ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Kievrent and Kiev VIP airport service
QUOTE (1HappyGuy @ Jan 14 2009, 02:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Brad,

That VIP service sounds pretty good. I might have to check that out next time I go to Kyiv. So, are you experiencing any cold apartments. I know that Kyiv has its own gas supply but just wondering if certain parts of the city are colder than others. This whole Russian gas thing is such a mess. Both sides are accusing the other of underhanded tricks while much of Ukraine and parts of eastern Europe freeze.


Actually, the power did go out in our apartment for about twelve hours, but that was unrelated to the gas trouble. People hre ue lots of space heaters when it gets really cold, and it sometimes causes switch and circuit issues in the older buildings. I understand that Ukraine prbably has enough gas to last the winter. On the other hand, the eternal flame at the WWII museum was out yesterday - the joke being that Gazprom shut i off until the bill gets paid laughing.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-01-16 06:27:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)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!


I will pass the word to Vika laughing.gif I actually had bags vanish every other flight I took to Minsk. One time I didn't get my clothes for about three days. Now I always pack about two changes in the carry on. That was United/Lufthansa, by the way. Bags were everywhere, Frankfut, Vienna, etc.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-01-16 06:23:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Kievrent and Kiev VIP airport service
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.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-01-14 08:53:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Visa in hand - We haz it!!
QUOTE (brnidokiegurl @ Jan 16 2009, 08:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Jan 14 2009, 07:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We picked up the visa from FedEx in Kiev today. On to the next act!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif



hey brad ahmed will pick his up in like 2 hr in casa good.gif


brni - did Ahmed get it? What is the ETA?
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-01-28 10:19:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Visa in hand - We haz it!!
QUOTE (1HappyGuy @ Jan 14 2009, 02:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That is fast. My wife had to wait 5 days and she lived in Kyiv. Well now you and Vika can relax and really enjoy your time in Ukraine.

Let's hope the wedding goes smoothly this spring and that by fall she will have her green card. If you can, apply for her social security card soon. It will speed up a lot of things when you file for adjustment of status. You can then have joint accounts and stuff like that.


Right - the wedding is the next act isn't it? laughing.gif We have had a few discussions about it (just a few). It cannot be any tougher than the USCIS act.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-01-16 06:19:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Visa in hand - We haz it!!
QUOTE (nyhazmat @ Jan 14 2009, 09:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrats again...Enjoy the time there, I'm a little envious. We won't being going back this year. Is the dollar still up?


And hanks again. The exchange rate was 8.2 to the dollar an hour ago. mad.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-01-16 06:17:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Visa in hand - We haz it!!
We picked up the visa from FedEx in Kiev today. On to the next act!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-01-14 08:38:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (zqt3344 @ Feb 4 2009, 01:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
YES Detroit is. star_smile.gif

QUOTE (bgreed @ Oct 26 2008, 08:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Is Detroit a POE?



Adding another yes vote.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-05 02:53:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (Mariya @ Sep 9 2008, 07:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Delta did not upgrade me though I asked - they just apologized for the inconvenieces and said they will pay me $ 125 expense reimbursement when I mail them my receipts.

My bags were travelling all around Eurpe for 12 days. I saw Milano airport, Budapest airport labels...
Tough my itinerary was:
Nashville-JFK-Kiev


rofl.gif I flew through Frankfort to Minsk once, and my bags went to Vienna and Prague. Another time they just stayed in Frankfort for three days - no explanation.

Glad to hear you did get them back.

Cheers
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-09-09 09:33:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
Cool - just in time to change clothes before you go back! laughing.gif Did they upgrade you? Did they tell you where the bags went?
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-08-31 19:51:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (Mariya @ Aug 29 2008, 03:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Brad, I will let you know. I fly back to US in 2 weeks.


Thanks and safe travels smile.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-08-29 02:25:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (Mariya @ Aug 28 2008, 04:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Can you believe, Delta did not find my baggage though i had personal tags with my name and address and paper inside with all my details.. and i had only one stop in NYC-Kennedy.. They asked me to fill otu a lost baggage form and that's it for now.. i dunno what they gonna reimburse..

Do you think I should insist on an upgrade of my return flight or they never do things like that over lost baggae?


