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 and 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.
- Beggars (often babushkas) frequent some tourist attractions and churches (though to be fair its no more common than anywhere else in the world).
Seems to me getting through the airport with all of your items is the most difficult thing. If the customs people find an item they want they just take it. It seems to me if this is how they operate I would much rather pay a few thousand to the local organized crime people to handle the disrespect shown to a visitor. However since as a visitor, how do you locate an acceptable organization who will be able to track down a person once given their place of employment, name and badge number.
Well we get them all here don’t we? You’ve not even been through the airport yet and already you are thinking to pay an organized crime gang to intimidate customs officials.
Going through customs really is no problem. They’re quite polite actually. I’ve had spoken to more worse, and dealt with far worse in the US, UK, Dubai etc.
I am a Black man and I enjoy coming to Ukraine and Russia. I love the girls. Get hole in one all the time!
With that level of charm I’m sure you do very well
I live in Ukraine, I just found this site to tell the truth. I find it terrible that there are countless homeless dogs, which are very dangerous. The problem they are often in groups by 4-6, and may simply kill you. People sometimes organize and kill by themselves, as there’s no other alternative. So take at least a screwdriver, this way you can stab one and other will run at worse… if not, if you’re on the ground already, too bad for you. I won’t comment on crimes and stuff, but this thing drives me mad.
My experience of harassment from the corrupted policeman in Kiev s really annoying. I went to Kiev for 2 days in Aug 2011 as a single male tourist. I am from Japan. I did not go out in the night time, I went to Kiev purely for sightseeing, however, I was still appraoched by corrupted policeman twice and questioned me 20 minutes that their aim is I gave them money. Very disappointed.
The 1st time happened at Kiev Pechersk Lavra where I noticed a police patrol car in front of the park. One of the policeman approached me and told me he would help me to find out which direction would lead to Pechersk Lavra. Once we were at a location of the park that no people was around, he started to ask me showing my passport, showing my purse, searched my body whether I carried gun or drug. At the end, he let me go , though I did not give him any money, probably because his colleagues in the police patrol car were waiting for him.
2nd time was on the train from Lviv to Krakow. On the border control between Poland and Ukraine, a policeman went onboard the train to search each passenger whether they were carrying any contraband. That policeman spent the longest time on my seat, asked me a lot of irrelevant questions. I was sick and tired. I gave him 100 UAH , he took it and then immediately did not bother me anymore.
My Wife is from Kiev so visit the family from the UK, most people I pass by don’t smile and only my first visit I felt that many people were starring at me. I’m Indonesian but raised and adopted by western family. I only encountered a taxi driver who refused my mother and I. Arranged by the Hyatt aswell. When I stay in Beresanskya the neighbours and locals are pretty friendly. In Kapabah or caravan many people point out the best kalbassa. One guy in a car thought I was from china but explained I’m Australian as I am, and he was very friendly and apologetic. The way I see Ukraine is that many people are shy in speaking English but I smile and use Russian and Ukrainian words where I can, and most people are friendly. I even smoke with my in laws neighbour who will come and talk although limited we both understand. I never go anywhere without my wife or local person. At the Irish Pub by the gates to Kiev I showed the bar man how we drink Guiness in Wales. In which he was amazed. I’m must admit I’m nervous about my up an coming trip, but will keep low key and avoid football stadiums. EVERYONE who knows football crowds will understand that if someone kicks off on other supporters, it’s usually followed by big fights anyway. So if you go to Ukraine just don’t show any vulnerability. It’s a macho town so be macho.
Kiev is a great city…I live here 3 years and it is extremely save…i have been all over at all times and never seen and fights…the streets are well policed and never and drunken people like you see in England…weather, women, food, prices all great ….come and enjoy
Thank you for the positive comments at least. The rest were all negative and they make us to cancel our trips we planned to Kiev.
