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	Create New Topic   My Posts   My forum buddies   Invite friends   Private messages Russian brides > Main Forum > Newbis's first visit to Kive - have lots of questions Author Post Mike2001 Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 9/10/2009 9:39:00 PM   I am making my first trip to Kiev to see a lady in October (dates TBD). I have a lot of questions and would appreciate any advice from the guys on this forum. The lady and I have been writing for several months. She has asked me to visit and I am very interested in meeting her, and she seems to be genuinely interested in meeting me. She is 38 and I am 54. She has a teenage daughter. I can easily make the airline plans (I was in the military and was assigned overseas, and have vacationed overseas, so I'm not unfamiliar with traveling). I understand an apartment would be a better arrangement than a hotel, but does anyone have any recommendations on a contact to arrange an apartment. I also wanted to get an apartment in the Pecherskon area of the city where she lives (anyone know anything about this area?). I've read on the forum that an apartment is a better arrangement to get to know the lady. Couple other questions (any advice on any other areas I miss is greatly appreciated!). How much money should I plan to have with me? Are ATMs readily available and do most of the restaurants, etc take VISA or Mastercard? Know I should bring some small gifts for her and her daugther - any recommendations? Anyone knows what the weather is there in October - I would expect it is staring to get pretty cold there. Any recommendations on things to do or see in Kiev? Is Kiev pretty easy to get around in? Any "dos" or "donts" on when we first meet? Any other recommendations on things I should do (or not do) while I'm getting to know her the first day or two? I know that sounds kinda naive, but this will be the first time I've meet a Ukrainian woman, and know the culture there is different than the States. I not planning to schedule meetings with other women ahead of time, but I've read on the forum to always have a backup plan. Any recommendations on agencies to contact if we meet and the chemistry isn't there? I plan to be there about a week for the first visit. Understand my cell wouldn't work there - should I but a cell phone once I get there? I'm hoping she can meet me at the airport, and that she will be able to get time off while I am there - haven't told her, but if she takes time off I plan to reimburse her for any lost income. I know there's a bunch I have not thought of, so any info or advice is appreciated. I hope she and I hit it off, but I know you can't know until you meet. But she has made a real effort to keep in touch and tell me about her and her daughter, so it appears promising. Thanks in advance gecko Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 9/11/2009 3:28:35 AM   Mike, I'm going to give you the email of my friend and 'girl friday' in kiev. I've known her for years and she is the best. She can help you with everything. She is fairly priced but not 'cheap'. so don't contact her if your cheap. her name is Helen. e440@yandex.ru. you can tell her tom recommended you. ragingbull Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 9/11/2009 3:32:48 AM   When I was there, there was a 250 UAH daily limit on the ATM's. There was a $5 USD charge on each transaction, so it could add up. It's hard to carry too much cash. I was pick pocketed. You might consider having someone moneygram you some money in the middle of your trip. It is walking distance to the Boryspil Airport, and there's a shuttle every 30 minutes. There is a reservation fee that is 30-50% of the room charge in all hotels. I wouldn't pay that. Just show up. There should be plenty of room. It cost me the equivalent of 65 USD single and 85 double to stay there. They do have an in house taxi. The driver's name is Igor. He is honest. At least he has never cheated me. He can tell you the places to go. He will take you there, wait for you and take you back. Muzzy Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 9/11/2009 3:36:34 AM   Hi Mike, Okay, from the top... 'Welcome-To-Russia' and Ukraine Fare are pretty good for apartments. When you book, book a taxi transfer through the apartment agent. Also, make sure you have her address with you when you land, as you'll need to put it on your landing card. They give you half of the card back at immigration - KEEP IT WITH YOU! It's necessary to leave the country :) How much to take depends on the price of the restaurants she wants to take you to. Some you can be in and out for 200Hrv ($28-ish) although one date took me to one that cost 800 ($100) including tip. Also, do you want to shop much there? Being the capital, Kiev isn't as cheap as you might think, so think of holidaying/shopping in your home country and evaluate costs from there. Better to come home