APR-MAY 2018
Discover
Kiev
-
the
City
of
Intrigue
BRIGHTEST
E V E N TS THIS SPRING
Don’t miss Viennese Ball
UEFA FINAL
BEST SPOTS FOR FANS
Ideas for a Great WEDDING EVENT
ODESSA
I am Coming!
10 LESSONS
I have Learned while
Working in Ukraine
IS KYIV the CHEAPEST City in Europe?
Your Ultimate Guide to a Fun-Filled
Spring 2018
CONTENTS EDITOR’S WELCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 TOP EVENTS CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-11 WHAT’S NEW IN THE CITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 FOOD & DRINKS - Top Destinations for Football Fans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-16 SEE & DO - Bored at Home? Not Anymore With These Ideas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-20 WEDDING - The Coolest Places & Agencies to Get Married in Kyiv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-25 SHOPPING - Unique Ukrainian Fashion Brands to Follow Right Now . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-29 FOOD & DRINKS - Exclusive Restaurants in Kyiv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31 TRAVEL - Odessa, I am Coming! - Welcome to Humorina Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-34 BUSINESS - Doing Business in Ukraine - Tips for Foreigners 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-37 EXPAT CORNER - Working in Ukraine - An Expat Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-43 LIVING - Cost of Living in Ukraine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44-45 BUSINESS - Business Listings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-47
Kyiv blossoms
Spring into the wave
Spring features the revival of nature and a new cycle of life. Just as nature follows its blooming cycle, we may observe circularity in the development of capital cities. Nearly a thousand years ago, when Kyiv achieved a victory over the Cumans, it saw a brilliant renaissance. Back then, Kyiv was one of the leading cities in Europe, a flourishing trade and cultural center. Numerous merchants were coming to the city, and royal households sent their ambassadors to the Ukrainian capital in an effort to strengthen economic links and cooperation. Today, following the revolution of 2014, and after the suspense of aggression by the “friendly nation,” Kyiv has gradually begun a new time of blooming and revival. We see an increasing number of tourists coming to the capital. Other visitors are seeing opportunities in this promising wave of renewal and are checking out the possibilities for working, investing and setting up businesses in Ukraine. Considering the openness of the Ukrainian market and the huge potential in many spheres, it’s a great time for establishing business cooperation and launching new businesses in this country. Our team wishes you prosperity, success and a fun-filled spring in Kyiv, and would be glad to help you in achieving all of that. Enjoy the issue!
APRIL - MAY 2018
hief, C n i Editor venko o k a Y Nadiia
All the materials published in Kiev Check-in are intellectual property of the publisher and protected in accordance with Ukrainian law. Publisher does not accept any responsibility for the goods and services advertised in this magazine. While every effort has been made to make sure information provided in this magazine is accurate and up-to-date, the publisher is not in anyway liable for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. ADVERTISE WITH US
Kiev Check-in is an English language bimonthly magazine, aimed to promote tourism to Kyiv and highlight local events, news, attractions, leisure options, and investment opportunities in the city. Registration Information: Publisher: Contact Ukraine LLC Kyiv Check-in is registered Chief Advisor: Pradeep Boparai with Ministry of Justice of Ukraine Editor-in-Chief: Nadiia Yakovenko as a print media Legal Advisor: Tetiana Yakovenko (license number КУ № 802-439Р). Editors: Marina Bochok Printing Doreen Martens House: Maria Samovarova Sales Director: Nataliya Shamray Designer: llona Ryabchenko Photography: Shutterstock, iStock
Each bimonthly issue of our magazine is available and distributed through more than 100 businesses in Kyiv including leading hotels, cafes, restaurants, pubs, bar, clubs, business centers, embassies, business associations, various events, etc. Our Kiev Check-in brand extends beyond the pages of the print magazine to our website www.kievcheckin.com where we optimize the magazine content for online searches.
FOLLOW US ON: kievcheckin
For advertising or general enquiries, please contact us at kievcheckin@contactukraine.com or tel. +38 068 1180505, +38 093 253 9048 Scan and visit our website here
SEE&DO
APRIL MAY 2018
HOLIDAYS
April 01(Sun) - April Fool’s Day April 07 (Sat) - Annunciation April 08 (Sun) - Orthodox Easter (National holiday, April 09 is a day off) May 01 (Tue) - Labour Day Holiday (National holiday, day off) May 09 (Wed) - Victory Day over Nazism in World War II (National holiday, day off) May 13 (Sun) - Mother’s Day May 17 (Thu) - Vyshyvanka Day (dedicated to the embroidered shirt) May 19 (Sat) - Europe Day May 27 (Sun) - Kyiv Day, the 1536th anniversary of the founding of the city May 27 (Sun) - Pentecost (National holiday, May 28 is a day off)
TOP
Events Calendar
Long days and lots of sunshine are finally upon us. It would be a sin to sit at home all day long waiting for some fun to happen. The Kiev Check-in team has prepared a list of the coolest festivals, concerts, conferences and sports happenings in Kyiv in April and May. The options are endless! So don’t hesitate— check these out ! 4
Kiev Check-In
www.kievcheckin.com
TOP EVENTS CALENDAR ENTERTAINMENT
APRIL MAY 2018
FESTIVALS MAR 31-30 APR
APR 7-9
APR 14 -15
APR 20-27 MAY
FRENCH SPRING
institutfrancais-ukraine.com/news/printemps_francais
The incredible «French Spring» festival is coming back to Ukraine. The opening was held on March 31 at the Sofiivska Square featuring the unique Franco-Ukrainian street performances.The program of the festival involves a huge amount of art exhibitions, photo projects, and concerts.A magnificent jazz concert of Domergue-Litvinyuk Project (April 3, 8 pm - 10 pm), circus by les Rois Vagabonds (April 11, 7 pm), vivid street collage exhibition from Braty art studio (April 12-30), meeting with a gardener-in-chief of the park of the Palace of Versailles Alain Baraton (April 23, 6 pm) and a lot more! We are waiting for something incredible! Are you with us?
VELYKDEN (EASTER) CELEBRATION Velykden in Ukraine is a beautiful complex of traditional Christian practices, folklore and ancient pagan symbolism. The Orthodox Easter has the same sacral meaning as for the rest of Christian world. Ukrainians will celebrate Velykden for three days: on April 7, 8, 9. The most colourful celebrations will be held at the Sofiivska Square, Pirogovo Museum (Akademika Tronko Ave.) and the Kyivan Rus Park (Kopachiv village, Obukhiv region). At the Sofiivska and Mykhailivska Squares, you will enjoy a fantastic All-Ukrainian Pysanka festival. It will involve a huge amount of Easter art objects - mega-pysanky, traditional pysanky-malevanky, kids pysanky and a lot more! The entrance is free. ROBOFIRST
Ukrainian House (2 Khreshchatyk Str.) www.icc-kiev.gov.ua/agenda/drugij-vseukrajinskij-festival-robofirst-bilshe-nizh-roboti
«ROBOfirst» is a large-scale international event in the field of education, science and technology. Talented, creative children aged from 6 to 16 from all over Ukraine will demonstrate their skills of design, robotics, programming, engineering and architecture. Guests will witness the game of robots and even join the process - play the robofootball or arrange «sumo battles»! The entrance is free.
«AROUND THE WORLD» TULIP EXHIBITION Spivoche pole(33 Lavrska Str. )
www.facebook.com/events/137260400432950
The greatest tulip exhibition will take place on the territory of Spivoche Park on April 20May 27. This year’s exposition will impress you not only with the unique installations but also with the grand scale of the event! You will witness fascinating scene: 3700 m² of the Pechersk Landscape Park will be decorated with incredible floral expositions. Moreover, there will be various thematic exhibitions and festive events: the landscape design exhibition, eco-fair, Mother’s Day celebration, cheerful karaoke and amusement park for kids. You will enjoy their delicious gastronomic area, an open-air cinema and lots of master classes. Spring mood, warm smiles, full relaxation and the maximum of enjoyment are guaranteed! Entrance fee: UAH 50 for adults, UAH 25 for kids.
INTERNATIONAL KNIFE SHOW FESTIVAL
APR 21-22
Exhibition Center«ACCO International» (40 Peremogy Ave.)
APR 21
Kyiv City State Administration (36 Khreshatyk Street, Column Hall)
MAY 3-8
Puscha Hotel (20 Yunkerova Str., Pushcha-Vodytsia)
MAY 27
www.kievcheckin.com
steeledge.com.ua
A large-scale cutlery exhibition will be held on April 21-22. Every guest can try a blacksmith craft and make a real forged knife, scissors, an ax or a horseshoe! In addition, you will witness striking performances from representatives of the Krav Maga Ukraine, and join a master class on firearms safety and basic methods of survival and disguise.
THE CHARITY VIENNESE BALL IN KYIV
www.vienneseball.com.ua
For the second year in a row, Kyiv will host the grandiose high-class event – the Charity Viennese Ball. This time it will be dedicated to the sports achievements of Ukrainians including successful results of Paralympians, physically and mentally strong people who inspire. The Charity Viennese Ball 2017 was recognized as the main event of the year in Ukraine according to the TV show “Svitske Zhittya” with Katia Osadcha and attracted attention of top officials of states, influential representatives of political and business elites, the most prominent cultural figures. Charming classical music, exciting 3D show, exclusive treats and, of course, fantastic dances will continue from 8 pm to 2 pm so you will definitely want to stay after 12. A ticket price is UAH 3000 - 10000.
KIWI FEST 2018: UNLIMITED FUN EDITION!
www.kiwifest.info
KIWI fest is a West Coast Swing dance festival that will be held in Kyiv on May 3-8. It is a great opportunity to touch ancient culture of dance and immerse yourself in this cheerful world. Participants come from France, Poland, Israel, Hungary, Russia, Belarus, USA, England. A super friendly community, awesome teachers, parties until the morning and incredible live band performances are waiting for you here. If you arrive earlier, you will enjoy a city tour, famous party bus and boat party! Join!
KYIV DAY The official part of Kyiv Day takes place at the Sofiivska Square. There will be a music festival and dance competitions of amateurs and professionals.Traditional 20th Vyshyvanka March will take place on the eve of Kyiv Day (May 19) at the Golden Gate at 2 pm. On May 25-27, you will have an opportunity to enjoy the Ukrainian craft Beer Fest at the Expocenter of Ukraine (1 Akademika Hlushkova Ave.) or the annual delicious «Ice Cream Festival» at the Ukrainian House (2 Khreshchatyk Str., European Square).
Kiev Check-In
5
ENTERTAINMENT
TOP EVENTS CALENDAR
APRIL MAY 2018
CONCERTS APR 1
«THE EVENING OF PREMIERS WITH KATERYNA OSADCHA» National Palace of Arts «Ukraina» (103 Velyka Vasylkivska Str.) concert.ua/en/eventpage/vecher-premier The extravagant TV host Kateryna Osadcha gathers the prominent celebrities Tina Karol, MONATIK, Olya Polyakova, Sergey Babkin, Nastya Kamenskykh, Alexander Ponomarev, Maria Yaremchuk and more on the stage of the Palace «Ukraine» to present their enchanting new hits. Enjoy incendiary decorations, creative musical performances and plunge into the atmosphere of «Svitske Zhittya»! A ticket price is UAH 240 - 4000.
7 PM
NAZARETH Zhovtnevyi Palace (1 Instytutska Str.) concert.ua/en/eventpage/nazareth This day will go down in history! Legendary rock band “Nazareth” is coming to the capital to celebrate their 50th anniversary and perform singles from the 23rd studio album “Rock ‘n’ Roll Telephone”. Famous Scottish band will give two-hour concert at the Zhovtnevyi Palace on April 12. Don’t miss a chance to listen to songs that became world rock classic, songs that we all love and know by heart! A ticket price is UAH 450 - 1950.
APR 12 7 PM
APR 14
MONTSERRAT CABALLE National Palace of Arts «Ukraina» (103 Velyka Vasylkivska Str.) concert.ua/en/eventpage/montserrat-caballe After seven years, Montserrat Caballe is coming back to the capital of Ukraine! The incredible Italian opera singer and owner of a unique soprano will perform works of such composers as Puccini, Donizetti, Bizet, Gounod together with charming Zlata Ognevich. This concert will be the 85th anniversary of the great Montserrat Caballe. A ticket price is UAH 990 - 10990.
7 PM
APR 17
LADY OPERA National Palace of Arts «Ukraina» (103 Velyka Vasylkivska Str.) concert.ua/uk/eventpage/lady-opera-17-04 April 17 at the National Palace of Arts “Ukraina” Lady Opera - Olga Chubareva, will perform together with fantastic guests from Italy: Lorenzo Decaro and Oreste Cosimo - brilliant tenors involved in the most magnificent opera productions. In addition, well-known in Ukraine and abroad, ballet A-6 will present enchanting dance show and promises to impress the audience with the latest visual effects and graphics. A ticket price is UAH 200 - 3000.
