I love to travel. Learning about new cultures is one way to experience the world, but immersing yourself in the day to day life is even better.

One of the biggest questions I have when visiting a new place, is what their service policies are, especially regarding tipping.

A question frequently asked of me is:

Do people tip in Ukraine?

The answer is yes, for some things they do tip in Ukraine! And this is how it is handled.

Tipping is appreciated in Ukraine

Service-based jobs are everywhere. From taxi drivers to restaurants and bars, there is generally someone working to make sure that your needs are being met.

In some places, it is not expected or customary to tip, as wages pay workers fairly, without an expectation of additional income.

In Ukraine, we pay workers fair wages, but tips are appreciated for exemplary service.

In my travels, I have found a number of different customs, with tipping expectations that can vary wildly.

In some places tipping is not expected at all, while in other it is a must like some sort of unspoken tax!

In Ukraine, things are handled a bit differently, which I’ll share with you.

Where should you tip in Ukraine and how much?

Restaurants

Customary tipping in restaurants is in the 5-15% range.

Some form of tip is expected when you have received good service, and I recommend this as a courtesy wherever you eat.

Bars

There is less of an expectation to tip in bars, however following restaurant guidelines are always a good rule of thumb, and generally appreciated.

Some prefer to tip by drink, while others go with a percentage on the overall tab.

Whatever you are comfortable with is fine, but tipping 10% is a nice gesture when you’ve had a good drink, especially one that was recommended.

Coffee shops

If a tip jar is available, extra change or some spare hryvnia are always welcome.

Tipping at these kinds of establishments is generally not expected, though appreciated.

Coat check

Coat check isn’t as common a practice in Ukraine, however higher end restaurants might have the service available.

It’s okay to offer some small bills, should you take advantage; generally enough for a cup of coffee or tea is fine.

Taxis

Tipping in taxis throughout Kiev is generally not expected, though rounding up your fare is always a nice gesture.

Tips are typically only given for exemplary service, advice, or when the driver goes above and beyond to make your ride as best as possible.

One reason to tip a driver would be if they have helped with heavy luggage.

Hotels

Tipping in hotels is not expected.

If you have had a good stay, many establishments appreciate positive reviews on Trip Advisor, or similar sites which will encourage others to book there in the future.

Spas or Salons

These services are incredibly popular in Ukraine, from mineral springs to deeply cleansing mud treatments and the like.

Tipping for these services is standard, around 10% of your total cost. This amount can be given to the therapist or specialist directly, or added to your total bill at reception.

Tour Guides

Tour guides are dedicated and passionate about what they do, and sharing the best of their city with visitors.

For their time and dedication, 300-400 hryvnia is a nice tip, equalling $15-20 USD, especially if the tour has been extensive and lasted throughout the day.

Tips for tipping!

Small bills are best for tips, as you can easily share the specified amount without needing change.

It is wise to keep these on you, and try to utilize a card for other, larger purchases.

It is rare for establishments in Ukraine to have a place for you to fill out a tipping amount.

Booking a tour company is a great way to the city, and explore new places with well trained eyes.

I love to share our favorite parts of the city with those eager to hear of our history and what makes us shine as a city.

For my tourists, I have excellent recommendations for good places to eat, where to shop, and other important sights to see.

I am always happy to help you navigate local scene of Kiev, and offer other advice like where pharmacies or even seamstresses might be located!

My advice

When in doubt, ask!

If you have received excellent service and wish to thank the person who helped you, it is okay to offer a tip in gratitude, even if it is not customary.

If the recipient is uncomfortable receiving this form of thanks, know that your intent was received well.

Kindness should be your ultimate focus and guiding line when traveling.

Your experience in a new place can be positive when you are determined to appreciate the best of what that country has to offer.

From a smile to a “spasybi” (thank you!) polite interactions reflect well on you and your home, though saying thank you with cash won’t typically do you wrong.

I am passionate about helping you have a wonderful time while visiting Kiev, and would be happy to help you navigate the city while learning some of the ways we live and celebrate life!

Certified tour guides know history, culture, and customs regarding how things work, and where you should go to experience the best we have to offer.

Private tours can be a delightfully fun and engaging way to see the world, and I would love to have you join me for your next visit to Kiev.

So just, get in touch with the best personal tour guide in Kiev, for an amazing adventure!

See you in Kiev

The post Quick Ukraine Tipping Guide: What is a Good Tip in Ukraine? appeared first on Kiev Tour Guide | Private Tour Guide in Kiev.

On average Ukraine ATM Withdrawal Limits generally varies from Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) 3,000 to 3,500 per withdraw.

