Kiev, Ukraine Report of what it's like to live there - 04/09/13
Personal Experiences from Kiev, Ukraine
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington, DC, 24+ hours, with a connection in Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt or Munich.
3. How long have you lived here?
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
The contributor is affiliated with the US Embassy, has spent three years in Kyev, and is an experienced expat.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Most people are in large apartments. They are starting to put some large families in houses.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
It is expensive and that is the reason for the COLA.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Cake mix, doughnuts, and Jimmy Buffet CD's.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald's is here and it is fine. KFC is rough. The best food is the good Ukrainian food.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
It is usually too cold for insects, as they freeze 6 months a year.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We only have the regular diplomatic pouch here, so there are many restrictions. You can send and receive with FEDEX but it is more expensive. Ukrainian mail can be a hassle on outgoing items.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Plenty are available but all are more expensive than in the Western Hemisphere. No live-ins. Probably about $500-$800 monthly.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes, but they are crazy expensive.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Don't use them unless it is an emergency.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There is one english language non-denominational church here.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
There are a few, and they are pretty good and mostly free.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You should know Russian or Ukrainian to make it easier.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
A lot. No real work has been done to assist anyone with disabilities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
All are relatively safe. Buses, trains, and the metro are cheap. Taxis can be expensive.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
100% 4x4. You will get stuck without it.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes it is and it is cheap. About US$25-30 per month. It is mainly DSL and you can lose bandwidth when you are in a crowded apartment building, especially after 6pm.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Buy an unlocked cell phone in the US or buy one here. Use a pre-paid sim chip.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
There are good and cheap.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Not really.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business and business casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
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.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Plenty of health concerns. There are many medevacs, as the local healthcare is not to US standards.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Good.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Cold with possible snow November - April. Snow can be heavy at times.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are two international schools and one Christian school. They provide basic necessities. The Christian school is good with discipline, but the International schools sometimes have their children go wild. Academics are better at the International School, but there is some anti-US and pro-European attitudes among the school staff.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
None.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
There is always one close by, but it may only be is Russian/Ukrainian.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
In the schools there are soccer and basketball.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Not much, unless you like smoky bars.
3. Morale among expats:
Usually pretty good.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Probably best for single men. Unless you love snow, it can be tough in the winter for families.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
It can be a problem.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Some racial problems, but it is hidden.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
The people at the embassy are great. With the exception of drivers, Ukrainians are good people.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There are many indoor water parks are here. Some are better than the outdoor ones in the US. Plenty of snow and ice sports.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
The art here is incredible. The oil paintings from the local artists are among the best in the world.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
If you like snow, you will probably see it 6 months a year.
11. Can you save money?
It is tough. Things are expensive here.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, because I have been working with great people.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Hot weather clothes.
3. But don't forget your:
Cold weather clothes.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Everything Is Illuminated: A Novel
6. Do you have any other comments?
This is a tough post, but the pay is good, the Embassy community is good, and the locals are wonderful people.
