Electricity:
The standard electrical voltage in Ukraine is 220 volts (rather volatile). Power surges and other irregularities happen sometimes.
Trash and recycling:
Most buildings have dumpsters located near the building. Often one of the dumpsters (yellow one) is reserved for recyclable materials.
Recycling bins can be found around town, with three separate sections for paper, plastic and glass.
Paying bills:
You should receive monthly bills for electricity, gas, telephone, Internet, heating, water. These can be paid at any bank with cash. But often the landlord takes care of this and is reimbursed based on actual use.
Water delivery:
It is not recommended to drink water from the tap or to use it in your cooking. Some properties have a water filter systems. Otherwise you can order water from companies:
Clearwater: offers the option of water with fluoride, iodinated or fizzy water. Order online: http://www.clearwater.ua/en
Internet connection:
The most popular provider is Volia. This company offers high speed broadband at different rates, you can bundle your Internet service with television and cable TV packages as well. Equipment can be purchased directly from the company. http://volia.com/ukr/
One more provider is Lucky Net company: http://www.lucky.net/en.html
Satellite TV:
Works well in Kyiv, assuming the dish is well positioned, but they can be affected by the weather. To receive overseas satellite service you will need to purchase an encoded card to activate the receiver. If you stop receiving service, most suppliers will provide a new card on the same day.
- Viasat: http://viasat.ua/ru
- Volia: http://volia.com/ukr/
- Homecinema: http://homecinema.ua/
Dry cleaners:
- Tse-h: http://tse-h.com.ua/en/
- Un Momento: http://unmomento.com.ua/o-kompanii/kontakty.html
- Star: http://unmomento.com.ua/o-kompanii/kontakty.html
- American Dry Cleaners: 25 Khreschatyk St., 8 Shota Rustaveli
Shoe repair:
You can find shoe repair shops at metro stations and under walkway passages. These shops do basic repairs at reasonable prices.
Finding a housekeeper:
The best way to find someone is to ask your friends and colleagues. Your landlord may be able to suggest someone. Don’t hesitate to tell your housekeeper what you want and to set the right expectation, upon hiring.
It is easy to find reliable person, prices for service are not high.
As an option you can order cleaning service. There are a lot of them in Kyiv.
Another source is the IWCK.org (International Women’s Club Kiev).
Emergency door opening (24/7):
- Zamok: (044)5755555, (067)5003050 http://www.zamok-profi.com/