Kiev What to Pack

8 more images

Photo Equipment: The standard voltage in Ukraine is 220 volts. If you bring your electric appliances with you and want to use them effectively and without any risk, don’t forget to take all kinds of adapters and protectors to keep your costly devices from damage.

Miscellaneous: One of the favorite holidays of the residents and visitors of Kiev is the City Day, or Days of Kiev, that are celebrated on the last weekend of May when all the central city streets turn into a vast stage and fair grounds. This festival attracts a lot of people from all over Ukraine and from abroad and is broadcast on many TV channels. Unlike Kiev, many other Ukrainian cities I know celebrate their City Days in September as, say, Luhansk that celebrates its City Days on the second weekend in September.

4 more images

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Kiev has a moderate continental climate with the average January temperature of 21 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees below zero centigrade) and the average July temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees centigrade).
Summers are warm, but in spite of warm or hot days, the nights can be cool.
Winters have been warm of late with temperatures above zero on many winter days including New Year’s Day and Christmas.
So we began to think if it’s time for us to dream of white Christmas together with our friends in Western Europe.

Miscellaneous: Welcome to Ukraine!

Miscellaneous: I couldn't find a better tip classification but; recently (as of 2009) tourism is still not a sector in Kiev, and very few people know English. The new generation youth, the students may be but regular resident does not. Even in the very center and very touristically important places, You can not find someone who understands You. So sign language is always an option yes, but even in the central restaurants, there are not enough waiters to speak English.

Yes in my country (Turkey) people are not that good in numbers but after tourism, especially in touristic places people with adequate English is very common, and even the sellers in highly touristic places see You and understand from where You are, and speak to You in the appropriate language :]

So this is a before trip tip; if You have the opportunity, make a local friend before visit or at least a Russian speaking travel buddy. If not make sure You have a small book or card set of mostly used words and sentences. Make sure You have a tourist guide book since there are no plates, signs or any other kind of written document telling the history or the details of the place You are visiting.

Miscellaneous: http://welcometoukraine.com/

or

http://www.brama.com/

here you can find all kind of info about Ukraine.
last time i was there any amount abve 1000 $ must be tmentioned to customs.
you can use creditcard in most big cities, certainly in Kiyv.

Miscellaneous: A good guidebook is essential if you decide to sightsee on your own. I bought the english edition of "Touring to Kyiv" by Baltija Dryk editions, which it imitates the Eyewitness guides. Lots of photos, essential sightseeing and practical info made it a much better choice over others.

Miscellaneous: From 1st July 2005 on citizens of the US are allowed to enter Ukraine for 90 days within half a year without visa. This applies for tourists only (compare Decree # 1008/2005).

According to Decree # 1107/2005 this is very similar for Japanese citizens who may enter without visa starting from 1st August 2005.

There is a temporary simplification for the entry of tourists with EU or Swiss citizenship for the period of 1st May 2005 until 1st August 2005. No visa are required for this period. For these nationals a health insurance policy must be available with either AXA or Hansa Merkur insurance company. For the period of visa-free entry any other health insurance company is accepted.

Now citizens from Poland, Hungary, Lithuania, Moldavia, Mongolia, the USA, Japan and the States of the former USSR (except Turkmenistan) do not need tourist visa any longer.

For details compare the embassy' s web page.

Luggage and bags: In Ukraine we have 4 full seasons: winter (the longest one), spring, summer and fall. But winter can find u any time, despite on a season. Its change very often and unexpectedly. So you better take some warm clothers with you and umbrella when u travel to ukraine any time of a year.

Miscellaneous: If you are going to be in a remote area, you might want to bring something to cleanse your drinking water like those tablets that supposedly kill every living thing in your drinking water. Either that or be very cautious, only drink bottled water...and try to bring some antibiotics or charcoal tablets. Your stomach will thank you.