Getting the exact amount of the ATM withdrawal limit is always tricky because your bank also has its own withdrawal, yet the Ukraine ATM withdrawal limits may take precedence over your own bank’s limits so it is important to plan ahead and have sufficient funds ahead of time.

If you find yourself withdrawing over the ATM withdrawal limits you can always try to transact in smaller amounts instead of withdrawing in one transaction.

How to locate ATMs in Kiev

Navigating a foreign city for the first time can be a challenge, even to the most seasoned of travelers and looking for a small ATM in a foreign city is even more challenging especially if you are trying to look for a safe and convenient place to withdraw cash. I always advice to withdraw cash from ATMs in Kiev downtown area, you can easily find them using these ATM locators:

• Visa ATM locator
• Mastercard ATM locator

Useful tip: To avoid paying extra charges, use only ATMs that match the same network of your card.

Other things to avoid when using ATMs in Ukraine or anywhere for that matter are scams!

These are couple of them:

Common ATM and credit card scams in Ukraine

ATM scams are common around the globe, especially in areas that are a hotspots for tourists.

These scams can be as simple as a card skimming or as sophisticated as a completely fake ATM machine that can trick even the most careful of travelers. And yes, the last one really did happen before!

These are couple of frauds and ATM scams to keep an eye for when traveling to Ukraine (or anywhere!):

ATM Skimming

Probably the most common ATM scam in the world and anyone can be an unwary victim!

The scammers use a device called “card skimmer” and illegally install it on a legitimate ATM machine. The device then collects and records data from users cards. More complicated skimmers include an additional video recording device also secretly installed near the keypad to record the pin. Tourists often fall prey to this scam because they are unfamiliar with what a local ATM in Ukraine should look like, and might miss to notice that something is wrong.

Good Samaritan ATM Scam

So your busy figuring out how to use the ATM that probably looks unfamiliar to you and holding back a line of other people waiting to use the machine. You fidget and panic and then someone from the crowd approaches you and pretends to help you with the ATM and unsuspectingly skims your card and observes your pin number or if he doesn’t have a skimming device most likely the criminal will ask for a small amount as a reward for helping you out with the ATM if you refuse, he might go all the way to distract you and swipe your wallet altogether.

Broken ATM Scam

This Scam will really get you off-guard, it is designed to send you in a panic. Ot works by putting glue in the card slot or money dispenser.

The concepts is as follows; after you enter your pin and withdraw the funds the ATM will fail to dispense because the card is stuck in the card slot and when you’re panicking on why the card won’t come out, someone will approach you and pretend to help, by telling you to ask for help (going to a nearby bank or something) meanwhile, the scammer will reassure you that he will stay infront of the ATM to look after your card (which is stuck inside). Once you are off for help, he simply just tug the card out and the money will dispense and when you come back, the scammer will be long gone together with your money and your card.

The Fake ATM Scam

The ultimate mother of all ATM scams in Ukraine and probably the whole world is the fake ATM scam!

If you’re not familiar with what a local ATM is supposed to look then chances are, you’ll never know that you’re transacting with a fake ATM. These Fake ATMs often pop-up in places that are frequently visited by tourists. The ATM looks so real that it might even fool some locals.

The good news is this scam has been defeated, and prevented from re-occurring with serious security majors once it was discovered and reported. So, one less scam to lookout for!

How to avoid ATM and credit cards scams when visiting Ukraine

You have to accept that no matter how safe or welcoming a city is there will always be criminals trying their best to swindle you from your hard-earned money. And scammers will never stop coming up with complex scams that at some point you willingly give your money away!

So, beside vigilant, here are couple of things to do to avoid ATM and credit card scams in Ukraine:

Make sure to plan ahead

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail, or in this case plan to be scammed!

Always map out your itinerary and route ahead and determine which place is safe to withdraw funds. Using the official atm locators from the official websites of local banks will help you avoid using the dreaded fake ATMs.

Always, always inspect the ATM machine before using!

Lightly tug on the card slot to see if it is securely in place and not just taped over and also physically inspect the cash dispenser. Always inspect the ATM machine before using. Look for hastily added cameras especially on top of the keypad. Most ATM’s are constructed cleanly and neatly and do not have exposed wires or modules outside its metal shell. As an added precaution always cover the keypad with your hands when you are entering your pin.

Always be mindful of your surroundings

If someone is approaching you or is just casually loitering near the ATM. Walk away and find another ATM that is more prominent.

