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Traveling money

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LuvSlav
  4/19/2016 13:12 EST

Should I even bother exchanging dollars to hryvnas before arriving. I think I read a post some time back where money exchange kiosks are located everywhere and banks will exchange USD even if you don't have an account.

Is there anything I haven't taken into account (like customs, etc)? Or is it a safer bet to have some $$$ changed into hryvna before I leave.

smmoravec
  4/19/2016 13:27 EST

Definitely exchange them in Ukraine. I always try and hang on to mine as they are gold there. I just withdraw grivna from the ATM, then use my dollars if needed.

But yeah, there are money changers all over the place. Kind of like Starbucks in the U.S.....

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NA67
  4/19/2016 13:36 EST

Money exchange locations are every where. FYI, I would not bring very many $100 nor $50 Bills. Banks and Money Exchange locations treat them like AIDS patients!! Bring new clean unmarked, like new $20.00 Bills and you will have no problems. If they have writing on them, torn, poor condition you will have a problem!! My first trip to Odessa, I brought back $240 in $20 Bills they would not take(((. FYI, contact your Bank and let them know you will be in Ukraine, otherwise your ATM card and Visa will not work most likely!!!!!!!!!

Russophile
  4/19/2016 13:40 EST

Don't try to get grivna in the US. You can exchange US dollars from the moment you get off the plane at the airport. You are allowed a maximum of $10,000 brought into the country without causing yourself problems. I suggest you bring all the cash you think you will need for 3 months up to that amount. If you have set up a WU account you can send yourself more if you need it. Question: Have you asked yourself how much money you will need per day to accomplish your goals while in Odessa?

As soon as you get off the plane you go to Passport control. No paperwork needed. Just get in line and wait your turn. Just hand the clerk your passport, don't smile and say nothing. I guarantee he will not give you a warm welcoming smile. He will stamp your passport and give it back to you. Next you go to retrieve your luggage. After you get your luggage follow the green line and walk to the exit like you own the place. Any hesitation will trigger the interest of the customs official. I have never had them search my luggage, but they have asked me how much money I am bringing in and demanded to see it. No shakedown, though.

When you pass through the door to the arrival area you will be thronged by hundreds of people waiting for the arrivals. Included will be cabbies looking for a fare and people offering to carry your luggage. I am assuming you have arranged for someone to meet you, so you can ignore all these others.

I would suggest that you exchange about $100 at the kiosk at the airport so you will have some 'street' money. The exchange rate may not be the best but it will be much greater than you will get in the US and you can get a better rate on the street the next day. Just hand the clerk the $100 bill and your passport. He will count out the money and give you a receipt. Save the receipts. Technically, you are supposed to be able to account for all the money you have exchanged but I have never been asked by anyone for proof.

It will still be daylight when you arrive so you will be able to realize on the ride to your apartment that you have landed on a different planet. Bon Voyage!!

Russophile
  4/19/2016 13:45 EST

After reading the other responses, I would add that I always use clean, crisp unmarked $100 bills. I have never seen a bill here smaller than a $50. The $100 bill is still the currency of choice here. I have never had a problem changing one.

LuvSlav
  4/19/2016 15:13 EST

Thanks for the responses, all. You are always super helpful.

My bank charges 1% of the total for debit card/credit card transactions that occur outside the US. So I am leaning toward making a withdrawal before I leave of all the money I think I'll need while there. But I want to stay there 90 days and that will be a LOT of cash to be carrying around.

I will rent an apartment so I'll have an address but no utility bills. Can I open a hryvna account at a local bank with just an address? I would rather have money in the bank than in my pocket or hidden in my apartment for sure. I know, I know, there have been a lot of posts about UA banks going *poof* and taking your money into the great beyond. hahaha. But is the risk of that greater than the risk of getting mugged or a guest helping themselves to my hidden stash?

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smmoravec
  4/20/2016 11:31 EST

I have several items I got off amazon to stash cash to hide it. Peanut can, lint roller are the best ones I found that you can put the most bills in,

smmoravec
  4/20/2016 11:38 EST

I have never brought anything other than crisp $100 from the banks and have never had any problems with them.

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