Kyiv

[Sorbonne]

Ha! Why not? It is a nice perk.

It is a nice perk. When I was living in the US, I was an avid collector of miles and was able to come to Europe, often including Ukraine, at least once a year with miles.

After I moved to Europe several years ago, I no longer collect miles. But in Europe flying is so cheap that you really don't need to attempt to fly with miles, unless you want to go out of Europe.

But last year when I stayed with a girl at a resort hotel in Ukraine, I used my old miles, and the entire accommodation was free.

I say accommodation because food wasn't free. In fact this girl was so excited to stay at this resort that she only charged me half the normal price. But then she kept ordering the most expensive food at the hotel restaurants, and the bills for food was consequently more than the normal price for the hotel accommodation.

It is now all a fun memory.

[YummyPL]

Certainly not to get more miles.

Ha! Why not? It is a nice perk.

Personally I use a card everywhere I can. If I need cash, I just use it for a cash withdrawal but this is extremely rare. My bank (credit union) does not charge me any extra fee for cash withdrawals and there is no international transaction fee.

I mainly like cards because I can track everything I spend and have an itemized statement. It is more convenient than counting out cash. And if there are problems, I have never had any issues disputing a charge.

I pay girls in cash, and I normally carry around some 20 and 100 hryvnia notes for tipping when necessary but I only use them for tipping. I carry the small amount of cash and my card together in a very small anti-skim wallet and have two backup cards from other banks at my apartment that I have never had to use.

[PhotoSlider]

@PhotoSlider: is there a reason you prefer credit cards in Ukraine?

Certainly not to get more miles.

Thank you for explaining your approach in great detail. You are a role model for using money wisely.

I used to spend much more, including GIA in 2016-2017, and have been running out of cash quicker, even with ATM withdrawals and $10 K brought in through KBP.

I changed my wasteful habits since then while extending time and improving quality of my stays in Kiev. I still use credit card because I find it convenient. No need to carry loads of cash around, and no need to go to "milking machine" AKA ATM or currency exchange kiosk that frequently. Often I go out only with credit card on me, not even a wallet. In that regard I perceive Kiev as safe as Rio, Brazil or NYC.

Both, ATM and currency exchange, I consider risk locations anywhere, even back home. Nothing happened to me at either one yet.

Chase credit card adds supplemental protection if there is a suspicious activity. Visa support quickly takes care of any ambiguities. My second phone with US SIM card has WiFi calling, making it a regular free local call to / from US. Very convenient feature.

I check my credit card statement daily. I definitely validate my receipts in Kiev. There were some attempts to pad, and then quickly taken out after a friendly inquiry.

Girls I certainly pay cash. Or perform barter. Regulars receive payments in the envelope, and never count. Hourly girls I pay in the delivery vehicle, and after so many there was one that had the audacity to claim that I miscalculated by one 500 UAH banknote. I said: "Search for it. In the meantime I'll call your dispatcher. " She found it. What a miracle!

AmEx is accepted at certain high profile restaurants in Kiev. It has higher percentage surcharge and even in US business undertakers frown on it, and ask if I have something better.

I had credit card fraud only once in my entire life. My AmEx numbers were stolen in Canadian Capital City Ottawa at some cafeteria and used at gas stations around Montreal. AmEx refunded the whole amount, about 200-300 USD without paying due diligence. They just ate the cost.

[Hestendk]

I not heard in a long time anyone had their cards skimmed down here.

It never happend for me, I always check the ATM good before using it.

4 Years ago I found skimming device attached but it was easy to see if you knew what to look for, cancled the transactions called police from inside the card to give them the tip and they came fast.

Noone else used it meanwhile and no strange people around so no arrests was made.

Only bad things with ATM's here is some of the old ones will eat your card if its out of metal, I lost one that way. It was not possible for the machine to give back the card due to its little thicker then the plastic ones.

All new ATM's support it 100%.

[Sorbonne]

I usually use my German or Polish debit cards to get cash in Ukraine. I've been using ATM machines with Euronet sings because the exchange rate seems to be better than others. But they are usually in malls, so I should maybe start using other ATMs within bank branches, as suggested here.

