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UKRAINE TRAVEL TIPS
This is a collection of tips, ideas and suggestions compiled from our experiences during frequent travel to Ukraine and the latest changes in laws and regulations affecting travel to Ukraine. Should any changes occur we will notify you prior to your departure to Ukraine.
Required Documentation In 2004
VISA FOR UKRAINE:
Visas are required for travel to Ukraine. They are issued by the Ukrainian Embassy in Washington, DC, or by the Ukrainian Consulate offices in Chicago or New York for 180 day validity for US citizens. For citizens of Canada visas are issued for 90 days only. The period of stay may be extended by the traveler at the local OVIR offices in Ukraine at additional cost.
USA citizens, who were BORN in Ukraine, can apply for a five year multi-visa at a cost of $10.
This must be done in person with proper documentation.
On SCOPE TOURS the visa cost is NOT included in the tour price. For persons traveling individually, a visa for Ukraine must be obtained prior to departing USA. A completed visa application, passport and 2 photos are required.
No visas are issued at the borders of Ukraine. Whether you travel with a GROUP, INDIVIDUALLY, on a BUSINESS VISA or as a VISITOR, the same regulations apply.
PASSPORT:
A traveler to Ukraine must have a valid USA/Canadian Passport, the validity of which does not expire at least 30 days after scheduled return from Ukraine.
Citizens of Ukraine, who have legal permanent residency in USA, require a valid Ukrainian passport and an alien registration card. NO Ukrainian visa is required.
PASSPORT CONTROL - Upon entry to Ukraine you will be issued a "passport registration slip"', you must retain this and submit upon exit from Ukraine.
UKRAINE CUSTOMS:
Procedures during customs inspection are a personal matter between the tourist and the customs officer. If traveling with a group and assistance is required in completing the declaration forms, your SCOPE ESCORT will assist you.
UPON ENTRY: Complete the entry declaration form. You must list the total pieces of luggage; declare all cash (listing traveler's checks separately), and jewelry (precious stones, gold, diamonds & pearls). You may carry up to 10,000 US$ cash with you ONLY. If you are taking more, it will be confiscated and withheld at border entry point, awaiting your exit.. PLEASE RETAIN THE ENTRY DECLARATION FORM.
UPON EXIT: An exit declaration form must be completed and submitted with the original entry declaration form on departure. No receipt is necessary for money that was spent or gifted to family/friends.
REQUIREMENT FOR FOREIGNERS TO REGISTER WITH UKRAINIAN AUTHORITIES:
Up to September 01, 2001, it was necessary for all foreigners to register upon entry into Ukraine with local police authorities. This regulation has been discontinued. NOW - if you are traveling on a tourist visa, visitor visa or business visa the entry border passport control is sufficient. You DO NOT need to register with any other authority.
MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR EMERGENCY CARE:
Up to September 1, 2001 it was necessary for all foreigners to purchase "compulsory medical insurance" upon entry into Ukraine. Now, you may purchase "medstrakh" insurance on a voluntary basis.
USA CUSTOMS: The following is PER PERSON guideline only. For more specific information, contact your local customs office.
- USA customs regulations permit $500 worth of merchandise per person, duty free.
- Keep all sales receipts handy for verification, if needed.
- Expect to pay 10% of the first $1000 worth of goods over $500.
- Your $500 may include 1 carton of cigarettes/cigars and 2 liter of alcoholic beverage, per person.
- A special clearance receipt must accompany antiques, artworks from the ministry of culture, local office ministry of culture.
- Any item(s) purchased abroad and mailed should NOT be declared as part of the $500 exemption; these items will be subject to duty when received in the U.S.
- Remember, there are items banned by the U.S. government, i.e. tortoise shells, ivory, Cuban cigars etc. For further information, please contact your local customs office.
We hope this information has been helpful to you and thank you for traveling with
SCOPE TRAVEL INC
Miscellaneous Information
INSURANCE:
Including travel cancellation, loss of luggage, injury, etc., may be obtained directly from the airlines or may be purchased through Scope Travel Inc. with Travelex Company. A brochure will be provided to you with registration or you may directly on line from our web site.
BAGGAGE:
Allowance is 2 suitcases per person at 70 lbs each on AEROSVIT AIRLINES OF UKRAINE, CZECH AIRLINES, LOT POLISH AIRLINES and MALEV HUNGARIAN AIRLINES. Please be prepared to pay $108.00 for each additional suitcase and/or overweight
Inter-Ukraine flights permit 44 lbs per person.
We are not responsible for excess charges levied by airlines.
HAND LUGGAGE:
only one piece is permitted on board, weight limit is 12 lbs and MUST FIT in the overhead compartment.