7 PM
VIENNESE SPRING. MAESTRO KURT SCHMID Zhovtnevyi Palace (1 Instytutska Str.) concert.ua/uk/eventpage/venskaa-vesna The incomparable maestro Kurt Schmid created more than 560 musical works. The summit of his activity as a composer was the performance of his ballet “The Fire Flower”. On April 19 together with A class Chamber orchestra «Kyiv Virtuosi» he will perform the most famous works by Strauss, Schmid, Lehár and other outstanding composers. The whole audience will plug into the magical atmosphere of dulcet music and light aroma of Austrian chocolate. A ticket price is UAH 100 - 790.
APR 19 7 PM
APR 2, 9
APR 4 6
Kiev Check-In
DINNER SHOW «FREEDOM» Event Hall Freedom (134 Kyrylivska Str.) www.freedomhall.com.ua «Kvartal-concert» together with FREEDOM Event Hall will organize an amazing Dinner Show «Hotel Freedom» that will be presented to Kyiv audience on April 2. All guests will dive into the atmosphere of theatre-restaurant designed as a retro hotel like it was popular at the beginning of the last century. «Hotel Freedom» is a perfect combination of unique circus and theater shows with a wonderful dinner as a part of the performance. You will have an opportunity to enjoy the plays of singers, musicians and jugglers. Such choice of characters is not accidental: funny maître d’hôtel, keep-keeper dwarf, trans diva, cook-juggler, eccentric waiters and charismatic gymnast Nadya Vasina who participated in the legendary performance of Cirque du Soleil - all of them will erase the borders between the artists and the audience and create the unique atmosphere of cosiness and comfort. It means you will not only watch the colorful Dinner Show but will be also engaged in the performance. So no chance to be bored! A ticket price is UAH 500 - 1000. SERGEY MIKHALOK AND THE LYAPIS GROUP Event Hall Freedom (134 Kyrylivska Street) www.freedomhall.com.ua «Lyapis-98» is an absolutely killing project of Sergey Mikhalok, who performs his bright time-tested hits together with musicians from “Brutto” and “Lyapis Trubetskoy” bands. The first concert of «Lyapis-98» took place in the spring of 2016 and after the group went on a tour to Europe and Belarus. On April 4 Sergey Mikhalok and the Lyapis Group are coming to the capital to blow your minds with a big three-hour concert at the FREEDOM Event Hall. Specially for Ukrainian fans, the musicians have prepared the program «THE BEST»! «Lyapis-98» is the drums of Denis Shurov, Denis Sturchenko’s bass, Ivan Galushko’s trombone, Vladislav Senkevich’s trumpet, Paul Tretyak’s guitar and, of course, the incredible vocal of Sergei Mikhalok.The musicians promise a striking concert in the best traditions of «Lyapis» - with an insane energy and high-quality light and video shows. Video installations will be prepared by Ruslan Vashkevich - one of the most famous Belarusian conceptual artists. A ticket price is UAH 450 - 1600. www.kievcheckin.com
ENTERTAINMENT
APRIL MAY 2018
APR 20 7 PM
APR 25 7 PM
APR 30 7 PM
MAY 10 7 PM
MAY 27 7 PM
NINO KATAMADZE & INSIGHT, SPRING MELODY Zhovtnevyi Palace (1 Instytutska Str.) concert.ua/en/eventpage/nino-katamadze A Georgian jazz singer Nino Katamadze and the band “Insight” released the long-awaited album “Yellow”. The album was recorded and mixed in Berlin, in the famous studio «Trixx Studios». Nino Katamadze & “Insight” is complex, intelligent, sincere and emotional music, a detailed philosophical narrative about life. A ticket price is UAH 400 - 2500. TINA KAROL National Palace of Arts «Ukraina» (103 Velyka Vasylkivska Str.) concert.ua/en/eventpage/tina-karol-24-04 In Kyiv, there is a concert of a well-known Ukrainian soul and pop singer Tina Karol who represented Ukraine at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2006. Her new concert program is a symbiosis of women’s stories that are told in songs and dancing performances executed in modern and contemporary styles. A ticket price is UAH 200 - 2250. THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS
Palace of Sports (1 Sportyvna Square) concert.ua/en/eventpage/thirty-seconds-to-mars Legendary Thirty Seconds to Mars are coming back to the capital after a three-year break with the new album “Walk On Water”! The band has been working on the long-awaited album for two years, and the self-titled song was presented in August at the MTV VMA 2017 ceremony. A ticket price is UAH 1100 - 5200. MONATIK
«Terminal» Shopping Mall (316 Kyivska Str., Brovary) brovary.karabas.com/ua/monatik-bro Dmytro Monatyk who is professionally known as MONATIK announces a grandiose concert in Brovary, an eastern suburb of the country’s capital. The Ukrainian singer, songwriter, dancer, composer promises to do his best to delight the audience during this great event on May 10 at 7 pm at the “Terminal” Shopping Mall. A ticket price is UAH 450 - 2500. 2CELLOS
National Palace of Arts «Ukraina» (103 Velyka Vasylkivska Str.) concert.ua/uk/eventpage/laima-vaikule Cellist duo «2Cellos» are coming to Kyiv for the first time! The young Croatian-Slovenian duet of Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser is known all over the world thanks to the instrumental arrangements of famous pop and rock songs. Such an unusual symbiosis of classical music and modern genres will nicely transform the concert into an incendiary show on May 27 at the National Palace of Arts «Ukraina». A ticket price is UAH 1550 - 5900.
Fryday is an expat community in Kyiv that is a part of Fryday’s international network with 200k+ members. Fryday is all about social and professional networking, a place where expats meet the local business community. Joining Fryday is a great start when exploring the nightlife in Kyiv as it chooses different venues for each event and many of Fryday’s members are very active socially and like enjoying nights out. fryday.net facebook.com/fryday.kyiv
13. 04 - Fryday Afterwork Networking at «Radisson Blu Hotel, Kyiv Podil» Address: 17-19 Bratska Str. Entrance fee: UAH 150 20. 04 - Fryday Afterwork Networking at «Normal Kyiv» Address: 81 Antonovycha Str. Entrance fee: UAH 150 18. 05 - Fryday Afterwork Networking at F-cafe “MAROKANA» Address: 24 Lesia Ukrainka Blvd. Entrance fee: UAH 150
www.kievcheckin.com
Kiev Check-In
7
ENTERTAINMENT
APRIL MAY 2018
BUSINESS & EXHIBITIONS APR 9
UKRAINIAN INFRASTRUCTURE FORUM Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv (1 Naberezhno-Khreshchatytska Str.) a7conf.com/en/upcoming-events-en/ukrainian-infrastructure-forum-18 Ukrainian Infrastructure Forum is a communication platform for the key market players in infrastructure sector where you will have an opportunity to discover potential of Ukraine as a logistics hub, perspectives of road building, air, water, urban, railway transport, digital infrastructure and telecommunications.
APR 11 - 13
7TH SOLAR ENERGY CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW Exhibition Center “ACCO International” (40 Peremogy Ave) www.cis-solar.com This is a large scale event aimed to provide insights into local peculiarities of solar energy project development in the European emerging markets. Among participants are the stakeholders whose interests are connected with PV and solar thermal projects in Central and Eastern Europe.
APR 23
II BUSINESS WOMAN INTERNATIONAL FORUM 2018 Ukrainian House (2 Khreshchatyk Str.) forum.businesswoman.org.ua The International Business Forum «BusinessWOMAN 2018» is a unique, scale-based and content-rich event: about 1000 women from 20 countries, including representatives of diplomatic structures, politicians, women’s business clubs and enterprises, mass media. The purpose of the forum is to consolidate women in business, politics and the social sphere in order to establish close cooperation, exchange of experience, representation of Ukraine in the world and promote the development of women’s entrepreneurship.
FEB 24 - 13 MAY
EXHIBITION OF SHORTLISTED ARTISTS FOR THE PINCHUKARTCENTRE PRIZE 2018 Pinchuk Art Centre (1/3-2 Velyka Vasylkivska Str.) pinchukartcentre.org/en/exhibitions/vistavka-nominantiv-premiyi-pinchukartcentre-2018 The PinchukArtCentre presents the exhibition of 20 shortlisted artists for the fifth edition of the PinchukArtCentre Prize, a nationwide prize for Ukrainian artists younger than 35. The range of subjects varies from socio-political narratives of Ukraine as a country in conflict and its impact on people to self-exploration. Admission is free.
8
Kiev Check-In
www.kievcheckin.com
TOP EVENTS CALENDAR ENTERTAINMENT
APRIL MAY 2018
SPORTS
MAY 26 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL KYIV 2018
Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex (55 Velyka Vasylkivska Str.) www.uefa.com
Some 70,000 sports fans will gather under one roof at 8 p.m., May 26, at the Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex, to watch the prestigious 2017/18 UEFA Champions League Final! The winners will earn the right to play against the winners of the 2017/18 UEFA Europa League in the 2018 UEFA Super Cup. They will enter the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup as the UEFA representatives. Brief agenda and fan zones: On May 21, the UEFA Women’s and Men’s Cup will be officially passed to the mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko. On May 24, the Champions Festival fan zone will open (continuing for four days, May 24-27), stretching from Bohdan Khmelnytsky Street to Maidan Nezalezhnosti Square. Entrance is free! May 24 will also see the final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League 2018 (Dynamo Stadium, 3 Mykhaila Hrushevskoho Str.). On May 25, at 4 p.m., organizers plan to conduct the Stars Match, with participation of star players from years past and other celebrities; a festive concert; and a special banquet for VIP guests. On May 26, there will be two organized locations for football fans to gather: Taras Shevchenko Park (for fans of one of the teams); and the area near the National Palace of Arts «Ukraina» (for fans of the opposing team). The possibility of public viewing sites for the 2018 UEFA Final is still under discussion. Suggested locations for the broadcast are Khreshchatyk Str. and Kontraktova Square (Podil).
www.kievcheckin.com
Kiev Check-In
9
ENTERTAINMENT
10 Kiev Check-In
APRIL MAY 2018
www.kievcheckin.com
SEE&DO
12 Kiev Check-In
APRIL MAY 2018
www.kievcheckin.com
WHAT’S NEW IN THE CITY ENTERTAINMENT
APRIL MAY 2018
What’s New in the City? MELOVIN TO REPRESENT UKRAINE AT EUROVISION SONG CONTEST 2018
The Kiev Check-in team had an opportunity to take in the spectacular final round of National Selection for the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest and observe the triumphal win by MELOVIN, with his song «Under The Ladder.» You may remember that during the Selection, organized by TV channels STB and UA:Pershyii, six talented finalists were battling for the right to represent Ukraine at the beginning of May this year in Lisbon, Portugal. Among great performances by all the artists, MELOVIN garnered the highest number of votes, according to results of the televoting — 6 points — plus 5 points from the professional jury. MELOVIN is going on to Lisbon to represent Ukraine at the international level. Best of luck, MELOVIN!
UKRAINIANS PERFORMED BRILLIANTLY AT 2018 WINTER PARALYMPICS Thomas Lovelock (EPA-EFE)
Ukrainian athletes won 22 medals during the March 2018 Winter Paralympics in South Korea. Out of the six paralympic sports, Ukraine competed in biathlon, skiing and snowboarding. Ukraine’s 7 gold, 7 silver, and 8 bronze medals gave the country a 6th place finish among 49 participating nations. Ukraine is so proud of you!!!
KYIV BREAKDANCER WINS BABY BATTLE 2018
www.kievcheckin.com
2018 INTERNATIONAL HOSPITALITY CONFERENCE IN KYIV
«Create Tomorrow Today»: this was a headline of the International Hospitality Conference in Kyiv, which took place on Feb. 17 at the world-class Interontinental Kyiv. The International Hospitality Conference is the main event of international importance for Kyiv’s hospitality industry, organized by Hoteliero Hoteliers & Restaurateurs Club. This year, it gathered more than 380 guests from 21 countries to define trends in the hotel industry and predict its development in upcoming years. According to Dennis Spitra, director of business development at STR Global, Kyiv’s hotel industry has bounced back strongly, with revenue per available room growing by 20% last year. This was Europe’s third-highest growth rate, lower only than Bucharest, at 21%, and Lisbon, at 22%. Kyiv’s 50.9% occupancy rate is back to the pre-crisis level of 2013. During the conference, participants were invited to draw a picture of the future visitor and his expectations for hotel service. Among others, the regional director of the BHMS Business & Hotel Management School (Switzerland), Magdy Attalla, drew attention to the characteristics of so-called «millennials» (the generation born between the early 1980s and early 2000s), whose views and values drastically differ from those of previous generations. «Millennials are the generation who use smartphones all the time, and therefore they are willing to interact in the hotels with the use of smartphones, » he said. 8-year-old Gleb Kikot from Kyiv, won the World Breakdance Championship Lille Battle Pro. The talented breakdancer, who goes by the name of Karterio, has been practicing breakdancing for five years and impressed the French jury with his professional technique and excellent understanding of dance and music. The young Karterio dreams of peace in Ukraine and is looking forward to seeing his mom, who is currently serving in an Ukrainian artillery unit in Donbass. Kiev Check-In
13
FOOD & DRINKS
Top Destinations for Football Fans
APRIL-MAY 2018
TOP BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS for Football Fans in Kyiv
WHERE TO GO
2
1
PEES BOY CLUB
AVALON
Le Cosmopolite & Belle Vue Fantastic Belgian beer to enjoy while sitting on spectacular open terrace in Kyiv! The famous network of Belgian cafes Pees Boy Club invites fans to enjoy beer, live music and broadcasts of the most prominent football matches in the heart of the capital. Add to this attentive service and tasty food, and the Le Cosmopolite and Belle Vue cafes are definitely among the go-tos for every football fan in Kyiv.
