Capital: Kyiv
Time zone: GMT + 2 (GMT+ 3 during British summer time)
Telephone services: Country Code: 380
Outgoing Code: 810
Emergency telephone numbers: Not present
Tourist information: Intourist, 219 Marsh Wall, Isle of Dogs, London E14 9PD Tel: (020) 7538 8600 or 538 5902 Fax: (020) 7538 5967
Passport information: Valid passport required by all. Regulations may change at short notice and you are advised to contact the relevant consular authority before finalising travel arrangements.
Visa information: Valid visa required by all. Mediacl insurance is required before a visa application can be made. Visas must be obtained before departure.
Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Not required
Malaria: Not present
Yellow Fever: No
Other Health Risks: Cholera and Diphtheria, Tick borne encephalitis (in forested areas).
Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink. Boil tap water before drinking it.
Currency: Hryvnya Banks and currency offices will exchange money.
Credit cards are not widely accepted. The preferred currency for traveller’s cheques is US dollars.
ATM availability: only a handful
Cost of living: Less expensive than Western Europe
Languages: Ukrainian is the official state language. Russian is also widely spoken.
Weather: Temperate with warm summers, crisp sunny autumns and cold, snowy winters.
Electricity: 220 volts Ac 50 Hz.
Post: Services are erratic. Letters to Western Europe can take up to 2 weeks.
Transport: AIR: not recommended as flights are far from comfortable and buying tickets is extremely difficult. RAIL: as buying tickets is difficult it is advisable to pre book through Intourist in London. BUSES: exist but are not recommended TAXIS: are available and fares should be agreed in advance. DOCUMENTATION: International driving licence is required to drive in Ukraine.
Special information: All visitors must register with the Ministry of Internal Affairs within three days of arrival. A room in a private home is an excellent accommodation option in the Ukraine as the people are friendly and hospitable. Carry your passport at all times.