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PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - Public transportation in Kyiv is efficient and inexpensive, but crowded. The city's network of buses, trolley buses, streetcars and the subway (Metro) covers almost the entire city. Riders should be ready to contend with a good deal of pushing and shoving during the morning and evening rush hours.
TAXIS - There are taxi stands at some busy corners in central Kyiv. Hailing a taxi can be a frustrating and time consuming experience. Many taxis often refuse fares, the main reason being the destination desired by the traveler being different than the route the taxi driver is taking. After a taxi stops, the required destination should be stated; if the driver agrees, a price should be negotiated before entering the vehicle. Extra precaution should be taken in the evenings, when it is advisable to use only a clearly marked taxi rather than a private vehicle.
DRIVING - Roads in Ukraine are in generally poor condition. Travel between cities at night and in the winter can be particularly treacherous. Gasoline and diesel fuel supplies may be difficult to find in outlying areas. Carjackings of Western-made or foreign- registered cars is on the rise. There has been an increase in the number of documented reports of criminal acts occurring on trains, including gassings and robberies.
Traffic regulations and procedures in Ukraine differ significantly from those in the U.S. and drivers new to Ukraine should be aware of these rules and procedures. A valid international driver's license is all that is necessary to drive in Ukraine.
Spare parts for American cars are difficult to locate in Kyiv. Spare parts for standard European models and some Japanese models, when available, are priced substantially higher than in the U.S. This may change as more car dealerships open in Kyiv. There is at present a Ford dealership, and Toyota and Mazda have recently opened service stations here. Spare parts for the Ukrainian "Zaporozhets" and the Russian "Lada" are generally available.
Winters in Ukraine are dark and cold with sheets of ice common along the city streets. Front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive vehicles provide the best handling, as only the main streets of Kyiv are plowed regularly.
For vehicles that use diesel fuel, a note stating "diesel only" should be attached to the ignition key. Diesel is available locally, but is not of high quality. Additives must be added to diesel fuel in winter. Unleaded fuel is only available at certain stations in Kyiv. Catalytic converters may be removed from vehicles that are brought in from the states.
As of late 1994, the Ukrainian government did not require that cars be covered by third-party liability insurance. But many U.S. citizens, however have chosen to purchase such policies. Insurance is available through a number of local companies such as Ometa Inster, which insures both official and private vehicles against theft, accidents and provides third-party insurance. The annual fee is approximately 6% of the value of the automobile and payment is in local currency.
Although the road system in Ukraine provides access to all cities, towns, and most villages, most are in deplorable condition. The traveller must plan trips carefully since information, food, lodging, and fuel are often not available along the highways. One should always travel with food, water and ample fuel necessary to arrive at the planned destination.
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