I was thinking of checking out Ukraine on my days off while over in the middle east. Flights are substantially cheaper than compared to ones from Calgary. Thinking of hitting up Kiev, Odessa, and other places of historical significance (i.e. Chernobyl)
Any tips for people who don't speak Russian or Ukrainian for travelling in the Ukraine?
I'm curious about this as well. I know a few Europeans who went for the World Cup and the seemed to enjoy it, but I'm sure Kiev was bolstered with folks who spoke English to help out.
Where are you in the M.E.?
I've heard there are some popular beaches or maybe it's an island in the Black Sea where locals go but don't have any experience there myself.
Yah the younger crowd will speak some English in the bigger cities like Kiev I'm not really sure how the smaller cities would be though.
It's also suppose to be a lot safer now, I'm def going to try and check it out this year!
Pretty much all the larger cities in Central and Eastern Europe now speak pretty good english (30 and younger)
PS: This is a great way to hit on girls
davidI - I'm currently in Iraq (Erbil). Was thinking of flying to Istanbul then onto Kiev or Odessa.
I've seen many different reports about racism in the Ukraine against visible minorities (Asians, SE Asians, Indians, Africans etc.) :thumbsdown:
Anyone with first hand experience here in the Ukraine?
I've heard Russia & Ukraine can be bad for racism but as a tourist I would expect you would be okay. I didn't hear any issues out of Kiev when my buddies were there for the World Cup, but they're Swedes so not exactly visible minorities.
I've met lots of Russian / Ukrainian hookers at the bars in Dubai over the years and they're definitely racist. Probably because they hate the Chinese girls coming in and working for so much cheaper :rofl:
Will you be in Erbil much in the future? I've been thinking about dropping in there for a visit sometime. I have a few buddies working there and heard it's pretty nice.
From WikiTravel:
Young people are more likely to speak a little English, as it is the most widely taught foreign language in school. Most people in the tourism industry (hostels etc.) however do speak English.
If you are traveling to Ukraine, learn either basic Ukrainian or basic Russian beforehand (know your phrase book well) and/or have some means of access to a bilingual speaker, a mobile/cell/handy number (almost everyone has a mobile phone) can be a godsend. Virtually nobody in any official position (train stations, police, bus drivers, information desks, etc.) will be able to speak any language other than Ukrainian and Russian. If you already know another Slavic language, you will, however, be able to communicate as the Slavic languages are closely related. Be aware though that some people simply do not wish to communicate with foreigners, even you speak some Russian/Ukrainian or some other Slavic language.
It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the Cyrillic alphabet to save you a lot of time and difficulty.
Racism Issues
The area around the American embassy in Kiev is known for the provocateur groups targeting black people, and there have been reports of such attacks on Andriyivski, the main tourist street that runs from Mykhailivska down into Podil. Particularly in rural areas, having dark skin is often a source of prejudice. Antisemitism is still a lingering problem in some Western regions and/or other parts of Ukraine. However there are two Jewish mayors elected in Kherson and Vinnitsa.
Anecdotal experience is that there is some underlying racism in Ukraine, indeed much of the former Soviet Union. Migrants from Middle and Central Asia and gypsies receive much closer and frequent attention from the militsiya (police). Always have your passport (or a photocopy of the main pages if you're concerned about losing it or if you're staying in a hotel that is holding it) as foreigners are treated more favorably than others. This is not to say that it is unsafe or threatening, but it is better to be forewarned of the realities.
I went to Ukraine a few years ago. I did a 3 week bus tour. Very few people speak English there. Some of the younger people speak English but not very many. For each city you can hire a tour guide that speaks both. They are fairly inexpensive. Keep in mind driving anywhere takes forever. The roads are complete crap. Taking the train from city to city is cheap.
You will not find anyone speaking English at restaraunts. As well keep in mind that many of the names of items here do not have the same name there.
I cannot comment on the racism. There are not many minorities there except for a fairly large Jewish population.
I have downlaoded a translate app for my phone that works with the camera. Point at the Ukrainian word and it tells you the English. Works pretty well.
Kiev was a great time. Did the tour of Pripyat. Got the Chernobyl shirt, hat and keychain. Pics and video as well.
You can get by in Kiev with the main areas. Going off in other areas you will find less and less that speak English.
The younger crowd will know English. They also know what tourist money is and there is always someone to help out one way or another.
Just wing it. Enjoy the fact that you don't know the language and expect the unexpected.
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Cool, thanks for the tips guys. :thumbsup: