biggish data

NOA2 Received - Hurrah!!!

QUOTE (chadherm @ Nov 12 2008, 09:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

WOW CONGRATS! I am so happy for you!

Thanks - we are both ecstatic!!! It felt like forever, and we were planning to wait the full six months.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-11-12 09:17:00

NOA2 Received - Hurrah!!!

Received our NOA2 yesterday. No touches, and the USCIS system still says received and pending.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-11-12 08:57:00

QUOTE (RyDa @ Nov 23 2008, 06:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Nov 22 2008, 07:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for the suggestion. We still aren't in the embassy computer though

Thats a little odd... My friend who got approved at VSC on Nov 10th, wrote to the embassy (Kiev as well) to see if they have her case yet, but they said that they have it uploaded in the system, but do not have the packet itself just yet.

Confused

I don't know - the operator told Vika that she would send an inquiry, and she should call again in a week. Then she what is apparently a CYA timeline of up to two months for a case to be interview ready.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-11-23 06:53:00

QUOTE (RyDa @ Nov 15 2008, 11:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (payxibka @ Nov 15 2008, 05:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (RyDa @ Nov 15 2008, 08:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This is cute

There is NO Martin Luther King Day in Ukraine. We hardly have any african-american people, so celebrating the B-Day of someone who fought for their rights would be odd. For Ukraine. Don't get me wrong though, great holiday. Very decent occasion.
As for the holiday period. I am registered on one of the Russian/Ukrainian K1-K3 forums, and last year around this time the wait for the inteview wasn't the worst. Like someone said it took a loooong time (well, longer than average) for them to deliver the applicant's passport. The two weeks between Dec 25 and Jan 7 seemed to be a vacation for the embassy staff. And that actually makes sense, it even says on the web site, that all Ukrainian AND American national holidays the embassy is closed.
So Brad, you might get lucky and have the interview before the 16th, but I don't think she will receive the passport on time. If I were you, I would make an appointment ASAP and then re-schedule ur flight, so that you arrive a day or two before the interview.
BTW, we got approved too the other day, so maybe Vika and I happen to have the interview on the same day ;-)

What you fail to understand is that the consulate celebrates BOTH countries holidays... Since MLK is a US holiday, it will be recognized

You ARE right. My bad. I've condradicted myself saying they celebrate both and saying we don't have MLK's day. Lol

Thanks for the suggestion. We still aren't in the embassy computer though

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-11-22 12:54:00

QUOTE (1HappyGuy @ Nov 12 2008, 03:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Brad,

If you have your NVC number, try writing to the embassy in Kyiv to schedule an appointment as soon as possible after Orthodox Christmas. You just might get lucky.

I would also suggest that you find out if there are any other Ukrainian holidays scheduled in early January. Understand that the embassy will be closed on Martin Luther King Day in January also.

Good luck, if must feel great to be so close.

It does, and I suppose I am sweating the timing without reason. Three years from now, no one (Vika and I least of all) will care about one more trip to Ukraine if I go back in February.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-11-12 22:11:00

QUOTE (nyhazmat @ Nov 12 2008, 02:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry, I forgot that I removed some detail...Our NOA2 was 11/2 and her interview was 12/21, visa in hand at FedEx 12/5 (issued 12/28). I know that this was 2 years ago, but how much could it have changed. It seems that everything else gets better.

I think that you mean interview 11/21, visa issued 11/28? Any way, it does look extremely tight - but there is hope!

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-11-12 22:07:00

QUOTE (payxibka @ Nov 12 2008, 10:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You are correct that many holidays exist during that time period... Obviosuly the number of available interview slots are reduced and everything backs up a bit. I think with the standard VSC-NVC-Kyiv transit times, as well as the backed up Kyiv interview lead time for an interview, you are probably find it tight, unless there is a cancellation that you can take advantage of.

Good luck!

