Useful Information
Boring but necessary facts
You might take for granted that standards abroad will be the same or similar to those at home but unfortunately, this isn't always the case. With this in mind we have put together a few additional information here and safety hints for you to read and we would like to ask you that you follow these simple points to help ensure that you have an enjoyable and successful holiday.
Click on the links (in blue) to go to other pages for more information on things you want to follow up.
Do I need a visa to visit
Ukraine?
Ukraine has introduced Visa-free regime for citizens of the EU, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Canada and USA. Citizens of the above countries do not required to have a visa when visiting Ukraine or transiting via Ukraine's territory, if their stay doesn't exceed 90 days.
All other Nationalities contact the Ukrainian Consulate in your country.
Click here for Further information
Arriving
and how easy is to travel around
Ukraine?
The main airport in
the capital Kiev is called Borispol. Most of the major
airlines fly there. Borispol is a modern airport and the last time I was there it
had been given quite an overhaul. On some sites you will read a
lot of rubbish about arriving at Borispol. Borispol is a normal international
airport and it is not staffed by ex-KGB officers who want to make things difficult
for you and confiscate all your belongings. Proceed through the airport as you would in
any other airport. On the plane fill in
the immigration form they give you. You must keep this with you until
you leave the country.
First you come to the immigration officers, they check
your passport, they may ask you to confirm the address you are going to. Once your passport has been stamped on
arrival at the airport or the border you can travel freely within
Ukraine as a whole. Transport in Ukraine is cheap by western standards. Then
you pick up your baggage and move through customs.
Again like in
any normal airport, unless you have loads of stuff you just move
right on through the green channel, you don't have to fill in customs forms. I
have been in and out of the country with digital cameras, laptop computer and so on
but I have never had my bag searched. They may ask you if you have any gifts.
It usually takes about
20 minutes to go through these formalities.
Leaving the Country
The Customs officials will check your bags as you leave the country as per normal security proceedures but make sure you know what is not allowed to leave the country such as Icons and Old Soviet Medals/Orders.
What about the language?
Many people speak some English, and restaurants have multilingual Menu's, but not as many as in the Mediterranean resorts where they've had more practice! An excellent interpreter/guide is available as an option, during your stay at a reasonable extra cost (ask for more information our office in UK), if you book your holiday to Ukraine through us.
Click here for more information on Language
Is Ukraine safe for western tourists?
For up to the minute government advice on visiting Ukraine please visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office web site at www.fco.gov.uk . Click on travel, then on country advice and then select Ukraine.
It is sensible to arrange travel insurance which
includes cover against theft, in the same way as you would if travelling to a
western holiday destination.
Personal safety!
Whilst most towns are generally safe, unfortunately crime exists wherever you may travel. With your personal safety in mind, it's wise to take care and to do as you would at home:
- Avoid walking home alone at night and avoid unlit areas after dark.
- If you're not sure where you are going and need directions, please ask your representative for advice before you go out.
- If you need a ride home, do use licensed taxis only and don't accept lifts from strangers.
- Please make use of any Safety Deposit Box facilities available, don't carry your personal belongings around with you.
- Avoid carrying too much money (use credit cards where possible) or wearing obvious jewellery when you are out and about.
- Do not leave your handbags or any other baggage unattended at any time.
- Keep cameras and handbags close to you at all times - items swinging about can be easily snatched.
- If you are threatened or robbed, please do not attempt to resist or fight back.
- Do listen to any safety advice given to you by your representative; they have your best interests in mind.
- If you are involved in an incident, report it to the police immediately and obtain a written report.
Your Wellbeing
Nobody likes an upset stomach on holiday, and there are some things you can do to reduce the possibility of this happening. Make sure that all your meals are thoroughly cooked and that any fruit is washed and peeled before eating. If there is food that you don't enjoy at home, such as spicy or seafood dishes, the likelihood is that it won't agree with you on holiday either, so take care when sampling the local delicacies.
Do
remember to drink lots of water as the heat can really dehydrate
you, but stick to bottled water rather than tap water for drinking
and brushing your teeth - the mineral content is likely to be different
from that at home and it can have an adverse affect.
What money should I take?
The official currency is Ukrainian hryvnia, which works on the decimal system:
1
hryvnia = 100 kopiykas.
It is best to take cash in US dollars or Euros, and exchange it there. There is no shortage of banks and exchange kiosks in the larger towns. There are also plenty of cashpoints where you can withdraw cash using Switch, Master or Visa cards. Cashpoints pay out in hryvnias, but some also pay out dollars.
If you want to withdraw western currency, you can use a Visa or Master card for a
counter payment
in a bank. Some also accept travellers cheques. 
You will need your passport for identification.
Will I need any injections before I
go?
Generally, no, but you are advised to check the Department of Health website - www.doh.gov.uk/traveladvice/index.htm. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
What if I need medical attention while I'm
there?
Coverage by hospital, medical and emergency services is generally good. It is sensible to arrange travel insurance which includes the cost of medical care, in the same way as you would if travelling to a western holiday destination.
Time
Ukraine
is 2 hours ahead of GMT. Clocks go
forward 1 hour in the last week in March and back in the last week in October
Electricity
Standard voltage is 220. Sockets are 2-pin so English travellers should take an adaptor.
Water
Mains water is used for washing only. Buy bottled spring water for drinking.
Weights and measures
Metric. Shoe and clothing sizes use the European system..
Communication
There are plenty of public telephones in the larger towns. You can buy phone-cards in post offices and at some news kiosks. Alternatively you can pre-pay an international call from a booth at a post office.
If staying in a hotel you can usually phone from your room but this is much more expensive than using a public telephone. The larger towns have Internet cafes where you can pick up and send e-mail. Most western mobile phones will automatically tune to the local Ukrainian network, but calls will be expensive because they go via your home network.
You can send and receive text messages, which are a lot cheaper.
Departure information
Reporting time at the airport is 2 1/2 hours before the departure time shown on your TICKETS. Please ensure you arrive at the airport in good time. You will not be permitted to check-in if you arrive less than 1 hour 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
Check-in for your flight even if a delay is apparent.
Don’t wander off to the bar!!
Late comers could lose their seats.
Families travelling together should check-in as early as possible to ensure seats together.
Some airlines have a complete no-smoking policy on their aircraft.
Requests for special meals on the aircraft, wheelchairs, etc should be notified to us immediately.
A snack or meal is provided on both outbound and return flights. All timings shown are local times.
Any loss or damage to luggage must be notified to the airline immediately and a report obtained.
Upon arrival at your destination airport your AirSun Holidays Representative will be waiting outside the customs hall and will direct you to your transportation vehicle which will take you to your accommodation.
We hope you have an enjoyable holiday but should you suffer any loss or theft, ensure you obtain a police report within 24 hours. Also if you receive any medical treatment, obtain a receipt for any charges incurred. These requirements enable you to make an insurance claim when you return to the U.K.
DON’T FORGET, YOUR REPRESENTATIVE WILL ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE TO ASSIST YOU.
HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY
USEFUL LINKS
------------------
Foreign & Commonwealth
Office:
For the latest information on foreign office advice for
travelling abroad.
www.fco.gov.uk/travel
Department of Health Travel
Advice:
Regularly updated alerts on outbreaks all over the world together
with advice for travellers about staying safe.
www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAdviceForTravellers/fs/en
Airport Information:
A useful guide to UK
airports including latest minute arrival and departure information, car parking
etc.
www.baa.co.uk
Currency Conversion:
A simple method of
currency calculation based on live exchange rates.
www.xe.com/ucc
All about Lviv www.about.lviv.ua
Travel in Ukraine www.travelinukraine.com
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