The exclusion zone is an area around a 30 km (~18.5 mi) radius, where you can visit, but are not allowed to live.

The degree of danger is usually exaggerated, and there are just tiny spots of the exclusion zone that are still off-limits.

So, lots of excursions and tours are frequently organized, and this should not cause you any fear and worries.

What I advise, though, is you plan your tour, and travel along with a professional guide. You can check out Your Quick Guide To Visiting Chernobyl for more info about Kiev and the exclusion zone.

Is Kiev safe from the radiation and its effects?

Okay, let’s try to imagine. If Chernobyl exclusion zone, the center of the action is said to be safe, then it’s just logical to assume that Kiev, in afar off distance is, even more, safer from any effects of radiation.

Official reports also stress the fact that Kiev has been entirely free any radiation for decades, and there is no need to stress.

Basically, the environment, food, water, and people of the city of Kiev and its surroundings are free from any adverse effects of radiation.

I encourage you to read Kiev is Safe From Radiation and This is Why, as it offers more insight on the radiation status of the city.

Have more questions about Kiev?

Find your answers here in the FAQs!

And make sure to read more posts about Kiev and Ukraine on my blog here!

For guided tours of the city, Kiev nightlife or adventure tours, feel free to contact me directly and I will be happy to show you around Kiev!

The post Is Kiev In The Exclusion Zone? appeared first on Kiev Tour Guide | Private Tour Guide in Kiev.

If you are those active and energetic types, living in Kiev can be such a breather.

The city is so vibrant, and a lot is going on any given day.

From unlimited adventure, commercial undertakings to personal development, you have the best opportunities to explore and get more out of life.

But let me also quickly advise that because if it’s very nature, it’s not the best destination for an idle retirement.

Here are other reasons why I think this city might just be your best bet.

Lower cost of living

The city remains one of the best because of affordable housing, lower transportation and food costs compared to its counterpart cities in Europe.

A safe and secure city

Just like anywhere on the globe, you can’t miss an occasional security scare, but overall, crime is relatively within the medium range in Kiev, a typical score for one of the 10 most populous cities in Europe.

You can do your thing in this 24-hour economy without having to worry about security lapses, as long as you lead with commonsense!

However, I need to hastily add that taking care of your own personal security should always be at the forefront of any of your operations.

Well-developed infrastructure

We are talking about such indispensable setups as the roads and communications network, which make life easier.

The well-developed transport system allows you to move from one point of the city to another, including the countryside.

Secure communication networks are in place. These allow you to keep in touch with your business partners, family, and friends from all over the globe.

Other than that, amenities such as schools, recreation, and modern medical facilities are plenty.

High-quality restaurants, and shopping malls

If you love shopping and eating out, then Kiev is the right hanging spot for you.

The city is splattered with high-class shopping malls, and you can access everything you need.

The restaurants are also known to serve world-class menus.

Have more questions about Kiev?

Find your answers here in the FAQs!

And make sure to read more posts about Kiev and Ukraine on my blog here!

For guided tours of the city, Kiev nightlife or adventure tours, feel free to contact me directly and I will be happy to show you around Kiev!

The post Is Kiev A Good Place To Live? appeared first on Kiev Tour Guide | Private Tour Guide in Kiev.

The city is located along the Dnieper River in the north-central part of Ukraine.

Kiev is considered to be the 6th most populous in Europe and it also leads in terms of culture, education, commerce, and tourism in this part of eastern Europe.

What are the reasons for the misconceptions?

Let me try to explain. Before its independence in 1991, Ukraine was part of the larger Soviet Union, as was Russia, and many other Eastern European states.

The mix-up can be traced back to a similar system of government used by each of these countries.

Another factor could be that a section of Ukraine actually borders Russia and vast number of Ukrainians speaking Russian language.

A distinct language and culture

Although Russian is widely spoken all around Ukraine, Ukrainian is still the country’s only official language.

I would like to add that the country boasts of a unique and independent culture and traditions that are both similar and quite distinct from anything Russian.

The alphabet, grammar, phonetics, and word pronunciation of Russian and Ukrainian languages are very similar, but they are still two separate languages that share similar origin.

You can find more about the difference between Russian and Ukrainian languages when reading:

What does the ancient history of Kiev say?

According to ancient history, Kiev has been existence since 482AD.

Folklore has it that the city began as a settlement created by three Slavic brothers known as Kyi (whose name the city is derived), Schek, and Khoryv.

The beautiful hilly shores are what drew these settlers and later many others. It then became the center of great Slavic civilization and great commerce.

Kiev as a popular travel destination

The city stands on one of the historical and ancient architectural landmarks that have withstood time. But it’s also a modern city with a vibrant economy.