The problem is you all get it wrong! not minding the fact that not everyone is a racist but they do in some way or another race on guys especially BLACKS and not *coloured*! although i’ve never been to Ukraine, i do experience same in Russia but of-course not as harsh as the reports i do get from acquaintances
I am a pretty big North Indian guy ,Thought many thinks i am from south Italy and even ukrainian thugs is a bit unsure what to abuse me for . I have studdied in both Italy and russiaprior to kiev . And Mostly people called me gypsy or they asked if i was from Sicilia or Calabria, which everyone knows have alot of mafia people. So people was a bit scared i would say. Specialy when i could speak italian
My feelings of Kiev is if you stand your marks and dont getting involved in usless arguments. However what worked for me was to counter how many striken similiarites in the Hindi/indian language and Slavic languages . Aswell as Slavic folklore and culture is very similar to the Hinduism. Aswell as Orissa even exists in India thusands of years before Orissa popped up in Ukraine people smile on there faces. However for people that cant so much of history and communicate with people . I would never suggest anyone that is unsure of himself to go to Kiev. You need to show that your not afraid and can take a fight if you need.
I am dark skinned and British . It is a creepy place at night and there is racism. I did not experience any of that in Russia and Moscow. Also the 2012 euro football tournament is threatened by racists telling dark skinned foreigners to stay away or else…
Ukraine for some strange reason smells real bad especially the houses and metro stations. Also the people are one of the most ignorant of races yet they carry on like they are better than all others. When came to Ukraine, I was and I still am highly disappointed. I noticed that personal hygiene is also non-existent here. But I did notice that many of the girls dress very well. Although I really wonder how they are able to afford it given the fact that there are not that many jobs.
Hi everyone!
Im from Kiev, and want to meet with people, who going on Euro 2012 in my sity. I hope, what Im help you in your questions about this event. My page on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ange.lima2
Does it mean there is nothing good about Russia and Ukraine when it come to relationships?
i want to visit Ukraine soon,to meet my girl,we are planing marriage,and she love the idea of her coming to Africa to live with me,but first i must visit her to see her familu and then wedding in Kiev.
Hello all,thanks for your informations about Ukraine,i am African,i have never been to Ukraine before,but now my Ukrainian girlfriend,just sent me an invitation to come to her in Ukraine,she has a daughter already,divorced. She is so nice to me,she seems gently and sweet,now i am bout getting a Visa so i can go meet her and we start a family, ilove her so much and want to marry her,reading all the above since am Black i want to know is it a good Idea for me to go and marry her? And what are the advantages i have if i marry her?
I’m about to visit Ukraine, been around Europe but the reviews about Ukraine are so confusing! It only pushed to see the country for myself! Although I keep reading that being black could be a problem! : P
Vikram singh,i am an INDIAN, its very rough to say that we are dark or ugly to look at … what are americans doing fun & having sex in russia thats all just come there to have sex sex sex thats all… we indians are faithful & gentke to our wives.. we are not after only sex … as bloody american are… We indians rulling America, uk, canada & other parts of world too by having nice brains, effort to work, highly knowledgeble too & well cultured & highly educated… OK remember this my blog always before saying anythings to INDIANS… listen you white lovers we indians will be the most richest & high economic strong country by 2017 ok see the fastest growth of India… listen my sweet girls in kiev i want to marry a sweet young girl in Ukraine for a happy married life but not sex machine & i am white man from a high educated family … so never think Indians always dark or uneducated or poor ok… take care read my blog & have an eye on my opinion to get married to an Indian always… We Indians are one woman …man always…
Stayed there for 6 nights in November last year.
Got into so many fights with locals that tried to bully me.
I don’t take … from anyone unless I am in the wrong and am a very handy guy with my MMA background.
Eventually got into trouble with the police who supported the locals every time they complained I assaulted them.
The girls are great. Spent my evenings with models every night.
If you are a tough guy and can stick up for yourself then I would recommend the place highly. Very cheap and has so many nice and friendly people too.
If you are weak and easily bullied then choose another country.
I will be back there in May this year.
Look forward to it.