with change than run out of cash. Oh, on this note, make sure any notes you take are prefect - exchange places there aren't allowed to exchange foreign notes that are in any way torn. Also, change your HRV back into dollars before you come back. I still haven't found a bank that'll change my cash back. Next time I go I'll be taking pretty much all cash with me. ATM's in Kiev sometimes run out of money (like, across the whole city). Also, your bank tends to panic and shout FRAUD if you use your card there, which they then shut down. Easy to sort out, but embarrassing if it happens on a date. When I was in Kiev I only went to restaurants and night clubs so I can't help you much with other stuff to do I'm afraid. I know there's a few good bowling alleys but i never went. There's also tours to Chernobyl (if that's your thing) but again, can't personally recommend as I didn't experience it. I'm sure someone else here can help with that. The city centre of Kiev is really easy to get around as soon as you find 'Maidan' (Independance Square to us) - just use this as a central reference point. Taxi's are cheap, but they see foreigners coming a mile off (and hike prices accordingly). Your date's best to spot the cheap ones (they can do that, somehow) and ask for the destination and price. You agree the price before you get in - always remember that. Kiev Connections are really good. They're just behind the McDonalds in Independance Square and can usually arrange dates the same day. Write down their phone number before you go and you'll have a good backup. They charge $40 per introduction. Flowers are cheap and easy to buy in the city, so they always make a good gift, however something from your home town would mean more. Chocolates is always a good bet, especially if you've done a little intelligence gathering about her favourites. Gifts to show you pay attention to her are better than gifts that show how (relatively) rich you are (depending on her intentions, obviously). Something for her daughter will earn good points - a toy is best, again something that's 'from home' and shows you listen to what you've been told about her. One important note - numbers of flowers have meaning over there. If you give her some, make sure it's an odd number (to do with luck - don't ask me what it's all about) I'd suggest taking an unlocked cell phone with you so you can stick a Ukraine SIM in. if yours definately won't work there then absolutely get one there. Kiev Connections rent them to their clients, others might too but I don't know. Regarding do's and don'ts - don't get into a taxi on the road side (illegal) and don't cross the road without looking - even if the sign says walk (drivers have a death wish - as long as it's someone else's death). Do tip in restaurants. Do take a pocket translator or phrase book, and lean the basic phrases before you go (yes, no, please, thankyou, hello, goodbye, menu, bill). With these words in place, you can usually survive by pointing and grunting (if you're not adventurous enough to try the language - which usually results in giggles, in my experience anyway - although maybe that's just my face) You're right that culture is different there, but she should be able to talk you through any difficulties (which there probably won't be). They're well used to us westerners, especially in Kiev, so you should be fine. If she's telling you about her daughter then that's a good sign. if she introduces you to her, that's even better. Obviously there are no guarantees in this game, but it sounds good from what you've said. Feel free to ask anything else, best of luck to you, and let us know how it goes? All the best ragingbull Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 9/11/2009 4:00:50 AM   For your back-up, you might look into Elena's models. I have never tried them, but from the forum, I hear that you can look into their ladies and have a date for $40 USD. They had an ad in the paper in Kiev, but you should get their phone number. ragingbull Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 9/11/2009 4:04:17 AM   Call your credit cards and banks. Tell them that you will there. Fortunately I had two ATM's when I was there from two different banks. I called the banks before I went to tell them I will be there, but one of them still shut down my ATM after the first try. ragingbull Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 9/11/2009 1:33:14 PM   If the ballet is there, go. FSU has the best ballet in the world. This is not just my opinion. It is also very cheap. You dress up real nice, check your coat in, rent binoculars and watch the show in an elegant theater. In spite of my telling her to go ahead and get the seats up front, my date wanted the balcony. I went twice. The first was Giselle which cost $5 USD a ticket and the second was Nutcracker at $10 USD a ticket. I was supposed to go to the circus, but that never happened. You might also take the church