We cannot limit it to just any single aspect. So, modern infrastructure, buildings, shopping malls, beautiful greenery and gardens of the city, and accessible transportation is what makes Kiev a popular destination.

Have more questions about Kiev?

Find your answers here in the FAQs!

And make sure to read more posts about Kiev and Ukraine on my blog here!

For guided tours of the city, Kiev nightlife or adventure tours, feel free to contact me directly and I will be happy to show you around Kiev!

The post Is Kiev In Russia? appeared first on Kiev Tour Guide | Private Tour Guide in Kiev.

The southern stations is basically the name of the second entrance of the station. This will be the modern looking one, right opposite KFC and next to ibis hotel.

The distance between these two locations is a mere 8 kilometers, and here are more details on your options to get to airport:

Ride by shuttle

This mode of transport is both swift and affordable, allowing you to be at the airport within a quick 15-30 minutes. You can purchase your tickets at a paltry $0.10 (10 cents).

Use Uber

You can catch an Uber for a comfortable and quick ride to the airport. The best thing is that you can use their app to order quickly.

I have seen that it arrives within the first 5 minutes of an order. Then, the trip takes about  10-20 minutes. The cost for this ride ranges between $4-$6.

Use public transport

If you do not mind public means, then Kiev public transport is another good option.

Buses zoom in a schedule of 15-18  minutes, so you don’t have to wait for long to get onto one. Of course, there are many stops, but it still remains a cheaper and convenient option.

You can expect to arrive at the airport in about 25-30 minutes (maybe more in bad traffic) and you will need to fork out a measly $0.06 (6 cents) for the ride.

You can go by taxi

I can also recommend the taxi, which obviously provides an extra layer of comfort. You need to install an app such as Uklon to order your cab quickly.

This ride takes about 10- 20 minutes.

There are plenty of drivers, and so this gives you an edge to negotiate the best price.

The average price is between $4.50-$10, and should not go beyond that. But if hassling is not your game, then just go for the metered taxis.

Have more questions about Kiev?

Find your answers here in the FAQs!

And make sure to read more posts about Kiev and Ukraine on my blog here!

For guided tours of the city, Kiev nightlife or adventure tours, feel free to contact me directly and I will be happy to show you around Kiev!

The post How To Get To Airport Zhuliany From The Railway Station? appeared first on Kiev Tour Guide | Private Tour Guide in Kiev.

Even though it hasn’t been all smooth-sailing in its development and growth, today, the city scores quite high in all the key parameters that enable its residents to live comfortably and create wealth.

There is a rise of the middle class

Most of us are witness to economic doldrums Kiev has endured in the past years.

This obviously impacted negatively on the city, which also led to a declining number of its middle class. But recent times have seen a steady rise, especially among the younger generation.

One of the reasons is that there are abundant opportunities for growth, especially in terms of startups.

The levels of taxation are also quite attractive. If you combine this with lots of young talent, the rise is simply unstoppable.

A large presence of a wealthy class

My first-time tourists are highly stunned once they set foot in the city.

This is because unlike what they have seen in the movies, and what Hollywood portrays, things are significantly different on the ground.

The truth is that, more often than not, there is a full lineup of luxury cars zooming across the city.

We can also talk about the presence of high brands and upscale locations in Kiev, which is a sign of money and splendor.

Yes, that’s Kiev for you, and I would say in many aspects, it matches the high standards of any other European city.

Decent life quality score

The city of Kiev scores high in terms of affordable housing, and the general cost of living. Safety, access to medical care, and travel connectivity also within the normal ranges.

Likewise, official statistics place crime much lower compare to other cities in Europe, and the US.

This is a positive outlook that can only be pinned to a city that is both healthy and wealthy.

Restoration through facelift

First impressions matter. And so the appearance of old unmaintained buildings in the past often gave a bad vibe to first-time visitors. But this is now history.

Why would I say so? Because with the advent of the Euro 2012 championship, the city acquired a brand new facelift.

It primarily benefited from repairs and other necessary makeovers, allowing it to look both modern and beautiful.

Have more questions about Kiev?

Find your answers here in the FAQs!

And make sure to read more posts about Kiev and Ukraine on my blog here!

For guided tours of the city, Kiev nightlife or adventure tours, feel free to contact me directly and I will be happy to show you around Kiev!

The post Is Kiev A Poor City? appeared first on Kiev Tour Guide | Private Tour Guide in Kiev.

Of course, it can be confusing, given that Ukraine is the second biggest among the European countries on the continent.

Yet the truth is that as of now, it remains out of the EU.

Besides that, and for as long as I can remember, one of the top-most agendas of Ukraine is to join the EU.

The matter has been accelerated with the adaptation of this plan by the constitutional amendment.

Again, the country has already appended its signature on the Association Agreement with the EU, ensuring that there is no turning back.

