WHAT’S UKRAINE
Ukraine is the state in Eastern Europe (the
total area is 603,700 sq. km), bordering on Belarus to the north, the Russian
Federation to the east and to the north, Poland, Slovakia to the west, and Hungary,
Romania and Moldova to the southwest. On the south Ukraine is washed by the Black
Sea and the Sea of Azov. The capital of the country is Kyiv, the former capital
of ancient Rus. Its population is over 3 million people.
The climate is moderate-continental
nearly all over Ukraine, except the southernmost region of the Crimea where it
is sub-tropical. The largest river of Ukraine is the Dnipro (Dnieper) - 2,201
m in length, the largest mountain system is the Carpathians and the highest peak
is Mount Hoverla (2,061 m).
Though Ukraine is considered to be a newly independent
state, it has a long and glorified history; it is rich in historical and cultural
monuments of various epochs attracting many tourists to visit this country which
is actually unknown for many peoples all over the world.
Ukraine is an industrial
and agricultural country. It produces ocean liners, electronic microscopes and
synthetic diamonds, TV sets and computers. The country is rich in iron ore, coal,
natural gas, salt and other mineral resources. It is a metallurgic, machine-building
and fuel base of Europe, a producer of chemicals and agricultural raw materials.
Ukrainian soil is considered to be the best one of the world together with the
soil of the Brazilian jungles.
The largest Ukrainian cities are Kyiv, Kharkiv,
Lviv, Dniepropetrovsk, Odessa.
The President is the Head of the executive
branch of the Government, the legislative branch - is ruled by the Parliament.
The international activities of the Ukraine’s government are directed towards
realising the foreign policy, based on principles of the peaceful coexistence
of states with different social systems, a policy aimed at strengthening of peace
and security in the world.
With patience and a positive attitude, the traveller
to Ukraine will glimpse not only the landscapes and rich cultural heritage of
this land, but also the extraordinary process that is now redefining life in Ukraine.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR VOLUNTEERS
Useful
tips
Payments
The national currency is hryvna. There are banknotes of
1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 hryvnas.
Besides this, there are copecks:
1 hryvna is 100 copecks.
There are coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 and 50 copecks,
and 1 hryvna.
Traveler’s Cheques: Traveler’s Cheques can be cashed
at Intourist hotels and a number of banks and exchange offices.
Where to stay
in Ukraine: please, visit sites www.hihostels.com.ua, www.airport-borispol.kiev.ua
Currency exchange: The most commonly accepted foreign hard currencies are
United States Dollars (USD), Euro and Russian Rouble. Although Euros are accepted
in most exchange place in Kyiv and large cities, it is still difficult to exchange
them in the provincial places. You can exchange hard currency for hryvna at a
number of locations throughout the big cities. If you are arriving at Boryspil
International Airport, you will find currency exchange offices located in the
airport (the rate will be a bit worse that in ‘normal’ places). Once
you are in the city we suggest that you change money into local currency at major
hotels, or official exchange offices. New exchange offices are popping up all
over the cities. The exchange rate as of late February is 5.05UAH for 1 USD; 7.51UAH
for 1 Euro. Beware of changing money on the streets or with individuals. It’s
illegal, and it can be dangerous. Remember, you are probably far better off than
the average Ukrainian. Don’t flash your cash! And don’t change your
money on the black market.
Credit cards: Credit cards are in wide use throughout
Ukraine. Some major hotels and large shops accept credit cards but be sure to
ask first. Credit cards are becoming more and more widely used in Ukraine. At
the entrance to a shop, restaurant, casino, etc. you will see always the information
about credit cards which are accepted.
There are bunches of ATMs all around
Kyiv and other large cities, but you might have problems cashing money anywhere
else (so, you’d better do it right on your arrival in the country).
Electricity:
The standard electrical current in Ukraine is 220 volts. Users having electric
devices with North-American appliances need an adapter/ a transformer (which you
can buy in Ukraine).
International time:
When you come to Ukraine you
shouldn’t forget that Ukraine’s time is two hours later than Greenwich
Mean Time. To save power in daylight time clocks are advanced one hour from the
last Sunday in March till the last Sunday in September.
Operating hours:
The work time in Ukraine is usually eight hours per day, from Monday to Friday,
with a lunch time between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. Most banks are open from 9:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, while the currency exchange points are open
even weekends.
IMPORTANT!!!
Documents and Visas.
Please note that
regulations are changing frequently. Therefore, in order to obtain up-to-date
information, please contact local Ukrainian embassy or Consulate.
For EU,
USA, Japan and Canada citizens there is no visa for entering Ukraine!!! Only the
passport for travelling abroad!
For other countries please contact Ukrainian
embassy!
All visas have to be obtained in advance from respective Ukrainian
Consulate. So, come prepared!
Leaving Ukraine: When you leave Ukraine,
you will be asked to present the customs declaration and the immigration card
that you received upon entry.
