Does anyone know about traveling to the Ukraine?

Question

My mom is accompanying my aunt to the Ukraine where she will adopt a child and they will be there for 30 days. Mu uncle will go for the first 2 weeks and then has to come back to work. They were told not to wear any jewelry or stand out too much. Does anyone else know anything else about over there that might be helpful? I just want my mom to be safe and this is her first time out of the US.

Answer 1

I agree with Kevin, Ukraine is pretty safe for travelling. The rules are the same as for any  other country, dont walk alone too far from centre of the city, dont keep too much cash in your hotel room, dont leave your things without watching them, be carefull when crossing the street (some drivers are crazy here). And the most important: PLEASE DO NOT EAT IN STRANGE PLACES! Good luck! I wish your big family to find missing part!

Answer 2

Travel to Ukraine is safe. You can wear jewelry, but I wouldn't wear much more than the basics (wedding ring, small necklace, earrings, etc). She doesn't want to come across as a "wealthy American" - although they will all know she's American by the way she dresses.

I would recommend not carrying a lot of cash. They have ATM machines all over, and you can use a Visa Debit Card at any of them - just make sure to tell the US bank the dates she will be in Ukraine, so they expect withdrawals from there.

She and your aunt should not go out alone at night - and avoid dark streets and alleyways.

And she should never flash money around - carry only what is necessary for an outing, and leave her passport in the hotel safe (you are not required to carry it - although you need it to charge large items).

Also, she should keep her purse zipped, and under her arm at all times. Never leave it sitting at her feet when purchasing something - it will likely disappear (it's happened to my wife, and she's Ukrainian).

It really is safe for Americans there - so don't worry. She'll be fine.