Been to Kiev 3 times now, twice in 2010 and again in 2011. I’ve stayed in Hotel RUS ,and yes there are very beautiful hookers available there. Generally, I find the people very friendly ,helpful and genuine, although we must realize they are going through a dreadful economic recession and for many people it is a struggle to live. I can understand how they feel when foreign visitors arrive and throw their money around, and to be honest us English felt just the same about American visitors to England in the 60s, 70s, and 80s, and previous to that during WWII. So my advice to anyone visiting, don’t be flash with your money, give respect, and you will receive.
I’ve been in Kiev twice (2010 and 2011). I am of Spanish-Filipino decent. I grew up in a third-world country so I know how the police and government operate. Some policemen are a bit rough in Kiev. They know foreigners, especially Americans, don’t carry passport or I.D. while they go for a walk and this is their policeman’s opportunity to make money. But to be fair not all police there are bad. I’ve never been stared at in any places except when I started speaking English as a foreigner. I cannot compare my experience with Africans or Indians but I didn’t encounter any racial insults or atrocities. Ukraine is a nice place if you want to check out old historical places.
The young women there are like super-models. Speaking of women, America is so economically wealthy with fewer attractive women.
I just returned form Kiev, it was my 3rd visit and i never ever had a problem there, have some good friends there. I was born in India, its a friendly and very hospitalble country, you will always find the rough parts of a city if you try to. Just be normal and everything is fine.
Hello, I am Asian-Canadian and I visited Ukraine in May 2011. I, like many of you, was worried about encountering racism in the country. As it turns out, not only did I enjoy my visit but it was one of the most interesting trips I have ever done in my life. I even went to Shooter’s one night with some friends I met at the hostel and I did not encounter any problems getting in. Yes, I did get stares here and there, but I think it was mostly out of curiosity than hate. Cops also left me alone. Maybe because I look buff loll I think in general, it is a safe country to visit, but be vigilant, and try not to wander off on your own at night. Those who encounter racism or violence may have also been at the wrong place at the wrong time. So yes, be careful, but don’t let that deter you from visiting the country.
Racism in the Ukraine is a real and present danger with blacks being at greatest risk. I just returned from a 3 week trip and was (African American male that I am) spat on by 3 drunk skinhead types, shoved by an old woman as she unintelligibly said something that sounded like nigger, and punched in the back of my head by one guy who ran away as I got my sense back and turned around.
Racism is everywhere. In fact you and I are racist too, in way or another. I am an Indian guy who just came back from Ukraine after a short stay, visiting my girlfriend. I encountered no problems other than the occasional stares due to curiosity. Just don’t be cocky and show off like some of the foreigners I encountered there.
Arrived in Kiev last night. Left my hotel to walk and get dinner and made it about 15 minutes before being stopped by the police. I had left my passport at the hotel (my fault, I know) and my US driver’s license did nothing to dissuade them. They walked me into a dark side street and I had to pay them off – 200 (about $25). I’m here for work and can’t say much about the other merits or dangers of this city, but it was definitely a disappointing way to start my stay. I can only imagine how much money the police will make from Euro 2012.
I went to Kiev 5 months ago and I am on my way in 3 weeks. They have some racism, but it’s only from ignorant people just like anywhere in the world. I met girls at the university who wanted to practice their English and Spanish and were very friendly and showed me the city. The city is very beautiful with a lot of exotic architecture and gorgeous women all over the place. If you are of African, Middle Eastern or Hindu you should expect people to stare at you as you will look very different from every body else. On the other side if you are from Europe, the Americas, Australia, New Zealand or have European roots you will be treated just like everybody else.
