Welcome to Ukraine 😊
Ukraine is a large country in Eastern Europe, known for its rich history and culture. The country is home to over 40 million people, and is the second largest country in Europe. Ukraine is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Carpathian Mountains and the Black Sea coast. The country has a diverse economy, with agriculture, industry, and services all playing important roles. Visitors to Ukraine can explore the country's many museums, churches, and historic sites, and enjoy traditional Ukrainian cuisine and hospitality.
Quick Facts About Ukraine
- Currency: Ukrainian hryvnia
- Population: 42 million
- Languages: Ukrainian,Russian
Money and Finances
The currency in Ukraine is the Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH). Coins are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 kopeks, and banknotes come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 hryvnias.
ATM Network
ATMs are widely available in major cities and towns in Ukraine, but they may be scarce or non-existent in rural areas. It is recommended to have cash on hand when traveling to remote areas.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in Ukraine, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted, but American Express is less commonly used. It is advisable to have cash on hand, as some establishments may only accept cash payments.
Internet and Phones
The average internet speed in Ukraine is 22 Mbps for downloads and 8 Mbps for uploads. There is no government interference in internet use.
Phone Plans and SIM Cards
The major telco companies in Ukraine are Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine, and lifecell. The average cost of a mobile phone plan in Ukraine is around $5-10 per month. Sim compatibility should not be an issue for most international visitors.
Dialling to Ukraine
To call Ukraine from another country, dial +380 followed by the area code and local phone number. The area codes in Ukraine range from 32 to 654.
Transport Around Ukraine
Air Travel
Ukraine has several major airports including Boryspil International Airport in Kiev, Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport in Lviv, and Odessa International Airport in Odessa.
Train Travel
Ukraine has a well-established inter-city train network, with examples of ticket prices ranging from UAH 200-400 ($7-14 USD) for a one-way journey, with journey times varying depending on the distance traveled.
Metro / Local Trains
The metro system exists in only three cities of Ukraine, i.e Kyiv, Kharkiv and Dnipro, which are the major economical and cultural centers.
Buses
There are various bus networks operating in Ukraine, with example ticket prices ranging from UAH 50-200 ($2-7 USD) for a one-way journey, with journey times depending on the distance traveled.
Rideshare
There are a few rideshare companies operating in Ukraine, such as Uber, Bolt and Uklon, with average prices varying depending on the distance traveled and demand.
Driving by Car
Driving in Ukraine can be challenging due to poor road conditions and traffic congestion in major cities. The speed limit on highways is usually 110 km/h (68 mph), and Ukraine follows right-hand drive.
Local Customs
In Ukraine, it is customary to greet with a handshake, and it is considered polite to take off your shoes when entering someone's home. Tipping is common in restaurants, bars, and cafes, with 10-15% being the usual amount. Addressing someone by their first name is common among friends, but formal titles are used in business settings. Men and women typically address each other using given names, but some older people may prefer traditional formalities. Speaking with strangers is generally reserved and polite, with direct eye contact being seen as a sign of respect.
Health and Diseases
Medical System
The healthcare system in Ukraine is a mixed public-private system. While medical care is technically free, it is often of poor quality and patients may need to pay under-the-table fees in order to receive adequate treatment. Private health insurance is available but is not widely used. A typical visit to the doctor can cost between $10-$50 USD.
COVID Situation
Ukraine has reported a high number of COVID-19 cases. The country has implemented restrictions on gatherings, mandatory mask-wearing in public, and a quarantine for individuals entering the country. As of August 2021, vaccination rates in Ukraine remain low.
Common Health Risks
Travelers to Ukraine should be aware of the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and West Nile virus. Food and waterborne illnesses such as Hepatitis A and E. coli are also common. It is recommended to get vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B before traveling to Ukraine.
Laws and Regulations
Alcohol Consumption
In Ukraine, the legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol is legal and widely available in the country. However, drinking in public is prohibited and can result in a fine. It is also illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol.
Recreational Drugs
Recreational drug use is illegal in Ukraine, including the use of soft drugs such as cannabis. Possession or distribution of drugs can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment.
Pre-Marital Relationships
There are no specific laws affecting pre-marital relationships in Ukraine. However, the country has conservative views on pre-marital sex and non-traditional relationships.
LGBTQ and Same-Sex
Homosexuality is legal in Ukraine, but there is widespread discrimination against LGBTQ individuals. Same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized in the country.
Firearms / Guns
Owning a firearm in Ukraine is legal with a license. However, the law is strict and obtaining a license can be difficult. The use of firearms for self-defense is only allowed in extreme situations.