Banks: 09.00 to 15.00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08.00 to 21.00, Monday to Friday
Government Offices: 08.00 to 14.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 17.00 Monday to Friday
Shops: 08.00 to 19.00, Monday to Saturday

Compared to many other European capitals, Kiev is relatively safe for tourists. Crime against visitors is mainly limited to pick pocketing in crowded transport centre and popular tourist attractions. Occasionally, you may get cheated at the markets as well. However, because weapons are illegal in Ukraine, it helps keep violent crimes to a minimum. Still, in Kiev you need to key an eye on your valuables and be careful walking in the city after dark. There have been a few reports of tourists being shaken down by corrupt police or officials, but this is rare and usually happens in the Customs departments.

Police: 02

220V, 50Hz plugs are round with two pins typical to Europe

Although there are no major disease concerns when visiting Kiev, visitors should consider immunisation against hepatitis, diphtheria, typhoid and tetanus. The tap water in Kiev is best avoided. Use bottled water for all your drinking and hygiene needs. The quality of restaurants in Kiev varies widely, but in general the nicer cafés will be fine. Swimming in the Dnipro River is not recommended due to high levels of pollutants.

For minor illness, your hotel or local pharmacy can help out. Most medical emergencies can be handled at the city’s hospitals, but you may want to consider returning home if the situation is extremely serious. Be sure and bring a supply of any medication you need to take, and consider buying travel insurance to cover the costs of any hospital stays.

Emergency: 03
Medicom Hospital: +380 44 432 8888

Although Ukrainian is the official language of the nation, Russian is widely spoken by the residents of Kiev as well.

Ukraine uses the hryvnia (UAH) as its official (and only) currency. There are 100 kopiykas in one hryvnia. Bills come in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1 hryvnias. Coins come in denominations of 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, and 1 kopiykas.

All travellers to Ukraine may bring 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco, one litre of spirits, two litres of wine and personal goods worth €200 or less without incurring a customs duty.

Since Kiev was recently part of the former Soviet Union, some of its social rules still linger today. Handshakes are the common form of greeting (except over the door’s threshold which is bad luck), and if you enter someone’s home remember to remove your shoes. Going out to a nightclub or casino may involve tight security checks to get in, so don’t be alarmed if the doorman wants to pat you down or check your bag. When you enter any church you need to remove your hat.

Citizens from the US, Canada, Switzerland, Slovakia, Turkey and Japan do not need a letter of invitation to receive a tourist visa to Ukraine. But visitors from all other countries will need a letter of confirmation from a hotel or tour agency to get a tourist visa. EU citizens can enter Ukraine for stays up to 90 days without any visa.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Ukraine
19, I. Franka Street
Kiev 01030
Phone: +380 44 2352378