Entertainment Complex Avalon is a beloved place for Kyiv citizens and foreigners alike. All in one place, you’ll find a lounge-restaurant with a wide choice of dishes, cocktails and hookahs; a terrace and karaoke. Live music (on holidays) and first-class DJ music (every day) contribute to a perfect evening here. Just book a table in advance and enjoy wonderful atmosphere with a view of Kyiv by evening.
Le Cosmopolite 47 Volodymyrska St. +38 044 278 72 78
Belle Vue 7 Saksahanskoho St. +38 044 289 87 80
3, Leontovycha street. + 38 044 234 74 94
peesboyclub.com.ua/en
14 Kiev Check-In
www.kievcheckin.com
APRIL-MAY 2018
Top Destinations for Football Fans
FOOD & DRINKS
4
3 MAY 26 - 27
CRAFT BEER FEST
DOROTHY PUB
A new look at the tradition of brewing! Welcome to the festival of beer culture that will represent not only craft brewery but also high-quality mass-market beers made in Ukraine and other countries. Nowadays Ukraine is developing a great craft brewery industry. The number of craft beers is increasing here and Craft beer fest is a great chance for them to come into the spotlight.
An atmosphere of hospitality and good humor welcomes you right at the entrance of Dorothy Pub (16/43 Saksahanskoho Str.). Located in the Kyiv city center, the pub features three roomy halls where you can enjoy a tasty dinner with cold beer (11 types), listen to original rock, jazz, blues, and electro arrangements, watch sports on the big screen, and even enjoy numerous food tastings organized by the chef.
The Expocenter of Ukraine (1 Akademika Hlushkova Ave.) facebook.com/craftbeerfest.ua
5
16/43 Saksahanskoho Str. +38 098 246 46 46 +38 044 287 05 30 facebook.com/dorothypub
6
ANDREW`S IRISH PUB
PARTYZAN
Say cheers to your happy friends at Andrew’s Irish Pub, located in a nice area of Podil. This is a large, friendly place with real 21st-century Irish atmosphere! The well-equipped pub has everything necessary for a pleasant time: 14 ales on tap, Irish and European cuisine, several rooms including 3 VIP rooms, and 10 television screens.
Admirers of fresh-air barbecue, good beer, vibrant views and outdoor recreation will absolutely love this place! Located near Kyiv, forest beer club Partyzan is also a spectacular fan zone for football enthusiasts. Ukrainian, European and Uzbek cuisine are on offer, along with barbecue, fishing, cycling, and lots of other interesting amusements for you this spring, including a steam-bath, hookah bar and karaoke.
22/17 Kostiantynivska Str. (Kontraktova Ploshcha metro station) +38 067 103 67 67 Andrewsirish.com facebook.com/AndrewsIrishPub instagram.com/#andrews_irish_pub www.kievcheckin.com
Novo-Obukhivska Hwy. 12 km, v. Romankiv +38 044 467 73 43 peesboyclub.com.ua/beerbar/partizan instagram.com/partizanclubkiev
Kiev Check-In
15
FOOD & DRINKS
7
APRIL-MAY 2018
NAZHIVO RESTAURANT-BREWERY
CRAFT BEER AND FOOTBALL is located near the Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex, Ukraine’s main football arena. 34/2 Esplanadna Str. (near
NAZHIVO Restaurant-Brewery is a chain of 2 prominent beer restaurants that stand out for their fresh, locally made craft beers and convenient locations.
the Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex)
+38 073 500 51 50 NAZHIVO: BEER RESTORATION is in the picturesque and luxurious River Stone housing estate in Kyiv, and features a well-kept secured area with its own outdoor stage and quay on the shore of the Dnipro River. 14 Dniprovska embankment (River Stone housing estate)
+38 098 050 51 50
You are welcome to experience: •Fresh, savoury, and unique Nazhyvo beer, produced in their own brewery •A great range of signature dishes •Bright, themed interior decor •Ultra-modern kitchen equipment •Football broadcasts on specially designed screens
FACEBOOK.COM/NAZHIVOBEER INSTAGRAM.COM/NAZHIVOBEER
8
16 Kiev Check-In
www.kievcheckin.com
SEE&DO
Bored at Home? Not Anymore With These Ideas
APRIL MAY 2018
Bored at Home?
Not Anymore With These Fun Filled Activities
1
FLY, FLY, FLY A BALLOON OVER KAMIANETS-PODILSKYI
There’s no better time to come to this amazing Western Ukrainian city than the third weekend of May, when residents of Kamianets-Podilskyi traditionally celebrate City Day. One part of the celebration is an annual international balloon festival, the Podolia Cup, which has been running since 1998. The balloon festival happens directly over the medieval city, making it a unique occasion to observe the brilliant sights of Kamianets-Podilskyi from above. Don’t miss an opportunity to visit Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle, the city’s main attraction. It was built in the early 14th century as a Ruthenian-Lithuanian castle and later became a Polish fortress. Authentic festive atmosphere, fantastic photos and opportunities for adventure are guaranteed! Program highlights: 18-20.05 Balloon festival Podolia Cup 2018 18-20.05 International festival of national cultures: «The island of seven treasures» 18-19.05 City Day «Kamianets – island of treasures 2018» Getting there: Kamianets-Podilsky can be reached by train in four to seven hours; check for tickets here: www.uz.gov.ua. Or by bus (910 hours); check for tickets here: ticket.bus.com.ua) or own car.
2
DON’T MISS FANTASTIC FLOWERS’ BLOOM AT HRYSHKO NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
Everyone in Kyiv knows, as the season of flowering trees, pleasantly warm, sunny weather comes, it’s high time to plan a trip to Hryshko National Botanical Garden. The Garden of Lilac is a calling card of Hryshko National Botanical Garden. It is the second largest Garden of Lilac in the world with 21 species, 90 kinds and 1500 bushes of lilac. In May, there is a real miracle in Hryshko National Botanical Garden, when the lilac is in blossom. It has become a tradition to come there to admire the beauty of landscapes, the density of flowering, the luxuriance of the bushes and an unsurpassed aroma.
18 Kiev Check-In
1 Tymyryazivska Str. (located in Pechersk district of Kyiv) +38 044 285 41 05 nbg.kiev.ua/en facebook.com/nbg.kiev.ua
www.kievcheckin.com
APRIL-MAY 2018
3
Bored at Home? Not Anymore With These Ideas
SEE&DO
MAKE A GREAT CATCH AT APELSIN TENNIS CLUB
Tennis isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifestyle! The Apelsin Tennis Club is a real find for those who have always dreamed of learning to play tennis. Whether you are a 4-year-old kid with a big desire to play or an adult with an unfulfilled childhood dream, this club has options for everyone! There are groups catering to various age and skill levels. ■There’s a special group for the very youngest players (4-5 years old), who take mini tennis classes. This group works on the European «Play & Stay» system, which promotes tennis as an easy, fun and healthy activity. The training involves bright equipment matched to the age of the children and ensures good skills development, so they’ll be eagerly awaiting the next lesson. ■Groups for school children include some for 13- to 15-year-old newcomers to the game. It’s never too late to learn, especially when you consider that tennis training is positive not only for health and fitness but also for enhancing concentration, discipline, and commitment.
11V Heroiv Sevastopolya Str. +38 067 945 10 50 +38 044 408 64 44 Hours: daily from 9 am till 8 pm tennisapelsin@mail.ru facebook.com/apelsintennis/
■Groups for players hoping to attain a professional level of skills get training here from the coaches of the National Tennis Team of Ukraine — Ms Belinskaya and Ms Kovalchuk. Their students take part not only in regional but also European tournaments! ■The club also provides individual classes for adults as well as classes in the «Adult + kid» format.
Club director Tatiana Ivanovna has been cooperating with tennis clubs in France for more than 10 years, which allows her to keep abreast of all the new European trends and techniques! Spring is a great time to broaden your horizons and try new things. So hurry up and join the club! Tennis club Apelsin is a guarantee of health and good times for you and your child!
THE PEDALS: 4 HIT BICYCLING IN KYIV
Kyiv Velodrome, one of the best cycling spots in Kyiv, was officially opened at 58 Bogdana Khmelnytskogo Str. (in the Kyiv city center) last year, after nearly 10 years of reconstruction! Built in 1912, it is one of the oldest bicycle tracks in Europe. The facility includes track for cycling under the open sky (from the end of April), a variety of gyms, boxes for storing your bike, underground parking, and a cafeteria. Hours: 7 am – 9 pm Note, as the Velodrome is rented by a velo cycling school during the hours of 6 pm –7 pm weekdays and 10 am –1 pm Saturdays, it’s best to avoid those times. +38 063 03250 40 www.kievcheckin.com
Kiev Check-In
19
SEE&DO
5
Bored at Home? Not Anymore With These Ideas
APRIL MAY 2018
SPRING INTO OUTDOOR RECREATION AT PARK-HOTEL GOLOSEEVO
Looking for the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle? An urban oasis, the Park-Hotel Golosievo, located in a picturesque area in Holosiivskyi National Nature Park, invites you to plunge into a world full of stunning natural views, outdoor recreation and entertaining activities! This is an incredibly peaceful place only 15 minutes’ drive from the city center, where you may relax in a beautiful flower garden with lovely, sunny terraces, or enjoy nice picnic areas with barbecue facilities. Within the grounds of Holosiivskyi National Nature Park you will find a full range of activities: join many locals in an early morning jog, or try a rope maze, take a spin on the carousel, or cruise a lake on a catamaran or boat. The hotel also offers a chance to indulge in exclusive health and beauty treatments. Specializing in aroma therapy, the Goloseevo Spa offers a variety of therapeutic treatments you’re sure to love—baths, body wraps, facials and massages. At the Beer Garden restaurant, on the first floor of the hotel, you can treat yourself to healthy, mouth-watering European cuisine.
So why not go for a relaxing and luxurious break from it all this spring, at the Park-Hotel Goloseevo? 87 Holosiivskyi Prospect +380 44 219 11 55 +380 95 061 09 54 booking@hotelgolosievo.com hotelgolosievo.com facebook.com/ParkHotelGolosievo
IN A CONCERT WITH 6 TAKE INSPIRATION CLASSIC
SPECTACULAR 7 ADMIRE SUNSET ON THE ROOF
Inspiration Classic is a project developed by a collection of classical music soloists who create unique concert programs performed in the style of a play. The aim of Inspiration Classic is to bring the joy of classical music to the broadest possible circle of listeners, performing both famous compositions and pieces that have never before been performed on a Ukrainian stage. Two sopranos (dramatic and lyrical), pianists, and violinists carry the audience with them into various musical eras, creating musical splendour. One of the concerts will take place May 20 at the Actor Hall (7 Yaroslaviv Val Str.) at 7 p.m.
Lovers of thrills, romantic people, or just those who are fond of amazing views, welcome to the roof! The spring-summer season is a perfect time to enjoy dizzying views from restaurants and bars located on the highest roofs, where you can sit at a table, enjoy a cool summer breeze and your favourite view of the whole city. There is a Greek restaurant PAPAFETA with an observation deck in 56 Lobanovskogo Ave., located on the roof of the building with the height of 11 floors. That’s certainly a bright place to taste Mediterranean cuisine, take binoculars and enjoy a spectacular sunset.
+38 0637110529 bolkunevychkp@gmail.com
20 Kiev Check-In
facebook.com/inspirationbyBK instagram.com/katerynabolkunevych
56 Lobanovskogo Ave.
+380 67 506 52 88
www.kievcheckin.com
APRIL-MAY 2018
www.kievcheckin.com
SEE&DO
Kiev Check-In
21
WEDDING
Women Art Shoppingin Destinations for April & May
APRIL-MAY 2018
The Coolest Places & Agencies to Get Married in Kyiv The season of lightness, weightlessness, and beauty has come. Spring has always been a perfect time for renewal, fresh starts, and daring decisions, such as deciding to begin a new family. Our Kiev Check-In team wants to give you a helping hand and ease the agony of choosing the ideal location for YOUR big day to make it truly unforgettable. Congratulations on your wedding plans, and wishes of eternal love “until death do you part.”
