- If you’re in Kiev for some rest and relaxation, then it would be best to explore the nightlife with a local guide. They will be able to offer tips and advice on how to behave. It’s important to stay safe when going to a bar or club.
- Avoid taking too much money or a lot of credit cards with you. Take only how much money you need, and use only a low-limit credit card.
- Find out where the club is on a map and use a mobile app such as UKLON to book a taxi. Taking a taxi removes any transportation problems, and using an app ensures the taxi is safe.
- Take your ID with you whenever you go out. That way you can avoid problems with the police. Kiev has undergone a number of changes recently to bring it in-line with EU standards. The modern Kiev policeman is helpful and friendly, so don’t hesitate to contact them. Many of them also speak English and are friendly.
- Store your mobile phone and your documents in the inside pocket of your jacket for extra protection.
- When you visit a nightclub you should avoid coming into contact with drunk men. They can be very aggressive. You should also avoid getting into a political discussion.
- Don’t get involved in any form of gambling such as playing cards or pool for money. It’s illegal to gamble in Ukraine, except for the national lottery and with licensed betting offices.
- If you’re meet a woman in Kiev you need to ensure that she doesn’t have a boyfriend, she doesn’t want a sponsor, and she isn’t a prostitute.
- If you need to pay with your credit card, then keep it in sight at all times. Ask ahead of time if the restaurant or bar takes your kind of credit card, and always take it to the POS machine yourself. That way you can ensure that the card never leaves your sight, meaning that other people shouldn’t be able to copy or clone your card to commit fraud.
- Avoid drinking as much as the Ukrainians around you. Ukrainians are very adept at holding their liquor. It could be difficult to keep up if you’re not much of a drinker yourself. Stay sober by getting lots of water and having the occasional snack.
- Never leave your drink unattended, and never take a drink from someone you’ve just met or don’t know at all. The act of spiking drinks – adding chemicals or drugs to a drink – isn’t unheard of in Kiev. The consequences of drinking a spiked drink can be very severe. You should also avoid leaving your money or belongings unattended. Stay on top of how much alcohol you’ve drank so you can avoid overindulging and ensure you can get home safely.
- Keep a positive attitude, enjoy dancing, find yourself some new friends, and enjoy the Kiev nightlife.
- When the time comes to go home, don’t pick up a cab from the side of the road. Instead, use the same app that you used for your ride out in the first place.