Thanks dude - I hoped you would render an opinion. Not great news, but expected. Oh well....only a couple hundred to change flights.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-11-12 10:45:00

Before receiving our NOA2, I booked a flight to Kiev on January 2, returning on January 16. What are the chances of scheduling an interview in Kiev in early January? My impression is that the place basically shuts down between New Years Day and Orthodox Christmas (January 7 I think). Thanks in advace for the help.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-11-12 09:41:00

Flight to Kiev, Ukraine: $1600.00 August 2008

I paid $1550 for a flight to Odessa in October.

Edited by Brad and Vika, 21 July 2008 - 10:54 AM.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-07-21 10:54:00

Where did you meet your significant other?

QUOTE (zhenia and brent @ Sep 7 2008, 12:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Sep 6 2008, 11:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dinner at a mutual friend's house, here in the US.

Brad, I remember you mentioned at one time that you & your fiance know several single women (Russian/Ukraine). I'm in no rush, but if you get around to it, me a few photos.... you have my email.

Vika has a good friend, who does express interest in such things. I have never met her, and Vika has no pictures. Vika says she is "very beautiful". I know she works all the time, and seldom meets the girls any more for beer and salty fish. Any way, to be continued offline...

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-09-06 23:40:00

Where did you meet your significant other?

Dinner at a mutual friend's house, here in the US.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-09-06 22:58:00

Train Prices and schedules needed

Viktoria just took the train from Kherson to Kiev on December 14, for a medical exam on the 15th. I am sure that she said she was arriving after 8:00 in Kiev, and didn't say anything about a transfer. She will take the same train to meet me January 9th, and her train (Kherson-Kiev #102) arrives in Kiev at 9:20.

I would advise that she (and any one else) arrive the day before, and spend the night. I am using Kievrent on the advice of another VJ member that has used them many times. They will pick you up at the bus or train station, or airport, and rent you a flat. You can see apartments available at Kievrent.net. Also, lots of VJ members can give you numbers for drivers, etc. Arrival the day before is better because I am told that all interviews and exams start in the morning, although I just read different above.

Edited by Brad and Vika, 03 January 2009 - 10:02 AM.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2009-01-03 09:59:00

Train Prices and schedules needed

There is a Kherson-Kiev train. It leaves on odd days of the month in the evening, and arrives at around 9am in Kiev, according to Vika. Seats can usually be purchased at the last minute, and cost $35-$40 each way, if I understand her comments. The same train returns on the even days.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2009-01-02 12:44:00

Thanks all for the advice and good wishes. I made it to Kiev in good time (Atlanta to Paris was only 7.5 hours, instead of 9.5 from Chicago to say, Frankfort or Prague). A good tail wind helped. We have checked and rechecked the documents, and all appears well. We will try to pick up the visa at Fedex the next day, and see what happens. I am very glad that I decided to attend the interview, as Viktoria seems much more calm now that I have arrived.

QUOTE (amberdima @ Dec 31 2008, 07:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Dec 29 2008, 03:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So the new plan is to arrive in Kiev January 9th, nail the interview on the 12th, and then hang around until we can pick up Vika's passport, then head out. Her parents want to come to Kiev and say goodbye again, go to the airport, etc. - so Turkey is off the table. Another time perhaps.

how exciting...and good to hear. as i waste away the hrs waiting for our noa2, i think about going to warsaw for the interview. then, after we get the visa, heading to brest, belarus to meet his parents before coming home to the USA. safe travels and may i be in your shoes soon!

Hang in there - your turn is coming!

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2009-01-10 07:35:00

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-12-29 15:23:00

QUOTE (1HappyGuy @ Dec 11 2008, 03:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Brad,

It is certainly understandable. Many of us were single for a long time, including both partners. My wife had been divorced for 15 years and I had been divorced for 11. The changes to having someone in your daily life is big. As long as both partners are willing to make allowances for the other, accept different customs and cultural variety, then you can both look forward to a long and loving relationship.

The best part of your visa journey is about to start with the adventure of the two of you living together as husband and wife. Best of luck on that adventure.

