Good to know
Ukrainian currency is called Hryvna and is divided into 100 Kopecks. For an average exchange rate, count that a dollar is worth 5 Hryvnas, Euro about 6.50 Hryvnas and British Pound 10 Hryvnas. It is best to bring USD or EUR in cash to Ukraine for easy exchange, but you can also safely withdraw money from ATMs featuring the international banking/credit symbols. Always carry small bills to pay for items such as cigarettes or taxi fares. You can withdraw hryvnas (UAH) and, in some ATMs, USD. Many prices (such as airline tickets) are stated using an abbreviation y.e. in Cyrillic, pronounced oo yeah:-) One y.e. is one American dollar. Spend all hryvnas before leaving the country as you can't take them out.
Exchanging money
Exchanging money is easy, especially in the city center where exchange points are plentiful. The most common currencies exchanged are USD, EUR, Russian rubles and British pounds. Banks will exchange most other major European and international currencies. A non stop exchange point is located in the Furshet supermarket in the Arena Shopping Mall on Krasnoarmyiska Street.
Credit Cards and traveler checks
Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, American Express rarely so. Travelers checks can be cashed in branches or affiliates of most major banks. See list below.
Sending money
To send or receive money in Ukraine, you can use Western Union, the services of which are available in many exchange points, banks, post offices and other places. See: Western Union
Opening a bank account
To open a bank account in Ukraine, you need your passport and a document to confirm your registration (such as an apartment rental contract or confirmation from the hotel of your stay). Accounts may be in UAH, USD or EUR. Internet banking is available with some banks, including with personal deposit accounts. The highest percentage is given on deposits in UAH, then USD and least in EUR.
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