tour. These churches are nearly 1,000 years old. The monks that used to live there dug catacombs underground and you can go see it. The saints are still there in glass coffins where people go to pray. Of course there are discos. There were a few downtown near the big NOKIA sign. They had a show where men were dressed as women. I wish I could have understood what they were singing because the audience were laughing hard. GeminiDreams Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 9/11/2009 2:58:32 PM   I always use ATMs with my visa guard. There is an ATM in Metrograd shopping centre (under Bessarabska Rinok)that allows you to draw 4000 grivna a transaction. There is another in a bank on the corner of Michaelovska rd opposite Maidan (Independance sq). I suggest central apartment. It is pretty easy to get to anywhere in Kiev using metro or marshutka. I use uaapartments. If you will stay more than a week haggle the price down. There a some nice restaurants around Bessarabska Rinok, along Pushinska st one off Kreshatik and around Independance sq. October can be fickle but not generally too cold. Phones are cheap in Ukraine as are SIM cards. I suggest walk up Michaelovska or Mala Zhitmoskaya (both off Independance sq)there are 3 beautiful churches there. If you head right you can walk down Desiatinya street to the art market. Walk down here to Podol turn right and walk 500 m where there is a funicular that will take you back up the hill. Good for a pleasant days activity. Harvey Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 9/12/2009 9:02:41 AM   I would take cash -- a couple grand. Most places restaurants etc deal in cach only. DO NOT USE YOUR CREDIT CARD FOR ANY TRANSACTIONS WHILE THERE unless it is absolute emergency. One thing I did for my second visit was to open a simple savings account and had an ATM card for it. Let the bank know you will be using the card in Kiev. Keep only as much money in the account as you are willing to lose. There are plenty of ATM machines in the underground 'malls'. One at the square - the globus and one up the street - the big street - I don't have street names. You will see steps like those leading to subways. You will be amazed just walking around. As Rbull mentioned go "up the hill" to visit the 'churches' You will be able to find a Kiev tour booklet most anywhere. Look for one "guidebook KYIV best excursions" It also has an atlas of various portions of the city. I found it invaluable on my first trip. The place rbull is talking about is the ancient monastery "Pechers'k Lavra" (Dormition Monastery) I highly recommend a visit there. I would take a trip with the lady and child on the Dnipro. There are river excursions on open ferries. Pack your own lunch -- make it a picnic. Be careful walking around. They will pick you out. Do not fall for the scams there. If someone drops a wallet or money clip -- pretend you don't see it. Do not think you are being a good citizen by picking it up --- just don't. Watch for pick pockets. And take a decent camera! But keep four eyes on it at all times. If you want to visit Chernobyl you must book it ahead of time on line. Find a site. They need your passport information two weeks before the tour. It is not for everyone -- I would go again. I think all people must be at least 18 to take tour. Read the rules and such on the web site. They are not kidding. They will pick you up at a hotel or some central location 8 AM you will get back to Kiev 5 PM plus or minus. Eat breakfast, take a snack and water or something to drink if you go. They feed you at the end of the tour -- top notch food! An authentic six course Russian meal. I would say it was the best meal I was served while in Kiev. But you have to like Russian style food. Harvey Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 9/12/2009 9:18:02 AM   Kiev Connections 16/3 Mala Zhytomyrs'ka Street +38 044 229 3079 Brett would be glad to help you. He is a business man. With a capital B. If you are in a pinch I would call them or just stop in to say hello. Browse the catalogue. Very friendly staff who are willing to help. To get there from the square -- as you are looking at McDonald,s it is the second street to the right. Walk up the hill on the right side. When you reach the corner you just past the office. There is a small sign and doorbell (you have to look for it). They Open at noon. Look on their website. Lots of links to restaurants and such. Harvey Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 9/12/2009 9:44:25 AM   "I suggest walk up Michaelovska or Mala Zhitmoskaya (both off Independance sq)there are 3 beautiful churches there. If you head right you can walk down Desiatinya street to the art market. Walk down here to Podol turn right and walk 500 m where there is a funicular that will take you back up the hill. Good for a pleasant days activity." +++ from Gemini Dreams Definitely good advice. I happened to do this exact thing -- by just dumb luck walking aimlessly. Interesting though. For sheer entertainment value -- take the tram late at night. Witness many of the locals many with opens beers and still drinking. I had photos taken with several local party people. All good clean fun. Dress smart. Wear good shoes. And plan to do a lot of walking. Be yourslef. Be a gentleman. Be chivalrous! Most of all, BE CHIVALROUS! Good luck, enjoy yourself. bowhunter Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 9/12/2009 9:56:56 AM   most of the information here I have placed on a free web site called easyukraine. just look in the tips section. the information center at the airport can provide you a map of Kiev and only exchange as much as you need at the airport. the money exchange places are all over just look for the best rate. I used uaa apartments on one of my last trips and they were decent. some places will try the bait and switch by telling you a pipe broke or something and they can rent you another place for more money. if you find a place and its not listed on the web site let me know so I can get them on there. Harvey Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 9/12/2009 10:09:24 AM   bowhunter -- check PM baron555 Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 9/13/2009 1:19:37 PM   I've read on the forum that an apartment is a better arrangement to get to know the lady. Yes for sure. I rented mine from Brett and Alla of Kiev Connections. I had read about the bait and switch tactics and didn't have the time to investigate further; I know I paid top dollar, but the cost was within my expectations and was nothing but fabulous. I rented a one bedroom apartment with sofa bed; since sleeping together should only come later and can not be expected. (The sofa bed was actually a great idea since later we could lay together under the covers and watch TV after we'd come back for our daily walk about Kiev, in Feb of this year!) How much money should I plan to have with me? I brought $2,000 USD and came back with half; my RW was constantly watching out for my money. I love her for this. Are ATMs readily available and do most of the restaurants, etc take VISA or Mastercard? Yes, but pay cash. You can get the best exchange rate at one of the many currency exchanges. Know I should bring some small gifts for her and her daugther - any recommendations? Bring a single red rose from your country and carry it onto the plane and give it to her when you first meet. A rose from Chicago from Me, to Kiev to You. Small gifts, dictionary, homemade jam, local shirt for the daughter, bracelet with her birthstone, scarf, maybe a necklace, local clothing catalogs or food advertisements (she will be interested in what stuff costs here), and then if you think this may be THE one, bring a nice but not very expensive engagement ring (I did and gave her an envelope with two wallet sized pictures of me at 1 month and 6 months of age, "These are photos of me, I give me to you." As she looks at them, whip out the ring and propose in Russian.) Anyone knows what the weather is there in October - I would expect it is staring to get pretty cold there. Shouldn't be too bad; Google for typical weather. I was there in February and during the day it was always -1 to +1 deg C. We didn't go out too much at night! Any recommendations on things to do or see in Kiev? Maidan, Globus shopping mall (go to the cafe on the third floor and have nice sushi and coffee with liquor). Avalon restaurant was expensive but very good with mermaids swimming about! Restaurants along the Dnieper. St. Sophia Cathedral. St. Michael Lavra Nice walk up high along the river east from Maidan; find the Bridge of Love. Bring a padlock from home and you two can write your names on the padlock and attach it to the railings along with the hundreds of other padlocks. Very romantic. Is Kiev pretty easy to get around in? Yes, you walk or take taxis. Let her do the negotiating on price. Any "dos" or "donts" on when we first meet? She ought to offer you her hand, take it and shake it firmly. Always, always, always, when you are out, offer her your arm as you walk. Always open the door for her. Always help her on and off with her coat and to the chair. Give her that rose. Any other recommendations on things I should do (or not do) while I'm getting to know her the first day or two? How is her English. My RW's is good so that wasn't a problem but I am glad that I had brought her that dictionary and my laptop with my Promt software on it; used that a lot if our conversation needed it. I know that sounds kinda naive, but this will be the first time I've meet a Ukrainian woman, and know the culture there is different than the States. No it's not. You'll be surprised but yes no one smiles at each other out in public. Just walk on through the guys who will try to stop you for a handout at the stairs to the Metro. Bring your passport with you and only some money in your front pocket. Leave the