Kiev Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Kiev.
Healthcare System
Ukraine has a mixed healthcare system with both public and private facilities. Public healthcare is available but often underfunded, while private clinics offer higher standards of care at reasonable costs by Western standards. The ongoing conflict has strained medical resources.
Hospitals
Major private clinics include Boris Clinic, American Medical Centers, and Oberig Clinic which cater to international patients. These facilities accept international insurance and have English-speaking staff. Public hospitals like Oleksandrivska Clinical Hospital provide emergency care but may have language barriers.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (apteka/аптека) are widespread throughout Kyiv and well-stocked. Many common medications available by prescription in Western countries can be purchased over the counter. Pharmacists often speak basic English in central areas. Chain pharmacies include Apteka Dobrogo Dnya (Good Day Pharmacy) and 911.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is absolutely essential. Ensure your policy covers travel to conflict zones if applicable, as many standard policies exclude Ukraine currently. Medical costs are lower than Western Europe but evacuation can be extremely expensive.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications as specific brands may not be available
- Keep a list of medications in both English and Ukrainian/Russian
- Private clinics require upfront payment; keep insurance details and emergency contact numbers accessible
- Dental care is of good quality and very affordable in private clinics
- Know the location of the nearest bomb shelter to your accommodation and any medical facility you visit
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Since February 2022, Kyiv experiences periodic air raid alerts and missile/drone attacks, particularly targeting infrastructure. Alerts can occur at any time of day or night.
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in tourist areas, public transportation, and crowded places, though rates are lower than many European capitals.
Driving standards can be erratic, and road conditions vary. Pedestrians should be cautious as drivers don't always yield at crosswalks. Winter conditions can make roads hazardous.
Infrastructure damage has resulted in periodic power outages, particularly during winter months. This can affect heating, water supply, and internet connectivity.
While rare in central Kyiv, unexploded ordnance can be present in areas that have experienced attacks or in outlying regions.
Tourists may be targeted for overcharging in taxis, restaurants, or currency exchange. Some establishments may have different prices for tourists.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed taxi drivers at airports, train stations, or tourist spots offer rides at inflated prices or claim the meter is broken, then charge excessive amounts at the destination.
Some restaurants add extra items to bills, charge for bread or water that wasn't ordered, or bring more expensive versions of ordered items without mentioning the price difference.
Street money changers or sketchy exchange offices offer great rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists, swap bills, or use counterfeit currency. Some have rigged calculators showing incorrect amounts.
Individuals posing as police officers approach tourists claiming to check for counterfeit money or drugs, then steal cash or demand bribes. This scam has become less common but still occurs occasionally.
Attractive individuals invite tourists to specific bars or clubs where drinks are extremely overpriced. The bill arrives with shocking charges, and security prevents leaving without paying.
People approach with clipboards asking tourists to sign petitions for deaf/mute charities or other causes, then demand donations or use the distraction for pickpocketing.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Air Raid Safety
- Download the Air Alarm Ukraine app immediately upon arrival for real-time alerts
- Identify bomb shelters near your accommodation, workplace, and frequently visited areas
- Never ignore air raid sirens - seek shelter in basements, metro stations, or designated shelters immediately
- Keep an emergency bag packed with documents, medications, water, snacks, and power bank
- Stay away from windows during alerts
- Follow local guidance and wait for all-clear signal before leaving shelter
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival and keep their contact information accessible
- Maintain situational awareness at all times
- Keep copies of important documents separate from originals
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Keep emergency cash in USD or EUR as backup
- Learn basic Ukrainian phrases for emergencies
- Avoid discussing politics or the conflict in public
- Be respectful when photographing - ask permission and avoid military installations
Transportation Safety
- Use the metro system which is extensive, safe, and can serve as bomb shelter
- Stick to official taxis or ride-sharing apps (Uber, Bolt, Uklon)
- Avoid unmarked taxis and those without meters
- Be cautious when crossing streets as drivers may not yield
- Keep belongings secure on public transportation
- Avoid traveling between cities after dark
- If renting a car, ensure you have proper insurance and understand local driving customs
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers during business hours
- Carry only necessary cash and cards; leave extras in hotel safe
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Keep small bills for markets and small purchases
- Don't display expensive jewelry, watches, or electronics
- Use money belts or hidden pouches for important documents
- Be discreet when accessing money or paying for items
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication (Kyivstar, Vodafone, or Lifecell)
- Download offline maps before traveling
- Keep phone charged and carry power banks
- Learn basic Ukrainian or Russian phrases
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Have your accommodation address written in Ukrainian
- Consider a translation app for complex communications
Food and Water
- Tap water is generally safe but bottled water is recommended for sensitive stomachs
- Eat at busy restaurants where food turnover is high
- Be cautious with street food, especially in hot weather
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Try traditional Ukrainian cuisine but start with mild dishes if you have a sensitive stomach
- Check that food is properly cooked, especially meat
- Restaurants are required to display prices; check before ordering
Accommodation Safety
- Choose accommodations with bomb shelters or basement access
- Verify the location of emergency exits
- Use hotel safes for passports and valuables
- Keep your room number private
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors without verification
- Check that windows and doors lock properly
- Keep emergency supplies in your room including water, snacks, and flashlight
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Kyiv is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers, with lower harassment rates than many European cities. Ukrainian culture is relatively conservative but respectful. However, standard precautions should be taken, particularly at night and in less crowded areas. The metro and public transportation are safe for women. Local women dress stylishly, and visitors will blend in well with smart casual attire.
- Use reputable transportation options especially at night; avoid unmarked taxis
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas after dark
- Be cautious in bars and clubs; watch your drink and don't accept drinks from strangers
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites (covered shoulders and knees)
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, leave
- Keep your phone charged and share your location with trusted contacts
- Consider joining group tours for certain activities
- Learn basic Ukrainian phrases for help: 'Dopomozh' (help) and 'Prybyrayte rukamy' (hands off)
- Be aware that some local men may be persistent but usually respect a firm 'no'
- Avoid walking alone in parks or isolated areas after dark
- Book accommodations with good reviews from other solo female travelers
- The metro is safe but be aware of your surroundings, especially in empty cars
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Ukraine and the age of consent is equal (16). However, same-sex marriage and civil unions are not recognized. Anti-discrimination laws exist in employment but are not comprehensive. Changing legal gender is possible but bureaucratic.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection outside of known LGBTQ+-friendly venues
- Kyiv has several LGBTQ+-friendly bars, clubs, and cafes primarily in the Podil and Shevchenkivskyi districts
- Annual KyivPride takes place in June but check current status due to security situation
- Use LGBTQ+ travel apps cautiously and meet new people in public places first
- Book accommodations that are explicitly LGBTQ+-friendly if concerned
- Avoid discussing LGBTQ+ topics openly in conservative settings or with strangers
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations like Nash Svit or Kyiv Pride for current information
- Be aware that some hotels may question same-sex couples sharing a room, though this is becoming less common
- Trans travelers should carry documentation and be prepared for potential questioning
- The security situation has led to increased solidarity, but also diverted resources from social issues
- Some LGBTQ+ venues may have discreet entrances or security checks
- International LGBTQ+ events and venues may be targets, so stay informed about security
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is absolutely critical for visiting Ukraine, particularly Kyiv, given the ongoing security situation. Standard travel insurance often excludes conflict zones, so you must specifically find policies that cover travel to Ukraine. Medical evacuation alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Without proper insurance covering the current situation, travelers risk catastrophic financial losses in addition to safety risks. Many embassies strongly recommend against travel without comprehensive insurance that explicitly covers Ukraine.
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