ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusKiev Apartment
We had good luck with Stay In Ukraine. On our last trip, we rented this flat, and it was very nice. It's large, and we shared it with another couple. These guys also offer transfers to/from the airport for a very good rate.
I will use them again my next trip. Here we are enjoying this apartment:

Attached Files


Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2010-07-15 09:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPlease help! Med exam told my fiancee she could not go to interview because she did not have her adolescent vaccination records!!!!! She never went

You should be able to use your credit and ATM cards in any country that accepts them, without restriction. The key is to inform your bank what country or countries you will be in, and have some end date in mind. If you are moving permanently like Tim is, you should say that you are traveling extensively for a year, and visit your bank in-person when you come back to the US so you can roll the date back in their system. Make friends with your branch officer and they will have no problem doing this.

I told my Credit Union that this account was to be used only when I travel to Ukraine, to help separate my expenses. They put a note on the system, and it was never questioned, and over 3 years I have never had a problem with the card, except that it did expire and I recently had to send a replacement to Iryna's mother.
I pay no ATM fees, no transaction fees, and the account is free with a $1 minimum balance. I also get at or near the exact daily conversion rate. Again, this is through a Credit Union. I am sure a standard bank will find many ways to get ATM fees, transaction fees, and currency conversion fees from you, although it would still be much cheaper and more convenient than wiring or Western Union, etc. I do get charged $1 per transaction over 5 withdrawals per month, but that's only happened once or twice. And even if someone stole the card and somehow knew or guessed the PIN, I never keep more than a few hundred dollars in the account, as I transfer the money into it free over the web on an as-needed basis.
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2010-10-30 11:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPlease help! Med exam told my fiancee she could not go to interview because she did not have her adolescent vaccination records!!!!! She never went

Nice solution. I'll have to try that through my credit union. Mailing the ATM card will make me nervous even with password protection.

Thanks for the idea!

Yes, don't mail the pin with the card.
But... I forgot to mention! Send it registered mail!
I tried sending it regular class first, and it came back to me. Guess you can't send plastic cards with magnetic strips. So, I resent it registered, sandwiched between a few photos. That's also how I sent it to my Interpreter friend, and how I last sent the latest card to Iryna's mother (the original card expired after 3 years). The cards made it fine all 3 times.
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2010-10-28 14:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPlease help! Med exam told my fiancee she could not go to interview because she did not have her adolescent vaccination records!!!!! She never went

That's pretty awesome. I'd read about something similar but didn't know anyone that had actually done it. Sounds like that is the ideal solution. Did you have to do anything in regards to a SS# or was it just in your name or what?

My Credit Union didn't care that I opened a second account in my name only. Since Iryna came over, it's now a joint account. In fact, I opened a third account for my Interpreter in Ukraine. We became great friends and she wanted to be able to accept PayPal from Americans for her services. So I setup an account for her, she can wire her PayPal balance into it for free, then she uses the ATM card to withdraw it for free. She loves it.
BTW, her website is: KharkovInterpreter.com
(shameless plug for a great friend).
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2010-10-28 13:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPlease help! Med exam told my fiancee she could not go to interview because she did not have her adolescent vaccination records!!!!! She never went

Got it. Was it costly to bank wire? I send my wife's son some money monthly and I'm tired of paying Western Union those high handling fees. Any suggestions for better options?

I setup a new account at my Credit Union, and sent her an ATM card in the mail.
There is no ATM charge in Ukraine. And when she withdrew money, I got that days bank conversion rate exactly.
Virtually a no-cost solution. Plus, I was able to transfer funds from my account to hers (both at the Credit Union) over the web for free.
Her Mother now has the card, as I still fund her apartment in Sumy so we can use it when we visit every summer.
Keeping the apartment costs me a whopping $50 per month at most.
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2010-10-28 13:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPlease help! Med exam told my fiancee she could not go to interview because she did not have her adolescent vaccination records!!!!! She never went
I also hope everything works out, and that this was all just a big mistake that you will completely forget about in the future. But judging from your replies, you are clearly worried whether you trust her. Forgive me for asking, but do you two have an "intimate" relationship at this stage, or were you hoping that stage would develop after she came to be with you in America?
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2010-10-27 13:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAirline baggage weight limits for Russia to USA
My suggestion is for you to travel there, and then return with her. That removes the stress for her (changing airlines and going through foreign airports). Also, this will allow you to double the baggage coming back for free.
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2010-12-09 11:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine K-1 initial denial - next steps to fix

...
But, I can't say that language alone could be the basis for a denial. There are just too many other things at work in a relationship.

