Ukrainian Customs and engagement ring

[bgreed 0]

Last time I went through Odessa (admitedly three years ago) There was no metal detector or wanding going on for those coming into the country. Heck they don't even have such things in Borisypol. The only thing they did was put my bags through an x-ray machine.

Now if it was me I would have the ring in my carry on and before disembarking the plane in Odessa put it in my pocket. and then follow the green line. If they ask you if you have anything to declare just say "no" I have never seen them pursue it further.

The reason they ask about womens jewlwery is because so many guys go to Odessa. On most flights I've been on there's more foreign guys than Ukrainian. So this why the customs guys/gals are looking for a shake down.

This is also a good reason to not try to bring western ideas of engagement with you it encourages problems.

[awu25 0]

According to this website http://www.anastasia-web-tours.com/Home/To...67/Default.aspx they'd tax you

[Ana&D 0]

Maybe we just got lucky but several weeks ago when my fiance came through Boryspil there were no problems. He was not only brining my ring, but also a ton of gifts and even several packages in my name with stuff I've bought and had shipped to his US address. He said they asked nothing.

Also engagement ring is a western tradition, like many others it's finding it's way into Ukraine. You'll be surprised how many Ukrainian guys are proposing with a ring these days. Oh, the power of Hollywood

[Brad and Vika 129]

Maybe we just got lucky but several weeks ago when my fiance came through Boryspil there were no problems. He was not only brining my ring, but also a ton of gifts and even several packages in my name with stuff I've bought and had shipped to his US address. He said they asked nothing.

Also engagement ring is a western tradition, like many others it's finding it's way into Ukraine. You'll be surprised how many Ukrainian guys are proposing with a ring these days. Oh, the power of Hollywood

Thanks for the encouraging comments. I am amazed at the number of posters (all men) who keep telling me I should not have bought a ring, instead of offering advice about how to get it through customs. I mean, c'mon How did your SO carry the ring through?

[Brad and Vika 129]

Last time I went through Odessa (admitedly three years ago) There was no metal detector or wanding going on for those coming into the country. Heck they don't even have such things in Borisypol. The only thing they did was put my bags through an x-ray machine.

Now if it was me I would have the ring in my carry on and before disembarking the plane in Odessa put it in my pocket. and then follow the green line. If they ask you if you have anything to declare just say "no" I have never seen them pursue it further.

The reason they ask about womens jewlwery is because so many guys go to Odessa. On most flights I've been on there's more foreign guys than Ukrainian. So this why the customs guys/gals are looking for a shake down.

This is also a good reason to not try to bring western ideas of engagement with you it encourages problems.

I promise there are metal detectors and wands now. Also, I have seen them turn luggage inside-out when they suspect there is a buck to be made. Not mine, but I'm just saying. Also, I have witnessed a demand to "empty pockets please".

Although I met my SO here in the States, I do realize that there is a robust introduction business in Ukraine. I remember sitting in a cafe' at 6am (jet lagging), hearing English from 2 tables full of men from the UK and America. When I ask them what they were doing in Odessa - they were all on a tour. Now, I have chased business in Belarus, and traveled with a foundation in Romania and Bulgaria, as well as side trips to Latvia, Lithuania, etc. and was used to being one of the few Americans in the area wherever I went. I agree absolutely that the number of foreign men coming through the Odessa airport probably encourages some entrepenurial activity in customs.

[Ana&D 0]

Maybe we just got lucky but several weeks ago when my fiance came through Boryspil there were no problems. He was not only brining my ring, but also a ton of gifts and even several packages in my name with stuff I've bought and had shipped to his US address. He said they asked nothing.

Also engagement ring is a western tradition, like many others it's finding it's way into Ukraine. You'll be surprised how many Ukrainian guys are proposing with a ring these days. Oh, the power of Hollywood

Thanks for the encouraging comments. I am amazed at the number of posters (all men) who keep telling me I should not have bought a ring, instead of offering advice about how to get it through customs. I mean, c'mon How did your SO carry the ring through?

Dave had it in his carry on bag in a little box. You can also wear it on your person (chain around ur neck or in the pocket). I always wear gold rings/earnings when traveling and not once did the metal detector buzz cause of it.

And about the comments... It's personal choice and trust me, Vika will be happy to accept it. It might be just a ring, but the symbolizm of it is magnificent, especially when you are 6000 miles apart. Everytime I look at my hand, I think about my darling

[Brad and Vika 129]

Just adding some closure. I used the VIP pickup option and am staying at Odessa Executive Suites (an American owned company). I went through customs in 10 minutes with no questions about curency or jewelery. They even let my 4 liters of booze slide. Ah, what a small fee will do! The ring was in a felt bag on me. There was no wanding, and I didn't have to remove my jacket or belt to get through the metal detector. Everything is going well, and Vika says hi and thanks to all the folks at VJ who were helpful and supportive in the four months since I was here last.

[Ana&D 0]

Glad to hear everything went so smoothly for you!!! Now all is left is having an outstanding time in Ukraine .

[Brad and Vika 129]

Glad to hear everything went so smoothly for you!!! Now all is left is having an outstanding time in Ukraine .

We are working on it B) Thanks again for the positive comments.

[pilot's girl 0]

I know it's probably late, but rings (at least gold or white gold) will not set off metal detectors. I never take my ring off and I've been through countless airports in the US and abroad. Even going through the metal detector rings, I never take my rings off, just my watch.

What if you have the ring on a chain around your neck? Not sure if the wand picks it up, I don't think so, but I'm not 100% sure. What if you say it's a family heirloom that it belonged to your grandmother, or something, and you always wear it. I mean, I know it sounds stupid, but what can they do?! They can't tax you on something that comes in, but also will leave the country, it's a private possession...

Edited October 10, 2008 by pilot's girl

[Brad and Vika 129]

I know it's probably late, but rings (at least gold or white gold) will not set off metal detectors. I never take my ring off and I've been through countless airports in the US and abroad. Even going through the metal detector rings, I never take my rings off, just my watch.

What if you have the ring on a chain around your neck? Not sure if the wand picks it up, I don't think so, but I'm not 100% sure. What if you say it's a family heirloom that it belonged to your grandmother, or something, and you always wear it. I mean, I know it sounds stupid, but what can they do?! They can't tax you on something that comes in, but also will leave the country, it's a private possession...

Thanks, and I did talk with some one who did it that way. I made it through because of the VIP service at the airport.

Cheers

[honestlyspkng 0]

I took my wife's rings through the airport in my poocket and did not even give it a second thought. Maybe I was lucky. I have been constantly asked about how much money I had with me though.

[MikeAndIryna 0]

Could buy a cubic zirconia in the States and take the receipt with you showing the ring you have is really inexpensive