Did You Know? The meaning behind the «ring finger»: The term ring finger goes back to ancient times, when it was thought that a vein ran directly from the fourth finger (known as the ring finger) on the left hand to the heart. Eventually, they called that vein the “vena amoris,” or vein of love. Although modern science demystifies this belief, bride and groom still proudly place the ring on this special finger of their beloved one to declare their eternal love for each other. In Ukraine, where the dominant religion is Orthodox Christianity, people wear rings on the fourth finger of the right hand.
22 Kiev Check-In
Pumpkin and its practical use in matchmaking: In Ukrainian wedding traditions, the pumpkin is widely associated with a woman’s refusal of a man and often is mentioned in jokes. If, during a matchmaking process, the girl didn’t like the man, she “gave pumpkin” to the matchmaker, signifying her refusal to marry him. Probably because of the numerous vitamins and health benefits of pumpkin, it was believed it would help the man recover from his disappointment.
So such an elegant refusal could be thought of as wise and considerate. Why do Ukrainians shout «Гірко!» (Bitter!) at weddings? This is probably one of the most interesting Ukrainian wedding traditions: guests shout «Bitter!» to prompt the newlyweds to kiss. According to one version, it refers to the bitter taste of vodka, with which you are expected to drink to the health of the young couple. In turn, after crying «Bitter!» the newlyweds should sweeten this bitterness with their kiss. www.kievcheckin.com
APRIL-MAY 2018
The Coolest Places & Agencies to Get Married in Kyiv
WEDDING
PERFECT PLACE The creators of Perfect Place weren’t exaggerating when they chose that name. Perfect Place is an alluring park area on the shore of Kyiv’s Venetian island, also known as Hydropark, with an amazing view of the right bank and its Kyiv Hills, Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, and the Motherland Monument. It’s a perfect choice for a wedding ceremony, offering a base for realizing all your dreams and hopes for your truly memorable day. A large tent for hosting up to 300 guests and basic equipment is already at your disposal, but you’re free to imagine all the additional elements you want for a chic ceremony. The blissfully romantic beachside location has a comfortable infrastructure but remains a quiet hideaway from the city, complemented by divine sunsets and sunrises. Perfect Place is open seasonally, available for rent from April till October. It rarely gets rain during that period, but if it should happen, the tent can be fully sealed to protect your guests from the elements without any loss of the spectacular view, since its walls are transparent. There are no fixed prices
for rentals, as all weddings are unique and costs are based on details such as the number of guests, the format of the wedding and the day of the week. Keep in mind that a Saturday ceremony will cost from $2000 up, but an identical event on Wednesday or Monday can cost half that. Perfect Place has plenty of experience with organizing weddings for Englishspeaking clients. You can rely on their services without hesitation. Create your original idea, choose the elements of décor, and look forward
to the ultimate in pampering on your big day. And don’t forget to bring that second pair of shoes, so you can take off your high heels, take your groom’s hand, and run through the sand while enjoying the sparkle of the city’s evening lights. Perfect Place (Venetian Island, Hydropark, Golden Beach) +38 050 058 77 15 Perfectplace.com.ua facebook.com/PerfectPlaceEver instagram.com/perfectplacekyiv
CHYMYRYS WEDDING AGENCY Creating perfect memories for life! No two love stories are exactly alike, so no two weddings should be alike, either. The Chymyrys Wedding Agency is in the business of creating not just beautiful but also unique celebrations for each couple, including weddings that are fashionable and ahead of the trends. Chymyrys can organize a chic ceremony, an exquisite reception, and a luxurious dinner and entertainment, for a wedding that might inspire jealousy even in Kate Middleton and Prince William. Having planned many weddings for international couples, Chymyrys Wedding Agency knows the typical preferences of foreign guests and can offer a variety of creative ideas sure to impress.
Beautiful, exquisite and elegant weddings for demanding clients!
+38 050 388 81 71 +38 093 379 37 98 instagram.com/chymyrys_agency
www.kievcheckin.com
Kiev Check-In
23
WEDDING
The Coolest Places & Agencies to Get Married in Kyiv
APRIL-MAY 2018
WEDDING STUDIO TRÉS BIEN Trés Bien is a full-service wedding agency, your faithful guide through all the stages of preparing for your Special Day. The studio’s value is not only about creating just a good wedding. Professionals at Tres Bien will help to harmonize your personal dreams with family traditions and centuries-old rituals to celebrate a unique event of a lifetime. This wedding studio can assist you with whatever you’re hoping to arrange, from a big fancy wedding to a wedding just for two, including a hen or stag party, a honeymoon trip or just a consultation. Daria Voyevoda, the owner of the studio, suggests starting preparations from three to six months in advance, but to plan a wedding in two weeks is also possible. The first step is a meeting to get acquainted with your wedding planner and discussing all the important issues and possible ideas. If there is a sympathy, the next step – is signing a contract and making a deposit. After that, work begins, with Trés Bien taking charge of all the nitty-gritty details, leaving you to relax and focus
on what most matters to you. Trés Bien team is the last who leaves the wedding location and stays with you after the event as long as you need, but at least till the moment of approval of brilliant photos and memorable videos. The agency works on a fixed-cost system of services, which does not depend on the budget of the event. The average cost of services for planning a full wedding for about 70 guests is $1000, including the costs of administrative staff (coordinators, hostesses), who work during your wedding day. However, the cost can be reduced (if the couple have
already done some preparations) or increased if we are talking about a large-scale event. Trés Bien studio has a good experience in organizing international weddings and welcomes the challenge of helping with your big day, always taking a fresh approach and coming up with creative ideas that will pleasantly surprise you and your guests. The wedding for you and about you.
Vozdvyzhensky Boutique Hotel till the next morning. Just imagine waking up with your special someone in a luxury «Orient Express» suite, stepping out to the terrace and basking in the fresh air over a cup of fragrant coffee, enjoying your first family breakfast — which can be served in your room at your request. For the summer season of 2018, Vozdvyzhensky Boutique Hotel is offering a special, luxurious wedding package. The “Majestic Wedding” package includes the wedding
ceremony, an aperitif on the panoramic terrace, and an exquisite celebration in the banquet hall. The free night in a suite for the Newlyweds and the locations for the photo session is a special gift from the hotel!
+38 063 848 99 60 tresbien.com.ua facebook.com/tresbienwedding instagram.com/tresbienwedding
VOZDVYZHENSKY BOUTIQUE HOTEL Vozdvyzhensky Boutique Hotel is one of the most atmospheric and iconic places in Kyiv for newly wedded couples. This amazing spot, located near Andriyivsky Descent, has formed the backdrop to some of the most beautiful, romantic stories. Under its roof, you’ll find the main ingredients of a superb wedding celebration, such as exquisite halls for the ceremony and wedding banquet (for up to 30 and 80 people), perfect cuisine at the Terrace restaurant, and the cordial hospitality of the staff, all of which make it a splendid place to say your vows. The pride of the hotel, besides its guests of course, is a magnificent terrace garden that dates back to the 18th century and epitomizes the romance and glamour of bygone days. The hotel’s banquet manager is ready to help you create an individual menu, design the wedding decor of the hall, and resolve any issues that arise in order to make your day as magical as possible. Many couples jump at the chance to prolong their fairy tale at
24 Kiev Check-In
60 a,b, Vozdvyzhenska Str. +38 067 242 90 03 (for reservations) www.vozd-hotel.com facebook.com/Vozdvyzhensky www.kievcheckin.com
APRIL-MAY 2018
The Coolest Places & Agencies to Get Married in Kyiv
WEDDING
GREENADINE FLORAL AND DÉCOR AGENCY When most people dream about their wedding décor, they envision endless cascades of flowers, romantic lighting, pure colors and attention to every detail. When it comes to designing your wedding, you’ll have more decisions to make than just the flowers and candles. Choosing Greenadine for these elements ensures you’ll enjoy fantastic services from the agency’s professional designer/florists, who are bursting with fresh ideas and originality. They’ll use wonderful flowers from all over the world in a multilateral, coordinated approach, to create your own version of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon for your special day! Why not focus on things like choosing your wedding dress or suit, for example, rather than fussing about the decor? With Greenadine, you can order a full package of wedding decorations including wedding flowers, outdoor ceremony items, and a “photo zone.” Everything will be perfect if you start planning the style of your day at least three to four months before the celebration. Greenadine staff will always take into account your desires
www.kievcheckin.com
and budget. Wedding package prices start from $500, up to $5000-$7000. English-speaking staff ensure that you will be understood and welcomed cordially. Greenadine kindly shared some of their floral secrets to make your wedding picture perfect: A wedding bouquet should complement your dress, not compete with it. Pay special attention to how the bouquet handle is decorated, and hold the bouquet correctly. One more way to impress your guests is with fragrant flowers.
Whoever you pick as your florist, demand only the freshest of flowers for your bouquet. From chic boutonnieres to gorgeous centerpieces, flowers bring romance, drama, color, and style to any celebration and make a lasting impression for years. Make it happen with the professional team at Greenadine!
+38 063 835 81 06 +38 098 571 00 79 instagram.com/greenadine.flowers
Kiev Check-In
25
SHOPPING
26 Kiev Check-In
APRIL MAY 2018
www.kievcheckin.com
APRIL MAY 2018
Unique Ukrainian Fashion Brands to Follow Right Now
SHOPPING
Made in Ukraine
Unique
UKRAINIAN FASHION BRANDS To Follow Right Now For every woman, new clothes and accessories come like a breath of fresh air, especially in spring. At this time of year, shops and boutiques amaze with new collections in vibrant colors and trendy styles that will have you dreaming about a fashionable new look. It’s time to shed those warm coats and set off on an exciting search for this season’s must-haves.
www.kievcheckin.com
Kiev Check-In
27
SHOPPING
1
Unique Ukrainian Fashion Brands to Follow Right Now
APRIL MAY 2018
JENADIN
JENADIN
Jenadin is a Ukrainian manufacturer of unique seamless clothing made from high-quality yarns. Founded in 2013 in Kyiv, Jenadin is the first Ukrainian producer of seamless clothing. Why seamless? The idea is to provide soft and comfortable clothes, along with lightness and grace rolled into one. Due to the complexity of producing garments this way, this usually equates to clothing created by hand, which makes such clothing valuable. Jenadin offers men’s and women’s collections as well as home textiles, using natural yarns (merino wool, cashmere, silk, viscose), purchased directly from Italian factories. Seamless fashions provide a figure-flattering fit and will keep their shape beautifully, without loss of length or volume, after washing. Visit the Kyiv showroom, where professional stylists will help you create your ideal image with high-quality clothing. There is a free delivery inside Ukraine. International shipping is carried out only by agreement. In April and May, don’t miss a chance to get acquainted with Jenadin’s fashionable summer collection, made using unique technologies.
KOZZACHKA
18 Konoplianska Str. +38 050 411 75 43 facebook.com/jenadinUA instagram.com/jenadinua Jenadin.com
2
KOZZACHKA
There is no doubt that apparel with Ukrainian ethnic motifs never goes out of style. Kozzachka is a quality brand for stunning folk-chic clothing and accessories with a Ukrainian twist. All of the items are unique and handmade, with attention to the smallest details, as Kozzachka collaborates with small local communities of craftspeople. In support of Ukrainian producers, all of Kozzachka’s clothing and shoes are made exclusively in Zhytomyr, Ukraine. The brand strives to model environmental responsibility, creating timeless clothes while practicing no-waste production based on recycled materials. It’s cool to wear true “Made in Ukraine” garments, and the proud owners of Kozzachka clothes have the pleasure of enjoying original design, high quality, and fashionable taste. New designer items arrive weekly in limited quantities. So, having bought a dress, you don’t need to worry that you’ll encounter someone wearing the same one while walking down the street! Worldwide shipping is available, so don’t hesitate to visit the website, wherever you are, and choose trendy clothes with ethnic style. 27 Khreshchatyk Str., Vsi.Svoi Store +38 097 149 02 79 facebook.com/KozzachkaFashion instagram.com/kozzachka
kozzachka.com
28 Kiev Check-In
www.kievcheckin.com
APRIL MAY 2018
Unique Ukrainian Fashion Brands to Follow Right Now
3
SHOPPING
FRIZMAN
FRIZMAN
Elegant and feminine minimalist coats with geometric elements are the big theme in Frizman’s spring 2018 collection. Some variations include a lining inside the highest-quality wool and cashmere, to keep you from feeling chilly on a cool spring day. A great variety of jackets and multifunctional 2-in-1 sets, with a vest and jacket, are also well worth checking out. This season’s collection features culotte trousers made from the finest wool, giving you the chance to show off your true fashionista style. The color palette is as delicate as you are: classic shades of cream, navy blue, grey, camel, and beige. In a word, there’s plenty to choose from. This collection is perfect for women who like to carve out their own individual style rather than rush toward the latest fast-fashion trend.