Use ATMs in Banks as much as possible

The best way to avoid ATM scams is to use the ATMs that are in the banks themselves. Most shopping malls have banks inside to looking for it won’t be a problem if you are in a shopping wall. If you are away from the city, always use the ATM in a Bank Branch.

I think you agree that traveling abroad with too much cash on hand is not the best of ideas!

And since ATMs are practically everywhere nowadays, and are always easy and convenient to use allowing you to quickly and safely withdraw your funds from anywhere in the world, it would be better to keep your trip budget on your credit/debit card, while keeping decent cash reserve on hand.

I recommend you click here for my complete Kiev Budget Guide, it help you plan your financial expenses when visiting Kiev, and adjust your travel budget.

Feel free to reach out and contact me for a consultation or booking a private guided tour of Kiev!

See you in Kiev

The post Ukraine ATM Withdrawal Limits and How to Avoid ATM Scams appeared first on Kiev Tour Guide | Private Tour Guide in Kiev.

You do not need to break the bank to enjoy your time in Kiev. There is a party for every taste and budget, so if you decided to explore the nightlife scene in Kiev but do not know how much it might cost you, this article is the answer:

How much will a Kiev nightlife experience cost you?

You can enjoy your evening at a nightclub in Kiev for as little as $25, or go out for a lavish night and spend up to $500.

On average, my tourists spend $100-$150 on their Kiev nightlife experience. That includes food and drinks at a pre-party spot or bar, nightclub entrance fee with drinks, light snack or a full meal, as well as transport costs via Uber or city cap.

Including an after party may vary of course as some people will want to party further, while others find a place to relax and eat after a long night of partying in Kiev.

As for a glamourous lavish nightlife experience, you can go to high-end clubs and bars with costs between $450-$600/night on average. But, if you will be accompanied by 2-4 friends, the cost of a fancy night will drop to something like $150 -$250 per person, which is an excellent value for your money that you are less likely to get anywhere else in the world especially when you take into consideration that these will be high-end establishments, like CHI nightclub for example.

Even if you are on an extremely tight budget, you can still enjoy a full Kiev nightlife experience starting from as little as $25-$30/night budget. Although I will advise you to increase it to $50, this will cover everything including your transport from and to hotel, nightclub entrance fee, a couple of drinks at the nightclub’s bar and a small snack.

With this tight budget, your choice of places that are fun, safe, and tourist friendly are limited. I recommend you try Forsage nightclub, although not the fanciest, it is a great party choice in this budget category.

Average tourist budget for nightlife experience in Kiev

• Suggested budget: $105-$140/night

A good nightlife experience in Kiev usually starts with a pre-party, then partying all night at a trendy Kiev nightclub before concluding the night with an after-party. You can do all that without overspending, and here is how:

Pre-party prices

• Suggested budget: $25-$30

Touch Café

So how would you start your nightlife journey?

Usually it starts with a pre-party spot in downtown Kiev, maybe a bar like Touch Café.

A table reservation is free, and the music is decent, with occasional live DJ performances when they organize their own events. Understandably, partying will include some drinking or a lot of drinking for some!

You can start with a meal, and maybe have some drinks as well. A decent meal will cost you around $12, most alcoholic beverages on the menu cost between $3 and $14. That will round your pre-party experience to $15-$30. I attached a screenshot of part of their menu here:

The Bar

If you do not want to eat or have any snacks, then The Bar would be a great pre-party spot for you. It is located right inside Arena City complex, the heart of Kiev nightlife.

Do not expect to have any food or snacks there as they only serve alcoholic beverages with which they are very creative. The Bars’ atmosphere will give you a good place to enjoy a good drink and put you in a good mood before you proceed with your Kiev nightlife experience.

Guest DJs perform there on weekends. Drinks are great and prices are moderate. Their craft cocktails goes for around $7. Here is a snap of their menu:

Nightclub prices

• Suggested budget: $60-$65

The suggested budget assumes that you are not planning to feast in the nightclub, but order some drinks and maybe snacks throughout the night instead. Partying in a nightclub during your Kiev nightlife experience will cost you on average something between $50 and $80 in trendy clubs like Caribbean, Indigo, or Shooters.

The most popular of them among tourists is Caribbean, and I will use it as an example here.

Caribbean

Uber will take you there for about $5 depending on where you are staying. The entrance fee may vary depending on the night. Sometimes it is free, and sometimes you will need to pay between $9 and $15 at the entrance.

On special events, entrance cost can reach up to $22. Of course, you can spend the night between the bar and dance floor at no additional cost beside what you pay for your orders. However, you are going to spend more than $10 dollars there anyway, so why not reserve a place at a small table for two for $11 deposit, and later use it to cover some of your orders.