Mariya - I don't think they ever upgrade flights over lost baggage (different departments). Let me know if they agree to upgrade you - I will press that if they ever lose my bags.

Cheers
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-08-28 18:08:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (Mariya @ Aug 22 2008, 04:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
should I just save check of some clothing I buy and then mail those checks yo Delta?


If you filed a missing bag claim at the airport, they gave you a number to call right? Call the number and ask how long until they will pay for things, what they will pay for, and how to send receipts. There may be a way to do it online.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-08-22 05:47:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (Mariya @ Aug 22 2008, 12:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The airline (Delta) lost my two pieces of luggage cause I arrived 4 days ago and my two suitcases have not been located yet.
what happens if the won't find it at all? Or what should I do? Who happened to be in this situation?


I have had this experience with Delta and others quite a bit over the years. Did you file a claim at the airport before you left? Sometimes they can see where the luggage is immediately. I have been to Minsk (for example), and had my bags go to Vienna instead.

It usually takes a day or two to recover a delayed suitcase if the flight was an international one. Maybe an extra day if there was a change due to flight cancellation or security issue. It is only a small percentage of the missing bags that are permanently gone - in that case they pay you for the bag (usually not enough).

Good Luck
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-08-22 00:01:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (Mark and Sasha @ Aug 19 2008, 07:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sasha had her interview today, got approved within a few minutes and was out quickly enough. Best of luck to everyone else. She can fill in more info for you all if she wants ~

Mark B.


My congratulations kicking.gif kicking.gif When will she be arriving?
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-08-19 06:15:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (Muddy @ Aug 13 2008, 10:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiancee had her interview today, our case was approved, she was inside the embassy for 3 hours 9-12noon
the interview took less than 5 minutes
asked her only one question, is everything on the forms true.


SWEET!!! Congratulations Muddy kicking.gif I am happy for you kicking.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-08-13 21:51:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (Mariya @ Aug 8 2008, 02:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I fly Kiev-Brussels (Ukraine International Airlines) and then Brussels-Amsterdam (KLM) and then to US. so I was asking if I have to re-check my luggage in Brussels.


No - as long as you are only passing through Brussels. This is true even if connections are forcing you to stay overnight in Belgium. Your bags are checked through to your destination country, so you won't have to recheck unless you connect again in the US.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-08-08 01:58:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (Mariya @ Aug 7 2008, 08:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I plan the trip with my baby from Ukraine to US- would like to have as smooth as it can be...

Is it only US that I have to re-check my luggage if I fly from Ukraine and have to make a connecting flight in USA?

Do I have to re-check my luggage if I have to change my flights in Europe using different airlines - Ukrainian International to KLM??

Thank you...


If your destination country is the US, you will go through customs at your first point of entry here - even if you stay overnight in another country. You won't be able to get your checked bags though. Then you will recheck the bags to your US destination.

Edited by Brad and Vika, 07 August 2008 - 07:51 PM.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-08-07 19:50:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (zqt3344 @ Aug 5 2008, 12:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When in doubt, a bribe or tip, works wonders with passport control we have found. Just have some cash handy to place in that passport if needed, I have seen it done many times by others over there and it works, sad but true. Usually they hold you up or hassle you I think when they are wanting to make some extra money from a bribe. Since they all get paid so little in that country. whistling.gif



QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Jul 31 2008, 05:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (LvivLovers @ Jul 31 2008, 02:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Jul 31 2008, 02:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (zqt3344 @ Jul 30 2008, 04:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You do not have to get exit stamp, nothing happens to you if you go back later on. Would recommend your spouse keep their Ukrainian passports in their maiden name and use it later on, no will know the difference. And it will make life when they go back to travel or visit Ukraine much more easier and simple. good.gif

QUOTE (Muddy @ Jul 28 2008, 05:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When people leave Ukraine do they need to get exit stamp on their ukrainian passport?
What happens if they dont and later travel back to ukraine ?



What if you are married in a civil ceremony in Ukraine? Doesn't the passport(s) need to change to reflect a name change (there will be one in our case)?