Here are some of the steps towards joining the EU:

1. Ukraine –EU agreement

One of the most decisive and sure steps that Ukraine is headed towards the EU is the signing of the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement in 2014.

Then in 2016, the country became part of Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTA), which is a section of the Ukraine-EU association agreement.

It’s meant to strengthen economic ties between Ukraine and other EU member countries.

2. Plans to establish a visa-free regime

This will allow visa-free movement across member countries.

We already know that Ukrainians now have visa-free travel to the Schengen area for up to 90 days.

3. EU-Ukraine summits

Over 20 summits between Ukraine and the EU have been held since 1997.

The primary goal of these summits is the inclusion of Ukraine into the European Union.

4. Ukraine representative to EU

Ukraine attained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. And ever since, there has been a Ukraine representative from the country to the Europeans union.

This is a sure sign that the intentions of both Ukraine and the EU of its impending membership.

5. What challenges

The truth is that matters of such a magnitude cannot go without challenges, and so along the way, the process has had its rollercoaster moments.

This includes regime changes where every leader has their own opinions and sometimes-different positions, which slows down the process.

I should add that the adaption of specific internal reforms, such as adherence to principles of democracy, and eradication of corruption has been slow

Have more questions about Kiev?

Find your answers here in the FAQs!

And make sure to read more posts about Kiev and Ukraine on my blog here!

For guided tours of the city, Kiev nightlife or adventure tours, feel free to contact me directly and I will be happy to show you around Kiev!

The post Is Kiev In The EU? appeared first on Kiev Tour Guide | Private Tour Guide in Kiev.

There are lots of nightclubs and restaurants where you can relax and have fantastic experiences. There is always plenty of popular music with a mix of great DJs.

Nightlife prices are very affordable

The prices are quite reasonable from a tourist’s point of view. For instance, you can reserve a seat at a table for just $ 10 at some of Kiev nightclubs.

The nightlife never stops, irrespective of what time of the year it is. Even during the cold winters, you will find that those lively events are always on the lineup.

There is pre, and after-party clubs you can attend, it all depends on your taste.

I would recommend the following fun and exciting venues:

D.Fleur club

I like this place because of its fantastic interior decor. But there is also a comfortable ambiance where you can hold themed parties and dance the night away.

The venue has excellent and popular music going. Usually, the cost of a table and drinks are quite reasonable.

Caribbean club

Caribbean nightclub is a popular nightspot in Kiev, mostly because it’s open throughout the week.

The club is known to host events and parties all through the seasons.

Then it also features an amazingly spacious dance floor that can comfortably accommodate many revelers, including singers and DJs.

As for the prices, they are very moderate, and I believe you they are affordable to any traveler wanting to explore Kiev nightlife.

You will get much more information about Kiev nightlife prices here:

And then a few nightlife tips

• My advice is that never bring too much cash at any of these clubs. Only have what’s reasonable and a card just in case you unintentionally overspend.
• Also, install a taxi app such as Uklon, or use Uber to avoid local unlicensed taxi services, parked outside nightclubs, so you won’t get ripped off!
• Personal security remains with you, so take care of your personal effects and documents, including your ID.

Have more questions about Kiev?

Find your answers here in the FAQs!

And make sure to read more posts about Kiev and Ukraine on my blog here!

For guided tours of the city, Kiev nightlife or adventure tours, feel free to contact me directly and I will be happy to show you around Kiev!

The post Is Kiev Nightlife Good? appeared first on Kiev Tour Guide | Private Tour Guide in Kiev.

Having said that, the official driving age in Ukraine is 18. So, it’s not possible to get behind the wheel until you are within this age range, and above.

But apart from the official age,l must also stress the fact that Renting a car in Ukraine largely depends on each car company’s eligibility rules.

There are numerous car rental services in the country, some of them local, while others are international. What I can tell you, though, is that each of them has their age criteria.

Two of the best car rental services in Ukraine, are Hertz and SIXT. And here are some info about what it will take to rent a car from them:

Hertz Car Rental Services

This is an international rental car service with strict age requirements.

For example, you must be 21 years and over to be eligible for rental groups AB, C, and H. But that is not enough, you must also be a credit cardholder.

According to my knowledge, other groups of rental cars from this service require you to be over 25 years.

We must not also forget that you need to hold a valid driver’s license that has been in operation for at least 3 years. This rule applies to all car groups.

Then, if you are less than 25 years, you need to fork out between $25-30 each day you are driving any of the cars.

Renting from SIXT?

Well, the age eligibility to rent this company’s car stands at 21, and the customers need to own a valid driver’s license.

However, if you are in the 21-24 age range, you are assigned only a specific type of car.

These include economy, compact and intermediate. I reckon that you can also rent a compact SUV, full-size car, and a minivan if you are in this age category.