Larger tables that accommodate 4 to 10 guests can be reserved for $148 to $296 deposit which seems like a decent budget for many orders.

Click here for their menu

The average club goer who orders around 4 drinks and maybe a snack may end up paying $35-$40 for orders, add this to the average weekend entrance fee of $15, and you will end up with a $50-$55 potential club bill in total.

Ordering an Uber at the end on the night, in early morning hours can be more expensive due to higher demands. So expect your ride to downtown Kiev to cost up to $6. This brings the total cost of your nightclub experience from hotel to hotel to $60-$65.

After party prices

• Suggested budget: $20-$45

While most people call it a night after they leave the nightclub, some want the party to go on. If you are an after party person yourself, you will not be disappointed as the party never stops in Kiev.

There are couple of options that I recommend to my tourists depending on what after-party environment they prefer after they leave nightclubs, the first among them is:

Arena City

Arena City is a great after-party spot as the entertainment complex has many establishments that work until early morning, and some never close their doors.

Many partygoers would crave a meal, maybe with a drink and some music in the background. For them, Casual Food and The Burger are two great options; the food is great and prices are very moderate, you can enjoy your meal and the music while chatting with friends.

I stop by these two cafes myself from time to time during the day and early evening when I find myself near Arena City. I usually pay $15 for a three-course meal with a glass of juice. You can expect to pay about the same amount.

Heaven Club

If you are hardcore partygoer, you can go to Heaven Club for a wild after party. They have a great lounge bar on the first floor, where the music is not loud, while the basement level is a nightclub with large but intimate dancefloor.

Although there is a chance you will find an empty table on the lounge floor, it is a slight one. So, consider reserving one in advance.

Same club rules apply: entrance fee, deposit for table reservations, and so on. The average deposit for a good table is around $40. This will be more than enough for many orders. Then, take a $5 Uber ride whenever you decide to go back to your hotel.

How to party on a very small budget

Let us assume that you would like to party in Kiev, put have no plans to spend anything near a $100 for the night, would this be possible and how it will playout?

Actually yes, it is possible to have a good time on a tight budget in Kiev nightlife. There are several nightclubs and bars where you can enjoy a decent nightlife experience within the $50 mark.

Nevertheless, you must agree that when costs go down, often so does quality. So, fair warning!

Forsage Club

• Suggested budget: $50

If you happen to be on an extremely tight budget, you should consider going to Forsage. It is a popular nightclub among youth, has three floors with four separate dance halls, each with its own music and theme.

The club itself is located near Shuliavska Metro Station. Yes, you can ride the metro then walk for 25 minutes to the club, but doing this at night would not be wise. It would be better for you to order an Uber to take you there. Assuming your hotel is in downtown Kiev, an Uber ride to Forsage will cost something around $5.

Expect to pay around $2 as entrance fee, as for table reservation in Forsage nightclub, it is free but you will need to make a deposit for orders (drinks and food) in advance. The deposit amount (per table) depends on its location, size, and how many people can be seated (4-8 guests). The cheapest will go for $30 and all the way to $93 (per table, not guest), or you can hang around the bar and the dancing floor for free.

Buying a beer will cost something between $1 and $3.50. A cocktail is around $4-$7, and the price goes up for darker liquor.

In case you get hungry, you can order a small snack or a full meal for around $5-$10 from the nightclub’s restaurant.

Ordering some fruits and deserts (good idea if you have guests around the table!) can cost you around $11-$20 for a portion enough for 2-4 people. Another $5-$6 will be enough to take you back to downtown Kiev.

Well, that concludes this sneak peek into the financial aspect and prices of Kiev nightlife from a budget prospective. If you would like to experience the best of Kiev nightlife, let me guide you in a nightlife tour of the city. Contact me now if you ready to explore Kiev and join the party!

The post Kiev Nightlife Prices: The Real Costs and What to Expect appeared first on Kiev Tour Guide | Private Tour Guide in Kiev.

Of course, your credit/debit card can have a million on it with no problem. But there are limits to the amount of cash you are allowed to carry in with you when traveling to Ukraine.

According to Ukrainian customs information on Boryspol airport’s official website, you can bring up to 10,000 Euros (or equivalent) in cash into Ukraine.

My advice is to set the same limit for dollars as well and bring no more than 10,000 United States Dollars in cash.

Note that you are required to declare in writing any cash amount the exceeds 1,000 Euros. However, to avoid any inconvenience declare the full amount regardless of whether it is less or more than 1,000 Euros/Dollars.

The declaration form is available at the airport, if you have trouble locating it you can request help from the customs officers and airport staff.

