Send Flowers to Russia, Ukraine and Worldwide with Cyber-Florist.com Fiance.com: Beautiful Russian brides
Home  |  About  |  Forum  |  User Blogs  |  Login  |  Register

	Create New Topic   My Posts   My forum buddies   Invite friends   Private messages Russian brides > Main Forum > First trip to Ukraine - any suggestions? Author Post loeff65 Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 1/8/2007 5:39:49 AM   I have just booked my first trip to Ukraine. I will be spending a few days in Odessa and few days in Nikolaev. This will be my first trip to Ukraine and I am looking for a few travel tips. I am 41 years old and well traveled in the USA, but not abroad. I am hoping that my dates will lead the way with most of my sightseeing, dining, and night life. Just in case I get stood up, however, I would love to have a "plan B" in place. I have booked apartments for the duration of my stay. What kind of amenities will I need that I may not expect? I will have my laptop with me and apartments with internet access. What kind of power converter do I need for my electronic gadgets? I am American and do not speak any Ukranian or Russian. I am assuming all streets, stores, maps are labeled in Ukranian? How difficult will it be for me to get around these cities and to find help when I need it? I am looking for places to eat in the downtown areas of both cities (near my apartments). I am not a big spender - just looking for a few nice spots with good food and good atmosphere. English-speaking servers would be helpful, but I am not expecting this to be common. I would also be interested in some points of interest to visit during my stay. Preferably in the downtown areas so I would not have to find transportation. I would also be interested to know a couple of clubs for night life. How often will I be able to use my credit cards for meals, shopping, and other expenses? What are local customs for tipping servers, drivers, etc? Any tips for emergencies (hospital, police, etc)? I apoligize for the long list, although I'm sure I have overlooked a few things. Any help is greatly appreciated - THANK YOU in advance! loeff65 ronjon Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 1/8/2007 7:11:33 AM   loeff65 Are you using a bridal agency? It would be interesting to know which agency you are using. with regards to emergencies it is vital to invest in an international holiday/ health insurance that will cover you for any illness and air ambulance transport you may require. danny3777 Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 1/8/2007 7:58:26 AM   loeff, Ukraine takes 2 round pins into the electrics. Amenities, not sure what you mean but, unlike another jerk on this forum, do NOT drink the water without boiling it first. Getting around is not a problem, getting a taxi, by yourself, might be. If you go walking just make a mental note of landmarks. Can recommend, for eating, O'Briens Irish Pub in Odessa and the bowling alley in Nikolaev. Many, but not all, places such as O'Briens and the bowling alley accept plastic but a common occurrence is that the card will not authorise, always make sure you have enough UAH cash on you, you can get cash from an ATM providing the bl00dy thing is working which is always a 'hit & miss' affair. Some shops, not normally supermarkets, take plastic but have the cash in your pocket just in case. No tips for emergencies, just don't get ill, don't drink the water and don't walk down any dark alleys during darkness. GeminiDreams Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 1/8/2007 10:55:55 AM   There are hundreds of Restaurants in Odessa and most have English menus and take Visa. Always ask though as often the machine is down! Most ATMs take Visa cards and their exchange rate are good so you dont need to take too much cash. Always make sure to cover the keypad when entering your PIN as there are a number of ATM scams. There are a few good free maps of Odessa with sightseeing information. Take a phone with 900/1800 band GSM. The 1900 band US phones dont work. I suggest getting a Kievstar SIM card for the phone which costs about $10 with about 25 grivna in credits. Most girls SMS a lot which is cheap, talking will chew 25gn quite quickly. VNVnation Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 1/8/2007 1:56:18 PM   Here are a couple more tips: Bring a change of clothes and any essentials (meds, eyeglasses) in your carry-on bag. My luggage has been delayed many times on these trips. For a plan B, before you go, find a local agency in each city. Get their address and phone number. If you get stood up, just go there and ask to have some meetings arranged. You can buy just about any ammenities you might need in Odessa. There is a good supermarket on the main st. (Deribasovskaya) near McDonald's. However, if you think you might need them, it might be better to bring condoms from home. It won't be hard to get around Odessa--the downtown is pretty small. If you need help, there is a place called the American Business Center that has an agency, internet cafe, translators, apartments, and can arrange taxis and shipping. The agency is questionable, but everyone there speaks English and it's good to have their number