Language: Ukrainian is the official language, but Russian is also widely spoken.
Currency: The official currency is the Hryvnia (UAH), which is divided into 100 kopecks. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday until 3pm, and readily exchange Hryvnia for hard currency (banknotes only). US dollars and Euros are exchanged easily at banks and currency offices, and while other currencies can also be exchanged, they are not as widely accepted. ATMs are widely available in all major cities. Travelers cheques are not widely accepted and attract high commission rates and lengthy paperwork.
Major restaurants, shops and hotels accept Visa,
MasterCard and EuroCard; however credit cards are not widely accepted, particularly in remote areas and smaller establishments. Outside the main cities it is advisable to carry a supply of local currency.
Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 between March and October).
Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are round pin attachment variety with two pins.
Communications: The international dialing code for the
Ukraine is +380. The outgoing code is 810 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 81044 for the
United Kingdom); wait for a second dial tone after dialing 8, followed by 10. International Direct Dialling is available in most cities. Internal dialing is used; the code for
Kiev is (8)44. The GSM 900/1800 network coverage is fairly widespread, but international roaming is fairly expensive. There are Internet cafes available in Kiev, and other main cities.
Duty Free: Travelers to the Ukraine can bring in 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco products; 1 liter of spirits and 2 liters of wine; and goods for personal use, as well as goods with a total value of EUR200, without incurring customs duty. Prohibited items include items that can have an impact on the environment, and agricultural goods and live animals.
EmergencyEmergencies: 02 (Police); 03 (Medical)
Embassies
Ukraine Embassy,
Washington DC,
United States: +1 202 333 0606.
Ukraine Embassy,
London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7727 6312.
Ukraine Embassy,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 230 8015.
Ukraine Embassy,
Canberra,
Australia (also responsible for
New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6230 5789.
Ukraine Embassy,
Pretoria,
South Africa: +27 (0)12 460 1946.
Ukraine Embassy,
Dublin,
Ireland: +353 (0)1 668 8601.
United States Embassy, Kiev: +380 (44) 490 4000.
British Embassy, Kiev: +380 (44) 490 3660.
Canadian Embassy, Kiev: +380 (44) 590 3100.
Australian Consulate, Kiev: +380 (44) 246 4223.
South
African Embassy, Kiev: +380 (44) 287 7172.
Honorary Consul of Ireland, Kiev: +380 (44) 285 5902.
New
Zealand Embassy,
Moscow,
Russia (also responsible for the Ukraine): +7 495 956 3579.