I’ve been in Ukraine for one year. Being African, I have definitely experienced racism; in the mildest form though so I’d say I’m lucky. Although I get called names and get hard and hostile stares, I ‘m like who cares! I just walk on since insults don’t grow on your skin. If you’re white, you don’t have a problem with racism in Ukraine although a few of my American and Asian friends complain of racial slurs. It’s hard to call all Ukrainians racist because I’ve been helped and assisted by a few of them even with me being African and brown skinned. A case was when I couldn’t get a train ticket back to my city from Kiev. I’d tried all I could and not being able to speak Russian worsened the whole situation. I walked up to an Ukrainian lad who looked every inch like a skinhead and in broken Russian explained my plight to him. He proved to be my godsend that day. The rest is history but I’d never forget that act of kindness. I also admired a babushka telling off a drunk man who was about getting on me while I was riding in a trolleybus in Kiev. Also, I had a racist tell me to walk away from where I was somewhere outside the train station still in Kiev because it wasn’t safe for me and I could get robbed or harassed. About the police I also have never been stopped on the street either in Kiev, Ternopil, Lviv or Chernivtsi. On one occasion, I had a friend visit me from Czech Republic and there was a cop at the door. He got bribed and walked and that’s not so racist to be fair. He pushed his colleagues to come for more but I never opened the door after then. I’d also say the drunks are the most racist as they get more dangerous when they are drunk. Skinheads? Heard of them but never saw one. I got ripped off by a taxi driver in Kiev because I didn’t know my way but that happens in every big city I guess. All in all I’d say black people are subject to racism in Ukraine more than white people and even if you’re black and hang out with the right people, don’t get drunk, understand the place you live, you stand a chance of living peacefully with little or no brush-offs with racists.
Kiev is nice, you can relax and have a beer without being hassled. Stand up to the police and they will leave you alone, do not pay them.
I am an African and i am about to go to Ukraine in 3 days! I can already imagine the disasters i am going to face. This is traumatizing!
O my God! All you write is terrible! But I am Ukrainian and don’t see so much trouble, not more than in any other country. Don’t drink so much to loose your brain, don’t hang nights in the shady places, taxi with taximeter and with whores is the situation same as in YOUR country. Will you find a good girl? She, as a rule, doesn’t meet you in the street (maybe in university, library, office, but not in the nightclub, or pub).
I have visited Ukraine four times. Though I am Caucasian and of EU status, I have been once treated badly by Ukrainians but on the whole the people are very helpful and bar a few horrible taxi drivers very honest. One young lady ran after me to hand in the right change as she overcharged me! Such is their honesty. I am much in love with my girlfriend who has been very honest and upstanding despite difficult times!
Andrew!! I am from Kiev! About the Shooters club!! You are wrong about it. It is not only for whites. This club belongs to Turkish people and there are many people not from Ukraine!
I was planning on travelling to Ukraine for Euro 2012. I’m now having serious reservations as my best mate is black.
I find it amazing that "face control" exists anywhere in the world.
It’s a shame. I was really looking forward to it. There is no doubt about it, Ukrainian girls are beautiful. I agree there are many beautiful girls everywhere. But there is something about that accent and green eyes.
After reading a lot of peoples ‘reports’ on here I would never visit Kiev or the Ukraine,had I not already visited many times & know the vast bulk of these to be false or more likely exaggerated.
I have stayed at various hotels & lived in various apartments amongst the local population & been perfectly fine.
Police-personally never had an issue having been stopped twice,once as a passenger in a car that was clearly speeding & the other for being more than mildly tipsy walking home without my passport(the only time I never carried it & the only time I was stopped). The Police neither fined me nor assaulted me,just checked me for drugs then I was immediately released.
Skinheads? Never seen one here.
Racism? I have encountered some racism notably when myself & an Indian friend were not allowed into several nightclubs(& I believe Shooters was one of them) because we were ‘drunk’ when we weren’t. It was evidently because of his skin colour. However he himself had been in the city working for 6 months & this was only the second time it had occurred so it is not endemic although it was very annoying & humiliating,particularly for him. And disconcerting. Also was walking with a girl when she stopped & started pointing & laughing at some passers by saying ‘Ch-ee-na’ then making slanty eye impressions when clearly I failed top see what there was to be excited about. I realised that the people were Chinese but she was the only one on the very busy street doing it & she was from a provincial town where there were no/few ethnics so I assume it was just the novelty of it for her. I would also add that when Nik & I were playing pool with the locals in the bar none of them were bothered by his skin colour so again I think it is just a few uneducated people. It is also worth noting that a lot of people come to work in Kiev from the country & I was informed more than once that these people are the issue. Your average main city dweller is accustomed to seeing different ethnicities.