wallet at the apartment. I not planning to schedule meetings with other women ahead of time, but I've read on the forum to always have a backup plan. Any recommendations on agencies to contact if we meet and the chemistry isn't there? Kiev Connections is real and run by nice folks. I plan to be there about a week for the first visit. Too little time. Remember you are going there to meet her and not the city; hopefully you two will be together so much there won't be much other time available!! Understand my cell wouldn't work there - should I but a cell phone once I get there? If she has one, then you won't need one except she is not staying with you then you should as described. I'm hoping she can meet me at the airport, I arranged for a driver to pick up my RW, who had arrived the day before me, and then meet me at the airport. Used Kiev Connections again. and that she will be able to get time off while I am there - haven't told her, but if she takes time off I plan to reimburse her for any lost income. She probably will not accept that. (Hopefully that is correct because then it is a sign she is legit and considers you highly.) Harvey Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 9/13/2009 6:09:37 PM   I agree with baron555 -- he is right on mark. If you have a nice leather jacket it goes a long way. BLACK! alexander Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 9/16/2009 5:54:54 AM   Brett from Kiev Connections is quite a nice guy, but his apartments look overpriced to me. And if you are american and want to meet a girl from his catalog be ready to fill a form and give them a copy of your passport and you are required to do it even before they even call a girl to check if she will be interested to see you or not... so that was a little frustrating experience... We were dealing with Daisy Bride agency... it's also right behind McDonalds, I like the manager, she's cute ;) beemer18 Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 9/16/2009 7:08:21 PM   "Brett from Kiev Connections is quite a nice guy, but his apartments look overpriced to me. And if you are american and want to meet a girl from his catalog be ready to fill a form and give them a copy of your passport and you are required to do it even before they even call a girl to check if she will be interested to see you or not... so that was a little frustrating experience..." Well Bret does seem like a nice guy but he IS a businessman, so that $40 a pop is very important to his business. I agree his apts are too expensive. I never gave a copy of my passport but did fill out a form for imbra purposes( for americans)AFTER a girl made calls to arrange 'dates'. As I have said before, I doubt if very many of these girls are serious unless you are young, good looking and generous. What cracks me up is the speed of kiev connections in setting up a date AFTER collecting the $40.....with a girl that has no idea what I look like, even if you are not what she is looking for( in her profile). I met some 'loser' guy one time in a internet cafe, he was scrooling through kiev connections website looking for more 'dates'.....he was butt ugly, overweight, hippie looking with a beerbelly( he spent over a $1000)...do you even presume anyone from kiev connections would say anything to a paying customer? I didn't think so. Not to pick on KC( just my experience) but all agencies I presume run in similar fashion. ragingbull Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 9/16/2009 11:22:09 PM   I wanted to take a train from Kiev to Zaporozhye shortly after I landed at Boryspil. The easy way would have been to stay at a single room at the Boryspil Airport, and have the taxi driver (Igor) take me to the train station and he can buy the ticket for me. I guess I was overprepared because I went to the internet and wanted something solid. I think it was Kiev Connections that I got a hold of. It was a good apartment, but nothing else. No check out desk, noone to call, and in spite of the agent promising a nice walk in the Kiev area, there was nothing but business buildings for one mile one way and one mile the other way. There was a small train stop, but they sold nothing that I wanted. I couldn't even get anything to eat. This was in middle of November when the snow just started, and there was no hot water. Since I saw noone the whole night that I knew I even wondered if I was getting picked up. Yes, I was picked up and the taxi driver brought me to the train cabin. It was not overly priced, but a Boryspil Airport Hotel would have been cheaper and more accomodating, because that was what I did the third time there. The apartment was $85 USD and a single room at Boryspil was $65 USD. The only thing I don't like about Boryspil Airport Hotel or any hotel in Ukraine is the booking fee of about 35-50% the room price. I just show up without the reservation, and they always have room. 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