OKSANA KOROLCHUK
Frizman store, 10 Verkhnii Val St. (the ground floor of the Business Center) +38 044 459 73 73 Frizman store, SM Metrograd, Central block (entrance next to Bessarabian market) +38 044 394 83 05 Satin store, SM Ocean Plaza, 0 level. +38 095 550 45 63 Ukrainian Designer’s Corner, 38 Khreshchatyk St, TSUM Kyiv Department Store, 3rd floor. 0 800 60 02 02 facebook.com/frizmanbrand instagram.com/frizmanbrand frizman.ua
www.kievcheckin.com
4
OKSANA KOROLCHUK DESIGN STUDIO
Does it often happen that you spend hours puttering around the shopping mall looking for a new outfit and come away empty-handed? Perhaps you would rather shop in a designer boutique where you can find that special dress that will make you stand out in a crowd. Then you’ll love Oksana Korolchuk Design Studio! Oksana Korolchuk combines extensive knowledge of fashion design with fine clothing production. Using professional equipment and working with qualified specialists, they create fur, leather, knitwear, and textile items for men, women and children, emphasizing great fit while staying on-trend. Backed by 20 years of experience as an exclusive shop, Oksana Korolchuk was inspired by the new enthusiasm for “made in Ukraine” garments to enter the mass market. Oksana Korolchuk designs combine lifestyle trends with great personality. Nothing makes the staff at Oksana Korolchuk Design Studio happier than to see your delighted face in the mirror. Come enjoy the reflection! +38 067 401 51 12 +38 063 401 51 12 +38 050 737 25 15 e-mail: OK7772017@gmail.com facebook.com/designstudio.OK instagram.com/oksana_korolchuk
Kiev Check-In
29
FOOD & DRINKS Are We Entering the Era of Electric Car?
APRIL-MAY 2018
EXCLUSIVE Restaurants in Kyiv WHISKY CORNER «These guys have pretty much every whisky you could ever want!» Back in 2012, the Scottish houserestaurant Whisky Corner for the first time welcomed visitors and promptly won popular acclaim for its huge range of whisky—some 350 types. Since then this place has become the headquarters of the All Ukrainian Whisky Connoisseurs Club, and today you’ll find over 780 types of whisky from all over the world, beautifully presented. The restaurant’s shelves groan under the weight of this legendary drink, amid an inspiring and authentic atmosphere. Five successful years later, Whisky Corner has become not only a central oasis for admirers of whisky but also for lovers of delicious food and chic service. Whisky Corner wows its guests with fantastic food-pairing. Thanks to the advice of a professional sommelier, you will enjoy the perfect dish to match your favourite drink and, vice versa, explore tipples that best fit already beloved dishes. If you’re not quite ready to take the Scottish «water of life» straight up, you can still enjoy dishes prepared with
30 Kiev Check-In
the addition of whisky, such as British pie with stewed beef and vegetables (stewed with Ardbeg whisky, UAH 256), Scottish onion soup with beef and Cheddar gratin (with the addition of Glenmorangie Original, UAH 193), or salad with duck delicacies (containing foie gras terrine marinated with Bowmore №1, UAH 269). Whatever option you choose, sommeliers at Whisky Corner are always glad to share the story of each type of whisky you are interested in, and
regularly organize whisky tastings or master classes. Bright cocktails and live music performances on weekends are awaiting you in this legendary spot, right in Kyiv city center. 16/16 Sofiivska Str. Hours: 12 pm - 12 am +38 044 279 02 15 +380 50 480 38 03 whiskycorner.kiev.ua facebook.com/WhiskyCorner instagram.com/whiskycorner www.kievcheckin.com
APRIL-MAY 2018
Exclusive Restaurants in Kyiv
FOOD & DRINKS
GRILL DO BRASIL «At the end, your brain will still want to eat, but your body will ask for mercy» Meat, salt, fire and lots of Brazilian passion blend together at Grill do Brasil restaurant. Just imagine: 18 types of Ukrainian meat of superb quality are served here in unique Rodizio style, all cooked exclusively on a charcoal grill! Grill do Brasil preserves the unique Brazilian tradition of serving dishes in Rodizio style, or «eat as much as you want,» which also makes for an impressive show: Gaucho chefs skewer large pieces of meat on a spit and slowly roast them on the open fire, bringing out the fantastic juiciness of the dish. Then they make stroll nonstop around the restaurant with these skewers of meat, offering guests a wide variety of meat delicacies (veal, lamb, pork, chicken, sausage). You will be fascinated to watch the skill of these gaucho chefs in cutting the juicy and tender pieces of meat onto your plate in front of you. And of course you can take as much as you wish. Additionally, you may choose from more than 30 accompaniments
CHA CHA BAR A modern interpretation of genuine Georgian spirit! At the top of the Andriyivskyy Descent beats the warm Georgian heart, at the Cha Cha Bar! This restaurant is beloved for its unique concept, great location and live music. At the entrance of the restaurant you’ll be met by a welcoming greeter who issues a personal invitation to come in and enjoy genuine Georgian dishes and great music. Thursdays are live-music evenings, and well-known melodies performed on the saxophone or piano will be a wonderful accompaniment to your lively evening. Every Friday and Saturday, Georgian bands (G.SOUND, KAIA) perform hits, and dancers dressed in djigits draw guests into incendiary Georgian dancing in celebration of the weekend. The Cha Cha Bar makes an impression with its mouth-watering dishes of Georgian cuisine: Adzharian khachapuri with meat (UAH 159), kubdari (traditional Georgian beef pie, UAH 175), chakhokhbili (stewed chicken with peppers and www.kievcheckin.com
available at the salad bar, including cheeses, sausages, fish, fresh vegetables, traditional side dishes and fruit. There are two sittings for dinner each evening: from 7 p.m. till 9 p.m., and from 9 p.m. till 11 p.m. Dinner costs UAH 599. Please note, as Kyiv is full of true meat lovers, Grill do Brasil is extremely popular in the evening, so be sure to book your table in advance.
Live Music
tomatoes, UAH 185), and mixed kebab (UAH 156). Together with traditional specialties, Cha Cha Bar also offers guests Lenten dishes. It is hard to imagine Georgian food without wine, so a large variety of wines from all over the world is available on the wine list. Homebrewed “Georgian vodka” – chacha – is a must-try here. A number of different flavors are on offer, served in about a double shot size. (Chacha Askeneli and Chacha Chateau Mukhrani are among the best!) Georgian
24 Lesi Ukrainky Blvd. +38 044 593 98 98 Hours: noon–11 p.m. weekdays, 2 p.m.–11 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m.–9 p.m. Sunday grilldobrasil.com.ua facebook.com/GrilldoBrasil
cuisine, in combination with Georgian song, makes for a memorable occasion. English-speaking waiters provide outstanding service for customers from abroad, and an English menu is available. See you there, genazvale! 11 Volodymyrska Str. Hours: 11 am - 11 pm (Sunday – Thursday), 11 am - 1 am (Friday – Saturday) + 38067 159 5099 info.chachabar@gmail.com facebook.com/ChaChaGastroBar
Kiev Check-In
31
TRAVEL&TOURISM Odessa, I am Coming! - Welcome to Humorina Festival
APRIL MAY 2018
Odessa, I am Coming! A
H, ODESSA!
The pearl of the Black Sea, the capital of humor, the city of magnificent architecture and unique people... Odessa’s busy centre, cozy back streets, inspiring coastline, and atmospheric restaurants and cafes make you feel alive and free. This is a city which is always bustling, with everyday life and exciting special events. Founded between the fifth and third centuries BC as a large Greek settlement called «Odyssos», the city became a free port in the middle of the nineteenth century. Today, Odessa is a modern city and a major transportation hub on the northwest coast of the Black Sea, with its own seaport. How to get there: Odessa can be easily reached from Kyiv by plane (in one to one and a half hours, for around UAH 3000-4000), train (in seven (intercity train) to ten hours, check on train tickets here: www.uz.gov.ua) or car (in six to nine hours, around 500 km). Odessa is also considered the homeland of subtle humor and witty
32 Kiev Check-In
jokes. Why so? A lot of outstanding humorists were born here, and many comedy shows originated in Odessa. Some say that, being residents of a multinational city, the inhabitants of Odessa have had to master the art of laughter to get along together. The 1st of April is an essential date for Odessa, the sparkling beginning of the Humorina Festival. The festival of laughter has been held annually in Odessa since April 1, 1973. This year you can participate in events like the comic parade-carnival, a festival of clowns and mimes, and humorous quizzing competitions. There are also many comedy performances, musical concerts, contests, and surprises. Let me give you a tour around «Odessa-mama» (as locals call their beloved city), and unlock some of the mysteries of this great city.
1
ODESSA OPERA AND BALLET THEATER (1887)
A pearl of the city built in neo-baroque style. Its amazing acoustics assure that even the quietest whisper from the stage can be heard in any part of the hall. In 2008 Forbes Magazine named Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater among its 11 exceptional Eastern European sights. You could spend the whole day standing and staring at the sculptures outside, but why not come inside and spend an unforgettable evening enjoying the Carmen-Suite ballet or the opera La Traviata, for example? opera.odessa.ua/ru/o-teatre
2
POTEMKIN STAIRS
This great stone staircase, with 192 stairs arranged in ten flights, represents the formal entrance into the city from the seashore. At the top of the Potemkin Stairs is Boulevard Primorsky, a wonderful walking area that leads to Odessa’s city center and the monument that honours the Duke de Richelieu. www.kievcheckin.com
APRIL MAY 2018
Odessa, I am Coming! - Welcome to Humorina Festival TRAVEL&TOURISM
Welcome to the Humorina Festival
3
SEA PORT
Odessa Sea Port is the busiest port in Ukraine. Since 1794, it has seen the arrival and departure of many thousands of vessels and visitors. Odessa residents love strolling around this peaceful spot. The waterfront and port areas are equipped with hundreds of cranes, thousands of lift trucks, and other port machinery. In spring and summer, you can seize the opportunity to take a cruise on one of the many ships and yachts anchored at the port. We highly recommend joining an excursion called «Path of Light Keeper» to one of the main Odessa symbols, the Vorontsovskii Maiak. Walking along a narrow path in the middle of the sea to one of the most beautiful places in www.kievcheckin.com
Odessa is amazing. A snow-white tower that steps into the water, at night lit with red fire — all of this creates an unforgettable atmosphere of romance and beauty.
4
PASSAGE
Passage is a smaller version of Milan’s Galleria arcade in the heart of Odessa. This chic, richly decorated edifice with a glass roof is included in the Top-10 architectural masterpieces of the Southern Palmira and is one of the city’s most famous sights.
To take a better look at Passage, you need to see it from the inside, entering through one of the arches. Be careful not to crash into people passing by while looking upwards, as the building, whose exterior combines baroque, modern, and classical styles, fascinates from the first second. It is like a sculpture museum, but free of an admission charge! Nowadays, you can find various souvenir shops and a cafe there.
Kiev Check-In
33
TRAVEL&TOURISM Odessa, I am Coming! - Welcome to Humorina Festival
5
APRIL MAY 2018
DERIBASIVSKA STREET
This famous street has been featured in thousands of books, films, and songs, and remains one of the most celebrated in Ukraine. Paved with Italian stone, this pedestrian street plunges visitors into the mystery and history of this fascinating district. A major commercial street, it’s full of numerous shops, restaurants, and bars, and in summertime is often packed with visitors strolling up and down eating ice-cream and taking photos. A famous City Garden with a musical fountain and the Monument to Ilf and Petrov «12th chair» are also situated here. The street is less than 1 kilometer long, but once you’ve walked just a bit of it you’ll be hooked on the architecture and spirit of Deribasivska.
6
ODESSA CATACOMBS
If you have had enough of charming architecture and are looking for a different kind of experience, Odessa can offer you an exciting one. The underground catacombs, located right under the city, are one of the five longest such systems in the world. The explored length of Odessa’s catacombs is more than 2,500 km, but some areas haven’t been researched yet. During WWII, local fighters hid within this maze. Only a small portion of this special attraction is officially open as a museum. The atmosphere is unusual and spooky sometimes, but it’s a highly recommended sight to visit if you want to discover another side of Odessa. The museum is open from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. daily, except Mondays.
7
ODESSA HOUSE OF SCIENTISTS
The Palace of Count Tolstoy, commonly known as the House of Scientists, is one of the most vivid architectural monuments in Odessa. The two-story stone building houses 12 rooms and a patio-inspired garden. Its delicate stairways, Venetian mirrors, carved ceilings and elegant tapestries have been preserved in their original form. Entering any of these halls, you can’t help but imagine yourself at the ball, twirling around on the dance floor in a magnificent dress or an elegant suit.