Stray dogs? Yes there are but dangerous? I have never witnessed this either on or near Khreschatik or in the crappy areas around the beaches in Odessa in the evening or on early morning runs. They wanna avoid you & get an easy meal.
Taxis-they are trying to make a quick buck,they know foreigners are naive about the ways of the city & are really no different to taxi drivers in many big cities. Arrange the fare BEFORE you get into the cab,not at the end of the journey & if you are with a local get them to arrange the price & then laugh at the look on the drivers face when you begin speaking in English AFTER the fare has been agreed.
From my experience, which is not exhaustive but is certainly accomplished, Kiev is a beautiful city. It is full of history,culture,wonderful food & yes,beautiful women, although if you think the ones in Kiev are great you should visit Odessa! The women are not only beautiful & stylish & sexy,but if you look past the hookers in the hotel bars & clubs trying to hook any western man for marriage,you will find women who are loving, loyal, faithful, womanly & fantastic partners & mothers who think & fight for the traditional family unit which is what they seek. The reason why a lot of women seek foreign men is not money, it is because they respect & value women more than Ukrainian men do, many of whom see women as an extra ‘household appliance’,nothing more. I have come across several ex-pats who live & work in the Ukraine on local wages but the women want someone to love them & to love.
The food is wonderful,I loved it. The culture & the language is great,bother to make the effort to speak some Russian & the people will warm to you,as people always do when foreigners try to learn their language & be polite.
The Ukrainian way is to often remain impassive(which is why so many foreigners stand out) & you will see it on the street as the locals do not smile. However Ukrainians are a very friendly folk,warm,hearty & happy once you make the effort. They like foreigners coming to their country & usually want you to like it & them & their culture.
In short I love the Ukraine,have walked up some dodgy places alone at night & never been mugged or harassed. The food,culture & architecture is wonderful. I adore the Russian language & if you go for the women (I do not mean the sex industry here) you will find that the greater majority are genuine although there are snakes in every society who will rob you & deceive you.
If you visit, make the effort & I am sure you will enjoy it as I have & I enjoyed it so much I am taking my son to visit very soon. I would not do this if I perceived the place to be more dangerous than any other city I have visited.
I had visited Kiev in 2010. Like other Western cities there is an amount of racism latent in Kiev also. Have seen mugging instances a couple of time. Some nightclubs have face control which disallow African & Asian visitors. The girls are supposed to be the most beautiful ones. However they also turn to be racist when you are of Asian or African background and approach them. They prefer rich American or European grooms rather than Asians. You see the same with all hookers from Ukraine who have flooded the UAE cities.
The problem with Ukraine is that the bar is set very low in the first place. Before you even begin to consider racism, you should understand that Ukrainians are thoroughly unpleasant to each other. No social mobility, huge wealth gap, rising costs, and a huge security apparatus: there really ain’t much to smile about. No-one from a western European country would tolerate the life that a Ukrainian has.
More fool to those sex tourists that go there simply for the women. As an intelligent individual posted earlier on, there are beautiful girls in every city of the world. It is the social rejects of the West that need to flash their EU passport and income in what is a developing country, that rave so much about Ukraine.
Without doubt Ukraine is an even more thoroughly unpleasant place for any non-white person – but this is not a problem if you don’t go there. If it’s girls you are after, get a female friend and ask her to tell you in all honesty why you are unable to get a girlfriend back home. Then act on it: go to the gym, read more, take up interesting hobbies, develop your career, take baths regularly – whatever it takes to rejoin society at home. Jumping on a plane and risking your life to buy a bride is not the solution to your problem. And understand this: Western divorce law and privileges are extended to Ukrainian nationals. If you bring one home and she gets approached by a guy that is richer than you / better looking than you, once her spouse visa is confirmed she will be gone in a flash.
