Cultural differences

~ Ukrainians of the same sex touch each other more than most Americans and they have a much smaller "personal" space. It is not uncommon for men to put their hands on another male's leg or shoulder and for women to walk arm in arm. Be very careful about touch with members of the opposite sex as such touch can be misunderstood.

~ Ukrainians don't sit on floors and don't put their feet on the furniture. Men don't sit with their legs apart or with one foot resting on the knee. They cross their legs tightly.

~ When asked to describe Americans, the first word that most cultures use, including Ukrainians, is LOUD. Ukrainians, in public, are a much more reserved people.

~ Ukrainians dress conservatively and neat. Men usually do not wear shorts, and always tuck in their shirts. Women do not usually wear baggy clothes.

~ Do not shake hands across the threshold of a door and if wearing gloves, be sure to take them off before shaking hands.

~ Always take a gift or flowers (odd number) when visiting someone's home for a meal. (Even numbers of flowers are only given for funerals)

~ It is considered rude to place one's thumb between your first and second fingers.

~ When you enter a home in Ukraine, it is normally appropriate to remove your shoes as soon as you enter the house and remain shoeless or wear slippers that they will give you while you're in the house (even if they tell you that you don't have to take your shoes off - do it anyway).

The following is a list of acceptable gifts to be given to friends and hosts in Ukraine. However, just as in the United States, each family and individual are unique and on�site discretion must be used. Things with English written on them (esp. T�shirts) are greatly valued.

FOR CHILDREN

• American candies, chocolates, and chewing gum;
• Small toys like those found in McDonald's "Happy meals", yo�yos, miniature cars / trucks;
• American coins;
• School supplies (souvenir pens, pencils, crayons, glue stick, etc...)
• Clothes (T�shirts, sweatshirts, baseball type hats and shoes)
• Coloring books;
• Balloons;
• Stuffed animals;
• Back Packs for books;

FOR ADULTS

• Unusual packaged foods (Jell-O, etc...)
• Coffee and teas;
• American chocolate and special candies;
• Potato peelers, hand towels, sharp knives, can opener, long nose stove lighter , place mats;
• Souvenirs of your city, state and of America (include postcards, pins, calendars, picture books, T-shirts... )
• Clothes: particularly sweaters, gloves, and items that are not size exacting;
• Toiletries (Am. toothpaste, soap, etc...)
• Spices;
• Classic American books, copies of American magazines, and tapes for English speakers;
• Small electronic items: solar calculator, small radio or tape player, watches;
• Hand - crafted gifts;
• Pack of ball point pens;
• Sunglasses;
• Whole picture Bibles and other Christian literature (in Russian from Russian Christian Literature 708 - 510 - 1581)
• Pictures of your family - they especially love these;

LANGUAGE - Ukrainian became the official language only in 1990, replacing Russian. Most of the population in eastern Ukraine and in Kiev speak Russian as a first language, while Ukrainian is the first language in western Ukraine. Not much English is spoken here, however, many people are very eager to learn English which has presented many opportunities for evangelism. You may want to purchase a phrase book especially for when you are in situations in which you will need to communicate. SEE RECOMMENDED BOOKS...

MEDICAL CARE - Medical care in Ukraine is limited. The U.S. Embassy provides a list of several Western-style pharmacies that offer American and Western European supplies and medicines. The availability of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics has improved.
Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities.
Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. Medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. We highly recommend that all travelers to Ukraine purchase the Ukrainians insurance that is available at Borispol airport. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including air evacuation coverage, is also an option.

Companies that deal with short�term travel insurance include:

• Travel Guard International: 800- 826- 4919, Internet: www.travelguard.com
• Worldwide Assistance: 800-777- 8710, Internet: www.worldwideassistance.com

MONEY - The official Ukrainian currency "Hryvnia" (UAH) was introduced September 2, 1996, replacing the old temporary Ukrainian currency, called the "Coupon," and became the only legal payment bill within Ukraine after September 15. There are places to change money throughout the country. Currency that you bring to Ukraine should be as new as possible and with no markings or tears. Worn, torn, or marked bills will be rejected at money changing facilities. As of February 14, 2003, the rate of exchange for $1.00 US is 5.34 UAH.

CREDIT / DEBIT CARDS - Ukraine is a cash economy. Use of credit cards is limited to the better hotels, Western-style restaurants, international airlines and select stores. American Express, MasterCard, and Visa are commonly accepted. A passport or diplomatic card may be required whenever a credit card is used. ATM machines are now available throughout Kiev as well as most of the larger Ukrainian cities. Usually ATM machines provide only Ukrainians currency, however, some are equipped to give U.S. Dollars as well.

WATER - Tap water in Kiev is chemically safe but may contain elevated levels of lead from the pipes. This problem is remedied by letting the tap run for 10 seconds before collecting the water. There is also no detectable radiation in the water. Water should be boiled for 5 minutes and filtered before drinking or should be treated by a point-of-use device capable of disinfection. Also, sterile bottled water is now widely available for sale. You should be aware that hot water is typically turned off for a month or more during the summer so the pipes can be cleaned.

RADIATION AND FOOD - Radiation is a constant concern because of the 1986 catastrophe at the Chernobyl nuclear power station some 60 miles northwest of Kiev. The level of background radiation in Kiev has been deemed safe by the U.S. State Department. Kiev's food supply has been tested for radiation and thus far no elevated levels of radiation have been detected. It is suggested to avoid wild mushrooms, berries, and game, for if they were collected in the forbidden Chernobyl zone they are considered to retain radiation.

ELECTRICITY - 220 volts, 50Hz is the standard electrical voltage throughout Ukraine. To use American electrical appliances you will need a converter as well as an Eastern-European plug adapter, both of which are available at most convenience stores in America.