Ukraine

Aerosvit Ukrainian Airlines (VV)
Did you know it's now possible to to fly to Ukraine with only 1 transit in Asia?
Aerosvit Ukrainian Airlines (VV) operate direct flights from Bangkok/Beijing/Kuala Lumpur/New York Kiev & using either TG, CA or MH to connect to the International Gateways from Australia!
Other destinations include: Almaty-Kazakhstan, Baku-Azerbaijan, Tbilisi-Georgia, Vilnius-Lithuania, Belgrade-Serbia, Chisinau-Moldova, Riga-Latvia, Sofia-Bulgaria,Budapest-Hungary, Minsk-Belarus, Tallinn-Estonia, Larnaca-Cyprus.

AIRPORTS

Almost all international flights to Kyiv arrive at Boryspil International airport, located 30 kilometres from the city's centre. Limited international flights arrive into Lviv aiport located 8kms west of Lviv's centre. Domestic flights operate to and from most major Ukrainian cities.

MONEY

Cash. The Ukrainian national currency is the"Hryvna". You can exchange U.S. dollars and Euros at major banks, hotels and exchange points around most major cities. CREDIT. Many Western-style shops and some hotels accept major credit cards. However, do not rely solely on plastic or travellers cheques. Cash is preferred.


SHOPPING

Stores in Ukraine are open Monday to Friday 9.00am till 4.00pm and on Saturdays until 4.00pm. Stores are closed on Sundays and also during trading hours close for 1 hour during lunch.


TRANSPORTATION

Metro. Kyiv boasts a very convenient, safe, and inexpensive metro system. Buy tokens at any metro station-currently, one token costs 30 kopikas and a monthly pass costs 19 hryvnas. One token allows you to transfer from line to line.

Trolley buses-These tend to be crammed tight with people but are a good and cheap way to travel around Kyiv and Lviv. You can purchase tickets at bus stops or from a controller on the trolley/bus.

RAIL INFORMATION

Kyiv is connected to European and Asian cities via an extensive network of railways. The capital's only station is located in the center of the city and is situated right next to the Vokzalna metro station Train travel is the least expensive and most convenient way to reach just about anywhere. Prices are higher for foreigners, and the rate usually includes a per-ticket commission. Trains run every day to Moscow,
Budapest, Odessa, Lviv, and St.Petersburg.

WATER

It is recommended that tap water be boiled for at least 10 minutes prior to drinking it. Bottled water is preferred and is easily available to be purchased. At times availability of tap water may be a problem especially hot water can be irregular the water supply, especially hot, can be irregular.

ELECTRICITY

The standard electric voltage in Ukraine is 220 volts. If you bring electric appliances, make sure to take a plug adapter. For expensive equipment like computers, it is a good idea to bring a surge protector.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Holidays are often celebrated on several days, depending on when the literal holiday falls. For example, if a holiday falls on Thursday, then Friday and Saturday may also be holidays. Or, if a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, then Monday will be a holiday.

1 Jan - New Year's Day
7 Jan - Russian Orthodox Christmas
8 Mar - International Women's Day
27Apr - Easter (1997)
1,2 May - Labour Day
9 May - Victory Day
24,25 May - Kyiv Days (1997)
2 June - Trinity Day (1997)
24 Aug - Ukrainian Independence

ETIQUETTE

When visiting Ukraine, there are a few simple rules of etiquette that may be useful-if invited into a family home, it is traditional to bring a gift. A bottle of wine, a cake, or a bouquet of flowers are customary. If there is a child in the house, it is appropriate to provide him/her with a small gift. If you bring flowers, make sure the number of flowers is uneven. Do not shake hands across the thresh old of a door. It is considered bad luck. When shaking hands, take off your gloves. Be prepared to remove your shoes upon entering a home. To keep apartments clean, most hosts will provide you with a pair of slippers. - On public transportation, give up your seat to mothers with children, the elderly, or the infirm. At the entrance of upscale restaurants, expect that your coat, briefcase, or baggage will be checked. Be sure to have business cards printed in Ukrainian/Russian on one side and English on the other. When eating dinner at someone's home, casual dress is accepted. Be ready to give toasts at dinner, for guests are often asked to do so. Offer to share your snacks and cigarettes with those around you. - Be prepared to accept all food and drink offered you when visiting friends. Ukrainians are known for their generosity when it comes to feeding others. Turning down food may be considered rude. For business, dress should be conservative. Men should not take off their jackets unless asked. In Orthodox churches women wear scarfs or hats, and men take off their hats. Be careful when complimenting a host's belongings, they may offer it to you.