Travel Tips
Crime
Crime is low in Kyiv, compared to Western crime rates. Nonetheless,
one should beware of walking alone late at night and of flashing
a lot of money.
Water
It is recommended that tap water be boiled for 10 minutes prior
to drinking, as is sometimes contains bacteria. Bottled water is
easy to find in non-state-owned supermarkets and shops.
Be forewarned that the water supply can be irregular, especially
for running hot water.
Radiation
Radiation levels in Kyiv and most of Ukraine are considered safe
and normal by the US Embassy and other official organizations.
Electricity
The standard electric voltage is Ukraine is 220 volts. If you
are traveling with electric appliances/accessories, be sure to bring
an adapter for the outlets. For bigger and more valuable equipment,
it is a good idea to bring a surge protector.
Etiquette
There are a few simple rules of etiquette that should be followed
when visiting Ukraine.
· If invited to a family home, it is traditional to bring
a gift. A bottle of wine, a cake, or a bouquet of flowers are customary.
If there is a child in the house, it is appropriate to bring a gift
for them as well.
· If planning on giving flowers as a gift, make sure that
the number of flowers in a bouquet is uneven (an even number of
flowers is considered bad luck).
· Do not shake hands across the threshold of a door. It
is considered bad luck to do so.
· When eating dinner at someone’s home, casual dress
is accepted. Also, be prepared to give a toast at dinner, as guests
are often asked to do so.
· Be prepared to accept all food and drink offered to you
when visiting friends. Ukrainians are known for their generosity
when it comes to feeding others. Refusing food may be considered
rude.
· Be prepared to take off your shoes upon entering a home.
To keep apartments clean, most hosts will provide their guests a
pair of slippers.
· Be careful when complimenting a host’s belongings
because they may offer it to you.
· If wearing gloves, take them off before shaking hands
with someone.
· When using public transportation, seats should be given
up to accommodate the elderly, mothers with children, and the handicapped.
· Offer to share snacks and cigarettes with those people
around you.
· At the entrance of an upscale restaurant, expect that
your coat, briefcase, or baggage will be checked.
· Be sure to have business cards printed in Ukrainian on
one side, and in English on the other.
· For business, dress should be conservative. Men should
not take off their jackets unless asked to do so.
· In Orthodox and Greek-Catholic churches, women wear scarves
or hats, and men take off their hats.
· It is considered a very rude gesture to place one’s
thumb between your first and second fingers. Refrain from doing
so.
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