Personally, I think not being able to understand a thing she is saying is a huge advantage...
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2010-11-09 18:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine K-1 initial denial - next steps to fix

You said, "If there is no intimacy before agreeing to leave her country and marry you, you should assume something is awry..."

How does the above quoted statement equate to "if she has sex with you, she will be really committed to you", or "if she had sex with you, that would instantly mean she could be trusted", or any of the other things you claim I said?
I said what I said. The advise was meant for the OP. The OP met her online, 3 months later met her in person, and 3 months after that they agreed to marry. During the 6 month wait, he met with her a couple more times. He was being scammed. She was scamming many men. Women who do this do not sleep with these men. My advice stands. If he is going to go about this the same way again, he should wait until there is intimacy between them before he files his next K-1.
I understand you have a differing opinion. And you have a right to disagree.
However, I ask that you not claim I say something completely different...
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2010-10-14 16:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine K-1 initial denial - next steps to fix

Scott was stating that a good test to find out if a woman is really committed to you is to find out if she will sleep with you.

It amazes me, all the things I am supposedly saying without saying them. How is it that I don't remember saying these things?
Oh, right. Because I didn't.
I really don't want to repeat what I actually said... because I already said them.
I think most who read my opinion understood what I was saying. I'm not sure why you can't.
Perhaps it's because it offended you, and for that I apologize.
But it is my opinion, and I stand by it.
And, like any advise found on this forum... take it or leave it.
But please stop creating opinions that I don't have.
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2010-10-14 14:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine K-1 initial denial - next steps to fix

If by intimacy you mean sex, I would have to disagree. In general, I think the perception on this board is that FSU women are promiscuous. I disagree.

That is not what I said.
Promiscuous?? Having sex at some point prior to giving up your life and moving to a foreign country to marry a man who speaks a different language is promiscuous? Gimme a break.
I would not trust a woman who is not willing to be intimate with me, yet is willing to drop everything in her life, leave her job, family, and friends, and come to America to marry me.
To each his own.
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2010-10-13 20:09:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine K-1 initial denial - next steps to fix

Now for the good news...As awesome as you thought this wonderful Ukrainian woman was...the really sincere ones are even better! DO NOT be derailed from the gold by fool's gold. The REAL gold is REALLY there.

But dude, next time do NOT file for a K-1 until AFTER there has been intimacy.
If there is no intimacy before agreeing to leave her country and marry you, you should assume something is awry...
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2010-10-13 19:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine Flight
Are you trying one way or round trip? Oddly, round trip is usually much cheaper...
I was just looking at round-trip from Austin to Kiev for $1270.

Edited by Scott and Iryna, 04 March 2011 - 08:34 PM.

Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2011-03-04 20:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian TV in USA & Russian Keyboards
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 22 2009, 10:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I did the above with XP but cannot figure out how to do it on a Vista machine... When I tried, it said I needed to pay for and then install a multilingual user pack... any one do this on a vista machine?

I hate to say it, as if Vista doesn't already suck enough, I think your best bet is to upgrade to Vista Ultimate. With that version, installing the full Russian language support (MUI) is simple, and done with Windoze Update. The "lesser" versions of Vista do not support this, and you are forced to use what they call "LIP's", which are only partial implementations. I was also not able to find a Russian LIP, although I did see one for Ukrainian (go figure). Just pay Bill what he wants, and you will get what you want...
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2009-09-22 10:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian TV in USA & Russian Keyboards
QUOTE (payxibka @ Sep 22 2009, 10:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I bot overlay stickers off of ebay for a couple dollars... just placed them on the keyboard..

