Going to Kiev in 7 days, any tips?

[~Johnny~ 27]

I'm getting close to leaving time and have some questions that maybe some can answer. I have travelled extensively to other countries in South American and Asia, but this is my first time in East Europe. So heer goes:

- Toilet Paper...yes yes magic toilet paper. Most Americans never realize unless they actually LEAVE America that most other countries don't like the paper being flush down the toilets because their sewer systems can't hang. They want it put in the waste basket next to toilets (but no one tells you this unless you ask). What's the preferred method of disposing paper in Ukraine? Or should I say Kiev? And, are most toilets normal (by US standards)?? My first foreign toilet surprise was in Taiwan, when the urge for #2 struck me during a family outing and upon entering the public facility, I was staring at several oblong porcelin holes in the floor with no walls which is normal for public facilities there... Is this same in Ukraine??

- Gifts... I like Baron555's comment about bringing a rose from from the US. That will be done. I was also considering a nice bottle of perfume but one of my US female friends said, "only sugar daddies give girls perfume"... ?? Any ideas and a safe non-expensive gift? Or is perfume ok and my friend is just unaware of how a Ukraine woman might think?

- Favorite places in Kiev? Anyone have a fav place to eat or hang out? Food to try or stay away from? Maybe a cool place where the majority of patrons practice English? The friend I'm visiting will have to work during part of my time there so I will have to occupy some free time during the afternoon.

-Clothes....my friend says anything I wear is fine. I'm thinking casual clothes like Dockers and button shirts should be fine?? Jeans?? How about yellow plaid bermuda shorts with the red Hawaiian shirt and the big Nikon SLR around my neck..??

My flat is over near Mandarin Plaza and I'll be in Kiev for about a week. Can't stay longer because I have to work and save some vacation time.

Any basic tips about Kiev?? Do's and Dont's??

Thx

[dogspot 90]

- Gifts... I like Baron555's comment about bringing a rose from from the US. That will be done. I was also considering a nice bottle of perfume but one of my US female friends said, "only sugar daddies give girls perfume"... ?? Any ideas and a safe non-expensive gift? Or is perfume ok and my friend is just unaware of how a Ukraine woman might think?

I always bring a few bottles of $10-20 California wines for gifts. They have always been well received.

[eekee 182]

In public toilets, at least in Russia, there will be a trash can and yeah, generally you should throw the paper in there BUT I forget most of the time and there has never been a problem. Sometimes there's a sign about it, but I'm assuming you don't speak Russian/Ukrainian so that won't help you.

Squat toilets won't be found in Kiev, I'm pretty sure. Maybe in a village or something.

[moroccogirlny 100]

I don't know too much about Russia, although my ancestors came from Russia , but when I buy gifts for family abroad I always buy the bath and body works lotions and stuff which they love

I can bet you'll eat some real good food. I live in an area of New York which seems like Little Russia and I walk outside and smell the aroma of Russian food...just thinking of it now is making me hungry

[Aztec&Taino 144]

I'm getting close to leaving time and have some questions that maybe some can answer. I have travelled extensively to other countries in South American and Asia, but this is my first time in East Europe. So heer goes:

- Toilet Paper...yes yes magic toilet paper. Most Americans never realize unless they actually LEAVE America that most other countries don't like the paper being flush down the toilets because their sewer systems can't hang. They want it put in the waste basket next to toilets (but no one tells you this unless you ask). What's the preferred method of disposing paper in Ukraine? Or should I say Kiev? And, are most toilets normal (by US standards)?? My first foreign toilet surprise was in Taiwan, when the urge for #2 struck me during a family outing and upon entering the public facility, I was staring at several oblong porcelin holes in the floor with no walls which is normal for public facilities there... Is this same in Ukraine??

