Useful information for your visit. These hints and tips will make your stay more enjoyable.

You cannot take the local currency with you, you must obtain local currency when you arrive. There are kiosks at the arrival airports and you should change a minimum amount there as the rate is not good. You must take US dollars or the Euro, Sterling can be useful but the rate and availability is poor as yet. There are many places to obtain local currency but we will do it for you. Credit cards can be used in some places and you can find ATM machines for withdrawals, ask your guide.

It is almost impossible to rent a car and you should not even attempt to. Driving is an experience not to be tried, just watch the driving standards, they are exciting to say the least!!  We have cars and drivers available for hire from$35 per day

Depending on the time of year, take some Mosquito repellent and you can also obtain the plug-in devices to take the lozenges. Chemists are plentiful and cheap and can help you if you are unwell. Drink bottled water. Local food is quite safe if washed, check for freshness.

Because of the economic situation, Ukrainians earn their wages however they can. Unsuspecting tourists can pay heavily, up to 5 times the going rate, for anything if the person knows you are from the west. Let your guide or interpreter do the haggling!!! Once you have some confidence, haggling is easy and expected, so have a go!!

The country is very safe if you do not advertise a big 'wad' of notes, just like any other country. Crime is not a huge problem and there appears to be no problem with drugs. The male population appear to drink vast amounts on a regular basis but they appear to be friendly when drunk!!! 

If you visit a Ukrainian home, take a small gift with you, pots of jam for instance.

It is customary to remove your shoes when you enter a house that you are an invited guest to.

If you are visiting working churches the female may need to cover their heads and the male may need to be wearing trousers.

The sun can be very strong so make sure you have plenty of sun-blocker and after-sun cream. These can be bought locally.

If you stay in a hotel, and even in some apartment blocks, you must hand in your key when you go out.

The numerous local markets are very cheap, buy your fresh produce from here. Melons at 6 pence per kilo!!

This is country of big distances so be prepared, and have good walking shoes at the ready!!