If you use American credit cards, you can collect mileages, but I'm not willing take risks.

[Uke Boy]

@PhotoSlider: is there a reason you prefer credit cards in Ukraine? Ever since I started traveling extensively outside the USA some 20 years ago, I've attempted to pay cash whenever possible, to minimize problems. Main exceptions are: airline tickets, booking.com, airbnb.com. My landlady in Kyiv and I now trust one another enough that we avoid airbnb and payment with her all cash now. And of course I pay all cash to girls. My other expenses in Kyiv are small by comparison.

Currency conversion costs are typically 1% from wholesale rate with my Schwab ATM card. Raiffeisen charges 50 UAH fee per ATM withdrawal, but that fee is rebated by Schwab. Also, I typically withdraw 20000 UAH at a time, which makes ATM fee negligible as a percentage. Withdrawing such a large amount is somewhat risky, because if the ATM malfunctions, then I lose about $736 if Raiffeisen and Schwab both reject my report of machine malfunction. I try to use ATMs inside bank offices, such as at Pirigova 7 near University metro stop, in hopes such machines will be less likely to malfunction. Machines at Pirigova are often stocked with 500 UAH notes, which I prefer.

I also carry a total of 6 ATM cards (technically, debit cards locked down other than temporarily to make ATM withdrawals), from 5 different banks, in case one or more cards damaged, lost, or bank cancels card because it decides everything associated with Ukraine is suspicious or for some other arbitrary reason.

I also carry at least $2000 in USA or Euro currency ($100 or 50 notes). Most problems when traveling can be solved with access to money Conversely, lack of access to money is a disaster when traveling.

The situation here with credit cards is sometimes a problem. I use my credit and debit cards here when necessary but like Kozerog, I mostly prefer cash except for the higher priced items. But beware. For example, Nova Poshta which is a very good courier company for the delivery to your locality of documents, parcels and goods purchased from many online companies such as Rozetka. However, their system, I found out to my regret, does not accept non-Ukrainian credit cards. I needed to use cash to buy my purchase. The same applies to some transactions with other Ukrainian companies and even some banking procedures with Privat Bank.

The exchange rate I get with the credit card is acceptable being better than the local exchange rate. Like Kozerog, I use my credit cards for airline, hotels and other travel-related purchases. Not too long ago, had to cancel a flight to Barcelona due to the virus outbreak there but I was able to get my money back via my American Express card while I know local Ukrainians received only vouchers since they paid with what amounts to a debit card.

Also, if you have American Express, leave it at home unless you are travelling elsewhere. It is not used in Ukraine except at the high-end hotels such as Hilton, Fairmont and others. On an everyday use basis, Amex is unknown here.

I also try and use my debit card only at one bank so that if I lose the card or it is hacked and used elsewhere, I can at least argue with my bank that it is not my purchase or cash advance here since I have a steady relationship with one bank here and only at two branches of this bank for cash advances. To further safeguard myself, I also mostly take out exactly the same amount in grivna each time which covers most of my daily expenses for abut two weeks. I also make sure to use ATMs within the bank offices. ATMs on the street can have skimmers attached and I never use them. When it comes to cards and money here, not only be very aware but it helps to have a touch of paranoia!

When I do make large purchases, I also have my American phone with me. I used to notify my credit card company in advance that I was making a large purchase here. They said, fine, we'll OK it. They did not and it happened more than once. Now I make the purchase, it is denied, I call the credit card company on my American phone as I wait with the seller, the international fraud division then see the purchase which was denied, they ask me some security questions to verify my identity, they OK it, the card is run through again and it is approved. A pain in the neck but security is appreciated.

Finally, if you have a phone with NFC, you can sign up with Google Pay and use that to safely make local purchases. I do it all the time and it is safe and convenient.