8
NIGHT LIFE IN ODESSA
You’ve probably already guessed that life in the city by the sea is bustling around the clock. Odessa nightlife is indeed rich, diversified and vibrant. Of course, summertime is the high season, but throughout the year, you enjoy cool nightclubs in Odessa with a pulsing atmosphere. Most fashionable clubs are located close to the beaches, offering amazing views and the crazy rhythm of clubbing nights. The center of fun in Odessa is the Arcadia Club, where a set of various nightclubs, restaurants, and bars is located. Ibiza is one of the most enticing, with its big mix of tourists, locals, house and techno music, and fantastic cocktails. Many concerts and shows take place in Ibiza. Check their schedule for upcoming events. Itaka, with its unique atmosphere of Ancient Greece; Park Residence, considered one of the most glamorous open clubs; and Morgan, with its convenient downtown location, are also worth visiting. If you are tired of neon lights, crowds of people and wild dancing, come down to the beach, sit on the sand, and enjoy the pleasant view of sparkling sea waves and the feel of the sea breeze on your skin.
34 Kiev Check-In
www.kievcheckin.com
APRIL MAY 2018
www.kievcheckin.com
Buying Property TRAVEL&TOURISM in Ukraine
Kiev Check-In
35
BUSINESS Doing Business in Ukraine - Tips for Foreigners
APRIL MAY 2018
DOING BUSINESS IN UKRAINE Tips for Foreigners 2018
Following the recent reforms and closer ties with West, Ukraine is gradually becoming an attractive, albeit still difficult, place to do business and invest for the foreign business community. Regardless of still weak political, legal, and financial climate in the country, Ukraine has an excellent geographic location, the largest territory in Europe, rich natural resources, and a low cost but skilled workforce. Ukraine’s confusing regulatory regime, ever-changing regulations and significant red tape can cost foreign investors significant money and time. In our experience, every day we encounter front-facing government staff, bank representatives, private consultants, and notaries who are not aware of the latest changes and provide incorrect information. But these challenges are by no means insurmountable, the savvy entrepreneur can easily find his/her way past to make some great investments. Here’s a list of business tips for any foreign individual exploring doing business or investing in Ukraine. Note that law and regulations change frequently, therefore always consult for the latest updates before making any decisions! PERSONAL BANK ACCOUNTS As a foreign national (resident or non-resident), you are allowed to open the following types of personal bank accounts in Ukraine: •Regular current and savings accounts in the local currency UAH and selected foreign currencies. •An Investment Account that allows foreigners to make investments into Ukraine and subsequently repatriate profits and capital out of the country. Keep the following points in mind when opening and operating your bank account in Ukraine: •Rules for bank accounts vary depending on the type and are strictly regulated by Ukrainian Banking law. For example, you are not allowed to withdraw cash from your investment bank account (whereas it is possible from a regular current bank account). Therefore, use the type of bank account that corresponds to your planned purpose and transactions. •In order to deposit any amount of cash on your bank account in Ukraine, Ukrainian Banking law requires that
36 Kiev Check-In
you provide the bank with a document, evidencing origin of the cash (e.g., customs declaration). Therefore, if you bring cash to Ukraine and plan to deposit it on your bank account, you should declare at customs control such amount even if you bring to Ukraine amount which is less than equivalent of EUR 10,000. •You can use your debit card (linked to your regular current account) when making purchases overseas as well as withdraw cash, subject to certain limits. STARTING A COMPANY While there are a number of different business structures available in Ukraine, the most suitable limited liability structure for a small- to midsized business in Ukraine is a Limited Liability Company (LLC). Both resident and non-resident foreigners are free to incorporate an LLC and can be 100% shareholders of the company. Points to note when opening an LLC: •The process of incorporating a company is fairly straightforward and can be completed in 1-2 working days
TETIANA YAKOVENKO Director of ContactUkraine LLC www.contactukraine.com after all the necessary documents are ready. •Prior to registration of an LLC, foreign shareholders need to obtain a Ukrainian tax number. •There are no minimum requirements to share capital amount of LLC company. •The director of an LLC can be only an individual who has a right to reside in Ukraine (a citizen of Ukraine, or a permanent citizen or foreign individual who has obtained a work and residence permit in Ukraine). Corporate directors are not permitted. •A Ukrainian company must have a local registered address. •Foreign entrepreneurs who wish to relocate to Ukraine to operate their company can apply for relocation visa (work permit & residence permit), which is subject to approval by authorities. It’s important to work with a knowledgeable and competent corporate services provider that knows the latest regulations to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the work done. WORK AND RESIDENCE PERMITS Work and residence permits are two different permits issued to foreigners. With the exception of few situations, www.kievcheckin.com
APRIL MAY 2018 both permits are required when relocating to operate or work for a company in Ukraine. Keep in mind the following: •Foreign entrepreneurs who have opened their LLC company in Ukraine will need to apply for both permits if they wish to relocate to Ukraine (as an exception, those shareholders who invested EUR 100,000 in share capital of a company can get temporary residence permit without being employed in Ukraine and work permit application). The same is true when the company in Ukraine is hiring other foreign staff. •Certain categories of foreign citizens (such as permanent residents of Ukraine, employees of representative offices and permanent establishments of foreign companies, representatives of foreign mass media, professional athletes, artists and some others) do not need to apply for work permits when working in Ukraine (but they still need to obtain residence permits). However, in most other cases, a valid work permit is required before commencing work. •There is no «general» work permit in Ukraine. Work permit is issued for the specific job with Ukrainian company. Work permit can be issued up to 3 years. The processing time for a work permit application is 7 working days. •After the work permit application has been approved, the permit holder must obtain a temporary residence permit. Family members are also eligible to obtain the temporary residence permit. Obtaining a residence permit takes up to 15 days upon application. BUYING REAL-ESTATE Due to attractive prices in the current Ukrainian real-estate market, foreign investors are increasingly interested in purchasing residential property here. However, the real-estate market in Ukraine is not very mature and therefore often fraught with significant difficulties and risks at almost every step of the transaction. It’s extremely important to work with a knowledgeable and trustworthy legal advisor when dealing with real-estate in Ukraine. Here are some basic guidelines: •It is important to perform the deal and payment strictly in accordance with Ukrainian Civil, Banking and Investment law to avoid future difficulties with the repatriation of investments and investment income. •Proper due diligence as well as www.kievcheckin.com
Doing Business in Ukraine - Tips for Foreigners BUSINESS proper legal planning and examination of real-estate transactions are crucial while investing in real-estate in Ukraine due to risk of fraud. •The commission of real-estate agencies is typically around 3–5% from the real-estate purchase price, payable only if the deal is concluded. Real-estate agencies are not regulated and do not require a license to operate. Therefore, we highly recommend that you also use an independent real-estate legal lawyer to assist you with proper advice when concluding your transaction. PAYING FOR INVESTMENTS Foreign nationals are allowed to pay for their investments in Ukraine (opening a business, buying real-estate or other type of investment) in two possible ways: •Directly from their account overseas (in this case, payment is made in foreign currency); -or•By opening an investment bank account in Ukraine. In this case, the foreign national must transfer money in foreign currency to the investment account, convert it to local currency hryvna (UAH), and then pay for the investment in the local currency. Note that an investment account is the only type of bank account in Ukraine for foreign individuals that allows them to make settlements for their investments. TAXES Tax rate in Ukraine depends on the type of taxpayer and his income. The base tax rates are listed below: •Corporate tax rate: 18% •Individual income tax rate: 18% plus 1.5% military tax •Social security tax: 22% (applicable as part of payroll tax) •VAT: 20% •Individuals registered as Private Entrepreneur (similar to Sole Proprietorship in other countries) and listed under the Simplified Tax Scheme (3rd Group): 3–5% Note that the Ukrainian tax code defines specific rates for certain types of income or transactions which can be different from the ones mentioned above. In addition, some types of income/transactions are exempt from taxation. Therefore, to define applicable tax rate for each specific case, it is important to get professional advice.
to work, invest, or start a business in Ukraine, most likely you will need to obtain a Ukrainian tax number. Therefore, it’s usually a good idea to get this done as soon as possible. If you are overseas, the application for tax number can be filed by your representative in Ukraine under a Power of Attorney. The application processing time is about 3 working days. HIRING STAFF In Ukraine, a company can hire people either under labour agreement (i.e. as a salaried employee) or under civil services agreement (i.e. as a freelancer, provided the person being hired is registered as a Private Entrepreneur (PE)). If hired as a salaried employee, the company should assume roughly 40% tax overhead on top of the salary in-hand to the employee. On the other hand, in a freelancing arrangement, the salary tax burden is approx. 5%. As a result of this anomaly, many companies tend to reduce their costs by arranging staff as a mix of freelancers and full-time staff. However, such a structure requires careful tax and legal planning in order to avoid getting on the wrong side of the law. MISTAKES IN DOCUMENTATION This is the last tip we have for you today, but it is certainly not the least! Unfortunately in Ukraine, you will often find that important agreements and documents that are prepared for you may contain misprints and errors. This can be caused by a number of reasons including lack of professional quality controls, lack of use of computer technology and automation or overworked staff. What should you do? A simple solution is to presume that the documents may contain errors and have them double-checked by your trusted local professional advisor. This article is brought to you by ContactUkraine LLC - a Kyiv-based boutique firm that provides consulting and professional services to international clients in the areas of business setup, immigration, realestate investment, taxation, banking, and living in Ukraine. If you need our services, please contact us info@contactukraine.com or visit our website at www.contactukraine.com
GETTING A UKRAINIAN TAX NUMBER As a foreigner, if you are planning
Kiev Check-In
37
EXPAT CORNER Working in Ukraine - An Expat Guide
APRIL MAY 2018
WORKING IN UKRAINE An Expat Guide
Arriving in a new country and navigating a new working and living environment is never easy. For many, it means stepping out of one’s comfort zone and facing new professional challenges. We spoke to five prominent Kyiv expats, and asked them to share their experiences of working in Ukraine – from the language barriers and cultural differences they have encountered, to their thoughts on management styles in the country.
TOURISM STATISTICS
14.23
4,027
2,640
foreign citizens visited Ukraine in 2017
of them came for permanent residence
came for employment purposes
million
* Statistics provided by the State Statistics Service of Ukraine
38 Kiev Check-In
www.kievcheckin.com
Working in Ukraine - An Expat Guide EXPAT CORNER
APRIL MAY 2018
MEET KYIV EXPATS
1
2
MORTEN OTTOW (DENMARK) Delivery Director at Valtech:
.....................................
.........................................
I first visited Ukraine in 2008 as a Manager of the international division of Piraeus Bank Group. I was immediately amazed at the country, and so when I was offered a position working here, I didn’t hesitate at all. Back then, I was a single dad with a two-year-old, and I came to Ukraine wanting to work in a new and challenging environment and to gain as much experience as possible in different areas of business. Originally, I was only meant to stay here for three years, but I haven’t left and this year is my tenth year! The country just really «hugged» me, and I have been able to move up the professional ladder from Deputy Director to Member of the Management Board, responsible for retail, branch network, marketing, and alternative channels. Since marrying a Ukrainian as well, Ukraine really has become a home.
3
I work in IT, for a digital agency called Valtech. We are consultants working for some of the biggest companies in the world such as L’Oreal and Volkswagen. I first moved to Ukraine in 2010, while working for another digital agency (called Creuna). I was asked to move here for one year to manage a small team of developers. But then, after one year back in Denmark, I decided to move back to Ukraine – this time, to build a team from scratch for Valtech. For our Danish office, operating in Ukraine has a lot of advantages: it’s easy to visit, and there is only a one – hour time difference. Initially, for the first two to three years, we experienced fairly slow growth. But now, after five and a half years, we have 170 people working in four different offices: Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kyiv, and Chernihiv.
.............................
4
NELSON CARRASCO (CUBA) Founder of Buena Vista and Habana restaurants, singer:
.......................................
ALEX SOKOL (USA) Managing Director of American Medical Centers Group: I am originally from Connecticut in the USA. Having moved to Moscow in 1996, we sold our Russian clinic assets in 2007 and I moved to Kyiv with my wife and two children shortly after. Today, I am the Managing Director of American Medical Centers Group, a private healthcare network which has seven clinics and two assistance offices in Ukraine, Georgia, and Kazakhstan. I have now lived and worked in Kyiv for nearly 11 years, and I would never regret our decision to move here. My family loves the quality of life in Ukraine – the seasons, the accessibility of the country, the pace of life, and of course, the cost of living.
I’m from Cuba, but I worked for IT company in Miami for a while before relocating here. I moved to Ukraine 13 years ago. I had visited the country once before - for two weeks in December, and it was the first time I’d ever seen snow! I found that I really liked the European way of life, so I moved here, and got a remote job designing applications for a network of hospitals in Florida. After a while, though, I wanted a job that was based locally so I moved around in the tech world for a few years. Eventually, it became clear to me that I wanted to work for myself - I have never been particularly interested in climbing up the standard career ladder and I had no desire to continue working in an office environment. I founded two Cuban restaurants here - Buena Vista and Habana - where I also often sing. I love sharing my Cuban culture with Ukrainians!
