1 Table of Contents About Kyiv ..................................................................................................................................................... 2 History ....................................................................................................................................................... 2 Entertainment ........................................................................................................................................... 2 Climate ...................................................................................................................................................... 3 Modern Kiev .............................................................................................................................................. 3 State holidays ................................................................................................................................................ 3 International Time ........................................................................................................................................ 4 Transportation .............................................................................................................................................. 4 Rail Information ........................................................................................................................................ 4 Subway ...................................................................................................................................................... 4 Communication ............................................................................................................................................. 4 Post Office ................................................................................................................................................. 4 Phones....................................................................................................................................................... 4 Medical Facilities ........................................................................................................................................... 5 Money ........................................................................................................................................................... 5 Exchange rates .......................................................................................................................................... 5 Credit Cards............................................................................................................................................... 5 Prices ......................................................................................................................................................... 5 Other ............................................................................................................................................................. 6 Business Hours .......................................................................................................................................... 6 Electricity................................................................................................................................................... 7 Etiquette ................................................................................................................................................... 7 Check list (Dont forget to bring.) ........................................................................................................... 7 Way from the airport ................................................................................................................................ 7 Ukrainian Words and Phrases ....................................................................................................................... 8 Ukrainian Numbers ................................................................................................................................... 9 Visas to Ukraine .......................................................................................................................................... 10 About LC ...................................................................................................................................................... 11 Contacts .................................................................................................................................................. 11 AIESEC in Kyiv, Ukraine | office.kyiv@aiesec.net | Pr. Peremohy 54/1, of 515
About Kyiv History Kiev is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country on the Dnieper River. Kiev is an important industrial, scientific, educational and cultural centre of Eastern Europe. It is home to many high-tech industries, higher education institutions and world-famous historical landmarks. The city has an extensive infrastructure and highly developed system of public transport, including the Kiev Metro. 2 The name Kiev is said to derive from the name of Kyi, one of four legendary founders of the city (brothers Kyi, Shchek, Khoryv and sister Lybid'). During its history, Kiev, one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, passed through several stages of great prominence and relative obscurity. The city may have been founded in the 5th century as a trading post, perhaps part of the land of the early Slavs. It gradually acquired eminence as the centre of Rus civilization, becoming in the tenth to twelfth centuries the political and cultural capital of Rus', a semi-feudal confederation of Slavic principalities to the east of Poland. Completely destroyed during the Mongol invasion in 1240, the city lost most of its influence for the centuries to come. It was a provincial capital of marginal importance in the outskirts of the territories controlled by its powerful neighbors: first the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, followed by Poland and Russia. The city prospered again during the Russian industrial revolution in the late 19th century. After the turbulent period following the Russian Revolution of 1917, from 1921 onwards Kiev was an important city of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, and, from 1934, its capital. During World War II, the city again suffered significant damage, but quickly recovered in the post-war years remaining the third largest city of the Soviet Union. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Ukrainian independence of 1991, Kiev remained the capital of Ukraine. Entertainment There are many bars, cafes, night clubs, where you can go with AIESEC members for relaxation. Also can organize external Language Exchange Clubs where you can learn Russian or make discussions in English. Our members extracurricular participate in Toastmasters Club and other NGOs, are involved in projects, so it will be easy to find someone with similar interests. Also there are Catholic churches and an Indian temple, Japanese Cultural Center for instance, where interns from different countries can find their native culture. With friends it is common to go to chill in parks, cafes, do ice-skating, watch movies, do sightseeing around the city. So if you get bored, just go to main street Kreschatik and enjoy the city with someone from our LC! AIESEC in Kyiv, Ukraine | office.kyiv@aiesec.net | Pr. Peremohy 54/1, of 515