[Kozerog]

Complete shitshow with regards to getting removed from self-isolation based on negative PCR test:

https://m.facebook.com/1000016621738...86233838108657

This is how things are supposed to work:

https://phc.org.ua/news/algoritm-pri...atok-diy-vdoma

[Kozerog]

@PhotoSlider: is there a reason you prefer credit cards in Ukraine? Ever since I started traveling extensively outside the USA some 20 years ago, I've attempted to pay cash whenever possible, to minimize problems. Main exceptions are: airline tickets, booking.com, airbnb.com. My landlady in Kyiv and I now trust one another enough that we avoid airbnb and payment with her all cash now. And of course I pay all cash to girls. My other expenses in Kyiv are small by comparison.

Currency conversion costs are typically 1% from wholesale rate with my Schwab ATM card. Raiffeisen charges 50 UAH fee per ATM withdrawal, but that fee is rebated by Schwab. Also, I typically withdraw 20000 UAH at a time, which makes ATM fee negligible as a percentage. Withdrawing such a large amount is somewhat risky, because if the ATM malfunctions, then I lose about $736 if Raiffeisen and Schwab both reject my report of machine malfunction. I try to use ATMs inside bank offices, such as at Pirigova 7 near University metro stop, in hopes such machines will be less likely to malfunction. Machines at Pirigova are often stocked with 500 UAH notes, which I prefer.

I also carry a total of 6 ATM cards (technically, debit cards locked down other than temporarily to make ATM withdrawals), from 5 different banks, in case one or more cards damaged, lost, or bank cancels card because it decides everything associated with Ukraine is suspicious or for some other arbitrary reason.

I also carry at least $2000 in USA or Euro currency ($100 or €50 notes). Most problems when traveling can be solved with access to money Conversely, lack of access to money is a disaster when traveling.

[PhotoSlider]

I paid with USA Visa credit card. Had to process transaction twice because initial attempt was flagged as possible fraud and declined by bank. Same problem I have with all credit card transactions I attempt in Ukraine, regardless of travel notices on file with bank...

I used my USA visa credit card in Kiev extensively over the last 2-3 years. Mostly no problem at all. No fraud, nothing stolen. Small grocery shops, large restaurants, gift shopping, clothes, shoes, anywhere.

Had 3 minor issues with processing. No fraud, mere inconvenience, nuisance. All had nothing to do with the US company that issued my visa card, because I could call them, and they didn't see any trace or attempt of transaction going through. Challenges were on Ukrainian side.

1. Cashier-register at Mega-Market on Antonovicha-Gor'kogo all of a sudden requested to enter a PIN code. I said this is not a debit card. We went back and forth, and in the end manager admitted that they saw large purchases done on credit cards, where eventually somehow payments didn't go through and instead of tracing where the fraud happened within their processing card vendor, they decided to ban credit altogether and stay with debit only store-wide.

I paid cash and never returned. Too bad, it was my favorite store.

2. Opera tickets. Worked every other time online. Better in person. Same. Changing processing vendors on Ukrainian side by Opera management didn't help, as new vendor introduced unreasonable limitations that they perceive as security.

3. Paying relatively large amount for services at the solid medical clinic in Kiev. Something like 12000 UAH for extensive diagnostics. Rejected. Paid dozens of times before NP. After going back and forth, credit processing entity on Ukrainian side admitted that they have two rules: No large single payments over 3500 UAH, and have to wait a certain time interval like a day or few hours between those large payments. I asked why. They explained to clinic management that this is to take care of my security. I explained that this is bullshit and substantial inconvenience. Nurses were beautiful. So were the receptionists. Nobody reacted to me showing up with different young ladies.

[Kozerog]

I bought my insurance at the following link:

https://www.oberig-sg.com/strahovanie-migrantov

$31 (830 UAH), including credit card fees, for 4 months for man aged 59. Apparently, would be same price up to age 80. Covers €30000 of medical expenses and specifically states Covid-19 is covered, in conformance with Ukrainian law no. 480 of 12 June 2020. PDF they sent via email is in color, written in Ukrainian language, has official stamp of government approval and otherwise looks legitimate. Several people in Facebook forums say they have used this insurance successfully to get through passport control at Boryspil.

