Neurosurgery in Ukraine

Neurosurgery in and around Ukraine

About Ukraine

Ukraine is an affordable country – possibly the best reason why you should visit. In fact, the capital Kiev is considered as one of the cheapest among the European capitals. Accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, food, and drinks are all budget-friendly, and you get so much out of your experience.

Ukraine welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Neurosurgery procedures. Private dentistry, cosmetic surgery, and other medical treatments are all offered at significant savings compared to your own country, with almost no waiting lists. In particular, Ukraine is becoming well known as a specialist Centre for laser eye surgery.

Popular Parts of Ukraine

With a population of around 42.5 million, Ukraine is a big and diverse country and is also the largest country entirely within Europe. The abundant forests give the impression that the country seems undiscovered. Amazing landscape, handsome architecture, hospitable hosts, and outlandish supernatural beliefs make Ukraine a captivating destination.

• Kiev or Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine. It is one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, dating back to the 5th century. The city is steeped in history with cathedrals and golden churches. Kiev is now embodied by urban art and cafes.
• Lviv is a picturesque city full of charming art nouveau architecture and interiors, cozy cafes, and squares and is known as the city of art. Lviv’s historic center is listed in UNESCO World Heritage.
• Carpathian Mountain is the gem of Ukraine. This territory is brimming with natural beauty. Tourists are attracted by its thick forests, meadows, rural shepherds, and of course the incredible mountain lakes. There are many outdoor activities that tourists can do such as hiking, riding, skiing, and cycling.
• Odesa is the perfect summer getaway. It’s known for an affordable summer destination, with wide sandy beaches. The city is also home to the biggest harbor on the Black Sea. Odesa is famous for its Potemkin Steps and fantastic buildings.
• Ivano-Frankivsk is sometimes called “little Lviv.” With its beautiful architecture and sophisticated restaurants, exploring Ivano-Frankivsk is an amazing experience. For many people, the city is the base for exploring the Carpathian Mountains.

Note that the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all travel to Crimea, Donetsk, and Lugansk region. Tourists need to check with their relevant government.

Weather and Climate in Ukraine

Ukraine has a temperate climate with the exception of the southern coast of Crimea which has a subtropical climate.

• Summers in Ukraine starts from June and last until September with the average temperature ranging between 19 – 25 °C. The days are warm, sunny, and long with only occasional rain showers. Summers are the busiest time for tourism.
• Spring and autumn have mild temperature and is when Ukraine receives the maximum amount of rainfall. In spring everything is in blossom so the cities are very colorful.
• Winters are cold and snowy, especially in the northeast area. The average temperature is around 5 to -3 °C.

Getting Around in Ukraine

Boryspil International Airport is the largest airport in Ukraine. Located 29km east of Kyiv, the airport serves domestic flights and has international connections with major cities in Europe and a few cities in Asia. Boryspil International Airport is the hub for Ukraine International Airlines and serves several budget airlines including Lauda, Ryanair, and SkyUp airlines. There are two other airports that serve international and domestic flights: Lviv Danylo Halytskyi International Airport and Odessa International Airport.

Tourists can take a taxi, bus, or shuttle bus to get to the city center. Airport taxis use meters and are comfortable. Some taxis even accept payment by credit cards. Buses are also a great option to get to the city center, Sky Bus takes tourists from Boryspil International Airport to Kyiv and departs from Terminal D and Terminal B. Sky Bus should cost around 60 UAH or 100 UAH depending on the destination.

To visit different cities, domestic flights are inexpensive and will speed up long distance journeys. The fastest way to get around big cities is the minibusses or subway (known as Metro). Minibusses follow routes that the regular bus travels on. Tourists can flag minibusses and ask them to stop at other places that are not the specified bus stops. The fare is fixed no matter how far your destination is.

Taxis are easily available in big cities. Most taxis don’t use a meter but taxi drivers usually don’t cheat. A long trip in Kyiv usually cost around 70 UAH. Shortstops start from 15 to 20 UAH. Tourists can also order a taxi by phone, although most taxi operators do not speak English. Locals usually are happy to help order a taxi for tourists.

Driving in Ukraine by car or motorcycle is another option to explore the country, but the roads are bad and the signs are written in Ukrainian (Cyrillic alphabet) only. Road policeman is one of the biggest disadvantages as they usually request a small bribe when they stop tourists.

Tourist Visas in Ukraine

Citizens of the European Union, Canada, the United States, and several other nations can stay in Ukraine without visas for up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries (including China, India, and Thailand) need to apply and obtain a visa before entering the country. It is best to check beforehand on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine’s website for visa requirements and details.

Some visa-on-arrival arrangements are available for tourists at major airports and seaports. e-Visa is also available for 52 specified countries. All visitors must hold a passport valid for at least 3 months after the intended date of departure from Ukraine and have at least 2 pages free from any visas/marks/stamps.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: the official currency of Ukraine is the hryvnia (UAH). 1 USD is equivalent to 28 UAH.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are available even in small towns. Currency exchange points are very common in cities. Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards but many places are cash only. Tipping in Ukraine is common, but not obligatory.
3. Local Language: Ukrainian is the official language. Romanian, Polish, Hungarian, Belarusian, and Russian are widely spoken. Ukrainians either speak native Ukrainian or Russian. Most people in tourist areas speak English very well.
4. Local Culture and Religion: religion in Ukraine is very diverse with most of the population following Orthodox Christianity. Judaism, Buddhism, Paganism, and Hinduism are in the minority.
5. Public Holidays: Ukraine celebrates major Orthodox holy days as well as Victory Day, Constitution Day, and Independence Day. If a festive or non-working day falls on Saturday and Sunday, the holiday will be postponed to the next working day.