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Before coming to Ukraine you neet to apply for a Ukrainian visa at the consular office or embassy. However, citizens of the following countries with a valid passport can visit Ukraine without a visa  for the period of not more than 90 days:
USA, Canada, EU nations, Switzerland, Iceland, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Japan, Andorra, Vatican, Norway, San Marino, Mongolia, Lithuania and the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (except Turkmenistan).  For more information about visa read here

Time zone

Ukraine’s time zone is GMT+2. The country observes daylight savings time from the last Sunday in March untill the last Sunday in September when the clock goes one hour forward.

National Symbols of Ukraine

The stylised Trident is the official emblem of Ukraine. Blue and Yellow are the colours of Ukrainian flag. The Trident has been known as a symbol of power in Central Ukraine since the 6th century. In Kyivan Rus, the Trident was used by great princes. Some interpret the Trident symbol as the tip of a weapon, others - as a preying falcon or an arched bow with arrow, or the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Ghost).However, most scholars do agree that the Trident is a symbol of the highest power. The combination of blue and yellow has represented water and fire since pagan times. These colours are seen in the famous fresco Maria Oranta at St.Sofia’s Cathedral. Blue and yellow were the most frequently used colours on the banners of Zaporizhia Cossacks and are seen on the coat of arms of many Ukrainian cities. Both the Trident and the Ukraine’s blue and yellow flag were made official symbols by the first government of the Independent Ukrainian People’s Republic in 1918.

Money

The national currency is the hryvna. It is not allowed to take hryvnas out of the country, so make sure you spend them, or exchange them back into your currency before you leave. Since August 1995 all business transactions are now required to be in hryvna.

Traveller’s Checks

Traveller’s Checks can be cashed in almost all banks and exchange offices.

Currency Exchange

You can exchange your currency for hryvna at a number of locations throughout the city. If you are arriving at Boryspol International Airport, you will find currency exchange offices located in the airport. Once you are in the city we suggest that you change money into local currency at major hotels, or official exchange offices. New exchange offices are popping up all over the city. The exchange rate is sure to change substantially by the time you read this. Beware of changing money on the streets or with private individuals. It is illegal and can be dangerous. Don’t flash your cash! And don’t change your money on the black market.

Credit Cards

Visa, MasterCard, American Express are accepted almost everywhere. But local grocery stores accept only national currency. It’s important to check with your hotel or accommodation services before travelling exactly what they will or won’t accept.

Electricity

The standard electrical voltage throughout Ukraine is 220 volt. Some outlets may operate on 127 volts, but these are very rare. You may need a converter as well as an Eastern European plug adapter if you are bringing electrical appliances. Power surges and other irregularities in the electrical supply are rare in Kyiv. Still, you may want to consider bringing a surge protector.

Water

The Ukrainian government recommends that you boil water three minutes before drinking it to avoid bacterial infections. You may want to use a water purification unit or iodine tablet to be safe. But bottled mineral water is also available in the supermarkets. You should also be aware of a second curiosity about the water supply. On of the “finest” inventions of the centrally planned economy was centralised hot water and heating. Hot water, for example, is typically turned off for a month or two weeks during the summer so that the pipes can be cleaned. That’s why a lot of hotels and apartments have electrical boilers (heaters)

Alcohol

You will find that alcohol is easily accessible and inexpensive in Ukraine. Beware, however, of drinking and driving. The fines are substantial and you will never forget the hassle of trying to get your driver’s license back. Please take a cab if you have been drinking.

Radiation

As you probably remember, the tragic accident at the Chornobyl nuclear reactor happened in 1986. Small parts of Ukraine are still uninhabitable. In Kyiv, the level of background radiation is considered safe or normal.

Language

Ukrainian is the official state language of Ukraine. However, due to decades of Russification, you are more likely to hear Russian being spoken on the streets of Kyiv than Ukrainian. Until independence Ukrainian was spoken almost exclusively in the villages. Russian was the language of business and education, and also the language of the city dwellers. The two languages share the same Cyrillic alphabet and, if you arrive unfamiliar with either language, phrase book or interpreter is almost essential though more and more people can speak English. Hotels, restaurants, bars have English speakers but not small shops, kiosks, police, bus drivers or post offices.

Operating hours

Businesses and public offices normally work an eight hour day, Monday through to Friday, closing for lunch between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. Most banks are open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday  to Friday.

Tips

A 5% service charge sometimes is added to a restaurant bill, but you may still add your own tip. We suggest around 10%.

Crime

In general crime against foreigners has been limited to theft. And this usually occurs in black market or black commercial transactions. We recommend that you take usual precautions that any traveller takes. Keep an eye on your belongings and don’t flash around your valuables or cash.

Street Names

Many of Kiev’s streets have been renamed in the last years. The names of most Communist heroes and leaders have been replaced with Ukrainian historical figures. This can lead to confusion for native locals and visitors alike. In addition streets are often unmarked. Street signs, when they exist, tend to be located on the corners of buildings. Do not hesitate to ask for directions. As a rule, people are very friendly to foreigners and will readily provide directions.

Leaving Ukraine

When you leave Ukraine, you may be asked to present the customs declaration and the entry pass that you received upon entry. Foreigners may not leave the country with hryvna.

Leaving with art

Artwork can be good value in Ukraine. Prices are much lower than in the West. The government prohibits the export of art or antiques produced before 1945. In order to export works of fine art produced after 1945, you need to obtain a license from the Culture Department of the Kiev City Administration. Take the work of art with 2 photos of this work to the Commission of Experts for evaluation. The Commission is located at 3 Blv. Shevchenko