I also bought the stickers on eBay for $2. Very simple and cheap. But, be sure to buy a few kits, because they wear out after several months, and the popular keys become faded and need to be replaced.

As for Russian TV, we opted for the IPTV. She liked it fine, and we also downloaded many Russian-dubbed movies. But I will warn you... like I did, you may regret doing this. I discovered that her progression in learning English was VERY slow. We have stopped the Russian TV and movies, and now only watch English, and her language is finally improving rapidly!
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2009-09-22 09:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGoing to Kiev in 7 days, any tips?

Any basic tips about Kiev?? Do's and Dont's??

Just a suggestion, as this was strongly suggested to me before I went my first time, and it was WELL worth it. I hired a "Girl Friday" during my first visit (10 days). She helped me with everything: arranged all my dates, got me discounts on taxis, helped me do shopping, even showed me how to get around on the subway. More importantly, she did all the interpreting during my meetings with Ukrainian girls and helped determine which ones were sincere and serious, and which ones were insincere. She was also my personal tour guide, and showed me the "best of" Kiev and Kharkov. She also helped me with the "do's and dont's" you speak of. For example, DO NOT WHISTLE!! You will be wishing financial misfortune upon your host!

The girl I used is named Irina, from NeedInterpreterInUkraine.com. Absolutely top notch, very reasonable prices, and she is incredibly well organized. It was great to not have to worry about being in a strange place with a language barrier. During my later trips, I felt much more comfortable going it alone.

Good luck on your trip!
- Scott
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2011-03-16 15:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSending money to relatives

Be wary though because some banks like Wells Fargo will cut a card off if it's being used in a RUB country. Whenever I travel to Belarus I call and let them know the dates I'l be there so they don't cut my card off when they see it's being used over there. Some banks consider the RUB country's a "high scam" risk.

When I opened the account, I specifically told my Credit Union that I will be using this account when I travel to Ukraine, and that it will be used almost exclusively from there. They noted this in the system, and in over 3 years, this has never been an issue for me.
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2011-04-01 15:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSending money to relatives

I am a dummy sometimes. I have a USAA Checking account complete with card that I don't use lol. I just added money and am mailing the card :)

Be careful. A card is easy to spot, and may "disappear" in transit. I send mine "registered mail", and I always sandwich it between a couple photos to hide it from the X-ray / prying eyes...
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2011-04-01 15:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSending money to relatives
I setup an account here at my Credit Union, and mailed the ATM card to my wife before she came over.
This is a re-post of mine from a prior thread:

I told my Credit Union that this account was to be used only when I travel to Ukraine, to help separate my expenses. They put a note on the system, and it was never questioned, and over 3 years I have never had a problem with the card, except that it did expire and I recently had to send a replacement to Iryna's mother.
I pay no ATM fees, no transaction fees, and the account is free with a $1 minimum balance. I also get at or near the exact daily conversion rate. Again, this is through a Credit Union. I am sure a standard bank will find many ways to get ATM fees, transaction fees, and currency conversion fees from you, although it would still be much cheaper and more convenient than wiring or Western Union, etc. I do get charged $1 per transaction over 5 withdrawals per month, but that's only happened once or twice. And even if someone stole the card and somehow knew or guessed the PIN, I never keep more than a few hundred dollars in the account, as I transfer the money into it free over the web on an as-needed basis.


Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2011-04-01 14:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHotels in Kiev
If you are staying a week or less, a hotel is more convenient. The RUS hotel is cheap (for Kiev) and clean, but bare bones. If you are staying a week-plus, you should rent an apartment (bigger hassle but well worth it). In Kiev, we had good luck with UkraineTour. Also, if you need an Interpreter, tour guide, and/or "Girl Friday", we STRONGLY recommend Irina with NeedInterpreterInUkraine.com.
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2011-06-26 01:21:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusIs being 'hard headed' a RUB chick trait ?

... Yes, the yelling was there too at times...mainly from her. My poor neighbors...