Final point: the Russian government is openly racist and their stated aim of minimising racial mixing as they see it as posing a threat to the ‘white race’. They cite western Europe as a case study of what happens when you have racial mixing (apparently, we have something to learn from them). They see this concern as valid and are happy to state the steps they take to protect the ‘white race’ – namely sending African and middle Eastern asylum seekers out to Siberia and keeping them in complete isolation. Ukraine wants to join the EU and understands that this kind of talk cannot be permitted for an EU applicant, so they play dumb about the racial attacks that happen frequently across Kiev and Ukraine, and maintain that there are no incidents of racism. Remove the veneer, and you are still dealing with a modern day neo-Nazi administration.
My advice, let them keep their girls (many of which are chargeable by the hour) and STAY AWAY!
Just wanted to add something on the stray dogs: I’m an expat living in Kiev and I often bike around Kiev and several times I had stray dogs trying to snap at my heels. That happened even close to Kreshatik. I think if you walk slowly they ignore you. Once near a beach down at the river I saw a pack of dogs going through a rubbish bin. Even locals felt uneasy then and tried not to provoke them.
What a nonsense! I live for 5 years in Bila Tserkva and go regularly to Kiev. Yes, been stopped by the police, but out of standard control. Never had to pay and never had issues. In my town live black people, indian people, asians. I am myself asian looking. I do not speak the language well, but if you are friendly to people and do not show off, everything will be ok. Skinheads? Don’t see them. See young people with short hair, but they are no skinheads. Of course, from drunken youth I get sometimes remarks, like "look! a Chinese".
But, like I care. They are drunk. I don’t trouble them, they do not trouble me. Had a few times issue with drunk men. Talk to them normally and they are as you and I. They do not hang out to frighten the foreigner. They do not understand you and find you then a prick. Maybe a lot of (coloured) foreigners should behave normally, instead of being pricks.
That is why you are beaten up, not because of racism. Ukraine knows foreigners and coloured people since soviet times. People from Cuba, Angola, Vietnam, Cambodja came a lot here. So it is more about your behaviour, than that people are racists. And about Ukrainian girls, they are loyal to you, if you treat them good. I became jobless and without money for already 4 years, because of the world crisis. My Ukrainian wife does still love me and stick with me through my bad times. She loves me, because I treat her very well.
See a Western woman doing that. They will immediately abandon you.
So to any foreigner I would say, come here for the country, the culture and the gastronomic culture. Only to meet girls, you ask for trouble. You will meet people who will cheat you, rob you or just after your money. Just come here and have a good time. Make a talk with people on the street and the beautiful girl, that is worth it, will come by itself. Local girls here want nice, good treating husbands. Money is not the issue here. But they do not want to be treated like whores. They are normally nice girls, who like to be treated well, something a lot of men in generally do not any more, especially local men.They are classically raised and learned to keep a man to marry to have a family and a husband for life. Further people here are intelligent and if you act dumb, of course you get ripped off.
I’m a Canadian who spent a month last summer in Kyiv and absolutely loved my time there. I made many new friends, saw many interesting sites and cannot wait to return in 2011. By the way, the most beautiful women in the world are in Kyiv and if you are a well dressed, friendly, knowledgeable westerner it is not difficult to meet a nice woman there
I’m about to visit Ukraine in 24 days. I am a pretty dark guy and after reading these blogs I think I will cancel my trip. I’m not really afraid because I am a professional boxer and feel that I can handle my own – unless someone shoots me, but I hate racism and unwarranted confrontation. I think I will visit Jamaica instead!!
James VILLIERS, everyone will have a different experience in Ukraine. You cannot compare your trip to another foreigner’s trip. Just because you received grade "A" service doesn’t mean the next person will. Maybe they are not as attractive as you are.
He’s not attractive. Believe me.
It’s surprising that all the people of a darker persuasion have reported unfavorable experiences in the Ukraine. I can understand some locals not appreciating this fact and want to paint a nicer picture of their homeland. I was planning to travel to Ukraine as it looks like a beautiful country. However, it seems apparent that they are somewhat behind in their tolerances to foreigners, especially dark skinned ones. I do hope things change there. I hate going to places where I stick out like an pink elephant and feel insecure.