Thank you sir, for the kind words

We are both looking forward to getting started, and hope the interview, etc. goes smoothly.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-12-11 19:22:00

QUOTE (payxibka @ Dec 10 2008, 07:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (nyhazmat @ Dec 10 2008, 05:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (payxibka @ Dec 10 2008, 06:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (nyhazmat @ Dec 10 2008, 04:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As far as the interview, if Vika is fluent she should have no problems. Though moral support is important...

Considering the interview can be conducted in English, Ukrainian or Russian... I assume she is fluent in at least one of those languages..

Ok, you got me....I meant, if she is fluent in English she would have no problem. The man conducting the interviews in english (not sure if he does the other languages) was very nice and helpful. Thats where I was going with that...

My wife did hers in Russian....

Vika speaks all three languages, so I think its covered. I rebooked for January 9th, return on the 24th, and we will be in Kiev the entire time. Points well taken about moral support, etc. Also, although I was showing some frustration about the frequent changes of mind, when I think for 30 seconds about it, she is completely justified being nervous. I was single again for a long time, and need to retrain my brain to recognize some one else's well founded distress. Even for a guy, I am pretty thick skinned sometimes. Thanks for all the advice and support.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-12-11 00:46:00

QUOTE (Wacken @ Dec 9 2008, 11:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don't know anything about Ukraine, but I just wanted to wish you luck with the interview!

Thanks a bunch!

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-12-09 11:13:00

QUOTE (Scott and Iryna @ Dec 9 2008, 10:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Change your ticket, it won't cost much to modify it. It's not important to be there during the interview, but it IS important to be with her during the trip to the U.S. So just go out after she has her visa, help her pack, and come back with her. Instead, you will want to spend that vacation time for after you get married. Take her to Orlando, she'll like that better anyway...

I was trying to work in both the side trip and the flight back together. Some self interest here, but our opportunity to visit places like Antalya will be greatly reduced over time. Orlando will be easy. Also, you make a good point about the interview - as the appointment guy said he couldn't guarantee that I could sit in (although of course I could go with Vika to the consular section if I wanted). She is insistant that she needs me there in case..... and I am happy to support her by showing up if she wants. She also really wants to come back together immediately, although she has been here before, travelled alone, and her English is fluent.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-12-09 10:52:00

QUOTE (payxibka @ Dec 9 2008, 08:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Dec 9 2008, 06:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (payxibka @ Dec 9 2008, 07:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I thought you were talking about Turkey... While some services of the city might be closed.... People still live there and they like to have fun when they are not working... Ukrainians included...

Pretty funny. I have never been there before, and Vika has only been three or four times. I guess what I want to know is more about banks, restaurants, museums, etc. If excursions are not available and things are closed I will just move the dates back and avoid that week, or spend it in Turkey instead.

shops are open, market is open, banks will be open (bankomat is always open)... you will experience sporadic closings though

Cool, thanks!

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-12-09 10:46:00

QUOTE (payxibka @ Dec 9 2008, 07:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I thought you were talking about Turkey... While some services of the city might be closed.... People still live there and they like to have fun when they are not working... Ukrainians included...

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-12-09 07:51:00

QUOTE (payxibka @ Dec 9 2008, 07:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What city?

Our interview is in Kiev

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-12-09 07:38:00

Hello all - an open question for the forum. I have a ticket to Kiev Jan 2-16, and was able to FINALLY schedule an interview today. Apparently the consular section is closed between New Year's Day and the end of the week of Orthodox Christmas. So January 12 (Monday) was the first day I can schedule. Since it may take more than a week to get the passport back, I will need to schedule our return trip back at a later date. Vika is now saying (or saying again) that she really wants to travel back with me. If I extend it will burn up most of my vacation time. The upside is that we can actually take a week in Turkey before the interview. I wonder if the city shuts down during the week of Christmas, and if staying there that week would be a bore. Your thoughts?

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-12-09 07:28:00

Two things to update:

1) The exchange rate for Hrvna is in fact approaching twice what it was a year ago. Vika and I have had several discussions about why this is good if you are spending dollars. Althought she is correct in pointing out that pricies have increased sharply too, it is the relationship between the rate of increase that is relevant. So if a bowl of soup increased from say, 3 to 4 hrvna (25%), but the exchange rate for dollars increased 75%, you are still way better off. Of course many services charge dollars, so they make out, we don't.