- Gifts... I like Baron555's comment about bringing a rose from from the US. That will be done. I was also considering a nice bottle of perfume but one of my US female friends said, "only sugar daddies give girls perfume"... ?? Any ideas and a safe non-expensive gift? Or is perfume ok and my friend is just unaware of how a Ukraine woman might think?

- Favorite places in Kiev? Anyone have a fav place to eat or hang out? Food to try or stay away from? Maybe a cool place where the majority of patrons practice English? The friend I'm visiting will have to work during part of my time there so I will have to occupy some free time during the afternoon.

-Clothes....my friend says anything I wear is fine. I'm thinking casual clothes like Dockers and button shirts should be fine?? Jeans?? How about yellow plaid bermuda shorts with the red Hawaiian shirt and the big Nikon SLR around my neck..??

My flat is over near Mandarin Plaza and I'll be in Kiev for about a week. Can't stay longer because I have to work and save some vacation time.

Any basic tips about Kiev?? Do's and Dont's??

Thx

I hope you enjoy your trip and everything goes well with your meeting. I think you should make sure to pack comfortable clothes and shoes, but also pack a few dressy pants and shirts for special outings. I like the idea of the California wine, and maybe something produced in your home state, too? Enjoy!

[David and Elena 0]

I'm getting close to leaving time and have some questions that maybe some can answer. I have travelled extensively to other countries in South American and Asia, but this is my first time in East Europe. So heer goes:

- Toilet Paper...yes yes magic toilet paper. Most Americans never realize unless they actually LEAVE America that most other countries don't like the paper being flush down the toilets because their sewer systems can't hang. They want it put in the waste basket next to toilets (but no one tells you this unless you ask). What's the preferred method of disposing paper in Ukraine? Or should I say Kiev? And, are most toilets normal (by US standards)?? My first foreign toilet surprise was in Taiwan, when the urge for #2 struck me during a family outing and upon entering the public facility, I was staring at several oblong porcelin holes in the floor with no walls which is normal for public facilities there... Is this same in Ukraine??

- Gifts... I like Baron555's comment about bringing a rose from from the US. That will be done. I was also considering a nice bottle of perfume but one of my US female friends said, "only sugar daddies give girls perfume"... ?? Any ideas and a safe non-expensive gift? Or is perfume ok and my friend is just unaware of how a Ukraine woman might think?

- Favorite places in Kiev? Anyone have a fav place to eat or hang out? Food to try or stay away from? Maybe a cool place where the majority of patrons practice English? The friend I'm visiting will have to work during part of my time there so I will have to occupy some free time during the afternoon.

-Clothes....my friend says anything I wear is fine. I'm thinking casual clothes like Dockers and button shirts should be fine?? Jeans?? How about yellow plaid bermuda shorts with the red Hawaiian shirt and the big Nikon SLR around my neck..??

My flat is over near Mandarin Plaza and I'll be in Kiev for about a week. Can't stay longer because I have to work and save some vacation time.

Any basic tips about Kiev?? Do's and Dont's??

Thx

Hi Johhny.. I am sitting right now in a flat in Kiev. This is my third visit in 10 months.

Here is my take on your questions. Flush the toilet paper. Stay away from public toilets when ever possible. Worst men's room in the world can be found at the Kiev zoo!

Perfume has always worked for me. Flower a nice touch if it lasts the trip. (My Elena and I are now engaged and pending the K-1 Visa so end results very positive!)

Elena and I have been many times to the main shopping street Ulitsa Khreschatyk and you can spend a lot of time there. Lots of stores, restaurants etc.. Try and get to some of the parks along the river. The churches are numerous and magnificent. You'll spot a few McDonalds to make you feel at home although I took Elena there and she has decided it poison! (Probably right)

Not too many Dockers around... black chinos or blue jeans in the majority. Lots of black and darker colors. If you wear bright clothes you'll stick out like s sore thumb. Watch out for the cabs. No meters and everything is negotiable. They can smell an American a mile away. Airport into the city should be about 130 Grivna and shorter hops in the city about 35 to 50 Grivna.