When we got married in Ukraine, my wife took my last name. We then got her internal passport changed to reflect the name change. Once that was done, we got her international passport changed to reflect the name change. I figured it was better to get all this done over there to avoid further hassles once in the USA and also on the paperwork. Everything went very smooth in our process.


Were there entry/exit problems at passport control?



Interesting - I am always afraid that if I put out a bribe while being hassled, I run the risk of getting into more serious trouble. Also, I was told that a Ukrainian official who expects compensation will probably not be shy about telling me. How often have you done it?
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-08-05 21:49:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (USSR @ Aug 4 2008, 11:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Where I stayed in Kherson, it wasn't just hot water, it was all water was not available during certain hours of the day. No hot water being available during the summer months is a given in Ukraine. Fortunately, most of the apartments rented by me were, as they say, up to "Western" standards, and had the little "on demand" hot water heaters.

Don


In February I rented a place that had about seven hours of running water per day. It was in a twelve story (I think) building, part of a five building complex. Maybe the water availability has to do with the population density in the complex. I stayed closer to the river in June and the water was 24/7.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-08-04 11:14:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (fwaguy @ Aug 1 2008, 01:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (LvivLovers @ Aug 1 2008, 08:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We had seen a lot of discussion on whether or not an exit visa was needed from Ukraine or whether that was only something in the past. Like everyone else I read about we didn't do anything in regards to an exit visa. We brought her cat and dog from Ukraine also...no problems anywhere in the process.


Having just departed Ukraine after an extended holiday visit on July 30th, we had more questions from the airline company about the different names between her passport and greencard than we had from passport control. Passport control was easy. In addition, no question whatsoever regarding this infamous exit visa stamp.


Welcome back!! How was Kherson? Did you take pictures? Tell us about the renovated flat!
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-08-01 16:07:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (LvivLovers @ Jul 31 2008, 02:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Jul 31 2008, 02:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (zqt3344 @ Jul 30 2008, 04:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You do not have to get exit stamp, nothing happens to you if you go back later on. Would recommend your spouse keep their Ukrainian passports in their maiden name and use it later on, no will know the difference. And it will make life when they go back to travel or visit Ukraine much more easier and simple. good.gif

QUOTE (Muddy @ Jul 28 2008, 05:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When people leave Ukraine do they need to get exit stamp on their ukrainian passport?
What happens if they dont and later travel back to ukraine ?



What if you are married in a civil ceremony in Ukraine? Doesn't the passport(s) need to change to reflect a name change (there will be one in our case)?



When we got married in Ukraine, my wife took my last name. We then got her internal passport changed to reflect the name change. Once that was done, we got her international passport changed to reflect the name change. I figured it was better to get all this done over there to avoid further hassles once in the USA and also on the paperwork. Everything went very smooth in our process.


Were there entry/exit problems at passport control?

Edited by Brad and Vika, 31 July 2008 - 05:40 PM.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-07-31 17:39:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (zqt3344 @ Jul 30 2008, 04:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You do not have to get exit stamp, nothing happens to you if you go back later on. Would recommend your spouse keep their Ukrainian passports in their maiden name and use it later on, no will know the difference. And it will make life when they go back to travel or visit Ukraine much more easier and simple. good.gif

QUOTE (Muddy @ Jul 28 2008, 05:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When people leave Ukraine do they need to get exit stamp on their ukrainian passport?
What happens if they dont and later travel back to ukraine ?



What if you are married in a civil ceremony in Ukraine? Doesn't the passport(s) need to change to reflect a name change (there will be one in our case)?
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-07-31 01:59:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (SeanAndNatalia @ Jul 18 2008, 09:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Slight difference in name spelling - Petition versus Passport - This cause a problem?

Hello all, wondering if anyone can help.

My Natalia just got her international passport today.

-They spelled her first Name in English as: 'NATALIIA' - with 2 letter 'I's
-For the petition, I spelled her name with just one 'I' - 'NATALIA'
(I don't understand where they got the 2 'I's from..)