Remember to keep this form with you until you leave Ukraine as customs officers can ask you to show the cash declaration upon your departure if you are leaving with a Euros/Dollars.

The current legislation allows you to take cash with you in an amount that does not exceed what you brought with you into Ukraine. (For example, if you bring in $1,500 in cash, you cannot leave with $1,600 in cash).

Even if you can bring 10,000 Euros/Dollars in cash, it might not be wise to have that much cash while touring, partying, or walking around the streets in Kiev, or anywhere else.

Using your credit card will be better. If you prefer to use cash to credit cards for any reason, just make a money order in advance through Western Union, or any other operational money ordering service in Ukraine, and cash it when you need it after arrival.

One other thing to pay attention to when bringing cash is to make sure that all bank notes are new with no tears or writings on them. Many banks here will not accept them even if they have writing or minimal damage, while others will exchange it, but will charge you an extra 7-20% of its value.

Not a welcomed loss, so keep your bank notes fresh!

Can I use Euros and US Dollars in Ukraine?

Ukraine is not a member of the European Union, or the Euro zone, therefore making a direct purchase of products and services with Euros is not allowed. Officially, only local currency Hryvnia is accepted at selling points, cafés, shops, restaurants, clubs, etc.

So, you will need to change your dollars, Euros, Pounds, and any other currency you brought with you before purchasing anything in Kiev.

Meanwhile, your credit card is accepted regardless of its currency as long as it is eligible for use outside the borders of your country. The amount is converted automatically to its equivalent in Ukrainian Hryvnia when charged.

Having said that, there are some service providers and sellers who are willing to conduct business transactions directly in Euros and Dollars, but it is not common so don’t rely on it

What is the currency in Ukraine?

Ukraine’s currency is the Hryvnia. Officially, it is the only accepted cash currency in Ukraine. Any other currency needs to be exchanged at an official currency exchange office or bank before making any cash purchases.

You can find the official up to date exchange rate in Ukraine here:

Ukraine Hryvnia Exchange Rate

There are nine paper denominations in circulation: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 hryvnia.

Where and how to change money in Kiev?

Money exchange has become a daily practice in Kiev. There are many banks, currency exchange offices and booths around Kiev. So, you are less likely to have trouble with finding a place to change your Dollars/Euros/ etc.

You need to have a form of identification (travel passport) to exchange money at banks, however identification is waived at dedicated currency exchange booths.

The best time to make the change is during the day time as the rates fall miserably after business hours (especially at night). So, make sure to exchange enough cash during daytime if you intend to explore Kiev’s nightlife later.

This is a list of the best exchange spots in Kiev that offer the highest exchange rates in a safe environment:

• 19 Baseina Street
• 5A Baseina Street
• 2 Bessarabsʹka ploshcha
• 27 A Khreshchatyk Street
• 45 Velyka Vasylʹkivsʹka Street

Remember to always exchange in installments as you go, even on daily basis. It is better not to exchange the entire amount you brought with you at once because legislation does not allow nonresidents to buy foreign currency.

Always use an official licensed outlet when exchanging your money. That means the bank and currency exchange offices. Please distance yourself from any offers to change money on the streets by unknown individuals.

It is illegal, and can warrant arrest by the police, administrative fines, and confiscation of all cash present during the transaction.

The difference between the black market and the highest official exchange rates is something between 2-5%. It is a small margin that doesn’t justify the risk!

What is the best currency to take to Ukraine?

The most practical foreign currencies are the best to bring with you in cash to Ukraine.

United States dollars and Euros are the easiest foreign currencies to exchange anywhere in Ukraine. Following them are the Polish Zloty and British Pound.

There are other acceptable currencies for exchange in Kiev, but the rates are not as favorable, and you will probably lose more than if you have just exchanged for some US Dollars or Euros before you come to Kiev.

If you are bringing Swiss Francs, Canadian or Australian dollars, you are more likely to get a better rate for your money exchanged at a bank rather than in a currency exchange office. Nevertheless, there are a number of exchange offices that will buy the currency from you at decent rates.

Below is list of the exchange offices and banks who exchange larger variety of currencies:

• 10 Baseina Street
• 6 Baseina Street
• Privat Bank; 46A Kreshchatik Street
• Credit Agricole; 23 Baseina Street

Can I use my credit card in Kiev?

Yes, and it is easier and more convenient to pay for products and services in Kiev with your credit/debit card.

Most of retailers, shops, restaurants, and service providers accept credit cards in Kiev. Having a shop in the city that does not give this option is rare.

