Michael

I plan to go to Ukraine in Aug 2000. How safe it is now (crimewise), how easy to rent a car (or hire with a driver)? Thanks

D.B.

Ukraine is a large country, what cities are you visiting? Generally, it is as safe as anywhere else. <BR>

D.B.

I know the size of the country. I plan to go to Kiev and travel radially to Zhitomir region. My concerns about safety stemmed from reports of the State Dept couple of months ago.

Michael

If you know the size of the country, then you should also know how much you were generalizing. Do you really expect anyone to answer such a nebulous question? <BR> <BR>Kyiv to Zhitomir is a relatively short trip, but I suggest you go by train. You can buy an entire first class compartment for about $20-40, and have it to yourself. There are always taxis and buses available at the train stations for local jaunts. <BR> <BR>Crime is not rampant, even though Clinton was there in June, and though they don't update this stuff very frequently it's like the State Department says: <BR> <BR>THE MAIN REPORTED CATEGORIES OF STREET CRIME ARE PICKPOCKETING, SIMPLE MUGGING, AND PURSE SNATCHING. AMERICAN VISITORS AND RESIDENTS SHOULD TAKE THE SAME PRECAUTIONS AGAINST STREET CRIME THAT THEY WOULD IN ANY LARGE AMERICAN OR FOREIGN CITY.... <BR> <BR>You really aren't me, are you? <BR> <BR>D.B. <BR>

Ben Haines

Fodors 4 <BR> <BR>There are other consular comments <BR>from Australia on http://www.dfat.gov.au/consular/advice <BR>from Britain on http://193.114.50.10/travel <BR>from Canada on http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/menu-e.asp, under "Travel Reports" <BR> <BR>I saw no particular problems during four days in Lviv in March this year. <BR> <BR>The Lonely Planet guide book to Russia, Belorus, and Ukraine lists car rental agencies in Kyiv, Lviv, and Yalta: if you'll name a city I'll copy addresses. And in general please write if I can help further. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines, London <BR> <BR>