2) I used VIP pickup service in Kiev at the airport, and found it expensive compared to Odessa, but still well worth the money. I will explain more in a detailed post later.

Cheers!

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2009-01-10 07:45:00

QUOTE (payxibka @ Oct 18 2008, 09:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

www.privatbank.com.ua has there exchange rate listed online... from what I can tell it is fairly representative what you see on the street...

Approachin 6 hrvna to the dollar now!

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-11-13 23:04:00

QUOTE (1HappyGuy @ Oct 13 2008, 10:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Brad, this is a little of this subject, but I hope you are right about the Hrivna exchange rate. My wife told me yesterday it was about 4.9 in Kyiv. So, maybe it is better now. I will be sending money to my mother in law next week and any increase will help a lot.

The exchange rate swings were pretty crazy, driven I think by frequent market closures. When it was 5.4 to 1 there a fair number of "obmin valyooti" that actually ran out of hrvna. The next day the rate went back to 5.0.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-10-14 06:09:00

QUOTE (payxibka @ Oct 13 2008, 01:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Oct 13 2008, 12:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A quick update now that I am safely home. I decided to use the VIP service to leave Ukraine as well. Vika called and made arrangements hours before my flight. I was over the limit for liquor transport again, and without my declaration form (filled out at entry). I was told to "be more careful next time", and packed off to the lounge. They even ran to the terminal next door to get my boarding passes generated. It seemed to me a small price to pay to avoid the hassle, and I think without the customs form I would have had hours of trouble. Again, no one asked any questions about currency, etc.

what is the cost nowadays? when I did it it was I think $50

It was $115 done through the rental company, $80 self serve. Also, the Hrvna exchange rate was between 5.1 and 5.4 the whole time I was there.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-10-13 17:54:00

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-10-13 12:36:00

QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Oct 5 2008, 09:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Brad:

I have mixed feelings about this. As you know it is merely a bribe, something that is pervasive in Ukraine in doing any sort of business with any sort of government agency. You can get VIP service on nearly everything for a fee. Read my wifes review of her travel to the USA and you will see she gives the cost of certain documents as "$XX (without a bribe)" I mean, it is as if it is the Ukrainian version of the phrase "$29.99 plus tax".

My mixed feelings? I worked in Odessa for two years. I think the Ukrainian people are great, I think the country will always be crippled by this practice until someone, somewhere breaks the cycle. Government employees are way underpaid...WAY underpaid. They have to eat, so everyone that can solicits bribes. Postmen charge a fee to deliver pension checks, licenses of all sorts are "bought", safety issues for workers are overlooked for a fee. Hundreds of mine workers die in the Donetsk every year because safety regulations are overlooked, for a bribe. Really, Brad, in two years in construction there, I never saw any sort of buidling code, safety regulation, or professional qualification requirement actually enforced. I noticed that on construction sites in Kiev, near the city center, they actually have most of the visible safety precautions in place. It is not that way in Odessa, or even the outskirts of Kiev.

I cannot say I never played the game. Alla played it quite a bit in order to get the documents she needed for her animals to leave with her. She played it to get a corrected version of her divorce certificate in time to send in our original petition. "3 weeks" was the estimated time. With a $10 bribe we had it in 20 minutes. I sometimes wonder about all the mis-spellings in documents, is it all just a co-incidence? Anyway, I try to avoid it when I can. On my last trip to Kiev I was offered the VIP service for $40, but declined it. They have recently added inspector booths at Borispol, but when I was last there, they hadn't added any inspectors. But now there are more empty booths than before!!!!!! Anyway, I passed the VIP service and I have never had any trouble at all at customs in Ukraine. Do you have flashing arrows pointing at you or something?

Really, I have never even been asked a question in Kiev, Donetsk or Odessa.

