Going To Kiev, Ukraine in July

Here's a little more unsolicited advice. I travel a lot for work, often internationally, and have a few insights I'd like to share.

First, bear in mind that you can find interesting items like DE blades and shaving sticks/creams/soaps at corner or "Tabac" shops very cheaply and readily. Often times it'll be products unheard of or unavailable in the States. So I wouldn't bring much in the way of those things, because it can be a lot of fun to be motivated by necessity to find local products. As I've mentioned previously, having pictures of things like DE blades and tubes of shaving cream are invaluable when it comes to finding these items. Show them to any hotel concierge, shop keeper or taxi driver and you'll be on your way.

Secondly, the only good thing about the ubiquitousness of McDonald's and Starbucks is that you can get free wifi there. Pre-write your emails, forum posts, etc. on whatever device you bring, and then have a drink at one of these places and do your online stuff. Hotel lobbies often have free wifi networks, just ask for the password.

Third, understand that haggling is part of the culture in most places outside of the US. At outdoor markets or antique shops, try to engage in a little bargaining when you purchase things, it'll make everyone feel better about the transaction, and you'll probably save a Euro or two. This is where your phone can really come in handy as well: having a simple currency converter app is remarkably useful, and you'll find sales people fairly accustomed to entering the price in their local currency on your phone, which you can then easily convert to US$, and make counter-offers accordingly. The same App will probably also provide conversions for kilometers to miles, Celsius to Fahrenheit, etc.

Fourth, and most importantly, have fun!

 

Awesome advice. I went last summer too and can't even remember the stuff I found in corner markets. I wasn't using a DE at the time. Unfortunately no SBUX in Ukraine, but there is McDonald's and they do have wifi. It's funny...Their menu is in Cyrillic alphabet, but transliterated into English. I don't know Russian very well, but can read, so I can order there.

Thanks again!

 

Just Checking in...In the Midwest now on first leg of the trip. I just got my itinerary for Ukraine. Turns out I will be in Munich for 10 HOURS, waiting for my flight to Ukraine! Any interesting shaving related stores that are close to airport in Munich that might be cool to check out?

 

If I went with you, I'd be delighted to be your interpreter because I speak perfect Russian and Ukrainian. My family originally comes from the region of Galicia in the western part of Ukraine. My Dad is from a town called Skala, and my Mom is from Storozhinets. I believe you would find a lot of nice Russian creams such as Tet-a-tet, Everest, Nord-ost, and others.

 

Hey crack star please explain to this man that the definition of a beautiful woman in the usa and over there is very differant . Think a perfect 12 on every block and.those are just the average ones !!!!

Over there you will find.Russian Ukraine tatar Armenian turkic and Jewish girls just to name a few . Shave stuff is great every time I go to visit my wifes family who are in Armenia ,and Russia I always look for shave goodies but brother the eye candy is worth. the price of admission alone !!! Ok off to take a cold shower and hope she.dont read this because there is nothing worse and hell has no greater fury then a jelous Armenian wife !!!! LOL

 

Azad angakh Hayastan, Pari Gam! Chem kider Hayiren lav, baron - yes Huryaem. I wish my Armenian was better but unfortunately all I know is a little. BTW, a jealous Jewish wife can be very mean also!