1st timer off to Ukraine

[lawman65]

Well guys I'm off to Kiev this December to meet three lovely ladies. I am flying into Amsterdam first then Kiev. Any info about the airports, customs, what to avoid would be helpful. Len

 

[Photo Guy]

Have fun, sleep as much as possible on the plane, and act as a good ambassador from the West. Show them an American can behave with class and consideration. Why did you choose these particular three women, Len?  ...just curious. Doug

[lawman65]

Doug,

Thanks for the info. The reason being they are well educated, speak English, and live within the city. It should be interesting. I am also planning another trip to Odessa in April. Len

[Photo Guy]

I'd recommend renting a flat, rather than a hotel room, near Independence Square.

[philb]

Just curious, when in December will you be there?  I am leaving for Kiev next week.  We will be driving to Germany for about 10 days.  Then will be back in Kiev through the 6th of December.

[dorogoyroberto]

[user=235]lawman65[/user] wrote:

I am flying into Amsterdam first then Kiev. Any info about the airports, customs, what to avoid would be helpful.

Schiphol airport is great to transit through. I have been there several times and found airport personnel helpful. Borispol is getting better: that customs declaration document that looked like a stock certificate has been eliminated, but keep the stamped immigration "card" (just a small slip of paper) in a safe place as you may need it upon exiting. (Sometimes passport control has asked for it, and sometimes not.)

Roberto
Kiev, Ukraine

[Albert]

No, the 'stock certificate' customs for has not been eliminated.  I was just through KBP both going and coming and used it.  They did tell me that the amount of money one could take out of Ukraine has been raised to $3,000 and no leaving declaration needed if below that amount.  But still, I bring in much more than the limit, so will still always use the form because never know how much I might be bringing back out.

[Albert]

Good advice on renting the apt rather than staying at hotel.  To elaborate futher:

A gal will much more readily come to your apt compared to coming to hotel room.

Don't let one of the gals set up the apt for you.  If you do, she can really screw things up for meeting other gals, etc.

I don't think apt has to be near Independence square.  But I would insist that the apt be on a metro or bus line that has a straight shot to the centre.  That's because the Opera house, Philharmonia, several museums, churches, etc., are in the centre.  That is where you will want to be taking the gals.

[dorogoyroberto]

No, the 'stock certificate' customs for has not been eliminated.  I was just through KBP both going and coming and used it.

Interesting. I just went to Warsaw and back, and then to Frankfurt and back. I did not need it (had nothing to declare) and was not asked for it.

Update: my Borispol guru -- he goes there virtually every day -- says I did not need the form because I had nothing to declare *and* I had no check-in luggage for either trip. I was verbally questioned upon both returns how much cash I had.

Roberto
Kiev, Ukraine

[lawman65]

I'll be in Kiev from Dec. 29 to Jan.3

[lawman65]

Great advice, thank you gentlemen.

[lawman65]

Sorry, left out the 1 in Jan 13th

[Preston]

Renting a flat is a good move! I rented in Dnepro and only spent $6.00 a day but only because it was my friends relitive! But a flat is very comfortable and as said don't let one of the girls get one for you as I had a little trouble with that when I met my wife! LOL! Cool man have fun be careful!

[Turboguy]

You might want to get in touch with Jack Bragg.  He has some parties going on the same time you are there.   His e-mail address is manager@firstdream.com   I am giving some thought to going to them but have not decided yet.   They sound like they are going to be pretty good and it would give you a chance to meet a lot of nice gals. 

He can also arrange an apartment for you.   Many of us can give you some good tips.  You might want to visit Elena's models office there.   They are in the Hotel Impressa,  turn left after you walk in the door and you will see the doors to thier office.  They have books with gals sorted by ages and can line up meetings for $ 20.00 a pop.  You only pay for the ones you meet and they have thousands in their books.

I can put you in touch with a good interpreter if you need one.  I think Photo guy will vouch that she is outstanding and married so there is no interfierence.   Vistit the Lavre while you are there and don't miss the caticombs.  They are neat.   The internet cafe I liked the best is on the corner down from the TGI Fridays across from the market and upstairs.  It is cheap and good.

[POConnor]

Here is a email address  Apartment Rentals Kyiv [info@apartments.kiev.ua] and the website is www.apartments.kiev.ua where you can look at apts available in Kiev. I will be in Kiev with my Ukranian wife and step daughter from Dec. 24 to Jan 2. If you want to meet in Kiev email me your number at poconnor@fdic.gov and we can chat.

The apt I am getting is $60 a night, some are less, most are a little more, but are completely furnished with everything. If you want something specific ask for it. I like to cook so I aked for some extra cooking items and they were provided. Stay close to Kresadick str as that is were most of the shops are. At one end of Kresadick str is the main post office and a McDonald's ( do not take a woman here for a date), at the other end is a market to get meat, fruits, vegetables, also across the street is a TGI Friday's. There is also a Mega Market a few blocks from the fruit market that is stocked well with stuff like a regular grocery store, but in a Sam's Club format. I have been to Kiev 5 times soon to be six. There are some other nice restuarants around town including places that speak English. Emal if you want more info.

