Travel Announcements Only (No questions or comments please)

[Bez Bezarra]

The rent and real estate market is a victim of local (Russian and Ukrainian) investment and speculation. We foreigners also have to pay these prices, but it's not because of us.... and we aren't paying more than the locals.

Skank.
I've just been informed by my 'new' landlord that rent for the flat I had last summer in Russia that was 2000 ruble per day has jumped up to 3000 ruble per day for this spring/summer. No its not in the capital, but it is on the main drag of a city. I was the first tenant last year after it had been completely renovated, so it was nice and unsoiled, and I broke it in in true monger debauching style.

But that's a pretty big jump in price, eh?

And one more rent question. On most apartment rental websites, you generally see that they ask you for full price if you rent for less than 10 days, but if you rent for 2 weeks, they drop the price by 300 to 500 rubles per day. For example, 2500 rubles per day, but for 14 days, only 2000 rubles per day.

Now that I am being gouged for 3000 rubles per day, shouldn't I demand a discount for my 14 day rental?

[It Travel]

IT TRAVEL. Either you are a billionaire in the same league as Bill Gates or you are out of touch with reality. To give 2500$ a month to a dievoushka to entertain you and clean your appartment? GET A GRIP: you are NOT in Switzerland, London or Dubai! Here in Ukraine, people are extremely happy with a 500$ a month salary! Its guys like you that are getting the locals used to prices that they never dreamed of! By accepting to pay high rent prices, by going to expensive restaurants, by accepting to pay pro's $200+, by buying expensive gifts and mobiles to freebies etc etc, you contribute to making the Ukraine destination out of reach pricewise! I really don't understand you. If you can afford to spend that kind of cash, why don't you stay in Western Europe or the USA?

Please, when in Rome, do as Romans. When in Ukraine, pay the pro's the prices that ukrainian men themselves would pay and buy the freebies the kind of gifts that ukrainian men would buy them!

I do not think you can get a Kiev teenage student 18-19 or so in your bed, living with you, and never saying no if you want it sucked or if you want to take her anally for 500 USD a month!

I was offered a devuska for cleaning an apartment (every day) for 600-700 EUR in the afternoon. a couple of hours or three, one of cleaning the rest fuking...

I mean a real sponsored girls living with you all the time... As far as I know the cost in Moscow (in Russian, for Russians) was from 30.000 to 100.000 RUR a month.. al below 21, the last ones real stunners (could go con central page in Playboy) but of course they have to be also sexual maniacs!

IT

[Nolies]

IT TRAVEL. Either you are a billionaire in the same league as Bill Gates or you are out of touch with reality. To give 2500$ a month to a dievoushka to entertain you and clean your appartment? GET A GRIP: you are NOT in Switzerland, London or Dubai! Here in Ukraine, people are extremely happy with a 500$ a month salary! Its guys like you that are getting the locals used to prices that they never dreamed of! By accepting to pay high rent prices, by going to expensive restaurants, by accepting to pay pro's $200+, by buying expensive gifts and mobiles to freebies etc etc, you contribute to making the Ukraine destination out of reach pricewise! I really don't understand you. If you can afford to spend that kind of cash, why don't you stay in Western Europe or the USA?

Please, when in Rome, do as Romans. When in Ukraine, pay the pro's the prices that ukrainian men themselves would pay and buy the freebies the kind of gifts that ukrainian men would buy them!

[It Travel]

1. native english speakers are much in demand across all of ukraine.

2. derrabaskavaya st (excuse the spelling).

3. if close to the centre then grab it. yes, you can arrive and look but the later in the season the harder it is.

4. cycle.

5. $1, 000 a month for fun? yes, but maybe 1 night a week after your own expenses.

6. so many to list. just remember the odessa girls drink a lot and are very mercenary.

7. no. you must leave and return.

8. what’s a gym?

you're about to enter the lionesses den. i wish you luck, i feel you'll need it.

dear friend, as irish lad says if you want real fun you are out of budget. apart gym and other things... get a permanent (1 year) business visa it costs, but it's worth, like russian one, but ukranian is cheaper.

"rent" a student teen (you will find a lot on flirt or equivalent database, approx 2.000 for rent, if you up to 25, 6 or 7.000 in kiev only!) 18-20 y.o. for 2.000/2.500 usd a month. she will do everything, but mind to note to rent a monger bisexual one to get her in bed with her girlfiends... nice experiences!

the best of all was, as far as today, [CodeWord901], as irish lad knows well, unfortunately she is reneted for a higher sum now, from a guy doing exactly this, some times, she told me, even triplettes...

i think that in this case (often triplettes) you do not have to care on a gym!

it

[Irish Lad]

1. Native English speakers are much in demand across all of Ukraine.

2. Derrabaskavaya st (excuse the spelling).

3. If close to the centre then grab it. Yes, you can arrive and look but the later in the season the harder it is.

4. Cycle.

5. $1, 000 a month for fun? Yes, but maybe 1 night a week after your own expenses.

6. So many to list. Just remember the Odessa girls drink a lot and are very mercenary.

7. No. You must leave and return.

8. What’s a gym?

You're about to enter the lionesses den. I wish you luck, I feel you'll need it.

[Cruiser D]

Reg,

I don't like recommending apartment agencies but if you read the forum you will find some names mentioned. They are all generally the same, you get overcharged for an apartment and sometimes for the pickup/drop off at the airport. I've never heard of an apartment agency missing an airport pick up/drop off tho.

