Ukraine’s Kyiv (Kiev) a capital city
Often spelled as Kiev, (Kyiv-Ukrainian: Київ) and (Russian: Ки́ев) Kyiv is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country on the Dnieper River. Official municipal estimates place the population of Kiev at about 2.7 million inhabitants.
Kyiv is not only the capital of Ukraine, it was the first capital city of the unified Russian nation. Simply, it is the birthplace of Russia. Thus it holds a place of honour both in Ukraine and in Russia.Due to the huge number of orthodox churches it is called sometimes the Gold-Domed city.
Kyiv (Kiev) is a very modern city and at times you forget how old she is!
Kyiv city Directory:
Accommodations and hotels can be found here.
Visa and passport information is listed here.
Kyiv (Kiev) Parks includes the beautiful Mariynsky Park, just across from the Presidential Palace and dates back to 1874.
Public transportation around Kyiv, by car or trolleybus, from the underground metro to taxi, on city buses or by long distance trains to other cities you’ll find many transport options.
Banking and Business in Kyiv and across Ukraine.
Currency exchange, money and Bankomat (ATM) facilities.
Food and cultural opportunities in Kyiv.
Media and Communications in Kyiv.
Here is a listing of the most popular Kyiv cinemas.
Kyiv Art Galleries with addresses and phone numbers.
There are excellent museums in Kyiv.
Guide to the historic old and magnificent Kyiv churches.
Here are the Squares, Plazas and Streets of Kyiv that you don’t wish to miss!
One cannot forget the historic and beautiful monuments of Kyiv.
Restaurant information is listed here and there are additional options here.
Bars, clubs, and other forms of popular entertainment are listed here.
Independence Square at night.
Embassy Addresses in Kyiv
USA
4 A.I. Sikorsky St. (formerly Tankova)
04112 Kyiv, Ukraine
(Nearest metro: Beresteiska). The new main Embassy telephone is (+38 044) 521-5000
Australia
18 Komminterna St.
Phone: 380-44-2257586
Canada
31 Yaroslavov Val St.
Phone: 380-44-2122235
Netherlands
21 Turgenevskaya St.
Phone: 380-44-2161905
Russia
27 Povitroflotsky Ave.
Phone: 380-44-2440963
United Kingdom
9 Desyatinnaya St.
Phone: 380-44-4620011
The US Embassy in Kyiv (Kiev) moved into a new home in January 2012, bringing together Embassy functions which were formerly spread across 6 different buildings in Ukraine’s capital city. The new location at 4 Aircraft Designer Igor Sikorsky Street (formerly Tankova) is expected to be more efficient for Embassy operations and more convenient for those conducting business at the Embassy.
Ambassador John F. Tefft presided over the groundbreaking ceremony in May 2009 and the expected opening was autumn 2011 but bad winter weather delayed the opening to early 2012. The total cost for a new Embassy building was $209 million dollars.
U.S. Embassy in Ukraine
4 A.I. Sikorsky St. (formerly Tankova)
04112 Kyiv, Ukraine
(Nearest metro: Beresteiska). The new main Embassy telephone is (+38 044) 521-5000
Visa operations are now at the new location. U.S. citizens with questions may contact the American Citizen Services unit at kyivacs@state.gov or: Telephone: (+380 044) 521-5566
After-hours emergency line for U.S. citizens: (+38 044) 521-5000
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Klimkin noted that the new embassy is symbolic of the building of a stronger strategic partnership between Ukraine and the USA.
A celebration of 20 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Ukraine took place in Kyiv’s October Palace Hall on Jan. 20. Entertainment was provided by The Odesa Philharmonic Orchestra, the BFF Crew, Gaitana and Druga Rika.
Pictured above: US Ambassador to Ukraine, John F. Tefft at gala celebration of 20 years of American-Ukrainian diplomatic relations.
(Photos by Kostyantyn Chernichkin)
Alcohol: Ukraine is a Zero Tolerance country, so please do not drink and drive. The penalties are severe and you are never sure what may happen in such incidents involving the Militia (as the local Police, is known). It is highly advisable to purchase liquor in the better shops rather than small kiosks; this reduces the risk of weak, fake or dangerous products.
Driving: Most international driving rules apply in Kiev. However, beware that most locals fail to follow many driving laws – Ukrainians are some of the worst speeders in the world – they love to step on the gas. Officially, speed limits are 60 kph/37 mph in cities, 90 kph/56 mph in unpopulated areas, and 120 kph/72 mph on highways. You can turn right on red lights, wherever there are signs. Parking in Kiev is as difficult as in any other major European city. In downtown Kiev, many motorists park their cars on the sidewalks.
Business Hours: An 8-hour day is considered a standard work day. Most offices and institutions operate on this schedule Monday through Friday. A lunch break is taken between 1 and 3 PM. Most banks are open without breaks Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM. Many shops now stay open until 8 PM and later.
Personal Safety: While traveling in Ukraine protect yourself as you would in any other foreign country. Be sure to place your passport, declaration form, airline tickets, any other official forms and cash in a safe place, if one is available, or carry them in a money belt under your clothing but not in a pouch on the outside of your clothing.
Be sure to make a copy of your passport and airline tickets and keep one copy in your luggage and one copy on your person. Do not flash large amounts of money in public and try not to go out at night alone, rather go out with another person.
Health Information: According to the US Embassy in Kiev, levels of radiation in food items and in the air are very minimal and do not pose a threat to your health. DO NOT drink tap water. Bottled water is easily available in most stores. Once boiled, as for coffee and tea, the tap water is fine.
Electricity: Electricity in Ukraine is 220-260 Volts/50Hz and appliance plug tips are of the smaller round European type. If you plan on taking any electrical devices, you will need a voltage converter (transformer) of sufficient wattage. Electric razors, hair dryers and appliances not rated for 50 Hz will fail to operate properly even with a transformer. Some 60 Hz devices may even burn out. ALL devices rated for 110 volts will burn out if used without a transformer.
Local Etiquette: Here are a few simple rules of local etiquette that may help avoid embarrassment when visiting someone in Ukraine:
- If invited into a family home, it is traditional to bring a gift, such as a bottle of wine and a cake. A bouquet of flowers is also customary. Make sure it is an uneven number of flowers (even numbers are for funerals). If there is a child in the house, it is appropriate to provide him/her with a small gift, such as chocolate.
- Do not shake hands across the threshold of a door. It is considered bad luck.
- When shaking hands, in winter, take off your gloves!
- Be prepared to remove your shoes upon entering a home. To keep apartments or homes clean, most hosts will provide you with a pair of slippers called “tapochki”.
- Be ready to give toasts at dinner, for guests are often asked to do so.
- If you smoke, offer to share your cigarettes with those around you.
- Be prepared to accept all food and drink offered you when visiting. Ukrainians are known for their generous hospitality when it comes to feeding others. Turning down food may be considered rude.
