Travel tips: Ukraine

About Ukraine

Ukraine is a large country in Eastern Europe known for its Orthodox churches, Black Sea coastline and forested mountains. Its capital, Kiev, features the gold-domed St. Sophia’s Cathedral, with 11th-century mosaics and frescoes. Overlooking the Dnieper River is the Kiev Pechersk Lavra monastery complex, a Christian pilgrimage site housing Scythian tomb relics and catacombs containing mummified Orthodox monks.

Using debit and credit card

Do I need cash in Ukraine, or can I use my card everywhere?

Most touristy places take cards, however smaller shops may require cash. Make sure you always carry some on you.

What currency do they use here?

The currency here is Ukrainian hryvnia. The symbol is ₴ or UAH.

Which ATM’s can I use for free?

Free withdrawals at these ATMs.

• Kredo Bank

If I want cash, how much should I take out of an ATM?

3 000 UAH should be enough for a few days.

Should I choose local currency or Euros when paying?

If you’re asked to choose between local currency and Euros, always choose local currency.

Staying connected

Can I roam, or should I get a local SIM?

Most EU mobile plans will charge you for roaming.

Wifi is readily available, especially in coffee shops.

If you want to get a local SIM card, you can learn about your options here.

Useful things to know

How does tipping work?

Tipping is an unusual practice. But if you find the service above average, it is acceptable to leave a tip of up to 10%.

How much does a 0.5L beer cost?

€ 0,90

How much does an average meal cost?

€ 4,30

What’s the emergency number?

112

What type of plug do they use?

This one! It’s the standard European plug.

What side of the road do they drive on?

They drive on the right side of the road here.

How do I navigate my way around?

Google and Apple Maps both work well here.

Otherwise, we recommend Rome2Rio as the best way to find out how to get anywhere. It even tells you the cost of each option.

Any other good tips?

• The Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is one of the top attractions.
• Get a simcard! It’s super cheap small tariffs 2-3 Euro, unlimited tariffs 5-6 Euro per month!

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If you’ve been to Ukraine share your experience! The following would be really useful for others to know:

• Which ATMs are free to use?