Feel free to email me if you have questions about anything. eric@ericmerola.com
1. Passport and Visa:
American, Canadian, and European Union citizens do not require a Visa to enter Ukraine. This link has a list of countries that do and do not require a visa to enter Ukraine.
2. Getting to Kiev:
There are two airports to choose from when flying into Kiev, Ukraine. Boryspil International Airport (KBP) is the main international airport in Kiev. You will find most flights going through KBP.
3. Getting around Kiev:
Firstly, you do not need to worry about any transportation once you land in Kiev. An EmCell driver will meet you at the airport when you land. This is not a third party driver service, it’s a trusted driver of the EmCell staff. He will be holding a sign with your name on it with the EmCell logo. Not only will the driver have all your flight information, but he will know exactly where you are staying and take you directly to your hotel. When you need to return to the airport upon your departure, an EmCell driver will pick you up from the hotel and get you to your flight on time.
An EmCell driver also takes you to and from the clinic each day. Between the EmCell drivers taking care of all your necessary transportation, and the central location of The Senator Maidan Hotel, there will be no need for any outside transportation such as car rentals, taxis, etc.
4. Hotel and where to stay:
I personally like to stay in the center of Kiev, at the The Senator Maidan. Everything is within walking distance of The Senator Maidan. I can help you reserve a room there with a discount if you decide to contact me. Here is a link to more on The Senator Maidan.
5. Money exchange / paying for things (Ukraine Hryvnia):
Like many countries in Europe and the region, there are many money exchanges around the city, including some within a block of the hotel that are open for long hours. Regular banks also offer currency exchange during normal business hours. The hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores also accept all major credit cards. I personally like taking cash with me, and exchanging after I arrive, and paying for most things with cash (restaurants, groceries, etc). You can also use your bank debit card to withdraw Ukrainian Hryvnia. I recommend alerting your bank and credit card companies before leaving to make sure your cards aren’t flagged under “fraud alerts”. Here is a link to a UAH to USD converter.
6. Using your cell phone in Kiev:
We all need to communicate with friends and family while there! I personally have an AT&T cell phone subscription. AT&T offers an “international day pass” where you are charged $10.00 for every 24 hours your phone is turned on in Kiev. You get a certain amount of minutes, texts, and data for using email. However, Wi-Fi is everywhere in Kiev: at EmCell, the hotel, and most al restaurants. I personally use a free smart phone app called “Whats App” which allows you to make phone calls, texts, etc using Wi-Fi – all free.
7. Different electricity, bring an adapter for your electric stuff:
While the hotels have the basic electric items for you to use like hair dryers and irons, the electricity is different in Ukraine. Different plugs and different electrical currents. You should get yourself a genuine adapter that not only allows your electric plugs to fit, but also alters the electric current properly. I highly recommend this one (“2 in 1 + USB Surge”), as it has more than one plug along with USB charger inputs. If you have a bunch of stuff to plug in, buy one or two of these adapters and bring a power strip.
8. Stay in touch with Eric Merola:
I have done this trip many times between multiple trips filming for The God Cells, and accompanying friends, family, and others. I fully understand and know this process very well. It is not an inconvenience to answer your emails or even have a quick phone conversation if you have questions.