Low budget hotels and some small corner shops might prefer to run a cash only business. The same applies for traditional markets. Also, do not expect to pay for taxi or public transport with your credit card, these are cash only.

Can I withdraw money from ATMs in Kiev?

For most international credit/debit cards issued outside Ukraine, there are no special restrictions on the use of ATMs in Ukraine. It is the same as in any other place in Europe. As long as the card is eligible for use internationally, you are good to go.

You can make withdrawals within the limits set by your bank. However,  a number of my tourists experienced issues with withdrawing money. I inquired with some of the local banks and they gave me long replies!

I can summarize them by saying: some foreign banks have exclusive agreements with their counterparts in Ukraine, limiting their clients ability to use ATMs.

Therefore, it would be a good idea to inquire with your bank to know more about their policy regarding credit/debit card use in Ukraine and withdrawal fees.

I often come across warnings where governments recommend their citizens not to use their credit card when travelling to Ukraine due to high risk of credit card fraud. The reality is that credit card fraud is not an issue for the everyday Ukrainian. Fraudsters seem to concentrate their efforts on the banks.

So, such a radical recommendation is an overreaction in my personal opinion.

Nevertheless, credit card fraud is not to be taken lightly. Common sense and carefulness can keep you away from becoming a victim of credit cards scams, both at home and abroad.

What can you buy with 100 hryvnia?

To better understand the money value of the Ukrainian hryvnia, let’s see what you can do with a 100 hryvnia.

As 2019 is just starting, the current value of 100 hryvnia is $3.60 USD (3 dollars and 60 cents). Today, this will give you a 15-20 minute taxi ride covering 12 km (~7.5 mi). It is also enough to buy you a light dinner in some café, or get you two Big Macs and leave you with some change.

Fun fact; the cheapest Big Mac burger you can buy, would be in Ukraine.

100 hryvnia also can buy you a brand new prepaid SIM-card with unlimited minutes within the network and an 8 GB data plan.

How much money do I need for 5 days in Kiev?

About one out of four of my tourists ask me about how much money they will need to allocate or bring with them when they travel to Ukraine.

Well, that depends on the purpose of your visit and how long you intend to stay. It is also a matter of budget, that is if you are a travelling frugally or if you do not mind to spend extra.

The majority of tourists who come to Kiev spend five days on average during their visits. How much you are going to spend depends on your preferred travel style. On average, you can expect to spend $1,500 to $3,000.

The average budget for a tourist in Kiev that includes accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, entertainment, food and dining according to travel style:

• Budget traveler $250 – $800
• Midrange traveler $1,000 – $1,500
• Luxury traveler $1,500 to $3,000

If you are travelling on a tight budget, you can probably manage to spend around $50 dollars a day on everything, while staying at a decent hostel like Dream House Hostel.

But, if you can allow yourself a budget of $1,500-3,000 for 5 days to one week, you can enjoy your stay at a fancy apartment/holiday rental or a Five Star hotel, eat at the best restaurants, be entertained at the best clubs in the city, and even experience a new adventure in Kiev every day.

How much do Kiev hotels cost?

Finding a hotel in Kiev that fits your budget, taste, and preference will not be an issue as long as you have all the right tools to do so.

Budget hotels

• Average price range from $25 to $50

Finding a hotel that combines cheap price, high quality, and great location is possible only in dreamland! Unfortunately, to get a cheap hotel, one of the other two factors will be affected. So, don’t expect the best of quality in service and level of accommodation or location in city center.

I do not recommend cheap hotels in Kiev because they have a lot more cons than pros.

However, if you want to spend no more than $45 per night on your hotel accommodation while staying at Kiev city center, consider Royal De Paris Hotel. It is on the far side of Arena City complex located directly next to a busy nightclub, which music can be clearly heard in many rooms. However, you can request an upgrade to a quiet room if available.

However, that will put you out of the $45 – $50 range. So, just go for a midrange hotel in the center or settle for a good budget hotel, even if it is outside the center area.

Midrange hotels

• Average price range from $50 to $180

It will be better not to pay much attention to the number of stars when searching for budget hotels in Kiev. Focus on price, location and quality of service. There are many three and four star midrange hotels in Kiev. Hotel Ukraine, Dnipro, and Premier Rus are my personal favorites in this category.

Expect to pay $50 – $180 per night for good hotel in Kiev city center.

Luxury and five stars hotels

• Average price range from $180 and up

For a hotel to be a Five Star hotel in Kiev, it needs to meet outstanding level of quality and comfort as well as provide remarkable stay experience for their guests. The crown jewel among luxury hotels in Kiev is Premier Palace. It continues to be the best place to stay, and on my personal recommended list, for reasons I detailed in Where to Stay in Kiev.