I paid with USA Visa credit card. Had to process transaction twice because initial attempt was flagged as possible fraud and declined by bank. Same problem I have with all credit card transactions I attempt in Ukraine, regardless of travel notices on file with bank.

Right now, best solution for home Covid-19 PCR testing seems Dila, 1800 UAH, including home visit by nurse (sex with nurse not included, plus who knows what age she will be):

https://dila.ua/rus/program/18505_vy...todom-plr.html

Of course, I won't know until I get to Ukraine what their schedule will be. They might be backlogged and so not able to visit immediately.

[Hestendk]

Great points, you are playing with fire if you travel abroad now. One person could make you life a living Hell, if they decide to Quarantine you. Think twice, go to Mexico or other destinations were there are no possibility of being Quarantined.

Noone is playing with fire.

There are laws and rules how to quranteen if needed.

Ukraine just not changes the ruled on the fly.

Should you need quranteen then you can do it whereever you want thets the rule / law and that's what people is allowed.

[DramaFree11]

Sorry to say but you not understand the rules and how EU work within this.

The rules are not nailed in stone, each country can stray away from them its reommendations.

So if a country wants to allow someone to come they are infact able to do that, they are also able to say they not want a country to come, even if its on the white list of ukraine.

Ex. Denmark allow everyone from outside EU to come if they have valid reason to come here.

An valid reason could be, visiting a BF (need prove its not just a scam), Visiting a registred partner, visiting parrents / children, attending school, attending funerals, attending business meetings and so on.

The list can be found here.

https://politi.dk/en/coronavirus-in-...nned-countries

If you took the time to read and understand what standing the notice this.

Great points, you are playing with fire if you travel abroad now. One person could make you life a living Hell, if they decide to Quarantine you. Think twice, go to Mexico or other destinations were there are no possibility of being Quarantined.

[Hestendk]

Here is the official European Council press release today regarding entry into the EU https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/p...ird-countries/.

No Ukraine, only 15 countries allowed in for at least the next two weeks after which they will issue a revised and updated list.

And no boyfriends / girlfriends since they will allow in only EU citizens and their family members, long-term EU residents and their family members, not "friends."

Sorry to say but you not understand the rules and how EU work within this.

The rules are not nailed in stone, each country can stray away from them its reommendations.

So if a country wants to allow someone to come they are infact able to do that, they are also able to say they not want a country to come, even if its on the white list of ukraine.

Ex. Denmark allow everyone from outside EU to come if they have valid reason to come here.

An valid reason could be, visiting a BF (need prove its not just a scam), Visiting a registred partner, visiting parrents / children, attending school, attending funerals, attending business meetings and so on.

The list can be found here.

https://politi.dk/en/coronavirus-in-...nned-countries

If you took the time to read and understand what standing the notice this.

"Based on the criteria and conditions set out in the recommendation, as from 1 July member states should start lifting the travel restrictions at the external borders for residents of the following third countries:

It's an Recommandation, not an rule that they can force any EU state to follow.

Every state in EU have their own borders and rule the borders how they want.

Other states follow the same system as Denmark and are allowing people in and not only people with residency.

[Fred54]

Oki Its here.

I paid 1000 UAH which is around 33,5 EUR.

Its for 6 Months.

They have it in different packages from 200-400-600-800-1000.

Its Pro100 who issues them.

If anyone need help / direction to get it ask or in PM here.

If you have an turist insurance that Covers Covid19 then just make sure to have a print that your insurance (ID number) Cover Covid19.

It can be electronicle also.

What about self quarantine or covid test? Are they available at the airport for arrival to skip the quarantine?

[Uke Boy]

Ukraine was on the original list but it looks like they maybe will be removed.

But still alot of country allow People from ukrain to come if they have something to do in the country they are visiting, could be husband / boyfriend.

But yes there was an spike but it could look like its going down again now (could be to low testing).

Here is the official European Council press release today regarding entry into the EU https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/p...ird-countries/.

No Ukraine, only 15 countries allowed in for at least the next two weeks after which they will issue a revised and updated list.

And no boyfriends / girlfriends since they will allow in only EU citizens and their family members, long-term EU residents and their family members, not "friends."