 |
Money exchange
The National Currency - Hryvnia, Hryvna, Hryvnya, (UAH) - was introduced in September, 1996. There are bills for 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Hryvnias.
1 Hryvnia = 100 kopiykas. There are coins for 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 kopiykas.
It is preferable to bring US dollars with you. These can be changed at exchange points around the city. Make sure your foreign currency bills are crisp and new looking. Rumpled, torn and written-on bills are usually rejected. Avoid changing money with private individuals.
Personal checks practically do not exist in Ukraine, but many places in Kyiv accept major credit cards. Travellers' cheques can be cashed in a number of banks. However, do not rely solely on credit cards or travellers' cheques. Cash is preferred.
Exchange offices
The Ukrainian national currency is Hryvnia. It is preferable to bring either US dollars or Euro with you. These can be changed at exchange points around the city. Make sure your foreign currency bills are crisp and new looking. Rumpled, torn and written-on bills are usually rejected. Avoid changing money with private individuals.
Exchange points are located all over the city, in the markets, in the import stores. Usually the signs are in Cyrillic and English. (Obmin Valut or Currency Exchange). You can convert dollars to grivnas easily, but the U.S. bills will be scrutinized for date, rips, etc. and often will not be accepted...so have some "back-up" bills just in case.
Recommended Ukrainian Banks and Foreign Representatives:
Personal checks practically do not exist in Ukraine, but many places in Kyiv accept major credit cards. Travellers' cheques can be cashed in a number of banks. However, do not rely solely on credit cards or travellers' cheques. Cash is preferred.
Take your check to the bank, along with identification (your passport is best), and complete the appropriate documentation. You may pick up the money after the check has cleared, which normally takes two or more weeks for Government checks, and three or more weeks for personal checks. The money can be paid out in a variety of currencies, including U.S. dollars and Ukrainian coupons. U.S. bills older than 1985, or bills that are worn or with small tears are usually not accepted throughout the city. Travellers checks and currency can be cashed and exchanged into U.S. dollars or karbovantsi at major hotels including the following: INTOURIST, LYBID, DNIPRO, and RUS. Further information and a full listing of other locations, telephone numbers and banking hours can be found at the American Citizen Services section.
|
|
 |
