Travelling to the Ukraine? Read our consultant's top tips to stay safe

 

RPS ‘s consultant has just come back from working in the Eastern region of Ukraine. RPS has the following advice and tips for anyone planning to go there.

The East of Ukraine is difficult to move around. Movement is restricted by checkpoints; local police and militia.

The country is functioning and food and water/drink is freely available. The rumour that the water was contaminated appears not to have been true.

There is tension amongst the locals and tempers flare easily in the streets and on the roads.

Languages

There are two languages used in the country; Ukrainian and Russian. English is not widely spoken. Understand the implication of speaking either language in the wrong area with the wrong people. It may put you at risk. If you can’t speak either language, ensure you have an interpreter.

Roads

The roads are in a shocking condition with bad potholes. Driving speeds are too fast for the conditions and there are frequent crashes. Ensure you have a spare tyre and jack.

Vehicles

Be aware that vehicles are registered to areas. If you move from one area to another your plate will identify you and may turn you into a target or make it an issue for you.

Taxis

It is not recommended to take taxis in cities other than Kiev. Use a trusted driver. Taxis can safely be taken in Kiev but RPS would recommend booking them through hotels or local partners. Only use recommended ones and ensure that the meter is running or the fare is agreed before setting off.

Checkpoints

Be careful of being in a Ukrainian speaker in a Russian checkpoint and vice versa.

Hotels

The hotels are functioning although they have been and still are very basic.  Don’t leave valuables in the hotel as they key cards often don’t work. If you use the safe ensure that is secured properly to something secure.

Customer service is not good but they do need the custom so you can play hard and negotiate. Don’t expect the internet to always be reliable, so have a back up plan for communications. You may not be able to pay by credit card so ensure you have enough cash.

Drinking alcohol

People commonly drink alcohol in the streets and drunks wander around and can hassle you. They often try to bully you into buying a drink for them and their friends, when you are in a restaurant. They will tell you that it is the Ukrainian custom to buy them a drink. Things may turn nasty if you don’t use good interpersonal skills to calm the situation and extricate yourself. Keep calm and try not to antagonise them.

In Kharkov, RPS saw drunks in the streets being confronted by the Police and saw them breaking up groups of drunks.

General

Personal security has become a major issue in certain regions of Ukraine and local Ukrainians may see foreigners as an easy target if they do not speak any of the local languages.

RPS general advice for travel to the Ukraine

RPS advises everyone travelling to the Ukraine to have the following in place:

1. A detailed itinerary with flights and hotels booked.

2. A detailed communications plan with backups when one method fails or does not work.

3. Adequate communications. Smart phone roaming, unlocked phone for local sum and a satphone. Other methods for communication can be advised on request from RPS, due to their sensitive nature.

4. Robust anti- virus and anti hacking software

5. Adequate insurance for the task according to personal circumstances

6. A contingency plan for emergencies

RPS can provide further advice and information for travel to the Ukraine. Please email us on [email protected]

Photos: RPS Partnership