Cash and Laptop Question

[BruceJet]

Hello all,

Will be visiting Ukraine middle of this month. Its gonna be my first time to be there and have some questions.

1) First, is how important is it to bring cash?  Can we use credit cards, travellers checks or simply withdraw from an ATM using our debit cards?  If so, how much are transactions costs?

2) WIll be bringing my laptop as well.  Wondering how safe it is to leave laptops in hotels in Kiev.  Thinking of renting the $26 to $35 per day hotel type. My fiancee thinks its safe (but she is from Dnepro so perhaps different environment from Kiev), but I want to know your guys' experience.

Thanks in advance for any input.  Have a good one!

[Pordzhik]

... in response to Cash and Laptop Question, posted by BruceJet on Feb 4, 2003

[MarkInTx]

... in response to Cash and Laptop Question, posted by BruceJet on Feb 4, 2003

Everyone is different, but this is what I did...

First, I took enough cash for my lodging, and paid it all when I arrived. That way I have a place to stay no matter what.

Then I would budget about $50 a day for while I was there. I would take that in cash, and I would leave it in US dollars.

First day, I would get about $80 changed into Grivnas. I kept my American dollars in my wallet, which I left in my apartment (hidden). I would put two secured credit cards which each had about $250 limit on them in my passport wallet, along with the changed Grivnas. (When I say secured, I mean the kind of credit card that you put money in a bank, and the credit card is only good against that money. I think this is the perfect way to travel... You are completely limited as to your liability. If someone swipes your card, simply close the account, and the card is useless. The most you can lose is the money in the account, which is why I opt for two secured cards of $250 instead of one for $500)

When my Grivnas get low, I change more. Whenever I could, I used the Visa cards. (The Visa card companies will get you a better exchange rate than you can find in the streets.)

I never used the ATMs. Once, when I was in Kiev, I got a cash advance on my Visa card. I did this at the bank. It took about 5 minutes. They charged me 1 or 2 percent. Which isn't too bad... $2.00 for $100 isn't so bad.

I always stayed in an apartment, so I can't answer about hotel security. I had a laptop, Sony 8mm Video, Digital Camera and portable DVD player with me. Never worried about a thing, and never had reason to. (Of course, I carried everything in a non-descript backpack -- not a computer case labelled: Dell Inside...)

You might want to rethink the hotel thing. You can get a nice apartment for $35. Oscar is right. Or, you can use Firstdream and pay $50. Or you can use ukr-rent.net and pay $50 - $80 (for a REALLY nice apartment). There is no need to go to a hotel, IMHO. And maybe your lady will want to cook for you?

FWIW, that's what worked for me...

(PS: If you really want to get a hotel... have your lady rent it for you. She will get a different rate than you will in all probability. At least that's what I found when my father-in-law came up to visit...)

[Alfred]

... in response to Re: Cash and Laptop Question, posted by MarkInTx on Feb 5, 2003

I like the idea of travelling with secured credit cards to minimize your risk.

[BruceJet]

... in response to Cash and Laptop Question, posted by BruceJet on Feb 4, 2003

Thanks for sharing your experiences, guys!

Appreciate it.  I guess I may have to carry cash and opf course, the laptop while sightseeing!

[JR]

... in response to Cash and Laptop Question, posted by BruceJet on Feb 4, 2003

Maybe you met elsewhere, if so then dis-reguard. If not, better have a GOOD back up plan!!

[BruceJet]

... in response to First time, but she is already your fian..., posted by JR on Feb 4, 2003

We did meet elsewhere. She came over to the U.S. on a business trip last November.

[BubbaGump]

... in response to Cash and Laptop Question, posted by BruceJet on Feb 4, 2003

I haven't been to Ukraine yet but I would feel safer using the ATM card at the bank then paying cash at restaurants.  A couple of guys got their credit card number stolen at restaurants then got charges on it in several countries.  I carried a lot of cash to Russia with no problem.  ATM machines in St Pete didn't let you get much money so it could be the same in Kiev.  

[Jski]

... in response to Re: Cash and Laptop Question, posted by BubbaGump on Feb 4, 2003

The most I pulled out was 2000 GR from one machine.  I did get more than that in Simferopol though.  If that helps...

[Alfred]

... in response to Re: Cash and Laptop Question, posted by BubbaGump on Feb 4, 2003

I always let my credit card company know where and when I'm going out of the country.  That way the company knows the purchases I'm making are real and doesn't refuse them.  In addition, they will be alert for charges from places I'm not going.

I've had no burglaries at home either.  However, I do get a dog sitter, so the dog is at home.

[TomTx]

... in response to Cash and Laptop Question, posted by BruceJet on Feb 4, 2003

I know there are others like myself that have been to Kiev many times, I was there in Nov. and Aug. of last year, so I think my knowledge is correct.

ATM's are at most banks, and there are plenty in the underground malls, (just watch your back), the fees are high I think one transaction cost about 4 bucks, counting service fees from your bank and local back together. And larger restaurants except VS/MC and check cards, just look at the sign on the door for acceptance of these cards. I did notice no signs for American Express. (Leave it home)

Laptop, all depends on the hotel, (remember you have someone come in everyday while you gone to clean, I would not trust but that is me) I brought my laptop and had no problems, but I rented an apartment, which personally is a better option because I stayed 3 weeks on each trip. This time of year apartments are readily available and should be easy to find and costing you about the same as the hotel. Some people suggest Jack Bragg of first dreams, I have no experience with his services, my lady found us an apartment before I arrived on both visits, two bedrooms for 35.00 per-night, it was located about 10 min walk from Independence Square, very nice location.

Hope this helps
Tom

[Mike]

... in response to Re: Cash and Laptop Question, posted by TomTx on Feb 4, 2003

Tom.
I have a guy that I chat with that is going to SpB and he is looking for an apartment. Could you send me the info about that flat so I can pass it on to him? MoscowFlats@hotmail.com
thanks
Mike

[Oscar]

... in response to Re: Cash and Laptop Question, posted by TomTx on Feb 4, 2003

Yes, you can get very nice flats in Kiev for $25-$35 per night depending on how long you will be staying.  5-10 minute walk from Krishatic, the main drag..

[Jski]

... in response to Cash and Laptop Question, posted by BruceJet on Feb 4, 2003

I just came back last month.  FWIW, I brought $900 in cash and used the ATM's in Kiev, Evpatoria, Yalta and Simferopol with no problems.  Transactions cost me $1.50 on my card.  

Don't know about the laptop safety.  I don't trust mine alone in the Intercontinental Dubai.