TIME:
Ukraine is 7 hours ahead of USA Eastern Standard Time. Thus, 7:00 am in NYC is 2:00 pm of the same day in Ukraine.
TEMPERATURE:
When traveling to Ukraine, wear clothing appropriate to Mid-Atlantic USA cities. Average temperature in Ukraine is as follows: 50 degrees in April, 60/70 in May, 70 in June and 80/90 in July and August. Winters are slightly colder than in Mid-Atlantic US states. Remember to bring along a raincoat, umbrella and comfortable shoes. For comparison of almost identical climates:
| New York |
>> |
Kyiv |
Washington DC |
>> |
Odesa |
| Denver |
>> |
Lviv |
San Fransisco |
>> |
Yalta |
HOTELS:
Western standards can only be applied to hotels in major cities: Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Yalta. Such amenities as ice machines and air conditioning are rate; constant hot water may be lacking and elevators take forever. When checking into hotels, your passport will be usually held at reception desk at least for 24 hrs. For security reasons, we suggest you leave your passport at the desk until departure. All hotel rooms booked for SCOPE tours have private washroom facilities. If this is not the case, advise your SCOPE ESCORT.
HEALTH:
Levels of radiation in food items are no longer of any known medical significance. DO NOT DRINK tap water. Also avoid iced drinks. We recommend you purchase and drink bottled water only. Montezuma's revenge can strike even in Ukraine. Your best bet for dining is in your hotel in smaller cities, whereas large cities have many new private restaurants. SMOKING is banned by authorities in restaurants, rail dining cars and on domestic flights shorter than 5 hrs.
TIPPING:
For individual travelers, tipping in Ukraine is becoming customary along the same levels as in the USA but, of course, based on Ukrainian currency. For SCOPE GROUP tourists all tips are included for baggage handling and meals. Additional personal services such as maids and headwaiters are not included. Neither are tips to Scope’s Tour Manager ($3 per diem), local guide ($2 per diem) and bus driver/s ($1 per diem). (Suggested western tipping scale.)
TELEPHONE SERVICES:
International calls may be made from your hotel. Inquire at reception desk for procedure. Calls to the USA can average $15.00 per minute and NO COLLECT CALLS are permitted. Its best to purchase a calling card in hotel lobby, and call your family in USA for $2-3 a minute.
When calling from USA dial 011 (International operator), 380 (for Ukraine) then city code: KYIV 44, LVIV 322, FRANKIVSK 3422 + your local number number.
PHOTO/VIDEO:
Camera film is more readily available today than before but selection is limited. Bring along an ample supply of film, batteries, videocassettes, etc. NOTE: Please be aware that all video equipment in Ukraine is PAL-SECAM format.
PERSONAL SUPPLIES:
We suggest you bring the following supplies which are not always available or are of a lesser quality than what we are used to.
- PERSONAL ITEMS: moist towelettes, toothpaste, soap, hair spray, hair curler, shampoo, deodorant, razor/blades, toilet paper, tissue, feminine needs, etc.
- INSTANT COFFEE/POWDERED MILK, snacks, sugar/salt substitutes.
- PRESCRIPTION glasses (extra pair), prescription medicine, vitamins, bandaids, headache remedies; for diarrhea: Kaopectate, Lomotil or Immodium-D.
- Bring your own supply of cigarettes - your brands may be available and they are very inexpensive in Ukraine... but the flavor of the locally packed cigarettes is MUCH different from normal USA brands.
- Alarm clock, small flashlight, candles...
ELECTRIC CURRENT:
The current in Ukraine is 220 volts, 50 hZ. You will need a converter and a 2-prong round plug adapter. The strength of the current varies throughout the day; be mindful of this when using appliances. Remember to include converters and adaptors when bringing gifts of 110 volt electronics.
CURRENCY:
The official monetary unit in Ukraine today (Jan. 2002) is the HRYVNIA. Rate of exchange is about 5.5 hryvnia (plural - hryvni) to US$1.00. Under the latest regulations, most stores can no longer accept foreign currency for purchases. Exchange kiosks are plentiful in all larger towns and cities and in all hotels. If traveling into the countryside, exchange dollars prior to leaving the city. Travelers checks are rarely accepted, however credit cards can be used at larger hotels, stores and restaurants. USA DOLLARS and GERMAN MARKS are the most readily accepted western currencies. Be certain to have plenty of small denominations on hand. Bring cash that is clean (UNMARKED and NOT TORN) and issued after 1995. Foreign currency may be given to friends and relatives in any amounts.
SHOPPING:
Souvenir items to purchase range from vodka and champagne to embroidery, lace, hand-painted lacquered boxes (Palekh), wooden nested dolls, wooden spoons/bowls and carvings, perfumes, amber, kilims, stamps and books. Some bargaining is expected at outdoor bazaars and when purchasing from artisans, but not in stores with set prices.