You can easily browse Booking and select a hotel suite to your preferences. I have also combined a well-vetted list of Kiev Hotels to help you find good places to stay in Kiev for all budgets.

Read ⇒ Kiev Hotels

How much do Kiev apartments and holiday rentals cost?

If you highly value your privacy and are not that much interested in having hotel service during your stay in Kiev, or just prefer to cook your own meals, then you can rent a private apartment.

This option is more cost effective than a hotel, with prices ranging between $25 and $75 per night for budget and midrange options. As for other more spacious and luxury options at the heart of the city, they can easily reach $150 per night.

Budget apartments

• Average price range from $25 to $38

If you are a tourist or are coming to Kiev for official or personal business, stay away from this kind of apartment! It is not worth it!

Unless this is a midrange apartment and there is a special offer on it, do not go anywhere near it. There is always something wrong with them, either everything inside is ancient, broken beds and furniture, bad locations, dirty, or a shady apartment owner!

Midrange apartments

• Average price range from $40 to $80

A decent midrange apartment in Kiev, can be easily be rented for $50 per day under one condition:

Leave nothing to chance. Confirm your booking 7-10 days in advance.

If you want to find a flat of this category in Kiev city center, then expect it to be a studio or one room apartment. Often you will pay more during holidays, weekends, and peak season.

Apartments that are more spacious, but with the same $50, will probably be located 15-20 minutes from the center area. However, opting for smaller a space and better location avoids the hustle and extra expenses of daily transport. In addition, you also save your time by being nearer to the city’s center.

Luxury apartments

• Average price range from $85 to $200

Yes, you cannot put a price cap on luxury. There are holidays rentals in Kiev that cost $1,000 dollars per night or more; there are other luxury ones for $100.

Yet, you can get yourself a good apartment to stay in for maximum of $200 per night. Such apartments usually have spectacular designs, are located in the center of Kiev, and have good security.

How much do Kiev hostels cost?

• Average price range from $5 to $25

Renting a bed space or a room in a hostel is a good solution if you are on a tight budget. The place I am familiar with, and recommend, is Dream House Hostel. It is also highly praised by my tourists, and a good place for the solo traveler that would like to meet other travelers to Kiev and socialize with them.

Bed lining is included in the price and usually there is very good Wi-Fi included as well. However, you will need to pay for disposable slippers and extra towels. Also, bring your own personal lock, as hostels sometimes charge for renting you one during stay.

To view my personal picks of the best hostels in Kiev for tourists, read the resource page Kiev Hostels.

Read ⇒ Kiev Hostels

Transportation cost in Kiev

Kiev has a comprehensive Metro (underground train network). Combined with busses, trams, microbuses and electric-powered busses, you will not have a problem reaching any place in the city using only public transport.

Average transport price range:

• Airport shuttle bus: $3.50
• Airport shuttle train: $2.80
• Access to use the metro system: $0.30
• Tram: $0.30
• City electric bus: $0.30
• City bus ride: $0.30
• Minibus: $0.30
• Taxi/Uber ride within city limits: $2.80 to $6.50

Google Maps can be of great help to set routes and inform you about what transport to take.

Another great resource to help you navigate public Kiev transport is Easy Way. Use the website or download their Apple or Android app to guide you to your destination and find your way around the city. Easy Way will also provide you with the correct tram/bus number, when it will arrive, and all fares in advance.

If you pick a cab from the streets, you are setting yourself up for a rip off!

If you need a taxi, you can order one by phone, or download an app for local taxis in Kiev like Uklon.

However, my advice is to avoid all that and just use Uber. The quality of cars is better and many drivers speak some English.

Food and dining costs in Kiev

Eating out at restaurants in Kiev is affordable and does not cost much. With some management, $15 dollars a day is enough to have 3 meals a day. Many tourists express surprise when they find out how much the same meal costs in Kiev compared to what they are paying for it back home.

The restaurant/café scene in Kiev is amazing. You will have a vast selection of Ukrainian and international dishes (Vietnamese, Japanese, Italian, French, Turkish, Lebanese, Iranian, and many more).

I have never met a guest of Kiev who did not find something to enjoy during his or her stay. Actually, many of my guests discovered new things they really enjoyed while dining in Kiev.

If you have an unlimited budget or tight one, it does not matter, you will enjoy your food!

