Kyiv: The capital of Ukraine and the centre of the Kyiv region. It is the largest city in the country and is a political, industrial, scientific, and cultural centre. An ancient legend says, that Kyiv was founded by three brothers Kyi, Schek and Khoryv and their sister Lybid, and it was named after the eldest brother Kyi. Founded probably in the 5th century, a trading post in the land of Early East Slavs, the city gradually has flourished into a valuable center of East Slavic Civilization. In the 10th-12th centuries Kyiv became a political and cultural center of Kievan Rus'.
After the turbulent period following the Russian Revolution (1917), from 1921 Kyiv was an important city of the Soviet Ukraine, and, since 1934, its capital. During World War II, the city was destroyed, almost completely, but quickly recovered in the post-war years becoming the third most important city of the USSR. It now remains the capital of Ukraine, independent since 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Today, Kyiv is a modern city with over 2.5 million inhabitants. Like many other large cities of the former Soviet Union, it is a melting pot of the old styles and habits, standing in stark contrast to the birth of democracy and its effects on society.

Climate: Kyiv's climate is moderately continental. It is mainly characterized by plenty of precipitation and cloudiness in the autumn. Winters are usually long and cold. Warm clothes and umbrellas are necessary in October and November. The average temperature in October is about +8 to +11 °C (46-51°F).

UTC/GMT Offset: Summer time: GMT +3 hours; Winter time: GMT +2 hours

Electricity: Voltage: 220 V AC, 50 Hz

Phone Code: International code: (+380) 44. In Ukraine: (044). To call abroad: Dial 810+country code+area code.

Mobile Network: International roaming is quite expensive in Ukraine. If you wish to stay available for calls in Ukraine and your cell phone supports standards GSM 900 or GSM 1800, a prepaid package can be purchased. The package contains a Simcard - a chip for plugging into the phone and a voucher for the prepaid minutes. You can add minutes to your phone account by purchasing new vouchers.
 These packages are sold widely.

Currency: The national currency of Ukraine is Hryvnia (UAH).

CURRENCY EXCHANGE

You can exchange currency for Hryvnias at a number of locations throughout the city. If you are arriving at Boryspil International Airport, you will find currency exchange offices located in the airport, but please note that the exchange rate will be lower than in Kyiv. 

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 city. The exchange rate is sure to change substantially by the time you read this. 

Beware of changing money on the streets or with private individuals. It is illegal and can be dangerous.

For calculations use Universal Currency Converter.

CREDIT CARDS

In Ukraine payments are done both in cash and by using a credit card, because many shops, restaurants, hotels, etc. have terminals to enable you to pay with a credit card. For payment you can use such cards as Visa, MasterCard, Eurocard.

ATMS

If you need to withdraw cash from your credit card, you can use one of the ATMs, as there are many of them in Kyiv. When using ATMs, be very attentive: check whether it accepts your card, and most importantly, do not forget your PIN. Remember that the ATM can withdraw interest from your card if it does not belong to your bank.

USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS

Embassies of Foreign Countries in Ukraine

You can find the list of embassies here.
 

Emergency Phone Numbers (from mobile and stationary):
101 – Fire service
102 – Police
103 – Ambulance
104 – Gas Service
112 – Universal Emergency Number


Taxi Services:

Taxi 309: 309 (callback)

Joker Taxi: 3933 (callback)

Absolute Taxi: 363 (callback)

Mega Taxi: (044) 503 0 503

Taxi Twist: (044) 502 25 25

Express Taxi: (044) 239 15 15

Panda Taxi: (044) 585 0 555

Etalon Taxi: (044) 501 5 501, cell: (063) 237 54 54, (050) 340 54 54; online order: www.etalontaxi.com.ua

Online Taxi Service - www.uklon.com.ua/taxi

*The minimum fair is about 30 UAH ($4).

Air Transport
Airport «Borispol» Background on international flights – (044) 393 43 71
24-hours ticket booking - (044) 593 11 11

Official website - http://kbp.aero/en


Medical Facilities
Borys Clinic
55a, Chervonoarmiys'ka str.
12a, Bazhana str.
Emergency phone: (044) 238 00 00
24/7 first aid and consultations with specialists. Pharmacy. Credit cards are accepted.

Dobrobut
10, Pimonenko str.
3, Komarova Prospekt, building 5
38, Povitroflots'ky Prospekt
Emergency phone: (044) 495 2 888 
24/7 first aid and consultations with specialists.

Eurolab
11a, Solomyans'ka str.
Emergency phone: (044) 206 2000
24/7 first aid. Consultations with specialists. Diagnostic Medicine Center. Credit cards are accepted.

Medikom
8, Kondratyuka str.
Emergency phone: 1555, (044) 503 7777
24/7 first aid and consultations with specialists. Pharmacy. Credit cards are accepted.
 

 USEFUL PHRASES

Before travelling to Ukraine it will be useful to learn some basic phrases that will help you to communicate with local residents. You can see them here. Ukrainians are very hospitable, and if they hear from a foreigner a few words in Russian or Ukrainian, even if it is just «Thank you», «Sorry», «Please», or «Do you speak in English?», they will help you with pleasure.

Upon your arrival to Ukraine, ask the hotel administrator to give you a card with the name and address of the hotel. This will help you in communicating with taxi drivers or people on the street.