Currency
It is difficult to obtain it outside of Ukraine and is suggested to either take Euros or US Dollars and exchange them in Donetsk.

Passports and visas
- Citizen European Union, Switzerland, Liechtenshtein, Canada, Japan and USA doesn't need a visa to enter Ukraine provided they are not staying longer than 180 days.
- The passport should be valid for one month after the end of the visit.

Personal safety
Most visitors don't encounter any problems when visiting Donetsk and Ukraine overall.
- Foreigners can be targets of street crime and petty theft lucrative targets - keep valuables and cash out of sight, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots, where pickpockets and bag snatchers operate.
- Don't get involved with drugs - penalties are severe.
- Drinking alcohol at football matches is banned - police and security staff have the authority to deny entry into the stadium to spectators under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other toxic substances.

Other hints and tips
- Drink or use only boiled or bottled water.
- State medical facilities in Ukraine are generally poor - If you're involved in an accident or taken ill, it is likely that you'll be taken to a State hospital. Private clinics and hospitals offer a better standard of care.
- Take out comprehensive medical insurance cover before you travel - it could save you lots of money if you get into difficulties.
If you need help you can reach the emergency services on:
101 - Fire
102 - Police
103 - Ambulance
104 Gas Service
(please note this is Russian/Ukrainian language only)

Borders
Ukraine is bordered by Belarus, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania and Russia. Buses stop for about an hour at borders; westbound trains for more than two, because Ukrainian wheels don't fit European tracks and thus have to be switched! You should expect close inspection of your documents and belongings at border crossings. EU and American travellers do not need a visa to enter Hungary, Poland or Romania. Visas are required for Belarus, Moldova and Russia and can't be obtained at the border, so make sure you contact their embassies in Ukraine. NO VISAS are required to come to Ukraine for the citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, Liechtenshtein, Canada, Japan and USA!

Electricity
Donetsk supplies its residents and visitors alike with electrical current of 220 volts AC, 50Hz. All sockets require two round pins, but not always of the same size. Many thinner Russian sockets are being replaced by their European cousins. Those with Russian sockets can buy a cheap adapter for their European appliances. Adapters for more foreign electrical societies are easy to find in Donetsk Radio Bazaar.

Language
The country's official language is Ukrainian, but in practice the situation is much more complex. In the 2001 census more than 85% of ethnic Ukrainians declared Ukrainian as their mother tongue. This is certainly an encouraging sign, but the average foreigner on the streets of Donetsk won't be hearing the Ukrainian language anywhere near that often. Russian language is being used by 96% of its population.

Money
The national currency is the hryvnia (hr). Paper bills carry denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 and 500 hryvnias. Another word to the wise: two versions exist of the 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 hryvnia bills, and both are accepted everywhere. There are 100 kopeyecks in a hryvnia, with 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 and 50 kopeyeck coins. If you're lucky, you may become the proud owner of the 1hr coin. You'll have no problem finding currency exchange points, but rates are better from central street kiosks. If it's traveller's checks you need to cash, look for a big respectable-looking bank. ATMs have become plentiful in Donetsk, and almost all hotels and restaurants take Visa and MasterCard - American Express is not very popular.

Roads
Carry your license and registration at all times to fully enjoy the Ukrainian driving experience. The official speed limits are 60 km/h in cities, 90 on secondary roads and 130 on highways. A zero tolerance drink driving policy applies in Ukraine.