Well that is the short take... have fun. Kiev is a GREAT city. I will be back in late April! David (and Elena)

[baron555 934]

The sushi restaurant on the second or third floor on the south end of Globus is great, quiet but great people watching.

You are not seriously going for McDs?

The coffee cages east of Maiden are nice.

We usually bought our food at the small markets and cooked on our rented apt.

The Chinese boat restaurant on the river is nice.

Stay on the outskirts of the revolutionary demonstrations.

No and keep walking to all solicitors.

Always offer her your arm. Walk on the street side her to the inside.

The single rose WILL earn big points.

I brought perfume and she still wears it.

Local souvenirs for the kids; sports team shirts.

[Scott and Iryna 2]

Any basic tips about Kiev?? Do's and Dont's??

Just a suggestion, as this was strongly suggested to me before I went my first time, and it was WELL worth it. I hired a "Girl Friday" during my first visit (10 days). She helped me with everything: arranged all my dates, got me discounts on taxis, helped me do shopping, even showed me how to get around on the subway. More importantly, she did all the interpreting during my meetings with Ukrainian girls and helped determine which ones were sincere and serious, and which ones were insincere. She was also my personal tour guide, and showed me the "best of" Kiev and Kharkov. She also helped me with the "do's and dont's" you speak of. For example, DO NOT WHISTLE!! You will be wishing financial misfortune upon your host!

The girl I used is named Irina, from NeedInterpreterInUkraine.com. Absolutely top notch, very reasonable prices, and she is incredibly well organized. It was great to not have to worry about being in a strange place with a language barrier. During my later trips, I felt much more comfortable going it alone.

Good luck on your trip!

- Scott

[Captain Hammer 113]

Perfume is a personal thing with a lot of women, it's as like as not to be appreciated. She won't be offended, but she might not wear it either. The flower idea is tasteful, it will definitely be appreciated. Don't go overboard on gifts though, that'll just smack of desperation even with the best of intentions.

Jeans will be perfect for most occasions, but wear neutral colors otherwise so you don't stick out. You don't have to wear dress shirts, but go light on the t-shirts. Bring a decent suit in case you go to the theater, or especially for the ballet. If you wear sneakers, go with darker colors if you can. If you're a fashion disaster like I am, get a female friend to help you put together some decent clothes so she's not embarrassed to be seen with you.

[1HappyGuy 45]

The thing about the toilets depends on where you are at. You might find the holes in the floor at very old public facilities but most have flushing toilets. Drop the paper in and stand back. The toilets in Ukraine really flush, so if you drop anything in there, it is gone for good. They don't know what a plunger is for.

Small bottles of perfume are very nice gifts, easy to transport and will be well received. I would pass on the flowers from America unless someone special is meeting you at the airport, but that's a long way to transport a flower and you might not be able to bring it into the country's on your way due to regulations. Check ahead, but a rose has a limited life out of water. Roses are usually quite cheap there and plentiful, especially in late spring. Keep the cost of gifts under $200 to avoid taxes. One more thing about flowers, avoid a dozen. Usually 3, 5 or some other odd number is better. Even numbered flowers are not considered good luck.

If you have a good idea about some of the women's sizes then try bringing blouses or sweaters as gifts. They are pretty cheap here in comparison.

I would definitely visit Independence Square. There are lots of small sidewalk cafe's and lots to see. There is also their underground mall right there too. On weekends the streets entering the square are blocked off for the people and usually lots of music. It may depend on the weather.

Almost any sit down restaurant will be fine for you. The prices will be pretty nice with the conversion rate. I'm sure that you will visit some on the river (Dniper) and most any downtown will be quite nice. Expect the service to be good but slow in comparison to America. For them, the dinner out is an experience to be savored and worked slowly. Food will arrive hot when you are ready, but don't go hungry as you will die waiting to eat. Take your time and enjoy the experience.