Oh right, how can I forget to mention the yelling?
I am often saying things like: "OK, Ira, that's fine. But there's no need to yell at me."
To which she yells: "I not yell you!! I just talk you!!"
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2011-12-22 13:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusIs being 'hard headed' a RUB chick trait ?
Hard-headed? Absolutely.
But let's not forget intolerant and temperamental!
Oh yeah... and jealous... I could probably think of a few more...
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2011-12-22 12:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarussending money to russia (moscow) bitcoin?

...I tried to send her a prepaid visa card where I could load money on as she needed but it never got to her so I tried again and same thing. The post office sait it was probably still at customs. Magnetic strip is a problem.
...

This is true. As I've mentioned in previous posts, you need to send the card sandwiched between some photos. This has worked for me that last 3 times.
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2012-01-27 15:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarussending money to russia (moscow) bitcoin?
The topic is covered well here.
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2012-01-26 16:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruscutting a baby's hair
My opinion? Ignore it. It's all nonsense, but it's engrained into them, and they don't want to be wrong and will argue. It's not worth it.

I have long since given up. My wife has a nursing degree, and a high degree in Veterinary Medicine. But she is absolutely convinced (and simply won't be told otherwise) that a draft will make her ill. This is just my favorite in a long list of her old wives' tales...

Edited by Scott and Iryna, 07 March 2012 - 02:50 PM.

Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2012-03-07 14:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRUB cultural customs to be aware of
Whatever you do... DO NOT WHISTLE!
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2012-04-02 19:09:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruswhat is the best handgun and shotgun in america?
As for a handgun, I have owned many, and my personal favorite is my Glock 23 (it's a .40 caliber Smith&Wesson). It's powerful enough for great protection (more powerful than a 9mm), but small enough to carry concealed. When I holster it under a sweater or a loose shirt, you would never know.

Edited by Scott and Iryna, 12 April 2012 - 10:31 AM.

Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2012-04-12 10:30:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAnyone with a RUB spouse been through JFK here?
It's basically random. We could have had a 5 hour layover and would have missed the flight. They didn't like something Ira said, and sent her to a room full of foreigners, waiting for a judge. She was in there forever, it was quite a nightmare. They couldn't care less about your time constraints. Luckily, I drove to NYC to get her, so we just got home real late.

I really wouldn't worry about it too much, but you may want to at least look ahead for possible "backup" flights, just in case.
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2012-06-22 14:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusShipping to Russia
http://www.meest.us/eng/index.html
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2013-02-11 19:16:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Spouse Support - How much does she need?
My SO lived in Sumy, Ukraine. Several moths ago, she earned the equivalent of $200 per month, and lived alone in her own flat, and was able to make ends meet (barely). Back then, I asked her to quit her job, so she could focus on preparing to move to America. She was very reluctant, but eventually agreed. I sent her $400 per month, and that covered all of her expenses, plus a private English tutor 3 times per week, driving lessons, and such. She even found a way to go to the tanning salon (her skin is now like chocolate) and the occasional trip to the disco with friends. It was plenty of money. You are sending MORE THAN ENOUGH!

It will be very difficult for you to properly teach her budgeting remotely. My best advice to you is to give her an allowance when she comes over. Maybe $50 per week. That should be more than enough to spend on "extras", like getting her hair or nails done. If she wants to blow the whole wad on one pair of designer jeans, so be it. But don't give her more money until it's time for the allowance. It's effective, and it will also help you to control a budget for yourself.

Good luck...
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2008-08-14 10:02:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Fiancee coming from Ukraine...phase 2 of process?
I just brought my girl over from Ukraine 2 weeks ago. Nothing like this was required of her. The information Alla received is incorrect.