Climate Kiev has a continental humid climate. The warmest months are June, July, and August, with mean temperatures of 13.8 to 24.8 C (56.9 to 76.7 F). The coldest are December, January, and February, with mean temperatures of 4.6 to -1.1 C (23.7 to 30.0 F). The highest ever temperature recorded in the city was 39.4 C (103.0 F) on 31 July 1936. The coldest temperature ever recorded in the city was -32.2 C (- 26.0 F). Snow cover usually lies from mid-November to the end of March, with the frost-free period lasting 180 days on average, but surpassing 200 days in recent years. There are four seasons during the year: winter (December-February), spring (March-May), summer (June August), fall (September- 3 November). Please bring appropriate clothes depending on the season when you arrive. Modern Kiev Modern Kiev is a mix of the old and the new, seen in everything from the architecture to the stores and to the people themselves. Experiencing great population growth between the 1970s and the mid-'90s, the city has continued its consistent growth after the turn of the millennium. As a result, Kiev's "downtown" is a dotted contrast of new, modern buildings amongst the pale yellows, blues and grays of older apartments. Urban sprawl has gradually reduced, while population densities of suburbs has increased. The most expensive properties are located in the Pechersk, and Khreshchatyk areas. It is also prestigious to own a property in newly constructed buildings in the Kharkivskyi Raion or Obolon along the Dnieper. Ukrainian independence at the turn of the millennium has heralded other changes. Western-style residential complexes, modern nightclubs, classy restaurants and prestigious hotels opened in the centre. Music from Europe and North America started appearing on Ukrainian music charts. And most importantly, with the easing of the visa rules in 2005.Ukraine is positioning itself as a prime tourist attraction, with Kiev, among the other large cities, looking to profit from new opportunities. The centre of Kiev has been cleaned up and buildings have been restored and redecorated, especially the Khreshchatyk street and the Independence Square. Many historic areas of Kiev, such as Andriyivskyy Descent, have become popular street vendor locations, where one can find traditional Ukrainian art, religious items, books, game sets (most commonly chess) as well as jewelry for sale. State holidays 1 January New Years {Parties and fests all around with fireworks and huge celebration. AIESECers usually organize party and cook food together, drink and stay up until morning.} 7 January Christmas {More religious holiday. Families get together to have meal of 12 dishes. It is nice to be invited to have dinner with somebody and share holy atmosphere.} 8 March Womens Day {Men usually give plenty of flowers to women and behave with respect.} April (or May) Easter {People go to church to bless food in baskets and after that have meal together.} 1-2 May Labor Day {Nothing special happens. Free time to go to park or chill with family and friends.} 9 May Victory Day {Parades along the city and it is common to give flowers to veterans, go to Park of Glory and other parks.} 28 June Constitution Day {Some governmental events.} 24 August Independence Day {Parades, fireworks, celebrations, concerts all around the country.} AIESEC in Kyiv, Ukraine | office.kyiv@aiesec.net | Pr. Peremohy 54/1, of 515
International Time Ukraine has on time zone, GMT+2 hr. Daylight savings time is observed from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October when you will need to advance your clocks by one hour. Transportation 4 Rail Information Kiev is connected to European and Asian cities via an extensive network of railways. The capitals train station is located in the centre of the city and is situated right next to the Vokzalna metro station. Train travel is the least expensive and most convenient way to reach just about any location. There are three comfort classes for long distance train travel: luxury-soft with two pull-out beds for more space, coupe-soft with four beds, and platskart with six beds per compartment. However, electric commuter trains, called elektropotyahy or elektrychky are usually outfitted with only hard wooden benches and no amenities. They are generally very crowded, especially on weekends and in the summer time when people travel to their summerhouses.It is always wise to bring your own toilet paper, soap, and supply of food and a drink. Option to check schedule is available on http://uz.gov.ua/?lng=uk in Ukrainian only. Subway The most convenient way of transport is subway. The official web page is under the link http://www.metro.kiev.ua/. Monthly ticket price for the subway is 95 UAH, and one ride costs 1.7 UAH. Kyiv metro has 4 lines and connects 8 of 10 city districts. To some of city parts it is better to go by buses, route buses (called marshrutka), trams, trolleybuses, prices in city transport is 1.5 UAH, sometimes though reaching 2.5 UAH per ride. Communication Post Office Post offices are located all around the city. At the Central Post Office you can buy stamps, post cards, use fax machines and make international calls. Post card to the world costs less than $ 1.00, to check services please go to http://www.ukrposhta.com/www/upost_en.nsf. Phones For calls in Kyiv, public telephones located all over the city require phone cards, which you can buy at every post office. The rates for phone calls to Europe are about $0.60 - $ 1.50 per minute. Calls to the United States are about $2.50 per minute. Almost all AIESECers use operator LIFE http://www.life.com.ua/ It offers the cheapest prices and you will be able to call abroad for low rates. AIESEC in Kyiv, Ukraine | office.kyiv@aiesec.net | Pr. Peremohy 54/1, of 515
Ukrainian numbers start from +38 (city or operator code) for Kyiv (XXX-XX-XX), for example +380446718133 is a land phone in Kyiv. Major mobile operators are Kyivstar (067, 096, 097, 098), MTS (050, 095, 066, 099), LIFE (063, 093), Beeline (068). Since the competition most of the operators offer free connection inside of network under some conditions. Usual expenses per month do not exceed $ 7.00 Medical Facilities Medical care in Ukraine is limited. The availability of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anaesthetics, and antibiotics has improved. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Foreign medical insurance is not always valid for Ukraine. Travellers have 5 found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including air evacuation coverage has...
