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Thanks for the Russian dating advice guys.
Why not fly in Ukraine? simple! I don't like flying! I'm not scared to admit it! I especially don't like flying domestic airlines with little safety records! I've flown nearly all the worlds airlines and also, I've flown around the world. For some strange reason, I developed a fear of flying! Can't explain it, but there ya go! I'm happy to take a 23 hour train ride. I'm not a rich American with a laptop and I hope I don't look like one! :chuckle: I am a master at looking like a native! I'll be wearing an old pair of jeans, a knitted sweater and a coat! No laptop, or gold to be seen! :chuckle: The most scared I've been while traveling, was on Venice Beach in Los Angles, with a video camera! Please, don't tell me Ukraine is worse! :confused:
As far as credit cards go... I will be contacting my company to check it will be ok. Thanks for all the advice. :D
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Some excellent advice so far!! I tried to do a post a couple nights ago but with computer problems and someone waiting I abandoned the post. :rolleyes:
As for the credit cards AND ATM cards, I always call my banks the cards are from to give them the dates of my trips. This way, it prevents the anti-fraud systems from kicking in automatically. Even for the banks that I have verified that the cards will work over seas.
I agree that entering another country with only one card is foolish, as well as ANY traveling without some cash (even domestic). When I go to Ukraine I usually have one ATM and two credit cards. I hate to use the credit cards there but they are a nice "security blanket" in case of an emergency where the ATM will not work. I also carry some US dollars ($100-$200 & my local currency) beyond what is needed for the flats. This is for my use when I am traveling back to the states or for emergencies in Ukraine if needed.
Do all you like, this will not help. You will look like a foreigner to those that you interact with. Even if you speak Russian, your western accent will give you away. My fiancee says my face gives me away as a WM but I tease her that is not true as I always get menu's in Russian now. :lol: As you are looking at the train. I would highly reccomend that you contact Pavel in Kiev to help you before the train trip and Stirlitz (click the "house" icon under his post) when you get to Krameria. Pavel can help you get to the train in Kiev as well as buying your tickets and Stirlitz can help you on the other end. Pavel will give you some helpful suggestions on how to stay safe in the train.
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Thanks ielocal. I'll contact Pavel. I was going to book the train through a company in Kiev who say they could collect me at the airport, give me my tickets and drive me to the train, but it would be better to do this through someone I KNOW will be there when my plane lands. :)
There is some people in the world who only have one credit card. :chuckle: I plan to take enough cash to cover my trip and I have also contacted my credit card company to let them know about my trip. I will be paying for the apartment and travel before I leave, so I should not have to carry too much cash. :confused: The card will be there as a backup. I also have a debit card, but it's Bank of Ireland. I need to check to see if it will work overseas. It's worked in France, but I'm not sure about outside Europe.
I have also checked to make sure my mobile phone will work in Ukraine, and it will. It's a bit costly, but it's there if I need it. I have a good network of friends, so, if I need cash, I can arrange it without too much trouble via Western Union.
I'll try to look as Russian as possible, and walk as if I know where I'm going, even when I don't! :confused:
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Ukraine is the largest countryINEurope.
FLY FLY FLY.... Just becasue you are afraid to fly does not me you cannot fly. I too was fearful of flying. You have socialized medicine in the UK, hit the doctors office and get an Rx for Valium and just coast through the flight. You will be hapily stoned and rested when you arrive in two hours rather than 24 hours.
There are some real nice aircraft flying to Crimea from Kiev since it caters to the elite and the wealthy. And always remember, you pilot is as motivated as anyone to make sure the plane is safe. 18 hours into you train ride, remember I wrote this....
I wish you well, if you do it the hard way at least you have Pavel on it, so you will do well. he's a great guy with great service. :vibes:
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Pavel has replied to my email already! Fast worker, I like that! I've gathered the courage to fly from Ireland to England, then to Kiev. I was thinking about having time to grow my fingernails back! :lol: I may look into it some more.
I thank everyone here for the advice so far!
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