I have talked to many Ukrainians about this. Ukrainians are, if nothing else, a very practical and realistic people and painfully honest and direct. They believe, simply, all people must have enough to eat. They know government workers are way underpaid, usually $150-200 per month, and cannot feed their families for this money and so play the game. They also appreciate getting things quicker. I doubt it will ever happen, but if the government were to pay "living wages" to their employees I think the Ukrainian people would be much less likely to be sympathetic to bribery. Maybe I live in a bit of a fantasy world too.

Well, my opinion on the matter anyway.

Gary - I hear you. If you have seen my previous posts about this, you know that I have never done anything like VIP entry in Eastern Europe or anywhere else. I think there are big, flashing, neon arrows pointing at me

, and so didn't feel like I had many options. In all seriousness there were times when all American/Western European men were pulled aside and given special attention. Early on, I was probably singled out because my passport had no Ukraine stamps in it. That is the concensus from the Ukrainians who know the system. I thought the VIP money was a good investment, given the value of what I was bringing, and the punitive penalty if it was disclosed.

In addition to your points above, I am told that the customs officers in Ukraine usually pay a pretty steep bribe to get a job like that. Again, the Ukrainian concensus is that this motivates much of the entrepenurial spirit.

Thanks for your opinion.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-10-06 14:55:00

QUOTE (payxibka @ Oct 6 2008, 09:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Oct 4 2008, 08:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

While planning this last trip to Ukraine to see my intended, I asked for some advice about the VIP airport pickup services in general, and in Odessa in particular. As I said in my posts, I get hassled by customs officers as a matter of routine, and wondered if the VIP service would help. It does.

I landed in Odessa yesterday with one suitcase, one carry on, and a box with 4 liters of whiskey (among other things) in it. Yes I know it is more than the allowed amount. I was carrying a fair amount of currency and an valuable engagement ring on me. Needless to say, I was a little nervous about moving through customs expeditiously.

Short story - I cleared customs in about 10 minutes. No line, no questions, no wanding. I was told to limit my alcohol delivery to 1 liter next time - that's it. I would recommend this sort of service to anybody who is navigating "the system", on their own. Upon the recommendation of several VJers, I will also use VIP service in Kiev.

I don't want to say "I told you so"... so I will refrain..

I always find your advice useful. As you may recall, some of my anxiety was around how to make the transaction without getting into more trouble. The VIP service took away that choice by fixing the amount of the "fix".

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-10-06 14:45:00

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2008-10-04 20:16:00

QUOTE (RyDa @ Jan 15 2009, 03:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Jan 13 2009, 05:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

And a BIG thanks to every one who posted congrats and support!! We appreciate this community very much. Vika and I spent about a half hour looking at the site and composing a few posts, and the embassy review together. She was looking over my shoulder the first time, and sharply asked me to explain those hearts

. Fortunately we ran into one half of RYDA (from this forum) at the embassy, and she was able to verify the purpose of the post count. Phew!

Haha! The one half (the DA part is Dasha. RyDa=Ryan and Dasha) was glad to meet you guys. Felt like I wasn't completely alone there. And yeah, the wait is ridiculous for the "interview" that really-really-REALLY looked like a formality. I got so burned out while waiting (AND cold!!!) that the outcome of the interview didn't make me quite as happy as the fact that I could finally get the heck out of there! Just kidding, of course - I was ecstatic!

Have a good journey you guys! I'll be about two weeks behind you - have some stuff to take care of. But hey! What's 2-3 weeks after all this wait!

Great attitude Dasha! It was nice meeting you too. Please give our congratulatins to Ryan

I didn't use your name there because some flks use the nicknames on purpose. Have a great trip!

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2009-01-16 06:14:00

QUOTE (Rob&Dawn @ Jan 13 2009, 12:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Congratulations.

Can tell how pleased you are...your signature shows you passed interview Jan 2008! lol

Best wishes for your future life together.

I got a kitchen pass for an hour to check all email, etc. I updated everything I could think of, as the internet cafe' is a bit less convenient than my set up at home.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2009-01-14 08:13:00

. Fortunately we ran into one half of RYDA (from this forum) at the embassy, and she was able to verify the purpose of the post count. Phew!