IF BUYING:
Gold, antiques, coral, icons, furs and caviar, valuable paintings, you will need a special document from the local authorities to avoid any problems with customs when leaving Ukraine.
CAR RENTAL:
Self-drive car services are very rare in Ukraine due to high theft risk factor.
Major cities like Kyiv and Odesa have rentals, however, a car with driver may be pre-arranged through SCOPE or at some hotels. For security purposes, advise your hotel if you are leaving with a driver for longer periods of time. Taxis are plentiful in the cities and relatively inexpensive. Public mass transportation is available, but primarily for the adventuresome visitor.
We hope this information has been helpful to you and thank you for traveling with
SCOPE TRAVEL INC
Suggestion List - Gifts for Relatives/Friends in Ukraine
REMINDER:
CASH is the best gift for relatives in Ukraine (CLEAN, UNMARKED, NOT TORN and issued AFTER 1995) in $20 and $50 denominations. Remember, today you can buy anything in Ukraine - if you have the money!!!
FOR LADIES:
- Dresses, Jackets, Jean Skirts/Pants/Jackets, Sweaters/Turtle Necks, Pantsuits, Blouses, Bathing Suits
- Winter Coats, Trench Coats, Leather Jackets, Fake Furs
- Winter Boots, Gloves, Belts, Shoes (Wide), Tennis Shoes
- Costume Jewelry - Earrings, Necklaces, Brooches
- Sewing Machines, Yarn, Angora, Acrylic, Needles, Zippers, Etc.
- Hair Dryers, Steam/Curling Irons
- Portable Electric Mixers
- Lingerie: Full Slips, Bras, Girdles, Pantyhose
- Cosmetics: Lipstick, Eye shadow, Mascara, Nail Polish
FOR MEN:
- Suits, Shirts/Ties, Jean Pants/Jackets, Polo Shirts, Bathing Trunks, Gym Shorts, Long Johns, Sweaters
- Shoes/Socks, Tennis Shoes, Winter Boots, Gloves/Belts
- Coats, Winter/Trench, Lightweight Jackets, Winter Hats
- Double Razor Blades
FOR CHILDREN:
- Winter Parkas/Hooded
- All T-Shirts, Gym/Sweat Suits, All Clothing, Bathing Suits
- Shoes, Sneakers, Boots
- Toys: Crayons/Color Books, Playing Cards, Markers, Electronic Games, Puzzles, Barbie Dolls, Matchbox Cars, Candy/Gum, Soccer Balls, Sunglasses
FOOD ITEMS AND MEDICATION:
- Dried Fruit, Vacuum Packed Meats, Hard Salami, Maggi Boullion
- Ground Black Pepper, Vanilla Bean, Sugar, Spices, Dried Soup/Sauces
- Tang, Coffee (Beans & Instant)
- Aspirin, Anacin, Bufferin, Band-Aids, Kaopectate, Cough Syrup, Alka Seltzer, Antacids, Cold Remedies, Acne Creams, Vitamin/Mineral Supplements
- Prescription Medicine
MISCELLANEOUS:
- Tape/Video Recorders, Latest Rock Tapes/CDs, Calculators, Short Wave Radios, Polaroid Cameras, Brand Name 35mm Cameras, Walkman Tape/CD Players, Small Appliances, Violin/Guitar Strings
- Rechargeable Batteries, Battery Rechargers, Electronic Musical Instruments, Umbrellas
- Cigarette Lighters (cigarettes are available in Ukraine at about $10 per carton) ...though the brand is the same, local production changes the taste. Bring your supply from home.
We hope this information has been helpful to you and thank you for traveling with
SCOPE TRAVEL INC
Embassy Information
| USA EMBASSY IN KYIV |
|
CANADIAN EMBASSY IN KYIV |
Vul. Yurija Kotsiubynskoho 10
Tel: 244 7349 and 244 7354
Fax: 244 7350 |
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HOTEL ZHOVTNEVYJ Rm 808
5 Roza Luxembourg St.
Tel: 291 89 78 |
We hope this information has been helpful to you and thank you for traveling with
SCOPE TRAVEL INC
Baggage Specifications
WEIGHT:
On international flights, passenger is allowed 2 bags of 70 lbs (32 kg) each. THIRD PIECE ON ALL CARRIERS will cost $108.00 USD
DIMENSIONS:
TOTAL of measurements (A+B+C) not to exceed:
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| 1st suitcase checked-in |
2nd suitcase checked-in |
carry-on |
| Max = 62 in (157cm) |
Max = 55 in (138cm) |
Max = 45 in (115cm) |
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