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Since the Orange Revolution, Ukraine has definitely experienced a schism between her people; however, the government is truly a representative democracy. The people divided between pro-Russian supporters of Prime Minister Victor Yanukovich and pro-West President Viktor Yushchenko; show that the nation is alive with debate. Yet, to a traveler from either the East or West the inherent nature of the Ukrainian people (no matter what their belief) will always out shine their internal feelings.
President Viktor Yushchenko declared "2008 as the Year of Tourism…with the new Orange government lifting visa restrictions in 2005 for visitors from the European Union, North America, Australasia and Japan."
Where to Stay
Most people suggest “Western” hotels and standard European accommodations and if you enjoy that the city has much to offer; but if you want to feel the city try doing what most Ukrainians do when visiting. Renting an apartment for a few days or weeks is far more common than you may think. This does not mean one should become part of the “back pack” generation: it is simply a method of lodging that is commonly used by businessmen and tourists alike.
Apartments come fully furnished, sometimes even with food in the refrigerator. They are easy to find, more comfortable and usually will cost you far less than a hotel room.
Getting Around
It is common for a tourist to arrive in a city and either rent a vehicle or use a taxi, but that is an unnecessary expense when arriving in Kyiv. Public transportation is cheap, safe and completely reliable for a city its size. In the winter, the metro is probably the easiest and warmest way of traversing the city. But if you want the convenience of having a vehicle “on demand” simply walk to the curb, place your hand out horizontally and within a few seconds a driver will stop. You tell him where you are going, negotiate an extremely reasonable price and he will take you right to the spot. This means of travel is so reliable that you will notice young women using it as their preferred method of transportation.
Money
Many foreigners enjoy bringing either cash, travelers’ checks or credit cards with them while on vacation. In Kiev this too is unnecessary. Credit cards can lead to fraud while cash can lead to an under or over estimation of the amount you need. Ukraine allows one to bring in money but only take a small amount out, so over estimation could be an expensive mistake.
There are ATMs all over the city and while exchange rates and policies will depend on your bank at home, you can have the comfort of having exactly the right amount of money with you at all time. Furthermore, foreign money changers are also all over town. Sometimes within one city block you may see 4 or 5 with competing rates. Get to know where the best rates are and go accordingly (they are not where foreigners hang out.)
Language
Ukraine has come a long way. If you speak Russian or Ukrainian you will find it extremely easy, but if you don’t fret not. Kiev is seeing an increase in the number of foreign tourist and local language skills are developing accordingly. "Ukrainian merchant men working for foreign companies are second in the world only to the Philippines," according to Paulius Kuncinas Of Ukraine Business. These workers are bringing their newly developed language skills back to Kiev.
Immigrant students and local youths are exchanging language abilities ranging from Arabic to English. Even the older generation may know a language you once took in school. Try out that German you studied; your listener may have been a Soviet boarder guard stationed in East Berlin.
What to do
A first time visitor may well want to see the sights (and Kiev has plenty.) This article is not about those sites but what others do. If you simply make one local friend you will instantly experience so much that your friends at home may never understand. Make attempts to meet people whether you are in a sidewalk café or a bizarre, make the attempt. Quickly you will find yourself sitting around a small kitchen table discussing whether Yushchenko or Yanukovich are right. Or maybe just who has the better football team.
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