When do you leave? I might have time to find the names of some good restaurants for you.

As to clothes, check out the weather before hand and dress accordingly. If you can bring a coat and tie that may be good and also impressive for the ladies. Most Americans end up wearing athletic shoes which will make you stand out. Dress shoes will blend more but plan on walking a lot. The sites are beautiful and are all over the city. You will find out what the ladies are like by how they plan your transportation. Using the metro (subway), buses and mini-buses shows that she is concerned about costs. Using a taxi for everything means you are a rich American and can afford it.

Wow, maybe too much for one undertaking, but you were asking about Kiev.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I'm getting close to leaving time and have some questions that maybe some can answer. I have travelled extensively to other countries in South American and Asia, but this is my first time in East Europe. So heer goes:

- Toilet Paper...yes yes magic toilet paper. Most Americans never realize unless they actually LEAVE America that most other countries don't like the paper being flush down the toilets because their sewer systems can't hang. They want it put in the waste basket next to toilets (but no one tells you this unless you ask). What's the preferred method of disposing paper in Ukraine? Or should I say Kiev? And, are most toilets normal (by US standards)?? My first foreign toilet surprise was in Taiwan, when the urge for #2 struck me during a family outing and upon entering the public facility, I was staring at several oblong porcelin holes in the floor with no walls which is normal for public facilities there... Is this same in Ukraine??

- Gifts... I like Baron555's comment about bringing a rose from from the US. That will be done. I was also considering a nice bottle of perfume but one of my US female friends said, "only sugar daddies give girls perfume"... ?? Any ideas and a safe non-expensive gift? Or is perfume ok and my friend is just unaware of how a Ukraine woman might think?

- Favorite places in Kiev? Anyone have a fav place to eat or hang out? Food to try or stay away from? Maybe a cool place where the majority of patrons practice English? The friend I'm visiting will have to work during part of my time there so I will have to occupy some free time during the afternoon.

-Clothes....my friend says anything I wear is fine. I'm thinking casual clothes like Dockers and button shirts should be fine?? Jeans?? How about yellow plaid bermuda shorts with the red Hawaiian shirt and the big Nikon SLR around my neck..??

My flat is over near Mandarin Plaza and I'll be in Kiev for about a week. Can't stay longer because I have to work and save some vacation time.

Any basic tips about Kiev?? Do's and Dont's??

Thx

Toilet paper etiquette is pretty much the same. Toilets are kind of the same except the older squat toilets that are still around in some places. have fun. Perfume is good, Ukrainian women like it. Try toi get some in duty free shops. Alla likes Kenzo Summer and J'Adore. It is a personal choice though. Elizabeth Arden "Green Tea" is very popular in Ukraine particularly with mature women, maybe not so much with younger girls.

For clothes. Ukrainians tend to be more formal that we are, dockers and polo shirts are OK. Jeans and tennis shoes are probably too casual for a first meeting. It can be brutal cold there still so have ome warm clothes also. I used to visit Kiev a lot but never lived there and I was pretty unscheduled in where I ate and such. There are lots of good restaraunts, do not worry about that.

Kiev is a pretty safe city, particularly downtown. There are cops everywhere (more than you think). Kreshatik street is a favorite place for clubs, shopping restaraunts, etc. St. Sophia should not be missed. In good weather the botanic gardens is a nice place to strol as is the river walk. Better in summer for sure.