I forgot to add earlier that during my last visit to the city of Kiev they were even singing the Spanish song " besame, besame mucho " on Kreshatik. It seems to be popular there. I also heard it in a restaurant. I found it interesting. The song is actually Mexican in origin. I am a different Spanish. I married a very sincere and nice Ukrainian girl. I am happy to report that she is happy with me here in the States. She is going to school and working. If you are single and honest you can find your girl too.
Yes, I have seen my friend from Africa suffer severe and apparent racism. As a caucasian, I didnt. So the articles here about racism are absolutely TRUE. I understand Ukrainians who are downplaying it. And for the dark foreigners who say, there isnt any racism.Guys, you were lucky so far! And I hope you continue to be lucky.
Ukrainians are ignorant in this regard and biased. Otherwise I find them very hospitable and cordial. A lot has to do with exposure to other races. N word is still legal in this part, they just seem to ignore that world has changed for better since 1960s.
Comparison of crime in Ukraine and New York is bizzare.
Girls, are good here as there are in most countries of the world. They are more open to foreign partners and relocation due to economical factor. Somebody wrote about Bradd Pitt looks on this page, I’m afraid that wont help much. They have their own Bradd Pitts in every village. What they need is a life with social security and proserity.
There was also a figure, claiming 80% girls in Kiev are not from Kiev. I have something similar to tell. About the same percentage about 80 or even may be 90% of expats that I meet in this region, looking for brides are generally a loser in life. They were at some point not well accepted by their own society, so they run to other societies where just being a man and having a passport of EU or America in itself is a very big qualification. All those who are successful in states or in the EU are sought after guys in their own countries. Why would they come here for wives? They usually have no time. And most of the rich guys think a Easter European bride is for a looser. With which I dont agree, but that’s the perception.
So I urge everybody, not to adopt perception as truth. Accept reality and enjoy the life.
Kiev is beautiful. People are friendly and mostly helpful. Its an advantage if you have a Ukrainian friend along with you when you go around the city. I came to Ukraine three times and really spent good time going around the country (of course I had trouble with police and all but hey who doesn’t?). Oh and, I’m a dark skinned Indian and I got attacked too (hit/punch/kick) during my last visit to Kiev, right in the center of city when I was walking down Kreschatik from Independence Square.
One must be extra careful when they hit the road. My advice – when you sense trouble – VANISH – RUN – disappear but don’t be standing there trying to analyse the situation. Skinheads know you’re a foreigner and you can’t do jack and they can attack you and walk free. Oh and don’t expect passersby to rescue you.
I’m a bit skeptical about my next visit but I miss my love so much that the incident seems unimportant. If you crave for something just go for it Nike style.
I am a New Yorker, like David above. I am also Hispanic. I went to the Ukraine TWO times in 2009. It is a beautiful city. I like it and like in any other city in the world you have to use logic to stay safe. I stayed at the Rus Hotel. It was a very nice hotel. No problems there. The breakfast was abundant, great and tasty. The beds were not that soft to tell you the truth. I went out may be only once at night. I took a chance because someone close to the hotel tried to play that little " wallet on the floor scam " on me. I did not stop and I simply kept on walking. The best time to go out is during the day, especially if you are not from there. It is just plain logic. You don’t go out at night in places that you are not familiar with or where people can immediately sense you as a foreigner. I made friends with people. I made friends with some girls. One of them travelled to meet me and I am happy to say that she was so sincere in her heart that we got married a few months ago. I invited her to New York and the second time around we got married here in the " Big Apple " as they call it. I am different from her and she is different from me, only physically. It is the heart that speaks. We are similar inside and this is why we chose each other. In summary, don’t judge a country by the acts of one or two immoral characters. It can be disgusting yes, but there are beautiful people too in every country and I am not talking about looks. Avoid danger by using logic. Most people in the Ukraine are awesome and friendly. I agree with someone who says here that our language can make them confused. Remember also that this country is trying to survive economically because of the great world depression that we all have to live through recently so whether you go to Kiev or Spain or Germany there might be risks because people are trying to survive, but it does not mean that everyone is bad or evil. I am happy with my girl and I will remain loyal to her and help her for the rest of my life. She says she will be the same with me too. Take care everyone.
