Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Ulrike Hahnel, Rock Formations on the Lagune Route, Bolivia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ulrike Hahnel,
Rock Formations on the
Lagune Route, Bolivia



Like Tree2Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Mar 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Hereford, UK
Posts: 73
Driving in Ukraine

Hi all,

I'm looking at taking my car (bog standard Peugeot 406 - I'm into the whole banger thing) for a trip round Ukraine. I'd be crossing from Poland. My UK car insurance would not cover me outside the EU. Is it easy to buy insurance at the border (I speak no Polish, Ukrainian or Russian)? And is there anything else I'd need apart from this and an IDP?

Thanks!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Mar 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Madrid
Posts: 58
Be careful with the "police" and stay as far as you can from them.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Mar 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Gatwick UK
Posts: 498
Avoid driving at night and don't underestimate distances involved. We did both a few years ago riding from Slovakia to Lviv. Coming back the same way after a few days in what was a cracking city we came across a hole in the road on a slight bend that had a branch poking out of it as a warning. My friend has a pic of his zx600 in the hole up to its saddle, we got some locals to put it in there just for fun and some cash. They thought we were nuts but everyone laughed when they stood back....... So mind the potholes
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Mar 2018
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,956
I've been in Ukraine twice, for just a couple of days each trip. I don't remember specifically about insurance, but I didn't have any real trouble so there must have been something available. Like you, I speak no Russian or Ukrainian, which was a minor problem but never insurmountable. I brought a couple of pages of Lonely Planet phrasebook hints, which occasionally came in handy.

There are often speed traps on the edges of towns. I got stopped once or twice, but managed to out-wait them. Patience is key.

I also was required to produce my original registration (ownership document) at the border--one of the very few times in the world I've not been able to use a laminated copy. The border guards were notably humor-less, and again patience was the key.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Mar 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 300
You can get insurance for Ukraine at the border. Although in my experience not at the border itself, we got ours at a little grocery shop just after the border. Ask the border guards / custom. They'll be able to point you in the right direction.
our biggest challenge was to get the insurance lady to understand we wanted insurance for Ukraine, not for the EU.
I doubt the insurance is worth anything but it is good to have it because the police will take any opportunity to complement their rather limited wages.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 10 Mar 2018
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,504
Police in Ukraine is the worst I have encountered EVER around the world. They had fake breathalyzers that showed more than 4/00 blood-alcohol level on a totally sober fellow rider and they demanded 500 € from him. Just be very careful with those bastards.
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 10 Mar 2018
Tenere99's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 177
Drink

Quote:
Originally Posted by Snakeboy View Post
Police in Ukraine is the worst I have encountered EVER around the world. They had fake breathalyzers that showed more than 4/00 blood-alcohol level on a totally sober fellow rider and they demanded 500 € from him. Just be very careful with those bastards.
+1 Be aware that the legal blood alcohol level in Ukraine is ZERO. And don't confuse the corrupt thieving police with the the ordinary citizens who are helpful and friendly to a degree seldom seen anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 13 Mar 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Hereford, UK
Posts: 73
Thanks for the replies.

I've lived and travelled in quite a few countries that have "interesting" police tactics. Not sure if driving a 22 year old, foreign-registered car will help or hinder me in this respect. Maybe they will realise I am not a wealthy man!

Not a fan of driving at night in any country but will definitely try and avoid it in Ukraine.

Cheers!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Mar 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Hereford, UK
Posts: 73
Is it easy to exchange money (Euros and/or Polish Zloty)? And are cash machines easy to find and/or advisable to use (just had my card hacked so a bit wary.....)

Cheers!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 22 Mar 2018
klausmong1's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Vienna
Posts: 734
Well, I have been a few times now in Ukraine and never had a problem with korrupt police.