Edited by Brad and Vika, 13 January 2009 - 10:30 AM.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2009-01-13 10:29:00

QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Jan 12 2009, 06:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Congratulations Brad and Vika!!!!!!!

We'll talk when you get back and settled in. Enjoy your visit in Kiev. If she hasn't already, you can get her vaccination record translated at the medical exam clinic and it will be ready for the AOS filing. They don't charge anything for the service but when I came for the interview I made some gifts of good Vermont maple syrup and chocolate.

Good luck!

Thanks brother - I look forward to comparing notes. Vika got her exam, translated records, and paid for the visa in mid-December to save time. We are having a great time here in Kiev, visited one of the monasteries here today, long walks, etc. We are both eager to head out and get to the states, but for different reasons reluctant to leave.

QUOTE (nyhazmat @ Jan 12 2009, 09:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Congratulations to both of you, now it is party time, Kiev style!

Are you going to stay in Kiev to pick up here passport at FedEx?

That is the plan. We have 11 more days here, and she didn't even give FedEx an address.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2009-01-13 10:24:00

QUOTE (1HappyGuy @ Jan 12 2009, 02:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Outstanding! We all know what a long process it is. I hope you and Vika celebrated tonight with a wonderful dinner, champagne and caviar.

Enjoy the remaining time in Ukraine.

Vika, welcome to America

Close - it was Planet Sushi and Beer. Cheers!

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2009-01-13 10:19:00

After a 2.5 hour wait, and a 30 second interview, Vika now has a visa on the way!!!

No questions at all for her either. We come back the 24th!

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2009-01-12 13:42:00

Kievrent and Kiev VIP airport service

QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Jan 14 2009, 11:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Jan 14 2009, 08:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just a quick statement for travelers to Kiev.

I used the VIP airport service and was again pleased with the smooth transition past the customs and passport control desks. Also, I was missing a suitcase, and the VIP folks handled it all. They tracked down an Air France rep, had her locate the suitcase before she spoke to me (it was still in Paris), brought her and all the paperwork to the lounge, and helped me fill out all the forms. Then they made sure the bag was delivered that day, and that I had all the necessary phone numbers to call should anything go wrong. If you have ever lost a bag in Eastern Europe and had a tough time getting it (and I have... oh boy), it is a great value! Also, no questions about currency or contents at all.

On the advice of Steelman (from this forum), I used Kievrent for airport transfer and flat rental. All is well, except a power outage for about twelve hours. Clean apartment, reasonable prices, city center location. I would recommend them.

Interesting. I have travelled A LOT for the past 30 years, both in USA and international, and NEVER lost a bag on any airlines until I went for the visa interview (on Air France) and they lost my bag going BOTH ways to Kiev and back!!!! Both times it was stuck in Paris. The first time I retrieved it at Borispol airport the next day, coming home they had to deliver it to my house and I found it on my porch when I came home from work 2 days later. Good thing I put all the documents in my carry on! Seems Air France has a problem!

A follow up:

1) All three of our bags were lost on our trip back (they stayed in Paris). It took about two days to get them back.

2) Although we didn't use VIP service because Delta/Air France won't allow it, we did speed things up a bit thanks to the entrepenurial spirit of the Ukrainian airport employees. We were approached by a young guy in the airport to check-in without a line for 200 hrvna, and breezed through the process in 5 minutes. Another 100 hrvna to get a too-heavy bag through.

3) I had absolutely no questions from customs or passport control about anything at all. A HUGE difference from my experience in Odessa.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2009-01-28 04:29:00

Kievrent and Kiev VIP airport service

Yikes! I just reread my post above. Just shows that I cannot type or spell if I rush

Just a note here. I just discovered that on flights from Kiev to Paris you cannot get VIP service any more. We were told that flights into Parisrestrict passengers to the full screening process at the main terminal.

Brad and Vika

Male

Ukraine

2009-01-19 08:49:00