I`m a citizen of suburb of Kiev. As a Ukrainian I can say that most of us are friendly and polite. There are some racists in Kiev, but there are not many of them and usually they are not aggressive. You can be at a bigger danger in some American or European cities than in Kiev. Big streets and the subway are always safe places till the late night.
Of course if you want to find problems you will do it. But if you want to find good friends or meet beautiful girls you will do it too.
I have been to Kiev three times. The city is very old and interesting. So many things to see and even still, I haven’t seen everything I’d like to.
However, I must say that if I didn’t have friends in Kiev, it would be tough to do everything I’d like to do when visiting. There is an undercurrent of racism in the city for sure. I wasn’t mindlessly assaulted or anything strange like that, but saw quite a lot of violence in my most recent trip in 2010 (the previous trips showed no sign of such activity).
I would like to chalk this up to the economic downturn, which hits a country like Ukraine much harder than western countries because of the fragility of their economy and government.
I will say the people I do know and love in Kiev are some of the most loyal friends I have ever made. If you should ever get the chance to meet people and develop relationships there, it will be to your advantage.
Hello,
I would just like to alert you about racism at Shooters Club in Kiev, Ukraine. On Sunday 3 days ago, I and my friend Nauman went to Shooters alone at around 11 pm to try and get into the club’s restaurant. This was the night of a big Halloween party. We were not allowed in. The bouncer told us that the restaurant was full. He asked us if we had a reservation and we said no, because we did not. But since this was the night of a big Halloween party, it is plausible that the restaurant was indeed full. Note however that I am of South Indian descent (dark skin) and my friend Nauman is also of South Asian descent (dark skin though not as dark as mine – somewhat Middle Eastern looking). We are both in our 30s.
But then, today (Wednesday), we had a repeat experience. This time, I called in the afternoon and made a reservation at the Shooters restaurant under my name Andrew Rajkumar, for 11 pm, for four people – me, my friend Nauman and two Ukrainian girls (white, also young). We went to the restaurant around 11 pm – we were all quite well dressed. The bouncer was the same as the one on Sunday. We told him that we had made a reservation, but he told us that the place is full.
I immediately called the restaurant using my cellphone. I told them that we were standing outside, and we had a reservation, and they should let us in. I was told that the reservation means nothing if we do not get past "face control". I asked to speak to a manager or supervisor, but I was told that none is available, that the bouncer is the only person I can speak to.
Note that Shooters is supposed to be a night where expatriates go often, and from what I understand Wednesday night is an especially good night for foreigners to go. I suppose this is only for white or light-skinned expatriates, since there can be no other explanation for us not being allowed in except racism.
Hi Andrew,
I experienced what you experienced first hand. Try not to let it get you down mate, there are nicer friendlier countries to visit that welcomes tourists no matter what you look like, where you are from etc.
I saw some comments hailing Ukraine as friendly and not racist. Its OK if you’re white and from America or Europe. Otherwise its a hell for you. Don’t go there if you’re not white.
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I have been to Kiev for a long business trip (I’m from Bucharest) and never had any problem. No skinheads, no mafia, no police harassment. Stray dogs do exist, but fewer then reported (at least in the area where I stayed). The city is beautiful, especially in the spring and autumn. But the best part are the women, really beautiful. Prices are ok for a large European capital. I really don’t understand those who claim they were racially abused or whatever. Maybe they were living on the moon or something and they can’t cope with the human society. I can’t find another explanation.
When I was in Kiev I loved it and I didn’t see much racism. Well there is racism everywhere, but the main thing you have to show them is that you`re not scared. I lived all my life with criminals therefore I’m used to that. Don`t let them scare you.
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!
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?
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’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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Well, I hope these racists will pay a good price some day!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Racism against foreigners by skinheads and harassment by police is the biggest problem for foreigners in Ukraine.
Gypsies are an absolute nightmare at the main train station. Watch your bags very carefully here.
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.
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.