Forum Moderators: phranque
I hear the Ukraine has lots of Internet Café’s where I may be able to check my messages, but I am concerned about logging into my server or my website backend even if only to make a small tweak, read emails, or check stats. I have never unplugged from my business for more that a day or two.
I worried about key stroke tracking capturing my passwords and some evil cafe owner tapping into my various accounts and creating problems.
I am wondering if my U.S. laptop will work there? I imagine they probably have a different AC voltage standard then the U.S.? Should I bother bringing the laptop? Even if I bring my laptop, will I be able to log into a secure Internet connection anywhere?
I have people stateside, but would still like to tap in to my business to see what going on as I do on my regular vacations. Has anyone had experience with this or can anyone offer a bit of advice on how to stay connected in the former “Soviet Union”.
Advice, anyone?
Congratulations on the adoption.
Just an idea. I've followed the Ukraine election mess largely via blogs in English and there are several. Those were political, but it's likely there are tech n Web bloggers with local knowledge.....find one or two and send an email?
W
You didn't mention where you will be in the Ukraine. There is Kiev (Kyiv), and the rest of the Ukraine.. Although I actually did have high speed once when I was in Poltava, but that was like hitting the lottery.
You just need a standard European adapter, which you can pick up online.
Internet dial up "Pre-Pay" cards are sold by street vendors everywhere. The Ukraine is a "hard currency" Country, so almost everything is pre-paid.
If you are going to be staying in Kiev, I can hook you up with Sergey, who manages many good apartments in the heart of Kiev. This is much cheaper, and more comfortable than a hotel.
Also, I can hook you up with somebody to clear you through customs in 5 minutes. It's worth the money, believe me.
Sticky me, and we can even touch base by phone, and I can give you the low down on being an American in the Ukraine. It's a different world.
Yes we will be staying in Kiev for about 10 days. Sounds like at least we are going to a wired city and I'll be able to peek at the business every day. I'll send you a sticky to get the inside scoop.
Of course you should buy euro-adapter we have 220V here.
Maybe the best way for you will be connecting web using GPRS. You should just visit the service centre of one our mobile communication providers KievStar or UMC(you can find tham at every corner) and explain that you need a package with GPRS support. I think it's the best idea for you, but it will cost more money. I don't think that you will have a problem with keeping in security you private information if you will choose respectable i-cafe or if you will use dial-up connection or GPRS.
I hope you will like my country and little ukrainian will be happy in your family.
Sincerely, Dmitry
P.S. Don't be afraid we don't eat foreigners for breakfast here, we eat them for supper ;-)
Also, my wife has me getting $12K in brand new American bills to spread around because apparently the Ukrainians like "crisp, fresh" money. I had to do a special order at my bank, I think they thought I was nuts. Anyway, thanks for the information and I look forward to my visit...
xUSSR countries seem get new US banknotes faster than US themselves :). One of our friends was coming from Russia with bunch of new $100 bills, and people in Canada, in US bank had never even seen them yet. The teller had to call a manager to help her identify the bills. They were real.
Also I don't suggest taking $12K in cash. Credit cards are widely supported. So is debit. I am sure you can find at least one US bank in a big city - thus you might consider taking travel checks.
I don't suggest taking $12K in cash. Credit cards are widely supported. So is debit. I am sure you can find at least one US bank in a big city - thus you might consider taking travel checks.
Travel checks.... yeah, it's the safest way i think. You can exchange them at every bank.
Remember the exchange course is near 5.4 grivna for 1$. Don't exchange your cash anywhere except bank offices and exchange centers(you can see them almost at every shop or big office).
and will check into GPRS (whatever that is)
GPRS kind of sounds like my Sprint PCS Internet connection I use with my laptop on the road. Sprint is sending us a Ukraine compatable cell phone we can use while we are there. Maybe it will be compatable with GPRS.
On the money, a big chunk goes to our interpreter who will live with us and take us to visit each orphanage, government agency, and set us up with apartments. The rest goes for "tips" or "gifts" to the orphanage owner, government officials, Judges, etc...(in the U.S. these are called "fees" - like the $900 we had to pay to the U.S. immigration agency.)
It's all legal, (I am hoping to avoid the Goolag) and we spent a year getting official approval from the Ukraine government. However, if we want to get the process done within a few weeks apparently we need to greese the wheels and take care of the various people that will help us through the process - and they only want nice crisp American bills.
...and I can give you the low down on being an American in the Ukraine.
Can you make a Foo post about that redzone?
(I am hoping to avoid the Goolag)
On the money, a big chunk goes to our interpreter who will live with us and take us to visit each orphanage, government agency, and set us up with apartments. The rest goes for "tips" or "gifts" to the orphanage owner, government officials, Judges, etc...(in the U.S. these are called "fees" - like the $900 we had to pay to the U.S. immigration agency.)
I've been to the Ukraine several times over the past 5 years. We did some initial biz proposals to ad agencies for web development in Kyiv (Kiev).. (My stories are countless.. :)
I will say that Ukrainians are amongst the most hospitable people I have ever met in my travels, (I've been to most countries in Europe, and also Russia)... They will bend over backwards to help you, and make your stay pleasant. Too many people compare The Ukraine as part of Russia. Though most people in the Ukraine speak Russian, they have their own language, which is one of the most beautiful languages to listen to, especially compared to Russian... :) I would rate Ukranian to the Romance languages (Spanish/Italian) in smoothness, and flow..
Though there is a small percentage of people that will try and take advantage of Americans, this is fairly rare in Kiev. But, once you are outside Kiev, you need to be more careful. Kiev has become very Westernized over the last few years. It has McDonalds, TGI Fridays, Pizza chains, etc... But the real fun is learning the Metro, and finding the local eateries, and trying to blend in with the locals. Most men in the Ukraine dress in dark clothing. Black Wrangler jeans seem to be the most popular casual attire. But most locals dress in dark slacks and dress shirts the majority of the time.
My last trip, I stayed with a friend in their private apartment, outside of the centre', about 7 metro stops. I learned to take the buses, and that helped me learn more Russian. I probably still stuck out somewhat, but for the most part, nobody gave me a 2nd look, unless I spoke.. :)
Perhaps this entire thread could be moved to foo?
Better yet, I set my wife, Laura, up with a blog to document our travels - yes she is actually "working on a website" of her own. The blog is completely non-commercial and I have put the URL in my profile.
John