Premium cars are driven by customers of 30 years and above, and obviously holding a valid driver’s license.

Besides, rental cars at this service feature an underage surcharge. What does that mean, you may ask.

It’s basically a deposit fee that applies to drivers who are below the age of 25.

This deposit is calculated based on the type of car you are renting, mileage among other factors.

Is it worth it to rent a car in Ukraine?

Yes, if you want more freedom or privacy cruising around Kiev, or any other city in Ukraine.

Luckily, I have a full article just about that and about all what you need to know about renting a car in Kiev (or any other city in Ukraine). Just skip to: Renting a Car in Kiev.

Have more questions about Kiev?

Find your answers here in the FAQs!

And make sure to read more posts about Kiev and Ukraine on my blog here!

For guided tours of the city, Kiev nightlife or adventure tours, feel free to contact me directly and I will be happy to show you around Kiev!

The post How Old Do I Have to Be to Rent A Car in Ukraine? appeared first on Kiev Tour Guide | Private Tour Guide in Kiev.

What’s the history of Kiev?

According to legendary accounts, the origin of the city can be traced back to a founding family of three Slavic brothers and a sister.

These comprised of Kyi, who was the eldest, and therefore the de facto leader of the group. Others were Shchek and Khoryv, and their sister Lybid.

We are told, they were instrumental in building the  Slavic settlements, known as Kiev on hilltops in that vicinity.

As you can also see, the settlements took after the name of the older brother, Kyi.

Of course, the city grew in its populations and also vibrant architecture, politics, and commerce, up until the second world war when it was devastatingly destroyed.

The good news is that within a decade, Kiev had been restored back to its previous glory. Then, of course, the disaster at Chernobyl almost shook it to its core, because of its proximity.

But in spite of these challenges, the city has made an even stronger comeback in the recent times.

Let’s talk about modern Kiev 

The present-day Kiev is quite impressive. Why? As the capital city of Ukraine, Kiev is a huge mix of what was, and what’s new.

I would say that this great and unique combination is what draws most of the visitors from all corners of the globe.

Let’s take, for instance; more than 70% of the architecture that was in place in the early 20 century is still in place and well-preserved.

The city has dramatically evolved such that its economic stature is not just one of the largest, but it’s also the most talked about in this part of Europe.

With the fall of the soviet union and declaration of independence of Ukraine, the resurrection has clearly happened.

How? It’s quite obvious that Kiev has become a vibrant center of active political, social, and economic activities.

Let me also be quick to add that it’s not just the commerce that is thriving, but also general infrastructure.

A close look at the city’s communication and roads network shows that it’s doing exceptionally well.

Have more questions about Kiev?

Find your answers here in the FAQs!

And make sure to read more posts about Kiev and Ukraine on my blog here!

For guided tours of the city, Kiev nightlife or adventure tours, feel free to contact me directly and I will be happy to show you around Kiev!

The post How Old is Kiev? appeared first on Kiev Tour Guide | Private Tour Guide in Kiev.

Can we measure Kiev’s population growth?

Yes, of course. But I would also like to warn you that it has been a roller coaster ride when you carefully evaluate Kiev population’s growth over the years.

The city had about half a million people at the turn of the 20th century, and by 1914, there were more than 600,000, but for some reason, this number was followed by a steady decline.

By the late 50s to the early 60s, though, the city had over 1 million residents.

Only God knows, but I suspect the baby boom generation in most of Europe, also contributed to Kiev population growth, which doubled in the 80s.

Anyway, they say good things do not last, and so we as ushered in the new millennium, there was no evidence of accelerated growth in the city’s population.

But recent times have seen a change in fortunes, and the numbers, though not as high, are up again.

The best thing is that Kiev remains as attractive as ever. Talk of the historical landmarks, the rich culture, and the bustling economy.

With such a concoction, it’s expected that the population will continue to rise.

So, what’s the exact size of the city of Kiev?

I suggest that we do not dive into the deeper end of mathematics when looking at the city’s size. So simply put, the size is roughly 839 square kilometers.

If you divide this with the number of residents, it translates into about 3,300 people residing over each square kilometer.

I always convince people not to gawk and freeze at all the statistical information. Kiev is still big enough to accommodate you and I.

Let’s keep going. The most significant percentage of the area residents are local Ukrainians. The rest comprises of Russians, Jewish, Poles, Belarusians, and other nationalities.

Another significant thing is language, and it’s clear that most people living in the city speak Ukrainian, which is the main official language. But we also have a considerable percentage speaking Russian.

Have more questions about Kiev?

Find your answers here in the FAQs!

And make sure to read more posts about Kiev and Ukraine on my blog here!

For guided tours of the city, Kiev nightlife or adventure tours, feel free to contact me directly and I will be happy to show you around Kiev!

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