You worked hard, earned some money, broke a jar full of coins and planned a scenario of your ideal trip. Definitely, such questions as exchanging euros or dollars to Hryvnya, use of a credit card, average costs of a trip, may enter your mind. Fortunately, our article clarifies all of these aspects and even more. 

CASH OR CARD?

So, let’s talk money. Official Ukrainian currency is Hryvnia. Its code is UAH,  where UA is the country’s 2-letter code, and H is the first letter of the country’s currency. Once you arrived at a destination, you won’t be able to use euros or dollars. But there are many options for exchanging them.

Concerning a credit card, it can be used all over the country. There are three main credit cards accepted in Ukraine: Visa, MasterCard, and Eurocard. It’s worth thinking of a different credit card as a backup. You have to be ready that some hotels, little souvenir boutique or cafe (especially small ones) will accept only cash.

In case you’re buying some souvenirs in the street market, you can try to bargain with a vendor.

HOW TO BUY HRYVNIA

Bank

First and the safest one is a bank. Euros and dollars are the currencies that can easily be exchanged in any bank. Usually, there are signboards with an exchange rate on it. Solve the money question on time, because the majority of banks works till 5 – 6 p.m.

National Bank of Ukraine established a certain limit for a maximum exchange amount. You will need to demonstrate your passport or ID if the amount of money is bigger than 150 000 Hryvnias or its equivalent in your national currency. Make sure that your banknotes are in a right condition. A cashier may treat meticulously to the ragged or stained bills. And remember, always recount your money before you leave.

ATM

You also may try ATM. They are practically on every turn. Just fill in your card, enter your pin and select a native language for more accessible use. With some cashpoints, you won’t be able to take off more than 2000 UAH per transaction.

Currency exchange office

Exchanging rate may differ depending on each office and be a bit higher than in a bank (as it’s private stations). If you are not in a hurry you can look for a more beneficial exchange rate. They can be found easily due to an eye-catching advertisement.

Traveler’s cheque

Traveler’s cheques have a lot of advantages. They are safe, easy to restore in case if you lost one and not time-consuming. On the other hand, not every bank in Ukraine will offer this option for you. Only American Express cheques are available in our country.

Read more about safe banks and how to be safe with the local currency

BRINGING CASH TO UKRAINE

It is allowed to bring into Ukraine cash and travel checks totaling up to EUR 10,000 without a written declaration. Money in the amount exceeding EUR 10,000 should be declared in written form.

 When you cross the Ukrainian border with the amount larger than 10 000 EURO, you must fill out a customs declaration. It’s recommended to declare valuable items and money you bring with you in Ukraine.

MOBILE PAYMENTS

Instead of paying with cash, cheque, or credit cards, you can use mobile to pay for a wide range of services. Mobile payment is definitely an advantage that can make difference to choose your trip activity.

There are a few systems which can be used.
With Apple Pay, you can save your credit card in your Wallet apps and use only the phone to purchase without a limit amount. The validation by the touch ID offers a very secure and fast payment.  It ’s simple because you do not have to bring out any more your card and enter all the codes every time.

Google has a similar system for Android which is called Google Wallet.

Masterсard PayPass is a contactless payment technology that provides quick calculations. You need to direct the MasterCard card (with the support of contactless payments) to a terminal and your operation is done.

PAYMENTS OUTSIDE OF BIG CITIES

You might as well think of the availability of small bills in your wallet. Sometimes people may have trouble changing hundred Hryvnia bills. It concerns village shops and even supermarkets in towns. In fact, sellers have a special sentiment for people with small bills.

You must not forget about carrying cash around. As we’ve been saying earlier credit cards usually are not excepted in small towns or villages. You won’t be able to buy some water without having an extra 10 Hryvnias in your pocket.

Join our Kyiv village tour and explore Ukraine like a local.

Funny fact about villages: there is a kind of payment that bases only on trust. You can buy stuff and promise to pay for it later. Seller wrights your name into a notebook. Though there is a high probability to be misunderstood because this rule usually works only on locals.

HOW TO TIP

If you do wish to tip, you can tip around 10% for good service at a restaurant. In case you’re having a meal in a cafe you can simply round-up the bill.

Taxi drivers are also open to tips so that you can simply round up the fare.

On the other hand some people, especially peasants who do not expect any tips might get offended.

HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED

Trip expenses are depending only on your ambitions. Considering your actual budget, including cash and money on your credit card, it would be wise for you to plan the trip forehead.

Currently, 100$ is close to 2,700 UAH. 
100€ is equal to 3,100 UAH.
Check an exchange rate by entering this page.

Here are some average daily costs including food and abode expenses:

Getting hungry?

Cafeteria-style lunch: 40-100 UAH
Mid-range Restaurant dinner (without alcohol): 150-400 UAH
Fast-food snack: 20-50 UAH
Shot of espresso: 20-40 UAH

Getting sleepy?

Dorm bed: 100-300 UAH
Room in a hotel: 400-900 UAH

Transportation:

100km of bus travel: 130 UAH
Personal driver per day: 500 UAH

Transportation within the city:
Subway functions only in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro. Subway token and one-time public transport ticket in Kyiv costs 8 UAH.
Subway in Kharkiv costs 5 UAH, in Dnipro – 2 UAH.
Tram ticket in Lviv is worth 5 UAH.

Most likely, your spending will also include souvenirs.
For example, embroidered short – vyshyvanka costs from 1000 UAH and more, depending on a fabric and complexity of a pattern.
Read in detail about authentic Ukrainian souvenirs in our article.

Also, use this link to compare the cost of living in Ukraine to other countries.

And the last but not least – be aware of your safety. No one is completely secure from stealing or fraud. Be careful while making payments and exchange money only in approved places. Here is some important information that instructs how to be safe with the local currency.

Every single step in the trip makes you more conscious, builds you worldview and mindset shift. Gives you a new outlook and understanding of the world being more tremendous than one can imagine. Be brave, pack your luggage and off you go.
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