a short stay of no more than 14 days or so, might have had to have an invite from a business or travel agency. So, it's conceivable....
Wendell

[Stirlitz]

Spain collects most taxes from citizens through exhorbitant sales taxes rather than income taxes.

Oh yep, our huge sales tax is added to absolutely everything, even to what the government sells to us. It is absolutely ludicrous: they sell us something and they impose a value-added tax on themselves but we are supposed to pay it! Stupid. It would be funny were it not so sad.

Seems like I remember Odessa and Simferopol airports having some sort of visa-on-arrival scheme before the countrywide visa free regime that we enjoy now. Seemed to involve a short stay of no more than 14 days or so, might have had to have an invite from a business or travel agency. So, it's conceivable....

You are correct. I am not sure about Simferopol but we had that practice in Odessa long before visas were canceled. I remember it started in 2002.

[Jack]

yea, your right wendaaaal, I realized that after I sent the e-mail. If he landed directly in Odessa or Simferpopl, did not go outside of those regions, then he could land at Odessa or Simferopol without a visa. Not many people did, I guess the guy who left his heart in Odessa to the one and only Russian woman he ever met, hutch, is one of those who entered without a visa.

[Bruno]

If he landed directly in Odessa or Simferpopl, did not go outside of those regions, then he could land at Odessa or Simferopol without a visa.

The Odessa and Simferopol visa at airport always exist...

The rule are :

However, if you arrive to Ukraine via Odessa Airport or Seaport or Simferopol Airport, you may obtain your visa on arrival with assistance of one of the accredited Ukrainian travel companies. Visa assistance should be requested in advance in this case too, at least one business day prior to arrival.

Usualy, using the VIP service is enough but you need to inform them before arrival...

VIP service offert :

1) Support for 14 days visa obtainable right at Odessa Airport
2) VIP meeting service upon arrival
3) Airport pick up and transfer

Price of VIP are now :

- You have book hotel accommodation in Ukraine for 7 nights, you will have it for USD 98.
- For those who prefer to have maximum flexibility with accommodation choices while traveling (no hotel booking required), you will have it for USD 172.

You need to have with you :

    *  Your passport (valid for at least one month after the date of departure from Ukraine)
    * Two photos 3,5cm x 4,5cm
    * USD 30, the Consular processing fee

Of course, this is now only valid for :

The above offers are valid for citizens of Turkey only, since for citizens of the EU, Swiss Confederation, Leichtendtein, Canada, Japan, USA no entrance visa is required starting from the 1st of September, 2005.

So these post will be interesting only for people of Turkey