Kiev Safe for Asians?

[StickyFly]

I am going to Kiev to meet my girlfriend of 1.5 year in October. I will be staying with her in the outskirt of Kiev, not sure what the area is called but supposedly it's not the best area in the city.

I want to know if it's safe for me, an Asian, to travel there? What if we are affectionate with each other in public? Would it upset local thugs? I was there once and it feels relatively safe, much safer than, say, Harlem in New York, at least it feels that way. I am thinking to bring a pepper spray with me, is it alllowed to check in my luggage with a pepper spray in it?

Last time I was there we couldn't find any place with Wifi(not internet cafe, need to use my own laptop and there was no starbucks). Anyone know where I can get Wifi?

[Jack]

I am going to Kiev to meet my girlfriend of 1.5 year in October. I will be staying with her in the outskirt of Kiev, not sure what the area is called but supposedly it's not the best area in the city.   I want to know if it's safe for me, an Asian, to travel there?

Yes.

What if we are affectionate with each other in public?

I think it will depend on what level of affectionate you are referring to.  Holding hands, inter-locking arms while walking, no problem.  Not sure your girl is going to want to show much more affection than that in public.

Would it upset local thugs?

Not in the center of the center but if your way out in the boonies, and you might see a small group of young men drinking, I would probably advise against showing to much affection.

I was there once and it feels relatively safe, much safer than, say, Harlem in New York, at least it feels that way.

Your safer in most cities of Ukraine and Russia than you are in most US cities.

I am thinking to bring a pepper spray with me, is it alllowed to check in my luggage with a pepper spray in it?

I think you should check into this. I was told once (a few years ago) that pepper spray was not legal to carry around.  I am not sure if this is an actual law or not but would advise you to check to make certain.

Last time I was there we couldn't find any place with Wifi(not internet cafe, need to use my own laptop and there was no starbucks). Anyone know where I can get Wifi? 

Wifi in the center is a lot more popular today than when you were in Kiev last. 

[StickyFly]

Just so others know, you can bring a pepper spray as long as you check in your bag.

She doesn't think it's necessary, thinks I worry too much, but better safe than sorry. Besides, I'd feel better if she has one on her key chain after I leave Kiev.

[kievstar]

A little advice.  Pepper spray is not going to help you.  Probably make things worse.  Asians are safe in Kiev. 

As Jack mentioned, stay away from places were guys are drinking in non toursit areas. Being around drunk men in any country is not safe. 

 

[ScottinCrimea]

Isn't most of Russia in Asia?  Aren't most Russians therefore Asians?

[Sculpto]

If I am not mistaken isn't there a population of ethnic Koreans that are citizens of Ukraine? 

Are not Russians from the far east genetically similiar to Chinese?

I saw plenty of Chinese, Korean and Japanese students in both Donetsk and Odessa.  They all seemed to be surrounded by Ukrainians with smiling faces.

I would think it might be more dangerous for an Asian to go for a walk in much of Oakland, than it would be in Kiev.

I did have one somewhat frightening experience in Donetsk.  One evening I was with my Nigerian friend and we had just gotten off the bus coming back from Makeevka to the center of Donetsk.  We had gotten off about three blocks down the hill from the Square.  Suddenly he said to me.. hurry lets get off this street.. then I saw what he saw.. a group of about 50 probably teenage men wearing leather jackets with emblems on them running/ skipping down the hill and singing.  Ukrainian skinheads.. they looked like a bunch of losers to me and felt a lot less threatening than the skinheads in the Bay Area circa 1990.. but.. I was a foreigner walking with an African.. and my African had been there seven years and HE was scared.. so.. but I would also mention this single incident was the ONLY threatening experience I had in a whole month in Donetsk.

[boatguy]

I am Asian. Been to Russia 3 times and Ukraine 5 times over the past 5 years. Aways traveled alone using public transport and have visited a number or outlying cities and towns.

I have had only 2 negative incidents:

Once in a suburban restaurant outside St. Petersburg while with my date,
some guy (possible skin head type - shave head, black leather jacket) sitting alone in the next table kept staring our way.

In suburban Kiev, a cop tried to shake me down for a bribe by stopping me for
a travel document check and then declaring I didn't have a visa which was not required for Americans. Took me to his office next to a metro station and kept me there while he searched through his code book. I just played it cool and said that he can verify Americans do not need a visa by phoning his central office which of course he did not do. After about 30 minutes, he said I could leave.

There is a higher chance of being stopped by cops for travel documents since you will  be more noticeable. Of the 8 trips total, I was asked for documents 2 other times in outlying towns. Watch out for the "dropped wallet or dropped wad of cash" trick around the center of Kiev.

Other than these 2 incidents, I found people friendly, engaging and eager to strike up a conversation with a stranger.

Have a good trip.

Bill

[StickyFly]

As Jack mentioned, stay away from places were guys are drinking in non toursit areas. Being around drunk men in any country is not safe. 

 

That'd be kind of hard since she lives in a none tourist area.

The last time I went to visit her I had the same concern mainly because my Polish friend warned me about Ukraine and also a few articles I've read on the internet. Once I was there I didn't feel threaten at all, as a matter of fact I totally forgot I was a different race, just like how I feel here in the states. I did pass by a few drinking kids but they paid no attention to us.

This time the same thing, having concern because I have read too many old news articles and watch too many youtube videos about some minorities getting attached.

I will drop the pepper idea and bring only my smile.

[Kuna]

That'd be kind of hard since she lives in a none tourist area.

The last time I went to visit her I had the same concern mainly because my Polish friend warned me about Ukraine and also a few articles I've read on the internet. Once I was there I didn't feel threaten at all, as a matter of fact I totally forgot I was a different race, just like how I feel here in the states. I did pass by a few drinking kids but they paid no attention to us.

This time the same thing, having concern because I have read too many old news articles and watch too many youtube videos about some minorities getting attached.

I will drop the pepper idea and bring only my smile.

Best not to smile for no reason... most Ukrainians will think you're an idiot!   

Good idea to leave the pepper spray at home.  IN avoiding drunk men you'll just have to do the same as your lady-friend does...  Women will take action to avoid drunk men where possible too.

Play it cool...  be aware of what's happening around you and just be sensible.  You'll be fine.

Kuna