[KenC]

Lawman,

Turbo's advice about contacting Jack Bragg is sound.  If for no other reason than a back up plan.  You are spending a fair amount of time over there and you never know how things will play out with the 3 gals you are going to meet.  You might find that none of them are of interest and then what are you going to do with your remaining time?  Back up plans are a must.  You don't want to waste your valuable time while you are over there.  Good luck to you!

KenC

[Son of Clyde]

Not sure if you would want a female or male interpreter.

I know Pavel in Kiev and he is very good and can also find you an apartment and handle your transportation.

Send me a PM if interested.

[dorogoyroberto]

Pavel Poznyak just visited the other day to chat. He is an excellent  resource, indeed: http://yourukraineguide.com.ua/eng/index.htm

Roberto
Kiev, Ukraine

[Chef!]

Hey all, first timer to Kiev here, but not to traveling all over.  Just want to know the scoop for NYE!  I'm looking for something elegant and special for me and my girl.  Classy and a need to dress to impress would be a nice way to spend our first NYE together! I'm think a wonderful dinner to start, then somewhere with a band or orchastra.  Jazz, big band, etc would be the perfect musical motif, if it exists.  Does it?  Please forward any and all info for various ideas and/or celebrations that are happening around town to include prices to expect to pay, websites, anything available.  Thanks!!!!

[KenC]

Chef!,

What you have to understand is that NYE is the holiday in fsu countries.  It is kind of like our NYE and Christmas rolled into one.  I was in Russia many years ago during this time.  Most restaurants will offer a party/dinner package that will include music and dancing for a preset price.  As I don't know your situation with regard to your lady (or ladies) that you are meeting, it is difficult to guide you on this subject.  But if you are going to meet one special woman, it may be better to have her make the arrangments.  If your guest for the event is still unknown, you may look to an agency or a local contact to hook you up with tickets for the best event available.

KenC

[BC]

From what I experienced, New Years in RU was pretty much a family type celeb. as Ken mentioned very much like our xmas.  A real feast... can't imagine women with family breaking away until quite late (or early a.m.)

[andrewfi]

I do not know the specifics, you will have to do the legwork yourself, unless a well off local can help, but you will probably find that the upmarket hotels and some restaurants will have New Year events. They will be 'dress-up' events and so you will almost certainly need to budget for a dinner jacket for you and a decent evening dress for your companion. In Tallinn, Estonia, we have many of these events. My favourite is at the Hotel next to my apartment. If I go with a girlfriend, it will cost me, without clothes, drinks etc, about 250 Euro.

Most nightclubs will have parties as well, probaby with advance bookings for tickets.

Your problem is going to be getting a place booked by remote control.

KenC is almost certainly on the money about making arrangements, but be sure about your companion. One of these do's, with somebody that you are not too comfortable with, can be purgatory!

[dorogoyroberto]

Folks,

Just passed through Borispol airport again, and thought that the lines  leaving and returning moved more quickly that I have ever seen. As I  had no luggage and nothing to declare, I did not have to fill out that  Customs Declaration form although I did have to complete that  Immigration "Card" needed for my next exit/entry. This was the first  time, though, that I was not asked how much currency I had...

Roberto
Kiev, Ukraine

[ronin308]

Thanks for the heads up Roberto, I can only comment on the difference in 1 year but it was dramatic from when I went in Nov 2004 to my last trip in October.

I've been through Borispol 4 times though and only the first one did I speak to customs, well actually the Lufthansa lady spoke to customs for me since my bags were somewhere else.  Maybe I blend in to well or something but most of the time I just follow other people through booths with no one in them, I've never been stopped yet.

 

[Albert]

Folks,

Just passed through Borispol airport again, and thought that the lines leaving and returning moved more quickly that I have ever seen. As I had no luggage and nothing to declare, I did not have to fill out that Customs Declaration form although I did have to complete that Immigration "Card" needed for my next exit/entry. This was the first time, though, that I was not asked how much currency I had...

Roberto
Kiev, Ukraine


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Roberto, I think you are going to (inadvertently) cause some problems for some guys here who are visiting Ukraine.

First, (regarding customs procedures) you never make it clear in your postings if you are talking about leaving Ukraine or coming into Ukraine.  There is a big difference regarding the needed procedures.

Second, you keep touting the fact you 'did not have' to fill out the Customs Declaration form.  But this is very misleading.  Forever, some guys never filled out the form.  Not because they 'did not have to' simply because they didn't do it.  Some were caught and suffered bad consequences, some were never caught.

Whether one 'must fill out' the form or not depends on what you are bringing into the country or taking out of the country.  Yes, Ukraine did change the dollar limits on what you could take out without declaring it as incoming.  But the 'did not have to fill out' only applies if the person is under that limit when they are taking out.

So, in short, you are doing a big disservice (even though your intention is to help) and you are going to get some guys into big trouble, when you make these blanket statements without telling the specific circumstances of when Customs form is and is not required.