Only with korrupt border officers
__________________
www.klausmotorreise.com
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 23 Mar 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Poland
Posts: 55
Quote:
Originally Posted by straggler View Post
Is it easy to exchange money (Euros and/or Polish Zloty)? And are cash machines easy to find and/or advisable to use (just had my card hacked so a bit wary.....)
In most larger towns there are exchange booths open also in the evening and by night. Most of the time you'll easily spot the booths because they have displays hanging with red digits showing the current rate. During the day you can also exchange your money in regular bank offices, they give the same rate than the above mentioned booths.

In smaller towns, beware that there might be no exchange available after office hours. Last year I came to Khmelnytski after 6 PM - all exchange booths were closed.

If possible, take EUR or USD rather than Polish Zloty. Not that you would be stuck with PLN, rather that it's always easier with EUR and USD everywhere.

Using cash machines and paying with credit card is safe. When you withdraw cash from the ATM there's a small fee - as in most places around the world.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 24 Mar 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 300
Quote:
Originally Posted by klausmong1 View Post
never had a problem with korrupt police.

Only with korrupt border officers
It was the other way around for us. Cops looking for "coffee money" with trumped up speeding infractions and friendly and uncommonly cheerful border officials.
Only once a border officer came to ask whether we had any gifts or cigarettes for him. He was just as friendly after we told him no.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 4 Apr 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Gdansk, Poland
Posts: 4
As a Ukrainian I can definitely agree that you must avoid driving at night but with a one remark: it can be acceptable on the main roads like Lviv-Kyiv or Kyiv-Odessa (yes, pretty much it ).
Problems with a night driving outside of main routes is a bad pavement condition, lack of lights along the road and no road marking (e.g. horizontal sings).
Also driving +20 kmh to a speed limit is "legal" (e.g. no fines, but a warning), but not recommended though.
Cops outside of the big cities or main roads would most probably stop you and will try to find ANYTHING to hook you up for a bribe. Unfortunately this is a really big problem that is starting to solve in big cities.
Green card insurance is required.

https://www.instagram.com/lexozz_on_two/
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 11 May 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
I've travelled to Ukraine a number of times and can confirm the police are a pain. They will generally ask for 50 euros, avoid paying anything but certainly no more than 10 euros. Keep your fines money seperate to your main stash (no more than 20 euros) or they will just use you as a cash machine. I also got caught by the breathalyser scam last time I was there.
I think I got my card cloned in Ukraine so avoid using anything but bank ATMs and avoid paying for stuff on your card.
Never really had a problem with having to pay bribes on the border, although if you don't speak Russian you might have to pay someone 20 euros or so to translate for you. The borders take a long time (20 hours back into Poland being my record!) so get chatting to the people around you and you might be able to get one of them to help with the paperwork.
The roads are shit! I did drive at night though without any problems, except to the east there are regular roadblocks and the police have an armed soldier with them because of the russian situation (or they did when I was there 2 years ago but maybe thats changed now)
Last time I was in a mercedes CLK so your peugeot will have no trouble. As above, despite the police being arseholes the people are really lovely (mostly!). Food is cheap and so is accommodation.
__________________
1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 10 Dec 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 1
indeed police can be a pain (if you do just one simple mistake, they'll just check all your documents and stuff and try find something to get more money out of you) but luckily I speak a little of Russian and could get out of most of uncomfortable situations. still what was more of a shock is hotel/motel accommodations. am not that picky but as long as you not in the places remotely related to tourism the quality of service and rooms changes drastically. once was driving through Alexandria, a small city and I barely found a place to stay (just in case someone else will be passing trough it, here's that hotel https://www.phnr.com/en)
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Riding through China. I did it my way, without a guide. Mika Kuhn June 2015 mika Ride Tales 44 13 Apr 2020 18:41
Guide to Buying & Driving a Minsk in Vietnam Kailasgurung TRAVEL Hints and Tips 4 8 Nov 2016 06:01
Provisions for driving in China. - facts. uk_vette West and South Asia 2 24 Jul 2014 07:58
Motorbike Driving licence in Chile/Argentina payder SOUTH AMERICA 5 23 Jan 2014 23:29
Driving through Ukraine. Easy? or Not? BigO Route Planning 27 26 Nov 2013 16:30

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:14.