When you know someone better or if you know this woman well enough, some practical things that are cheap here and expensive there are always appreciated, if not romantic. If she has children do not forget them. I used to bring socks, underwear, gloves, hats, flash drives for Alla's computer, etc. Local stuff from here is good. I never went without a couple gallons of Maple Syrup, Lake Champlain Chocolate, a Vermont Teddy Bear, etc. As you meet her friends and on subsequent visits do not forget them. Small gifts are common to give there. I brought her friends Boston Red Sox hats, Yankees hats, Vermont T-shirts, etc. Nothing much but it is well received when you visit them. Also Teas of various sorts, NOT tea bags! Go to a shop that sells bulk tea and buy a few ounces of several types. Not expensive and always appreciated. They may not go for Louisiana Hot sauce

Ok, when there, make sure you get some cash to have on hand and make sure you have SMALL bills. 1 & 2 UAH, 5 UAH etc. They will always try to give you 100s and 200s and even 500s. It is Ok to have some of those but when you talke a taxi or the bus or subway they HATE it when you hand them a 50 or a 100 for a 1.25 bus fare! HATE IT! Drivers will often "not have change" If yoiu hand him a 50 for a 30 UAH ride, the ride is likely to cost you 50 UAH. many restaraunts and shops will take credit cards now, but not all and NONE of the street vendors, drivers or anyone that takes bribes. US dollars are best for bribes, keep some. If you exchange cash make sure the US dollars you take are crispy new or they won't take them. Make sure they are also the newest type. They will not take the old style bills. Go to the bank and get clean, new bills. It is a pain but if you do not you will be stuck with money you cannot use and cannot exchange. Best to withdraw money from the ATM though.

get some coins also, 50 Koppec are the most useful

Stuff to buy there? Cigarettes, alcohol are dirt cheap. Medical stuff, pharmacueticals, etc. Contact lenses (bring your prescription and you can probably get it filled) Alla stuffs a suitcase when we come back with hand cream, Q-tips, betadine, cotton patches for cleaning make up, all this junk is very cheap there. You think it is no big deal but it adds up. We bring a suitcase full of clothes and things from here and come back with it filled with cheap stuff from there. Seriously I went several years getting all my cigarettes in Ukraine. I smuggled enough each time to last until my next visit and saved enough to pay for my plane ticket. No kidding.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

In public toilets, at least in Russia, there will be a trash can and yeah, generally you should throw the paper in there BUT I forget most of the time and there has never been a problem. Sometimes there's a sign about it, but I'm assuming you don't speak Russian/Ukrainian so that won't help you.

Squat toilets won't be found in Kiev, I'm pretty sure. Maybe in a village or something.

Yes there are squat toilets in Kiev. Particularly in older public buildings and some parks. They are vanishing though and you will not find them in newer places. They are fairly common in Odessa and Donetsk still in public facilities.

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

Now for the information that counts the most. google search ftw ! * thank me later when you get back

http://www.kievapts.com/kiev_nightlife.php

"Kiev Nightlife & Nightclubs"

http://www.kiev-ukraine-information.com/kiev-strip-clubs.htm

"Strip clubs and pubs in Kiev Ukraine"

http://www.kiev-life.com/kyiv/nightlife

"Kiev Nightlife"

http://www.punterlink.co.uk/escort/escort_directory/eastern_europe_cities/kiev_escorts.htm

"Kiev Escort and Strip Club Guide"

[^_^ 5,021]

Now for the information that counts the most. google search ftw ! * thank me later when you get back

http://www.kievapts.com/kiev_nightlife.php

"Kiev Nightlife & Nightclubs"

http://www.kiev-ukraine-information.com/kiev-strip-clubs.htm

"Strip clubs and pubs in Kiev Ukraine"

http://www.kiev-life.com/kyiv/nightlife

"Kiev Nightlife"

http://www.punterlink.co.uk/escort/escort_directory/eastern_europe_cities/kiev_escorts.htm

"Kiev Escort and Strip Club Guide"

Are you trying to insult Johnny?

He is going there to find his soulmate, not mess around with hookers.

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

Are you trying to insult Johnny?

He is going there to find his soulmate, not mess around with hookers.

Don't go getting all sentimental for the wrong reasons. Some of me and my wife's best times in Minsk were spent together in night clubs and strip clubs. It's all about having fun and letting loose. The last thing you want is some stuck up puritan relationship with the biggest highlight being dinner & TV.

Live a little.