5 ............................
www.kievcheckin.com
MOUZAKIS ILIAS (GREECE) Member of the Management Board at Piraeus Bank:
MARK SAWCHUK (CANADA) Country Manager at L’Oreal Ukraine: Since moving to Ukraine in 2005, I have worked in various management positions at L’Oreal, the worldwide leader in beauty, and today I am the country manager here. Working in Ukraine is never boring - I love working with the people and teams here, and watching them grow and evolve professionally. Coming from Canada, I find it difficult that after a snowstorm the streets and sidewalks remain unplowed, and that many people fail to hold the door for you. But small inconveniences like these are far outweighed by the positive side of living in Kyiv!
Kiev Check-In
39
EXPAT CORNER Working in Ukraine - An Expat Guide
APRIL MAY 2018
HOW EASY WAS IT TO GET A UKRAINIAN WORK PERMIT? Mouzakis Ilias: Even though my employer was responsible for overseeing all the administrative essentials, it was a really difficult process as I didn’t really understand the obstacles and bureaucracy involved. Nowadays, getting a work permit is a lot easier and simpler, but I would always recommend using the services of a professional to help
smooth, and quicken, the process. Nelson Carrasco: I suppose my situation was a little different, as by the time I needed a permit, I was married to my Ukrainian wife and had residency here. However, I still had to wait two years for my Ukrainian «green card.» I’d say getting a permit is comparatively easy in
Ukraine – in a lot of countries around the world, it’s much harder! Morten Ottow: I didn’t handle this myself, as I used an external company to take care of all my documents. I would always recommend using a Ukrainian professional to help in getting the permit and with any legal issues which may arise.
WHAT SURPRISED YOU MOST WHEN YOU ARRIVED IN UKRAINE? Mouzakis Ilias: Well, I arrived back in 2008 and as you might imagine, I was gobsmacked at a lot of things! I’d imagined that everybody would speak English, but very few people actually did. So I found it quite a challenge trying to communicate for my everyday needs. Of course, a lot has changed since then! I was also a little surprised at the primitive approach to customer service and the sullen faces in the streets! But at the same time, I fell in love with the beautiful architecture and wide pavements; witnessing the city burst into spring; and experiencing Ukrainians’ amazing hospitality towards foreigners. As you can see, I had a lot of mixed emotions! Morten Ottow: When I arrived, I was surprised to see that there is still an “old school” difference between men and women in Ukraine. For example, men should earn money and work, but women should stay home and take care of the
house and children. It’s probably an overgeneralization, and of course does not apply to everybody, but I got the sense that Ukrainian women are not as highly regarded as Ukrainian men. I think I was also really surprised by just how low salaries are here – especially for doctors and teachers. Away from the workplace, I’d say that I was pleasantly surprised by how long and warm the summers are here! Mark Sawchuk: I was actually really surprised by how young the L’Oreal Ukraine team was. People here seem to start working at 18 or 19 having already finished university. In Canada, the average age for entry-level employees is much higher. Alex Sokol: Having lived in the region before moving to Ukraine, I would say that culturally and socially, there were not too many surprises when we first moved here. However, Ukrainians’ en-
thusiasm for adapting to a western management approach and health model was surprising for me, and I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by intelligent health managers who truly believe in what they are doing. Similarly, their embrace of change has been particularly motivating! Nelson Carrasco: Talking about when I first moved here - I was immediately struck by programmers’ levels of expertise here in Ukraine: they were all fantastically good and they would code beautifully! But at the same time, I also noticed that many lacked an understanding of just how important customer service and customer satisfaction is. These incredible programmers would forget about the client they were working for, and wouldn’t try to ensure that the client later returned. Elsewhere, I was surprised by Ukraine’s nightlife: it’s so happy!
HOW IS THE WORK CULTURE DIFFERENT IN UKRAINE? Mouzakis Ilias: For me, the work culture in Ukraine is really different compared to other cultures I have experienced. Staff want to be motivated and to be regularly appraised; they want to have clear targets and to receive regular coaching. It seems that they want to feel really engaged so that they feel like they belong to the corporate environment in which they work. Mark Sawchuk: At L’Oreal at least, there doesn’t actually seem to be that much of a difference if I’m honest. Staff are all respectful of each other, like to have fun, are passionate about their work, and are results oriented. I think the main difference is that so much revolves around paperwork and contracts here - something which
40 Kiev Check-In
certainly adds to bureaucracy in the workplace. Morten Ottow: Compared to Denmark, the culture isn’t that different, but there are a few things I’ve noticed. On Fridays, for example, people tend to leave work early in Denmark. But in Ukraine, they will stay late in order to finish all their tasks before the weekend. Here, you’re also much more likely to be invited to some sort of celebration, even with work the following day. In Denmark, we usually don’t drink much if we need to be at work the next day! Networking and personal relations are also much more important here. In Denmark, I just check the phone book if I need: banker, lawyer, accountant, electrician, mechanic etc. and they will all be certified professionals doing
a good job. In Ukraine you don’t know what you get until the job is done so people prefer to go through their own networks. I’d say that there’s also a stricter hierarchy within workplaces here – the boss is expected to have all the answers, and the only people who seem to be able to make decisions are those at the very top of the company. Alex Sokol: I feel that Ukrainians are more open and serious about their work, and that they are perhaps less competitive with one another than, say, Americans or Europeans. They seem to be more willing to share their experience with colleagues, and they work as more of a team. At the same time, though, it seems that the work culture here is more risk-adverse than in other countries. www.kievcheckin.com
EXPAT CORNER Working in Ukraine - An Expat Guide Nelson Carrasco: Here, working hours are much more flexible than in other countries. I was actually shocked when I first started working here: you can come into work whenever you want, and you are supposed to control your own time.
Slightly contradictory to this, though, is that micromanagement is also quite a big thing here - you don’t just have a goal which you need to achieve, you have to constantly report on your progress to your superiors, too. In one job I had, I found myself having to write
APRIL MAY 2018 reports on my progress every morning and every evening, which was really time consuming. I have also noticed that in offices, people don’t communicate much - there’s very little chatting and interaction which I find quite strange.
WHAT IS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH MANAGEMENT STYLE AND MANAGER-SUBORDINATE RELATIONS IN UKRAINE? Mark Sawchuk: I have found that staff are very respectful of their superiors – so much so that they may hesitate to speak up if they don’t agree with a senior manager’s opinion. Morten Ottow: Compared to Denmark or Scandinavia in general, workplaces in Ukraine seem to have stricter hierarchies, and there are more defined processes. I try to delegate responsibility and encourage colleagues to make decisions – sometimes, you need to get used to
this and to learn that it is OK to make mistakes.
our team-mates. It is welcomed, but it takes some time in training.
Alex Sokol: Healthcare in the former Soviet Union was always hierarchic, and the idea of staff having the autonomy to make decisions was never part of the historical work culture. Ukraine also doesn’t have a traditional “service-culture,” and so the concept of personalizing our client interactions, engaging with our patients, and genuinely caring for them as care-providers should is sometimes very new for
Mouzakis Ilias: The western style of management – by which I mean open doors, the sense that we should all speak and work together as a team, and that we can speak to the CEO without prior arrangement – is still an odd concept for many. Many employees who have joined our bank having only ever worked in local banks have been very surprised – in a good way! – by the style of management in a European bank.
ARE THERE ANY GENDER DIFFERENCES WHEN WORKING WITH MALE OR FEMALE WORKERS IN UKRAINE? Mouzakis Ilias: I would never wish to discriminate, but yes, I have noticed differences. Women seem to engage better when one is polite and calm – I get the feeling that they like to be the gender that is “protected” – and you have to be more careful when speaking to them to ensure you get the results you wish for without any emotional conflicts. Of course, I am generalizing and exceptions do exist. But I would also admit that women are better employees than men – men are more laid back
and usually need to be pushed in order to take initiative. Morten Ottow: No, not really. I try to have as balanced a gender ratio as possible, as it creates a more dynamic work atmosphere. Alex Sokol: Healthcare may be an aberration, but six out of seven of our Clinic Managers are women – and actually, I think women often make better
healthcare managers as they are loyal, compassionate, empathetic, and hard-working. Nelson Carrasco: I don’t want to be offensive or discriminatory, but in general, I have found that Ukrainian women are more responsible and hardworking than men. Usually, what you see is that high ranking officers are men, but middle managers – the ones really interacting with other workers, controlling staff, and getting the job done – are women.
WHAT REWARD AND MOTIVATION SYSTEMS WORK IN UKRAINE? Mouzakis Ilias: People need to feel engaged and to feel like they are part of the corporate culture. By consistently appreciating their work through engaging them in team building sessions and ensuring there are events for staff to socialize with managers, it really helps employees to feel valued and that they are an important part of the team. This is key to motivating teams, I think! Alek Sokol: Rewards and motivations really depend on the individual. Promotions, bonuses and non-monetary incentives are of course all important, but in my experience, inclusion and ensuring staff feel positively challenged are also good sources of motivation. After all,
42 Kiev Check-In
we all need to know that we are needed, and that our work is helping to cause change. For physicians, a reward may be knowing that they have provided good care, or for a manager, it may be knowing that their ideas and commitment have made a difference to the direction of the company. So a grateful client or simple acknowledgement at a weekly staff meeting will often contribute to job (and life!) satisfaction. Morten Ottow: I think there are various effective motivational triggers for Ukrainians – giving staff more responsibility has, in my experience, been successful. As has giving teams the freedom to make
decisions and to organize their own work hours – including giving staff the option to work from home. Nelson Carrasco: I think that the key source of motivation is salary: the more a company offers you, the more you want to stay. Working conditions are also very important. Mark Sawchuk: Ukraine is just like any other country. Both intrinsic rewards such as recognition, praise, feedback and celebration, and extrinsic rewards such as bonuses, good salaries, and motivational programs, are what work best. We are all human and we crave the same rewards for our contribution! www.kievcheckin.com
Working in Ukraine - An Expat Guide BUSINESS
APRIL MAY 2018
AND FINALLY, CAN YOU SHARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR EXPATS WORKING IN UKRAINE? Mouzakis Ilias: At the very top of my list is: do learn the language! In fact, not learning the language was the biggest mistakes I ever made. If you don’t learn it, you will never really “become one” with the people here – you won’t understand their concerns, worries, emotions, and culture. Don’t just rely on the fact that they speak English – believe me, it is not the same. Do go out and socialize with Ukrainians too – be open with them, invest in them, and you will receive so much in return. I think it’s also important that you don’t take the attitude of “I’m coming to an underdeveloped country to show them how things are done.” You must respect everyone, and be sincere and honest, and you will immediately be welcomed and appreciated. Morten Ottow: I think it’s really important that you learn about the culture here, which of course involves learning either Ukrainian or Russian. Remember, you are a guest here, so you need to act responsibly and treat Ukraine with respect. It’s also important that you
www.kievcheckin.com
start growing your own professional network - attending networking gatherings will really help with this. One thing you shouldn’t do is pay bribes. Bribery is widespread here, but you should never get involved in this. Alek Sokol: I would advise someone who has newly arrived here to take the time to learn about and understand Ukraine’s history, culture, and people. Listen to, and learn from, your partners and colleagues rather than assuming you know everything. The wealth of Ukrainian talent is tremendous, so as visitor, we are in an extremely fortunate position where we can learn a lot. Nelson Carrasco: I think foreigners arriving here should be careful to never show off. There are elements of life in Ukraine that might be shocking, such as corruption for instance, but you should never act as if your country is better. That’s just plain offensive. From a business point of view, I also think it’s important that you put Ukrainians first. Don’t put foreigners as your top target audience, as you’re just go-
ing to fail. I’d also say that language is important – I made the mistake of not learning it when I arrived. I would also add that you should only ever work legally here, by which I mean working with an official contract in place. I remember one company I once worked for, where my employer was really reluctant to pay my salary as we had never signed a contract. Mark Sawchuk: Of course you should do your best to learn some of the language – even just a few key words will be appreciated – and to try to make friends with local residents. You will learn so much more about Ukrainian culture this way! I’d also say that you should visit the regions. After all, Kyiv is very different from, say, Odessa. Professionally speaking, I think it’s important that you make your expectations clear when delegating, as what you are thinking may not necessarily be understood by your team. Last but not least, don’t forget to celebrate your work with your teams and to have fun. Work should never be boring!
