I will be going to Ukraine as many may know, now. The cat is out of the bag. I have heard many things about carrying money. Even the travel agency told me to watch for pick pockets. My friend has said leave your wallet at home and just carry ID and Credit card. I know I can take 1000$ through custumes but now I'm not sure that I want to do that. What is it that you guys who have gone before do about and with your money? Is it easy to get money in the cities and so forth? Any imformation will help with my decision about my money matters. Thanks all!!
Well South, at least here in Lugansk there are a lot of possibilities to take the money from your card. As far as I know it's always possible to take the money from the card in banks.
And it depends on what you're going to do, 1000$ may be a rather big sum.
Thank you and hello Ptichka. I will need to pay interpreter and for a taxi to Yalta from Simferopol. The hotel is paid. We will visit some of the historic sites, of course the mountain veiw and the beach. I don't know if we will go t casino. Such a waste. We will eat nice dinners, maybe a few tours. I appreciate you IMHO Ptichka. It helps me remember that everything is not only as I see it.
Sman, on my trip I took cash and credit cards. Travelers checks not widely accepted. I kept most of my money and passport in a 'money blet' type of thing that I wore around my neck, under my shirt. You get great stuff at magellans on line. magellan.com I think. Credit cards are not as widely accepted at some places, either. ONly change money at banks! You will be approached for 'better deals' by individuals. DONT DO IT! Yes, you can take in 3000 or less without having to declare, I think it is. But, you cannot take out more than you bring in-so in case you win big in some casino, haha. Good luck on your trip.
southern:
Travellers cheques can be cashed at most banks in Ukraine with little or no bother,provided you keep your pasport with you.
As for changing money there are so many places to change currency,and quite often they can offer a better rate than the banks too.I would endorse the fact that you should NOT change cash with individuals.Just keep your wits about you when you are out and about.....Ukraine is not a horror story of pickpockets,be as sensible as you would be in any city or country for that matter.
Hi South,
I just got back 2 weeks ago from Kiev. ATM's are everywhere. If you have a major card EG Visa no problem getting money. Most restaurants accept also. No need to worry too much about pickpockets, just use normal care. I had an amazing time there, and was so relaxed that I was even able to quit smoking. Have fun, you'll love it. As for me, I'm hoping to go back in another 4-6 weeks. BTW the girls are stunning, the level of culture incredible, and I wish you the same warmth and hospitality that I received. Have fun, enjoy, and don't worry.
Cash, ATM / Credit Cards, Traveler Checks....when traveling abroad is a good idea to have a balance combination of all three.
Also bring some local currency before you arrive if possible, it will help you blend it a little easier.
I took more than $1000.00 with no problems at all. 1 small tip thought. When making your customs declaration no need to be so honest. They tried to sting me for 45% tax on gifts so as far as they know, you brought no gifts. I ended paying nothing though as I made out it was so expencive for me and I realy had not allowed for it so they let me off. The truth is it was most probably a scam and after they realised I was not some rich buisnessman let me of. She was going to put it in her own pocket anyway I think.
I have taken more than 1000.00 each time and have not had any problems. I have had problems with travelers checks, credit cards and depending on the city finding a cash machine that would take my card.
There is some good information above about money belts and passport holders worn around the neck are good ideas. Just be careful as you would in any major city.
Make sure that you declare all your cash on entry. My first trip there I just walked out the nothing to declare door. When I returned with 1700.00 there were questions:-) It worked out fine but I learned my lesson. Fortunately it did not cost me anything.