Small budget

Average meal price:

• Breakfast $2 – $4
• Lunch or dinner $5 – $20

Fast food might be the obvious choice when travelling on a small budget as you can opt for familiar restaurants like McDonalds, KFC and Dominos, or any other local Ukrainian fast food place that you might find around the city.

You can enjoy a good meal for under $4 or treat yourself with a three-course meal and a soft drink at decent restaurant for around $15-$20.

A great place that will not break your budget is Puzata Khata. It is a large chain of buffet restaurants in Kiev and Ukraine, and they serve delicious and freshly prepared dishes. You will not be disappointed!

Another good option would be to cook for yourself. So, depending on your taste, you may expect to pay between $35-$60 for a decent weekly groceries package including meat, chicken, and vegetables from any supermarket.

Medium budget

Average meal price:

• Breakfast $5 – $15
• Lunch or dinner $20 – $60

Setting a midrange budget is enough for opening the doors to fabulous dining experience. You can start your day in places like Cvetochnaya Lavka that specializes in serving delightful breakfasts that can cost you $8-$12 dollars.

As for lunch or dinner, you can enjoy a three-course meal with a glass of good wine in a good restaurant in Kiev city center that will cost you $35 – $40 dollars.

Large budget

Average meal price:

• Breakfast $15 – $50
• Lunch or dinner $100 – $500

Limitless options are what you get as a tourist in Kiev with a healthy budget. At the price range above, you can enjoy your meals in the best restaurants in town. That includes places like Coin and Veranda.

Drinks and alcohol

• Beer in a bar/restaurant $2 – $3
• Beer from a grocery store $0.50 – $2
• Glass of wine at a restaurant $2.50 – $20
• Bottle of wine at a restaurant $21 – $100 (midrange)/$200 – $800 (high-end)

Prices of alcoholic beverages in Kiev are moderate. Naturally, stores and supermarkets are much cheaper (half price sometimes), but not as fun as the bars!

Kiev attractions and museums costs

Most of Kiev tourist attractions are free to access. The rest will charge you a small entrance fee.

Attraction/entrance fee:

• Khreshchatyk Street – Free
• Independence Square (Maidan) – Free
• Second World War Museum – Main exhibition is free, open air Soviet heavy military equipment exhibition entry fee is $0.18
• Saint Sophia’s Cathedral – $0.10 to $1.8
• Kiev Pechersk Lavra – $0.18 to $2.5
• Landscape Alley – Free
• Kiev Fortress – $1 to $1.8
• Chernobyl National Museum – $0.35 to $1.8
• Microminiatures Museum – $1.8
• Experience extreme adventure $10 to $100
• Pinchuk Art Centre – Free
• National Museum of Natural History – $2.9
• Aviation Museum – $1.8

Guided sightseeing tours in Kiev can cost you from $20 to $80 for group tours, and $40 to $200 for private ones.

Without local guides, you may expect to pay around $2-$10 for different activities and paid attractions such as museums, historic cathedrals, etc.

Recommended daily budget for visiting Kiev

So, taking into consideration accommodation, food, sightseeing and entertainment, what would I recommended your daily budget to be?

Budget traveler

• Average daily budget $75

Take the best budget apartment you can get in the capital Kiev, or rent a room in Dream House Hostel. Spend some time cooking one meal a day, and having another in a decent, but not fancy, establishment and a third fast food option.

Let us exclude paid attractions for most of the time and stick to using public transport, and maybe one taxi or Uber if it is late at night.

Plus or minus a few dollars, this would cost something around $75 per day. This is your suggested daily budget.

Medium budget traveler

• Average daily budget $300

Stay at a midrange hotel or apartment, enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, or one of the good cafés at Kiev city center, three-course lunch and dinner in good restaurants.

Visit a couple of Kiev’s top tourist attractions, and maybe go on an adventure during the day, then enjoy your evening at a bar before following it by partying at one of Kiev’s best nightclubs.

If this would be your daily routine, expect to spend $150 to $300 every day.

Luxury traveler

• Average daily budget from $500

It is similar to the medium budget traveler, but with more comfort and catering to your needs when it comes to your stay. You will have the options of staying in Five Star hotels or a luxury private apartment.

You will eat at the fanciest restaurants and party on the best clubs. Your daytime entertainment can go as far as renting a plane and fly around Kiev for an hour or so.

All this can be managed for with a daily budget of $500 and up.

I hope that you find this information useful. If you require travel management assistance or want a private tour of Kiev, feel free to contact me!

Since you are here, you might also be interested in:

⇒ Where to Stay in Kiev: Traveler Guide to Kiev Accommodation

⇒ Kiev Travel Guide: All What You Need to Know About Traveling to Kiev

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