Kiev Check-In
43
Cost of Living in Ukraine
LIVING
APRIL MAY 18
Best Value for Money in Europe
COST OF LIVING IN KYIV «Someone who gets a remote job with an international organization will get fantastic remuneration and living conditions in Kyiv. You can have a very good life here, spending just 20 to 30 percent of the money you get.» — Nelson Carrasco, Cuban expat living in Kyiv for 13 years. «It’s amazing, I’m a junior Java developer who works remotely, I make about 4–5k a month and live in a penthouse apartment in the city centre (1.5k/month), buy very expensive food, and I still have around 2k left over every month, after all expenses, for saving, etc.» — Arseniy, in a posted comment on Numbeo on Feb 14, 2018.
TOP 5 Cheapest Countries to Live Pakistan Egypt Ukraine India Tunisia
If you asked a passing foreign tourist to share his impressions of Kyiv, you would most certainly hear about the city’s charm and hospitality, the beautiful Ukrainian women, vibrant nightlife, and — one of the most common comments, often spoken with visible astonishment—«Oh, it is so cheap here!» That’s no surprise. According to 2018 data from one of the world’s largest databases, Numbeo, Ukraine is the third-cheapest country after Egypt and Pakistan. And thus, it is the most affordable nation in Europe. In 2017, Kyiv was included in the list of the ten cheapest cities in the world, taking third place (after New Delhi and Bucharest) in the annual ranking of the world’s major cities by The Economist Intelligence Unit. Due to the recent economic crisis, the national currency, the Hryvna, has been devalued more than three times, whereas local prices have increased approximately twice since 2013. This means your foreign currency can stretch much farther in Ukraine. In Kyiv, you can easily: •Have a decent lunch in one of the mid-range restaurants for US$5-$10; •Take five journeys on the metro only for $1; •Take a taxi for about $2-4; •Rent a serviced apartment for about $40-60 per night.
Prices now and then, 2017
Source: Worldwide cost of living 2017 by the Economist Intelligence Unit
44 Kiev Check-In
www.kievcheckin.com
Cost of Living in Ukraine
APRIL MAY 18
LIVING
Comparison of prices in Kyiv and other cities worldwide
Source: composed on March 26, 2018 by Kiev Check-in team drawing data from Numbeo, Expatistan, the results of Kiev Check-in questioning. *As of this writing 1 USD equals to roughly UAH 26.
You may find the chart above interesting; it compares prices in Kyiv and five other countries (Turkey, Germany, the US, the UK, and Singapore), taking into account accomodation, utilities, food & drinks, transportation, and entertainment. Find out why Kyiv is a hidden gem in Europe!
www.kievcheckin.com
Kiev Check-In
45
BUSINESS Business Listings
WE RECOMMEND! ACCOMMODATION ACCOMMODATION Hotels
Hyatt Regency Kyiv 5-star business hotel +38 044 581 1234 kiev.regency.hyatt.com 5 Ally Tarasovoi St. Fairmont Grand Hotel 5-star business hotel +38 044 322 8888 www.fairmont.com 1 NaberezhnoKhreshchatytska St. Hilton Kyiv 5-star business hotel +38 044 393 5400 kyiv.hilton.com 30 Tarasa Shevchenko Blvd. Radisson Blu Hotel 4-star business hotel +38 044 492 2200 www.radissonblu.com/en/ hotel-kiev 22 Yaroslaviv Val St. Radisson Blu Hotel in Podil 4-star business hotel +38 044 393 1373 www.radissonblu.com/en/ hotel-kyiv-podil 17-19 Bratska St. Khreschatyk Hotel 4-star business hotel +38 044 596 8004 www.hotel-khreschatyk.kiev.ua 14 Khreschatyk St. Hotel Ukraine 4-star local budget hotel +38 044 590 5474 www.ukraine-hotel.kiev.ua 4 Institutskaya St. Podol Plaza 4 star hotel in Podil +38 044 503 9201 podolplazahotel.com.ua 7-A Konstantinovskaya st. 4* Holiday Inn Kyiv Hotel
Your Home away from Home +38 044 363 3020 www.holidayinn.com/Kyiv 100 Velyka Vasylkivska Str.
46 Kiev Check-In
Boutique hotel Vozdvyzhensky Modern boutique hotel in Andrew descent +38 044 585 99 00 +38 067 242 90 01 Vozd-hotel.com 60 А, Vozdvyzhenska St. Hotel Dnipro 3-star local budget hotel +38 044 254 6777 www.dniprohotel.ua 1/2 Khreschatyk St. Royal Olympic Hotel 3-star business hotel +38 093 377 77 81, www.rhg.com.ua 12 D Hospitalna St.
Rent of apartment Kiev Apartments Good selection of short-stay furnished apartments +38 050 926 7104 kievapartment.com
KievInn Apartments Complex Apartments for daily rent in the city center +38 050 079 2844 www.kievinn.ua 9, Mykhailivska St. Вars/Pubs/Clubs ВARS/PUBS/CLUBS Arena City Complex of night clubs, bars and restaurants in the city center +38 068 387 1702 arena-city.com 2a, Baseina St. Disco Radio Hall Great club with the best ‘80s songs +38 044 428 7388 disco-club.kiev.ua/en/ 32 Moskovskyi Ave. Caribbean club Various concerts, crazy parties and dancing workshops +38 067 224 4111 caribbean.com.ua/en/ 4 Symona Petlyury St.
Belgian Beer Cafe High quality beer and european food Info. +3 044 390 09 00 peesboyclub.com.ua • Le Cosmopolite +38 044 278 72 78 47 Volodymyrska St. • Belle Vue +38 044 289 87 80 7 Saksahanskoho St. O’Brien’s Pub Irish pub +38 044 279 1584 obriens.kiev.ua 17a, Mykhailivs’ka St. Docker’s ABC Atmospheric Irish pub with concerts of rock bands +38 044 278 1717 abc.docker.com.ua 15/4 KhreschatykZankovetska St. Coyote Ugly
APRIL MAY 2018
Sunduk pub Great place to meet friends in a cosy atmosphere sunduk-pub.kiev.ua a) 16 Mykhailivs’ka St. +38 044 279 1465 b) 22 Prorizna St. +38 093 015 3016 c) 7 Leontovycha St. +38 044 270 55 19
RESTAURANTS Ukrainian cuisine
O’Panas Good place to try pancakes while walking in Shevchenko park +38 044 235 2132 www.opanas.com.ua/en/ 10 Tereshchenkivs’ka St. Tsarske Selo Cozy warm atmosphere and live local music +38 044 288 9775 tsarske.kiev.ua 22 Lavrska St.
Popular bar with crazy parties and dancing on the bar +38 044 363 06 88 +38 099 307 29 07 +38 063 670 23 73 www.coyoteugly.com.ua 9a Mechnykova St.
Pervak Delicious Ukrainian dishes at mid-range prices +38 044 235 0952 www.pervak.kiev.ua 2 Rohnidynska St.
Shato Robert Doms 24-hours open restaurant-brewery with great location +38 044 279 3704 kiev.shato.com.ua 24 Khreschatyk St.
TIKE Turkish restaurant in Podil +38 044 482 4819 tike.com.ua/en 31a, Sagaydachnogo St.
Golden Gate Pub Irish pub with live music on Friday and Saturday evening +38 044 235 5188 www.karta.ua/restoran/restaurants_kiev/golden_gate.html Zotolovoritska St, 15 FOG AREA Lounge Hookah Bar in Podil district +38 068 3543176 www.facebook.com/fogarea.bar/ 2 Voloska St.
Turkish cuisine
European cuisine
Terrace Restaurant Panoramic summer terrace on the roof with the street food menu +38 044 5859933 +38 067 2429003 Vozd-hotel.com Boutique hotel Vozdvyzhensky 60 a Vozdvyzhenska St.
Lebanese & European Cuisine
Mon Cher Lebanese restaurant with great location close to Golden Gates +38 044 235 1596 moncher.in.ua 11 Yaroslaviv Val St. www.kievcheckin.com
Business Listings BUSINESS
APRIL MAY 2018
French cuisine
Comme Il Faut restaurant
A little France in the very heart of Kyiv +38 044 219 1919 +38 067 473 3786 kyiv.intercontinental.com 2A Velyka Zhytomyrska St.
Mexican Cuisine
La Cantina Tex-Mex Texan and Mexican Restaurant in city center +38 044 278 2214 23A Prorizna St.
Meat Restaurant
Sam’s Steak House
Ukrainian special beef aged by own technology +38 044 287 20 00 www.karta.ua 37 Zhylianska St. Grill Do Brasil
Brasilian Steak-House. It’s more than about the meat +38 044 593 98 98 grilldobrasil.com.ua 24 Lesi Ukrainky Blvd.
Fish Restaurant
Fish Market Restaurant Good selection of fish dishes +38 044 278 2265 fishmarket.in.ua 24a, Volodymyrska St.
Italian cuisine
Fellini The world of gourmet Italian dishes +38 067 43 00202 fellini.in.ua 5 Architect Gorodetsky VA BENE bistro High-end Italian restaurant near the National Opera House +38 044-377-75-65 +38 067 480 61 61 carteblanche.ua/restaurants/ VaBene.html 19-21 Bogdana Khmelnitskogo St.
www.kievcheckin.com
Prego Cafe Network of cosy Italian restaurants 27 Druzhby Narodiv Blvd. +38 044 285 20 42 www.prego.in.ua La Cantina Italian Cafe and wine room +38 044 234 7074 20 Yaroslaviv Val. Babene Italian home-style cooking restaurant in Pechersk +38 044 585 9651 www.babene.com.ua/ 18/7 Kutuzova St. Mansarda Cafe Wonderful Italian restaurant in Obolon +38 067 407 6565 facebook/mansardacafekyiv 49-A Vyshhorodska St.
CAFES Cafes Coffee House (network of cafes) Great place to relax, have a meeting or even work a)24 Lesi Ukrainky Blvd. +38 044 284 25 49 b)72 a Velyka Vasylkivska Str. ( Olimpiysky Mall) +38 044 206 84 04 Lviv Handmade Chocolate Cafe Chain of cosy cafes with good coffee & sweets selection +38 044 425 0320 www.chocolate.lviv.ua 2Б Andriivs’kyi descent BaoBab cafe Cosy atmospheric cafe with great selection of coffee just near Sofiivska square +38 096 451 0101 18/2 Volodymyrska St. Kaffa Cafe Two oriental cafes in center to enjoy kaffa.ua a) 3 Shevchenka lane (near Maidan) +38 044 270 6505 b) 5 Hryhoriya Skovorody St. (Podil) +38 044 425 3845 L`KAFFA CAFE Cafe and restaurant close to Bessarabska square 2 Lesi Ukrainky Blvd
+38 044 360 76 21 Lkafa-cafe.com.ua
Health & Fitness
Cafe L`etage Cafe and restaurant with live music +38 067 171 16 16 etage.kiev.ua 16-A, Shota Ruslavelli
American Medical Centers
Dom Bergonie Art Cafe Art cafe near Teatralna metro +38 044 234-22-02 www.dombergonie.com.ua 17 Pushkinska St. Videnski Bulochky Network of Vienna-style cafes in city center www.videnski-bulochky.com.ua a) 14-a, Instytutska St. +38 044 253 3129 b) 14/1, Mechnykova St. +38 044 246 4525 c) 107/47, Saksaganskogo St. +38 044 289 1365 d) 44/42, Shovkovychna St. +38 044 221 2472 e) 1-3/5, Pushkinska St. +38 044 270 53 90
SOUVENIRS SHOP Narodniy Dim Ukraine
National clothes, textile, souvenirs, gifts, icons and books art, ceramic ware and many other items with most being handmade +38 096 539 17 00 nd-ukraine.com 4 Prorizna Str.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES Leisure activities Art lessons Drawing and Painting Courses fine arts for everyone +38 097 789 34 01 Bestdrawings.at.ua Inspiration Classic
Concert project carried on by a group of some of classical musicians +38 0637110529 www.facebook.com/ inspirationbyBK
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Clinics
Kyiv’s premium healthcare clinic. Acute care and all specialties. Direct Insurance billing +38 044 490 76 00 amcenters.com 1 Berdychivska St. Familia Dental Clinic
Familia Dental Clinic-Creating the territory of Care +38 044 291 01 97 +38 067 537 5 777 familiaclinic.com.ua/en 12 a Mykoly Bazhana Ave., 5th floor, the building of Boris Medical Clinic Float Studio CLOUD NINE
Flotation therapy in Kyiv. Explore Inner Space +38 067 533 37 00 cloudnine.com.ua 5А-Б Anri Barbyusa St.
Yoga & dance studios
Kiev Wellness International 7 days/WEEK x 365 days/YEAR Wellness support for foreigners +38 098 8285247 www.kiev-wellness.com 7/14 Mykilsko-Botanichna Str.
BUSINESS SERVICES Contact Ukraine LLC Business and investment consulting services for foreigners info@contactukraine.com www.contactukraine.com
CITY TOURS Kiev Check-in Kyiv tours and travel services +38 093 253 90 48 (Viber; Whatsapp) www.kievcheckin.com
Kiev Check-In
47