Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Apart from a few well-trodden international train routes (eg Przemysl, Poland to Lviv),
these are the only places you can really bank on meeting other travellers.
However, if you're moving around, rather than staying in one city, you'll never feel alone
in Ukraine. Whether pressed against local people on a crowded, long-distance bus seat or
sharing a train compartment with them, they will often want to chat - regardless of your
respective language skills. It's a good incentive to learn at least a little Ukrainian or Russi-
an.
Similarly, you won't feel particularly alone in restaurants. With eating out considered
such a treat here, almost no locals would do so alone; everyone will immediately realise
you're foreign and chalk your solitude up to that.
Telephone
Ukraine simplified the way numbers are dialled a few years ago, banishing the confusing
system of Soviet-era prefixes and dialling tones. All numbers now start with
0. If you
see a number starting with
8, this is the old intercity and mobile prefix and should be
left off.
Phone Codes
»
Ukraine's country code is
+38. To call Kyiv from London, dial
00 38 044 and the
subscriber number.
»
There's no need to dial the city code if dialling within that city, unless you're calling from
a mobile.
»
To call internationally, dial
0, wait for a second tone, then dial
0 again, followed by
the country code, city code and number.
Telephone Offices
Almost every large town and city has a Ukrtelekom telephone office (many open 24
hours), where you can make international
(mizhnarodny),
intercity
(mizhhorodny, mizh-
misky)
or local calls.
Mobile Phones
European GSM phones usually work in Ukraine; double-check with your provider before
leaving. However, if you're going to be making a few calls, it's more economical to get a
prepaid SIM card costing as little as 10uah. Top up credit using vouchers available from
mobile-phone shops and news kiosks, or use the special touch-screen terminals found in
busy places such as bus stations , markets and shopping centres.
Mobile numbers start with 050, 067, 066 or similar three-digit prefixes.
