Kiev - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
None. It is the safest city I have ever lived in. - May 2021
Honestly, fewer than pretty much anywhere else I've lived. There are occasional pickpocketings of tourists, and fights might occur after 2 a.m. outside bars, but I walk around after dark without concern. The babushki (i.e. grandmas) are pretty vigilant in shooing away anyone suspicious (and also letting you know if your child is inappropriately dressed for the weather). To add to the security, a lot of us live in buildings with rich Ukrainians who have bodyguards, who also patrol parking lots and the like. A car accident is probably what I fear most - there are some crazy (and probably drunk) drivers out there. - May 2017
We were never concerned, and street crime was far lower than in most U.S. cities. The conflict in the East really has no tangible effect on daily life in Kyiv, though sometimes there are signs of chaos creeping in, like bomb threats at the popular malls. - Nov 2016
Not really... the conflict in the East is far away. I felt much safer on the streets in Kyiv than in DC. - Jul 2016
In Kyiv, not really. There are occasional protests. Have heard about some break ins, but haven't had any problems. Keep in mind there are still travel warnings for some parts of the country, and the conflict with Russia is ongoing. Sometimes there is concern about availability of gas or electricity, but so far it hasn't been an issue in Kyiv. - Nov 2015
There is a war going on. You can't travel to the East. You can maybe still go to Odessa but you have to let RSO know and keep up with the latest. - Jun 2015
Pick-pockets. Protests. Wild dogs were our biggest problem. I would not recommend housing off of Artema to anyone with a family. I had wild dogs come all the way up to my stroller. It was the most terrifying part of our experience. - Apr 2014
There is only a problem with pickpocketing on the metros and busses. Just make sure to have a purse or backpack that zips when you are using public transport. I have never had a problem. - Apr 2013
Just use your common sense. Not much petty crime or violent crime. Watch your pockets on the metro or bus. Drivers are crazy, so be patient and don't be a part of road rage. - Apr 2013
Pickpockets. Otherwise, quite safe to walk around even at night. - Feb 2013
No physical security concerns. You always hear about pickpocketing on metro/buses/trams, but I never had a problem. Pay attention to your surroundings as you would in any big city, and you'll be fine. - Jul 2012
Petty crimes; pick pocket, wallet scams. Like anywhere else keep a good eye on your wallet/purse/pockets. Seems to be a lot of protests in front of the embassy and downtown. - Aug 2009
Don't use your ATM card as there are problems with machines popping up all of the time. Petty crime and racist crimes are an ongoing problem. - Apr 2008
Minor with the caveat that you are not a minority. In my opinion, Kyiv is generally as safe or safer than most big cities in the U.S. Violence against minorities and people of color are unfortunately at an unacceptable level and all too frequent. - Apr 2008
In general, very few. You must take the usual precautions of a big city and watch out for pickpockets. Another common scam is for someone to drop some money and when you pick it up to help, you are accused of stealing money. Don't pick anything up. There is a large increase in violence toward minorities though. - Feb 2008