in case you need some help. Obrien's Irish Pub, as Martin says, is a decent place to eat. The menu is in English, and the food is decent. If you are looking for atmosphere, there is a really nice Japanese place on Deribasovskaya. If you are standing in front of OBrien's, cross the street, turn left, and walk down to the end of the street where cars are not allowed (maybe 4-5 blocks). This restaurant is the last one on the right. It's got good food, and a really nice interior. I don't know about nightlife. In the summer, all the clubs are down by the beach and they probably shut down in winter. Just walk around downtown and I'm sure you'll plenty to do. Credit cards and ATM's are a real pain in the a$$. Mine worked about half the time. Be prepared for this and carry plenty of back up cash. One time I went to an expensive restaurant on the top of the new hotel down by the pier--their credit card machine was broken and the ATM in the lobby was broken too. IMPORTANT: call you bank and credit card company before you leave and tell them you will be using your cards in Ukraine. If you don't they will shut them down because of unusual activity. As for other tips--just be on guard. I always feel like I don't know if I can trust anybody. Even people I thought were my friends sometimes managed to scam me. Thunderdome Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 1/8/2007 2:16:26 PM   Loeff, I'm sure Martin doesn't call you 'another' jerk on purpose, but if so I think you've got normal questions - to which below some answers. Never been to Uk but I'd be surprised if the voltage wouldn't be 220/240 VAC / 50 Hz. Check your laptop's PSU: if it's an 'autoswitcher' (accepts AC-voltages between 110 - 240, 50 or 60 Hz) then you'll only need a travellers multi-plug adaptor (the normal Euro 2-pin), otherwise you'll need a separate PSU. Brushing teeth still is normally done with tapwater, at least I do anywhere, but if you're a sensitive chap I'd take some stomach-curing medicines with (broad spectrum antibiotics). Immodium I'd not take, it only plugs you and keeps the rubbish in hence you sick for longer. Ask your doc what to take, and ditto for what you personally are sensitive to (I dunno but you will). Eat where the locals eat, especially so when it's fast(er) food. You'll be amazed what's on offer, and I'd try the small, often tucked away somewhat, eateries which tend to sell alcoholic drinks too. I've had the best meals there to be honest, and a conversation you're bound to pick up. Then tips what to do/see come naturally, often with offers to accompany you - nice & spontaneous. If you've got a small booklet with common phrases (eg Russian - consult the Embassies?) and you try to use this people tend to be friendlier and less shy in trying to help you with their English - however broken. I know in StP most policemen carry similar to help tourists, but only few are brave enough to start using it. If YOU start trying most people will try to help you, promise. Cash is king. Plastic is only accepted at the more upmarket establishments, like hotels and proper (& dear!) restaurants. Large shops and the boutiques will quite likely take it too but use those ATM's which work, otherwise just enter a bank. Upon arrival I'd change some at the local teller, bugger the rates - it'll get you started, and it really is not that bad or costly as is often said here. Your cellphone (GSM, 900 and/or 1800!!) will work there if you've got roaming from your US-network (arrange beforehand, and it will cost you in bills). Otherwise buy a local prepaid SIM (only if your phone is a socalled 'open' one! Otherwise search the net for how to Unblock your phone), lots cheaper but no incoming calls from home. If you plan to access your 'home'-mailbox better know the various passwords/pins because your usual shortcuts will not work. Oh, and store those numbers you may need in your PHONE, ie NOT on your US-SIM if you're going to buy a local one! 'Plan B' I've never had, I think it is a waste - but that's personal. Do a bit of homework and scribble some notes of things you want to see/do but go with the flow, whatever way it goes. Having a B-plan I think shows or may be detected, but if you treat your trip as a holiday first then nothing can go wrong really. Relax, have fun, don't be the last on the streets at night, and better don't start the hard liquer unless you really (and I mean REALLY!) are used to it. Remember 1 thing though - you're going to Europe, a very different place than the US. Don't lay low but also don't stand obviously out, your accent (or is it language? :) will set you apart enough as it is. Dress in what you'll feel comfortable but do take some clothes for a bit more formal stuff, a sporty suit-like thing may come in handy. You didn't say when you'll go though, so adjust to the temp's there. Have fun, don't push anything and enjoy your 'vacation' ;-) VNVnation Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 1/8/2007 2:20:30 PM   I also like the cafe on the corner of Ekaterininskaya and Lanzheronovskaya. One block off the main street, so a little calmer, but I met many interesting people there. Thunderdome Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 1/8/2007 2:22:24 PM   VNV's right - DO bring condoms unless you're fond of Michelins :)) boredfukka Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 1/8/2007 6:52:46 PM   I think the jerks are all the guys who just told this guy what to do and stated the obvious. But dont drink the tap water, coz it may make you ill, but no one tells you that and there are no warning in bathrooms not to drink the water. zb48 Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 1/8/2007 8:39:48 PM   and what are the taxis like do you recommend them? those wartburg Knights look a bit dodgy to me. loeff65 Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 1/9/2007 12:09:50 PM   Thanks to everyone for your help. Many useful tips here that I had not thought of. FYI's for those that asked - My trip is in three weeks (Jan 29-Feb 7) and I will be visiting Nikolaev and Odessa. I arranged my flight on my own, my apartments and local transportation through ukraine-apartments.com, and my meetings here through fiance.com. Has anyone here used ukraine-apartments.com before? They seem very helpful, but I'd still like someone to verify their business for me. I have made deposits already for rooms, but that cost is minimal and I can change if needed. Thanks again! GeminiDreams Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 1/9/2007 2:46:27 PM   One thing I have found when using apartment services is that you often dont get the apartment you specify although there is less risk at this time of year. They often subcontract out to broker types who are are often somewhat more difficult to deal with. Bottom line if you dont like the apartment get back to them and demand another. Its not fun having to either walk or having to catch taxis if your apartment is not central. chrisc4 Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 1/9/2007 3:01:37 PM   she used to book my apartments, then she scam a guy from the US on a apartment that was already booked took a deposit with western union, covered her trck well !, I can proberbly put you in tuch with the owner direct or book them myself at a better price A very good apt in Nikoleav should cost you about £50 Odessa slightly more I told her 2 years ago to remove my apts from her website but she still advertise them, one of them was sold last year !but she will still take your money ! if you book one of mine through her you will loose for shore ! anything you are not shore about send us a e-mail chris.campling4@btopenworld.com chrisc4 Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 1/9/2007 3:11:43 PM   please delete my last e-mail as its the wrong website apartments-ukraine is Ok http://www.ukraineapartments.com/ is very dodgy ! chrisc4 Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 1/9/2007 3:31:27 PM   The site is Ok but if you wanted to save money most of the aots are $10 cheaper om www.travel2sevastopol.com GeminiDreams Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 1/9/2007 4:07:56 PM   Chris Hope you are not serious. Should be more like $50! At this time of year it pays to negotiate as many apartments along the coast will be empty. Should get at least $10 a night off the list price possibly more. Ukraine-apartments is run by Natasha of Adam and Eva. I have used her apartment services and was quite happy. She is also helpful in organising things for you for a small charge. She organised a car for me to visit Nikolaev at reasonable cost. chrisc4 Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 1/9/2007 4:50:10 PM   Now until the end of March is quite in Crimea, problem is a lot of the locals would sooner have a empty apt that drop the price ! sad but true , but it is the Ukraine ! danny3777 Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 1/9/2007 5:54:20 PM   Agree with Chris there, Ukrainians use any excuse to hike the price up, oh it's New Year, Christmas, Valentines Day, Womans Day, whatever, we're expecting a busy period thus we need to charge a higher price ..... bullshit! 9davo Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 1/12/2007 10:06:27 AM   loeff65 In answer to your original question.From my own personal experience, i have met up with 6 ladies during a 2 week visit to Dnepropetrovsk Ukraine in september. Each and every one of these ladies always want to know how many other women "you" will be meeting during your visit.Or they will rephrase it another such as "when did you arrive here" -"what have you been doing for the past 7 days" -" "what are you going to do for the rest of your time here". One way or another they will probe you with direct and not so direct questions on this matter. It is a real issue for these ladies and if you are honest enough to say that you are seeing other ladies as well-then they will either go hysterical or either a cool detached look of dissapointment will be apparent on her face and that will be the end of that between the 2 of you. tringa Member send PM   block PM add to buddies Send: 1/12/2007 5:31:05 PM   9davo, That was the finest post that I have read to date on this forum. Your Reply: Your name:   New Registration Password:   Forgot password?   refresh Code:   Russian brides > Main Forum > First trip to Ukraine - any suggestions?
	Pages: 1 2