Her first name in Russian is spelled '???????'
-What is also strange - they spelled her name in Russian on the passport as 'HATA?I? '

Also, for her last name, they used a 'Y' for one letter where I put an 'I'
Her last name in Russian is '??????????'
-I spelled in English as 'UDOVICHENKO'
-They spelled on the passport as 'UDOVYCHENKO'

Does anyone know if this will create any problems with obtaining her Visa?
-We will now fill in the DS-156 with the passport spelling, but this will be slightly different than what is on the petition.

Also (this might be a stupid question) - would we need to stick with this spelling that is on the passport once she gets to America?

Thanks much,
Sean


Probably no trouble, as there are Russian, Ukrainian, etc. variants of name spellings that they deal with all the time.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2008-07-27 19:49:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Marriage with Ukrainians on K-1 Visa and Last Name Change
Vika says that she eventually wants to pursue citizenship. If our kids will be American, and her home is here, it just seems to make sense to us. She also wants to follow tradition (ours and hers) and take my name when we marry. Of course, I couldn't be happier about that. We will definitely deal with passport issues as they come up - but I am really thrilled at the way things are shaking out.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-11 14:56:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Marriage with Ukrainians on K-1 Visa and Last Name Change
QUOTE (payxibka @ Feb 10 2009, 03:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Feb 7 2009, 03:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (1HappyGuy @ Feb 7 2009, 02:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My wife has changed her name here to mine but still retains her Ukrainian passport. When we travel internationally I buy her tickets in her Ukrainian name. We just make sure we have a copy of our marriage certificate and her green card. We have not had any trouble so far.

We still have a number of years left on her passport so it's not a problem right now. Of course the other solution is to become a U.S. citizen and get an American passport. But then that would restrict travel to Russia and other FSU countries. There are always a lot of considerations to be made in these circumstances.


Vika says it is a good trade. Yes, she will have trouble getting into Russia, but so what? She has an easier time getting into dozens of other countries that would now require a visa. Imagine, no more fear of getting stuck in an EU transit airport without the ability to get a hotel. good.gif


Why would she not just use her Ukrainian passport? I know Ukraine does not allow dual citizenship but I have yet to discover how quiclky they will ever find out


It sounds like you are saying keep your (presumably unexpired) Ukrainian passport, and just use the most convenient passport for the country you want to get into. Vika wonders if there is some system of control where, for example, lack of a stamp somewhere would tip them off. She is nervous about the fact that holding two passports is a crime in Ukraine.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-10 17:23:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Marriage with Ukrainians on K-1 Visa and Last Name Change
QUOTE (1HappyGuy @ Feb 7 2009, 02:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My wife has changed her name here to mine but still retains her Ukrainian passport. When we travel internationally I buy her tickets in her Ukrainian name. We just make sure we have a copy of our marriage certificate and her green card. We have not had any trouble so far.

We still have a number of years left on her passport so it's not a problem right now. Of course the other solution is to become a U.S. citizen and get an American passport. But then that would restrict travel to Russia and other FSU countries. There are always a lot of considerations to be made in these circumstances.


Vika says it is a good trade. Yes, she will have trouble getting into Russia, but so what? She has an easier time getting into dozens of other countries that would now require a visa. Imagine, no more fear of getting stuck in an EU transit airport without the ability to get a hotel. good.gif

Edited by Brad and Vika, 07 February 2009 - 04:57 PM.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-07 16:56:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Marriage with Ukrainians on K-1 Visa and Last Name Change
Staying tuned eb0dfafc.gif
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2009-02-07 11:02:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAnyone else forget their wedding anniversary ?

OH HELL NO! Also never forget ANY other event which involves her getting gifts...New Year's, Women's Day, Mother's Day, Birthday, Anniversary, Christmas, even Sweetest Day :o It would be like all 7 deadly sins in one to forget


Same in my house. I enjoy doing it, so no big deal.

When I met Alla, quite by chance, we had a great couple days together and then I had to leave Prague. She asked me, walking to the subway, if I would email her. I said "I will send you an email every day for the rest of my life" She stopped and stared at me and said "You are lying". I said "No I am not, and I will do it even after we are married and living in the same house" She just laughed. :lol:

I have sent her at least one email every day since then, except about 3 days I was in the hospital until one of the boys brought me my laptop, so how would I forget? I have to think of something to write every day! :lol:


I do the same with flowers, as described in the much maligned and censored Flower Power topic on RUB. I promised live flowers always in the house. The signal is the emptying of the last vase.

