Dangers & Annoyances

Crime

In general, Kiev is as safe as most Western European countries. Organized crime does exist, but unless you’re coming to Kiev to open a chain of casinos the mafias are extremely unlikely to take an interest in you. Crimes perpetrated against visitors are generally low level and include pick pocketing and wallet scams.

Acts of mindless drunken violence such as those which commonly occur in British cities are rare. There are, however, increasing reports of racist attacks on those of African and Middle Eastern appearance.

Although the police in Kiev are no angels, they don’t, unlike their counterparts in Moscow, routinely pester foreigners for documents and bribes.

Other Dangers & Annoyances

During the winter, many of Kiev’s streets and sidewalks resemble ice rinks.
Prostitution, although often discreet, is common in hotel lobbies and bars.
Ukraine has one of the fastest growing HIV/AIDS rates in Europe. The World Heath Organization estimates that there are 377,000 people in the country living with HIV/AIDS
The idea of customer service still hasn’t caught on at many shops, restaurants and hotels.
Face control is common at upmarket nightclubs and restaurants.
Ukrainian drivers commonly use the sidewalk as an extra lane (as the Chinese Ambassador discovered).

Reviews / Comments / Additional Information

A.P

Be careful about people who come to you and show you a large packet of money. It is a scenario . After that someone will come and will blame you that you have picked his lost money. Then some other will come and ask you to show him your money. They will try to pick your money before your eyes and escape. Tolstoho Ploshad is the most dangerous place for this sot of crime!

Sammy

I'm British and I lived and worked in central Kiev for a whole year. In that time I didn't see one bit of trouble or ever get stopped by the police. Everything is cheap and the people are friendly, the women do see you as more attractive because of your western wealth. But hey would your girl in England or the US be with you if you were jobless and had no cash?

Nick(name changed)

I've been here for the past 7 years. Kiev is beautiful and great. But there are some flaws in security. The biggest risk is of getting thrashed if you meet some drunk fellows. Racism is here but has decreased to an extent. I encountered it when some fellows were trying to provoke me by telling me to go back to my motherland.
But if you are calm enough and careful this will avoid the problem in most cases.
The police are corrupt, but where are they not? But here its openly seen. In 2003 they used to harass you even for a 35 cent hot-dog!
But if you know the language here it will save you. So, good luck for your next trip

I loooove UKRAINE

I've been here in Kiev so long and I've never seen anything like some of you said. The thing is that men here are so masculine and tough.That's why so many people think they're racists but they're not. In fact they're very very friendly and kind.They just don't understand your language and that makes them confused. This place is heaven and i don't believe any of this stuff happened to you.

James Villiers

What?! First the skinheads, then the gypsies, then cars driving on the streets! Who else you going to pick on? The Americans are the biggest annoyance in Kiev as they constantly remind you that no corner of the world is untouched. And there are more racists on this site I think than in Ukraine! I have never seen any of the problems listed above and I go there once a month. I drive, I stay in apartments, I go out to all the bars and clubs. I get stopped and 'play the game' with the police half a dozen times for each visit. You can drive on the walkways. It is for parking or taking shortcuts. The dogs are actually very friendly (why pick on the dogs?) and the gypsies too actually if you are friendly to them! It is NORMAL. It is Ukraine! Love it or leave it.

Enrique

Racists and Skin-heads in Kiev? I don't think so. I was there in November 2009 and I felt safe and welcome. I rode the trains, the buses and taxis. Everyone treated me very nice. If you want to go to a nice place where people welcome you, you go to Kiev. Don't believe all that "racist" BS. I'm Hispanic and the people loved it when I spoke Spanish.

Shabaz

What a nightmare. I was racially abused from the moment I saw the immigration guy to the moment I left. Everyone in Kyiv is a racist - be very careful. Travelling in the Metro is a terrifying affair, gangs of youths threaten you and I was pushed towards a train on a platform by a skinhead and narrowly missed the train. This place is awful - never again.

0c5084

Very, very dodgy city. Not recommended to go out at nights. Lads are very aggressive when they drink and most of women, despite of being beautiful, are hookers. The city is beautiful though.

David Mann

I live in eastern Ukraine and have never had any problems apart from the jolly old gendarmes trying to hit me for bribes for imaginary motoring infringements. I now take a hard line on that and insist that they take me to the police station, which normally does the trick of being released without paying.
Kiev is a nightmare to drive around or through as there are few road signs, even for major destinations such as the airport or main routes. The traffic is generally moving so fast that one does not have the time to hesitate or look around to find ones way.
Whilst Ukrainians don't show many visible signs of being friendly, they are in fact very hospitable and very helpful, especially if you have a problem such as a car breakdown or puncture.

ATOM

Well, I hope these racists will pay a good price some day!

michael

Skinheads in the Ukraine? You've got the wrong country bud. I've been all over the Ukraine during my 14 visits there and have NEVER seen a skinhead. Yes, most Ukrainians might be racist against non-Caucasians, but Americans are usually welcomed everywhere as they bring income into the country. I've never been mugged, robbed or ripped off by anyone. If you are looking for skinheads, go to England and Germany, I have only seen them there.

Alex

Stopped by a cop at the entrance to my apartment building and asked for documents. Pulled out a drivers license. Officer explained I would need to come with him as I need a passport to which I provided him with a bribe and he said "Spasibo" and let me on my way!

Never go to Kiev

Kiev? Unfriendly, menacing, dangerous. I've never visited another city in which I've been made to feel so unwelcome. The locals see Western visitors as an exploitable resource. Was massively ripped off in a hotel bar - was charged for $500 bottle of champagne which was never ordered and never even seen at table. When I questioned this, was surrounded by a crowd of security guards and forced to pay - despite protests. Extortion, threats, robbery and intimidation - all within one of biggest hotels in Kiev. Will never return!

David

I'm an American who has lived and worked in Kiev. Like any big city, one has to be aware of his/her surroundings. My first impression (as a New Yorker) was that everything is dangerous. Street lighting is inadequate by western standards and the entrances to many older apartment buildings face the poorly-lit rear of the building--an ideal spot for a mugging. But you get used to this with time. The most dangerous things a foreigner can do is get really drunk and to ride in ordinary cars instead of in licensed taxis (a common practice for locals). Also ATM theft is risky--don't use them if possible. Other than that, just keep your wits about you, don't flash lots of cash and you'll be as safe as in any other big city.

Rajesh

I have just got back from a trip to Kiev and I experienced racism from police, officials and hotel staff. I also was spit at and pushed on the Metro and streets of Kiev. If you look dark do not go to Ukraine. They are racist.

naida

Racism against foreigners by skinheads and harassment by police is the biggest problem for foreigners in Ukraine.

Editor

Gypsies are an absolute nightmare at the main train station. Watch your bags very carefully here.

Oksana

Cars driving on the pavement seems to be an increasing problem. The main offenders are usually the drivers of expensive cars who think that the pavement is an extra lane that has been created especially for rich people.

Editor

Stray dogs are also a bit a problem in Kiev. They tend to roam around in packs and are most noticeable around some of the Metro stations in the suburbs. I've generally found that if you completely ignore them, they'll leave you alone too.

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