Hello and Welcome from Gary.

I last wrote about visas to enter Ukraine. Now for the customs stuff - - another confusing topic. I won’t get into all the “gory” details here about Ukrainian customs regulations. I’ll just give you a couple of links so you can check for yourself. And I’ll give you some “heads up”  info and tips for how best to deal with customs.

This first link will get you into the ballpark of what is and what is not allowed to bring into or take out of Ukraine http://www.ukraineinfo.us/travel/customs.html. The second link is the customs regulations site of the Borispol airport in Kiev. It contains more explicit information, particularly under the buttons on the bottom of the page.  http://www.airport-borispol.kiev.ua/custom_supervision/.

O.K. first some “heads ups” and then some tips - -

A. Though the documentation is more clear now than when I went to Ukraine, it’s still “hazy” on how much U.S. currency you can bring in, $1,000, or $3,000. Here’s the deal. If you bring more than $1,000 you pay a penalty at customs. Period. There are ways around this that I’ll suggest in tip #1 below.

B. There’s a thriving music CD sales business in most cities in Ukraine. If you bring in music CD’s you’ll pay a stiff duty on each of them. This is to protect against foreigners from bringing in and selling competitive CD’s thus threatening the livelihood of Ukrainian entrepreneurs. 

C. There are limitations to the total value (in Euros) of what you can bring into Ukraine. Also Ukraine is very sensitive about the import/export of jewelry (precious metals and gems). Study the regulations carefully and then contact a consular office to resolve questions. (See contact info in my “visa” post).

Tip #1 about the $1,000 cash limit - - Living in Ukraine in inexpensive, but even there $1,000 will go quickly enough. But using your credit card is safe and easy with most cards being accepted in a large variety of places. And you can also use your credit card in the many ATM’s you’ll see. And to change currency, you’ll find that change kiosks are all over the place and they compete with each other to offer the best conversion rates. And if you feel you’ll need reserve cash, before you leave home, leave money with a friend and arrange with them to use Western Union to send you cash if you call them or send them an e-mail (Internet cafes are widely available). Just e-mail them what city you’re in, how much to send, and to send it to your passport name. (NOTE - to be on the safe side, since all international money flows are monitored by computer, you may be better off to have your friend send money to your Ukrainian companion. Just make sure the name spelling matches her passport name.) Your friend will need to e-mail back to you the Western Union control number. Once you have the control number, you can then pick up your cash in USD at any mid to large size bank since most, if not all, of them will have a Western Union interface.

Tip #2 If you’re going to use your credit card(s) in Ukraine, be sure to call your credit card customer service before you leave home and let them know to allow charges from Ukraine during the duration of your trip. Otherwise the credit card fraud prevention software will not allow your charges (very embarrassing).

Tip #3 At airport customs, if you enter on a “private visit” they’ll ask you (and expect an affirmative answer) what gifts you are bringing. They may even go through your luggage to verify what you say. Here’s a way to streamline the process. Before you leave home, make a detail list (with descriptions and purchase price) of everything you are bringing in. Carry this list in an envelope which also has receipts to match your list. When you get asked “the question”, produce the list from the envelope and tell the agent (politely) that you have receipts. I did this on my last 2 trips to Ukraine and was given a hasty exit from customs.

Tip #4 Upon entering Ukraine you’ll need to fill out a customs declaration form which will then be stamped by the customs official you deal with. Do not lose this form. You’ll need to present it when you leave Ukraine. And do not leave Ukraine with more cash than you declared on your customs form. If you used credit cards or Western Union to get more cash during your visit and have excess before you leave, have a party, give a nice gift to your Lady, whatever. Find a way to get rid of it or you’ll be penalized at your departure.  

Be aware that Ukraine is moving to streamline and relax it’s visa and customs procedures and regulations. Accordingly, information you see now may change. All of this change is creating confusion and sometimes conflicting information. I’ve no doubt it will get smoothed out because Ukraine is very motivated to make it so. They are actively promoting tourism as a source of cash flow. And the current government is driven to have Ukraine become part of the European Union. It’s already set to join the World Trade Organization in February of 2007.

But change is change. Don’t get caught short and thus disappointed. So do your homework immediately prior to departure, not 6 months before. Protect your trip - - “Know Before You Go”.

More interesting and fun tidbits about travel in Ukraine later.

Best Wishes To You.

Gary