Adoption Travel Guide
International travel can be a little intimidating for some people. Ukraine is no exception. We hope that this picture guide and directions will put your mind at ease.
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When you arrive in Kyiv, you will more than likely arrive at Boryspil Airport (pictured above).
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If you don't arrive at the terminal, you will be taken by shuttle bus (above) to the terminal. You may need an umbrella.
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The Immigration form, which is picked up before you go through the 'visa check point'. This form MUST be entirely completed.
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This is a customs declaration, it is in English. Familiarize yourself with this form, and fill it out correctly, and completely
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Once you have arrived, go through passport check, pick up your luggage and customs checkpoint, you will enter the airport termin
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When you exit through the double doors from the customs area, your facilitator should be there waiting for you. You will then l
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One of the many buses that one can take from the airport directly to the train station, cost 25H, ($4.00).
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The infamous 'Lada'. Imagine your luggage, and 4 people in this car. Pack light!
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Usually the first official meeting you will have is with the State Department of Adoption. The entrance to the SDA.
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You will need to exhange money into the Ukrainian currency, which is called ghrivnas. This is a typical exchange booth.
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While in Kyiv, depending on your facilitator, you may stay in a flat (apartment), or a hotel . Flats run $40-70 per night.
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Another mode of transportation is the busy metro ( .50k, or .18) you can go many places. Safety note***
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You will usually travel by rail to the oblast. The Kyiv rail station is VERY large, and you need to be prudent to your luggage.
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Train compartments are very small (5 x 6), and aisles are narrow, keep this in mind when packing.
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If you travel by day, enjoys the beauty of Ukraine. Depending on the time of year you travel, you may see fields of flowers.
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If you go to Donetsk region, you will surely see many, many slag 'mountains'.
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A typical train station in the oblast.
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Upon arriving in the city you may go to your lodging, which may be a private home, around $100.00 for a 10 day stay...
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Staying in someone's home has the convenience of space and cooking your own meals, which will save you money.
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A flat (apartment) may cost around $100.00 for a 10 day stay, or a hotel, around $30.00 per night.
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You will then go to the City Inspector office, as he/she will give you the necessary papers to go to the orphanage.
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A typical orphanage, children 0-4 yrs. of age.
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Typical orphanage for children 0-3 yrs. of age.
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A typical Internat - children 6-17 yrs. of age.