Eastern Ukraine - Ukraine - page 499

Cash
Exchanging currency is still very much a part of everyday life for many locals. Hoarding
hard currency is common.
» US dollars, euros and Russian roubles are the easiest currencies to exchange.
» The British pound is harder to exchange, except in Kyiv.
» In western Ukraine, Polish złoty and Hungarian forints are widely accepted.
» Banks and currency-exchange offices will not accept old, tatty notes with rips or tears.
» US dollar bills issued before 1990 cannot be exchanged.
Credit Cards & International Transfers
Ukraine remains primarily a cash economy. Credit cards are increasingly accepted by up-
market hotels, restaurants and shops inside and outside Kyiv. But be alert to possible
credit-card fraud.
With so many ATMs, asking a bank for an advance is unnecessary unless you've for-
gotten your PIN. The process can be long and rather bureaucratic.
Western Union will receive money wired from anywhere in the world.
Moneychangers
Some hotels have an exchange office and there are numerous exchange kiosks scattered
along main streets and dotting markets (though not as many as there once were). Some
upmarket shops have their own exchange offices, as do department stores and train sta-
tions. Rates are usually exactly the same in every one and none charge commission.
Tipping
Tipping is not common in Ukraine.
Travellers Cheques
» Travellers cheques should be avoided or brought only as a backup.
» It's relatively hard to find banks that will accept travellers cheques and the process is
lengthy, involving lots of paperwork.
» If you must use them, take Thomas Cook, American Express or Visa cheques in US dol-
lars.
» Cheque-friendly establishments include branches of the nationwide chains Raiffeisen
Bank Aval or UKRExim Bank.
» Expect to pay a commission of 1% to 4%.