She also does not like cut flowers...better to buy her a plant with flowers she can put in her flower garden, or a blooming houseplant


Vika likes fresh flowers better than almost anything else.

1/Give in - Just give in and make notes, create 10 reminders in your calendar, phone, set alarms and all that stuff, so you won't miss the next one.

2/Own it - Come clean and tell her you can't remember these dates in the way she expects and promise her to celebrate your anniversary on a random weekend of your choosing, by taking her somewhere nice, as a surprise, or getting her a special anniversary gift on another date 'just cause'. (and of course, remember to come through!!!!!)


I suggest putting all the important dates into a phone or auto reminder in the calendar. Also, don't just do the day. If your reminder is "her birthday is tomorrow" you are going to get into trouble again :lol: Maybe set multiples.


Tell her you will take her to Hawaii and if she is good you will come back next year and pick her up. :P


I like it :rofl: I may actually use this one myself.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-11-08 10:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusApproved, and finally here!

My wife has already asked me: "Are Americans aliens?"



Yes, we are :lol: It will be easier to answer this way.

Welcome home all three of you!
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-11-14 08:59:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUpdate: Conditions Removed
Nice one!
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-11-17 07:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusLooking for Retired Americans in Ukraine
Check you PMs. You are welcome.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-11-23 19:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusLooking for Retired Americans in Ukraine
I would suggest checking in at the Expat Ukraine forum here.

We do have a member who is in Sevastopol now. Retired, living with his wife. He is also on the site above, along with lots of others. PM me and I will put you in touch with him, as we email periodically.

Edited to say that the guy I am talking about definitely draws a pension, and has no problem doing so from where he lives most of the year. There are also some other issues that he has worked out around prescription refills, etc.

Edited by Brad and Vika, 06 November 2012 - 03:44 PM.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-11-06 15:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus1st rule: You do not talk about baby (until born).
Congrats! Having been through it recently, I can relate to the 1st rule. Honestly LL, what impresses me most is that she was able to stop pushing, and then deliver on the doctors command. :lol:
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-11-17 07:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarustravel to Ukraine

Boryspil

That said, I never wrapped my bags or had anything stolen but I am not surprised it is a frequent event. I also would not be surprised to find that there are a large number of fraudulent claims of stolen items...scams work both ways you know.

While we are there, Alla scarfs up all the good stuff which is cheap in Ukraine, pharmacueticals, contact lenses, voodoo medicines, oils, potions, lotions...you know, all that stuff that is no good in the USA.


I wrapped my suitcase once in Odessa. TSA cut the plastic off the bag in Chicago and destroyed it in the process. Word to the wise.

I wonder if Vika could buy ambien in Ukraine?
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2013-01-09 19:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarustravel to Ukraine

Gary, What about jewelry in general like a nice anne kline watch , pearl necklace , various other jewelry to take over when I go. even the diamond engagement ring. do they have to be declared on customs list, and then open door for greedy customs looking for bribes.??? can they be in carry on luggage and do they go through x-ray machine like here in the states. whats best way to get these items in. also how does it work when she comes over here is there any customs problems for her to bring the items with her.???


Don't take jewelery through customs and declare it. It willbe taxed. Either use VIP and hide it, or hide it and take your chances. If she is wearing it, there will be no problem either direction.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-11-01 16:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarustravel to Ukraine

what do you mean by vip services.???


At most Ukrainian airports you can pay extra for VIP services. A van takes you from the plane to a separate lounge, and they walk you through customs, bring your luggage to you, help you with any forms. It is really just paying a bribe in advance, so that they look the other way if they find things to hassle you about. I even forgot my customs exit form once (back when they required those), and they laughed about it. There is a departure lounge in Odessa, and a separate part of the bar with comfortable seats you can get into.

I advise any newbie to Ukraine, or any one that is bringing valuables (like jewelery) to just pay the fee once and try it.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-10-25 07:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarustravel to Ukraine
I never bought anything in a duty free in Ukraine. I take American whiskey, bourbon candy, t-shirts and hats for my male relatives, derby pins, and other things that are related to the area where I live (Kentucky). I gave my in-laws a coffee table book with pictures of my city, and they gave us one for Kherson.