The banking system is fine. During my last trip I used CC's and my ATM card - there are ATM's everywhere in Kiev, you can use your ATM card to load up on local currency and save the USD (or Euros) for the pros. Last trip I noticed a lot of enclosed 24/7 bank ATM's. I generally bring about $500 with me in USD. But most apartment agencies like to get paid in cash so get the payment arrangements settled before you go.

Of course all this has already been answered before in the forum..

[Cruiser D]

$550/month is doable but you won't be staying in Kiev Center.

If you want to extend your stay longer then 90 days take a quick flight (or slow train) to Poland and then re enter for another 90 days.

Hi there,


Thanks guys!

[Regnom]

Hi Guys,

After reading about all the fantastic things that is going on in Ukraine, I thought I will give it a try. I will be in Kiev from 4/12-4/20 and hope one of you "expert" would let me buy you a drink. Maybe we can get together and have some fun hunting.

I am also looking for a good website where I can book apartment and transport with. It seems GIA do it but I was wondering if there are other alternatives I can look into. What kind of apartment rental rates should I expect for a nice one bed room place near where the actions are? I need a place with a good broadband connection to stay in touch with my office so it is important that I deal with a reliable site who will deliver what they promise.

I dont speak Russian or Ukrainian. If you guys know of some good looking guides who also double as companion, I would really appreciate the lead.

A chick I was chatting with told me that the banking system in Ukraine is unreliable and that I should not depend on credit card but to bring at least half of my budget in cash. Can anyone tell me if that is all bull? I dont like bringing lots of cash on me.

Hope to read your advice

[Privetprivet]

Hi there,

I would very much appreciate some advice. Having resigned from my job in Moscow (7 years living in Moscow) I have decided to take a holiday in Odessa over the summer. Have been offered an apartment (Studio) in Odessa for 550$ US/month from May - July (90 day tourist Visa duration) and would really appreciate some advice. I am not new to EE, having traveled extensively for work over the last 7 years, including Kiev. I also know Russian although it needs improving. So here goes.. my objectives for the trip and advice needed.

1. My primary aim is to improve my Russian to fluency. I am British, and can obviously give language exchange. Would the English faculty at the local University help?

2. I rarely drink and am only into freebies (not p2p) - where is the best place to start? Actually this should be #1 and my Russian Study #2.. because babes always distract you from study!!

3. Is 550/month good for a basic semi-remonted studio? I need to decide quick or it will go. Is it possible just to arrive in Odessa and then look for an apartment?

4. Cheapest way to Odessa from the UK? Flights seem real expensive. I would prefer to get train however if I can.

5. What budget a month? Say 550 for apartment, would another 1000 USD/month be OK for fun? As I said I don't do p2p the 1000 would be to entertain freebies and for food etc.

6. Are their any gotchas? I'm EE streetwise, but not Ukraine streetwise.

7. Can I stay after 90 days? (British passport)

8. Finally is their a quality gym in Odessa thats not extortionately priced? I know this is VERY unlikely but it can't harm asking.

Thanks guys!

[Ua Expat]

Hello Everyone,

I am an Expat living in Kiev. What I propose is a semi regular Texas Hold'em Poker night for the Expats living in Kiev and its environs.

We could gather on a "slow night", play some cards, share experiences and builded some camraderie.

We could do this as O'Briens or Gold Gate or where ever.

What do you say.

Aloha

Xpat

[American Ukraine]

Hello,

I need contacts and suggestions for my trip to Lugansk March 10. 17. I have been there once before, in October, but I was a fish out of water, and at the mercy of the marriage agency. I would like to know of places I should go, especially in the daytime. I am from Texas. I will be using a marriage agency once again, but would like to spend some independent time there.

Please help.

Thank you!

Hi Ukrainemeup, get in touch with me when you are in Lugansk +[Telephone Number deleted by Admin] , I will do my best to help you out!

American_Ukraine

EDITOR's NOTE: This report was edited to remove personal telephone numbers in the text. Please do not post personal telephone numbers in the Forum. Instead, please invite other Forum Members to contact you for this information directly via the Forum's Private Messaging system. Thanks!

[Captain Fire]

Getting into Kiev March 19, then down to Vinnitsa. Will be travelling around most of March and early April. PM me if anyone wants to hook up for a beer or two somewhere. I've been coming here for a couple of years and can make my way around OK.

[Ukrainkemeup]

Hello,

I need contacts and suggestions for my trip to Lugansk March 10. 17. I have been there once before, in October, but I was a fish out of water, and at the mercy of the marriage agency. I would like to know of places I should go, especially in the daytime. I am from Texas. I will be using a marriage agency once again, but would like to spend some independent time there.

Please help.

Thank you!

[P Bear]

I will be in Kiev on a nearly 24 hour layover over April 11-12. I have limited Russian language ability. I have stayed at the Airport Hotel in the past, but would prefer to try elesewhere. Any referals would be wonderful. I am pretty low key and do not do well in the bar scene. I would like to arrange something or find a line-up sort of situation. Any help would be appreciated. PM is okay.

P Bear

[Xasik]

Hi guys,

If you need any kind of services in Kiev such appartments or driver and much more, I can give you an E-mail for 1 guy who lives in Kiev for 15 years Lebanese cool guy, he can arange everything for you for some %commission.

This his E-mail: [Email address deleted by Admin]

EDITOR's NOTE: This report was edited to remove email addresses in the text. Please do not post email addresses in the Forum. Instead, please invite other Forum Members to contact you directly via the Forum's Private Messaging system. Thanks!