But I do hope you have a better experience at Customs than we did. Our experience at JFK was terrible, and we were both treated poorly. But I read that most experiences there are fine.
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2008-08-20 14:19:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Flight to Kiev, Ukraine: $1600.00 August 2008
I hate to say it, but $1600 is a very good price for round-trip to Kiev from the Midwest. I'm flying over in 10 days to bring my girl back with me, and the ticket prices have doubled since my last trip in May... sad.gif

I'm flying AeroSvit from JFK to Kiev. They have a deal with JetBlue, if you take a cheap JetBlue flight from your airport to JFK, they will refund you $100, which usually makes the JetBlue connection practically free. But it's still costing me $1500...

Edited by Scott and Iryna, 21 July 2008 - 08:58 AM.

Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2008-07-21 08:54:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Interview Scheduled in Kiev!!!
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...
Scott and IrynaNot TellingUkraine2008-12-09 10:14:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)where to get the waiver form

Chances are the consulate will make you fill out the 601 form when you are at the interview because they need to write in the reason for the denial and the need for the 601. It doesn't mean you cannot have one ready, but be prepared for them to not accept it.


ok thank you....hey do you know that if a waiver is approved does that mean that then he can get his visa? Do you know what else we need to send along with the 601? Like do I need to send a letter? What other documents will he need?

thanks for your help by the way....

smallcan999
smallcan999FemaleCanada2006-12-07 23:59:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)where to get the waiver form

Why not look on USCIS website for it?

USCIS I-601


thanks didn't know I could get this form there..........

smallcan999
smallcan999FemaleCanada2006-12-07 22:10:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)where to get the waiver form
Hi,

Can anyone tell me where we get the I-601 waiver form and how long it takes if from Canada? Not sure we will need it but want it if we do...

Thanks,

smallcan999
smallcan999FemaleCanada2006-12-07 21:35:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)visa denial

OK, my fiance has a criminal record from 16 years ago and it was for a fight in a bar where he got charged with assault and then he has drunk driving charge....So we are not sure if he will get his visa. If he is denied, where do we get the waiver form and what do we do next?

thanks,

smallcan999



Well I had the same problem. I was denied because I had 2 assault convictions from 6 years ago. I filed an I-601 that I compiled because they are easy to fill out. My fiance, (now wife) and I wrote a hardship letter 4 pages long and I attached 2 character references. Mine was approved no worries.
If your not confident then get a lawyer, if you can write good letters, save your money.

See KitKat1 I can recomend lawyers. Ha Ha Ha.


Can you tell me what degree was the assault? Does it matter if one assault was 100. fine and the other assault was only probation??? Was the consulate in Australia? There is something that we don't understand......How do they judge whether or not they deny you? Is it based soley on what the extent of the sentence could be only or also on what the sentence that was given...Will a consulate deny someone who had a fine???

thanks,

smallcan999
smallcan999FemaleCanada2006-12-09 17:09:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)visa denial
OK, my fiance has a criminal record from 16 years ago and it was for a fight in a bar where he got charged with assault and then he has drunk driving charge....So we are not sure if he will get his visa. If he is denied, where do we get the waiver form and what do we do next?

thanks,

smallcan999
smallcan999FemaleCanada2006-12-07 21:08:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)If approved after form I-601

:D Kitcat

What a great message from you.
Thank you so much

Sweetie


Sweetie,

From what I have been reading, a waiver is frequently approved it is just a process that has to follow....I would not worry about getting turned back at the POE. That shold be fine...I will say that me and my fiance worry about things, get some answers and feel better about it, and then we go and look for other things that could happen and it makes us worry again...I would not worry. I heard that London has a good rate of approvals...... Stay relaxed and focused....it will all turn out well....I know it....

smallcan999
smallcan999FemaleCanada2006-12-13 19:53:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)interview question

THis is not true.. while it is true that Canadian Citizens can enter the US without visa.. if they have been found to be inadmissible to enter the US.. it doesn't matter if they are from Canada or anywhere else.. They are inadmissible until they get a waiver of that inadmissibility. For Canadian Citizens for visiting purposes, this waiver is done by applying for a Canadian Border Crossing Card at any POE.



Ziggy, how long does the canadian border crossing card take? Is it something that we apply for while waiting for the waiver?

Thanks for your help....

smallcan999
smallcan999FemaleCanada2006-12-13 19:48:00