I also used to take my wife perfume and jewelery when she was in Ukraine. Just be aware that there are limits to the amount of booze and other things you can bring in. The customs officers in Odessa are pretty aggressive about asking after jewelery, as the tax is really high and they can get a bribe if they catch you. So hide the stuff and use vip services :lol: . If you pay the vip fee, you can usually get by with extra bottles too. I never had a customs problem in Kiev.

Edited by Brad and Vika, 24 October 2012 - 09:32 AM.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-10-24 08:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhy a K-1 visa was revoked after being issued
That is one wild tale. I hope the rest of the journey goes better for you :yes:
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-12-12 00:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTourist Visa For Mother-In-Law - Requirements For Interview

We are trying to help prepare my Mother-In-Law for an interview to get a Tourist Visa so she come and visit us for about 3 weeks later in the year. As part of the interview, she is going to take several documents to show her ties to home such as documents showing flat ownership, power of attorney over my wife's affairs in Russia, Employment Letter, other Children's Birth Certificates, etc...

 

Are these documents required to be translated in English for the consulate officer? When going through the K1 process, everything had to be translated, but I can't find any requirements related to Tourist Visa interview. Being that they are legal documents and rather long, they will cost a quite a bit to get translated and I don't want to do it if it's completely unnecessary.

 

Her interview will certainly be in Russian, as she doesn't speak English, so I am sure the CO doesn't need them translated...

 

Has any of you gone through this with the consulates in Russia and have any information?

 

Thanks For Your Help...

 

We never thought a translation could hurt. Translation of documents is pretty cheap. We just thought that if there ever were any questions from anybody that didn't speak Russian anywhere, MIL was covered.

 

actually i was needing to know the answer to this question as well. I have already schedule an interview date for my mom, but i was just gonna see what all she has to bring..

do i need to write a letter of invitation? i don't reckon so, because on the visa application it asks where she'll be staying and her relationship to me, yet she still insists that she needs it.

 

from what a gathered, i told her to bring her marriage certificate and proof of employment and when she's supposed to be back at work. credit/bank card statements.. loan papers that show that she had financial obligations.. anything else that im missing?

 

My response may be too late for you, but here goes. See my comments about invitation letters below. My MIL had a letter from her employer stating she had a job to return to, and a letter stating that she had a pension. A document showing property ownership, and a doctor's letter stating she her dad was living at her house and couldn't take care of himself. She also had a recent visa from the EU to demonstrate that she has a history of returning. We may have bought a ticket for her, or reserved a seat to get an itinerary too.

 

Edited to say that she also had proof of marriage, and that her spouse was staying behind.

 

 

Invitation letters are a common misunderstanding of the tourist visa process over there. Everyone seems to be under the impression that if you write them an invitation letter, they will magically get a visa. This is probably because Russia requires an invitation letter to issue a visa to come there.

 

They seem to not understand that the US wants proof of ties to the home country and that is pretty much all they look for in deciding whether to issue a visa (some other things help, but having no ties to home country is pretty much a guaranteed denial), and don't really care about any invitation letters.

 

We found that the real value of the invitation letter was at POE. The consular officer did see it, and the letter did have a length of time in it if I recall, but the CO did not take a copy or ask any questions. My MIL does not speak English. We had English and Russian versions of my invitation, and the customs officer did look at them, as MIL could not explain why she was here or give enough detail. The rationale was the same as the OP here - just wanting to avoid hassle for MIL. Here is the language from the Homeland Security website that I was concerned with:

 

If you are an alien, the CBP Officer must determine why you are coming to the United States, what documents you may require, if you have those documents, and how long you should be allowed to initially stay in the United States. These determinations usually take less than one minute to make. If you are allowed to proceed, the officer will stamp your passport and customs declaration form and issue a completed Form I-94 to you. A completed form I-94 will show what immigration classification you were given and how long you are allowed to stay.

 

Here is the link http://cbp.gov/xp/cg..._to_the_u_s.xml


Edited by Brad and Vika, 09 June 2013 - 02:04 PM.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2013-06-09 14:02:00