While this site focuses on long-term living in Odessa, most are interested in visiting Odessa for about two weeks. So, it would be more useful to many readers to assemble a collection of articles, information and resources that will make your visit here more enjoyable. So, let's start it out with the simple things first - short-term apartments, translators and transportation.

First, there are at least 17 different (vacation/tour/marriage agency) services within Odessa providing support for English-speaking visitors. Most, if not all, offer short-term apartments, translators, transportation and a variety of other support services. My advice is to shop around using Google Searches of +"short-term" +English +apartment +translator +Odessa +Ukraine. That keyword set will narrow your search results to what you want to look at.

Unless you are coming with a group, there is little need for more than a one bedroom apartment. Most will have a kitchen with all of the basic appliances, utensils, plates, etc. that you will want. You may need to specify a real (drip) coffee maker unless you are content with um...instant coffee. You might also specify a computer with a broadband internet connection - useful for communication and if you are coming for meeting and dating women, that too. For short-term stays, specify the center of town - near Derabasovskaya, Ekaterininskaya, Pushkinskaya or Richelivskaya. You will probably looking at an apartment running $60-70 a night on average.

Translators will be essential if you plan on meeting anyone who does not speak English or if you intend to see a lot of the city. Think out your requirements ahead of time. If you book a translator for more time than you use, you will be charged for the time you book. My personal recommendation would be to go with a balanced approach - book for perhaps four hours daily. Use their assistance for the things you really need or to support your meetings. Spend the rest of your time exploring on your own and engaging to hook up with other expatriates. Best bet is to contact us before you come so we can make arrangements to meet with you and help you out.

Translators will run between $10 - 15 an hour. Their knowledge of English is adequate for most non-technical, non-business related issues. Do not expect for them to know or anticipate your expectations. Be specific with your instructions. On important things make sure they understand what you want - it may be necessary to ask the same question a few different ways. You might ask, "How far is it from here to Derabosovskaya?" They may start taking you there. Instead, you might ask, "What is the distance in kilometers between here and Derabosovskaya?" Understand too, that most are accustomed to walking significant distances or using public transportation. Make use of their knowledge to get gypsy taxies.

Especially useful is to have them show you how to get a gypsy taxi yourself. You will need to learn a little Russian - how to pronounce your destination (Derabosovskaya) and your starting address (so you can get back). Know that "Skolka?" is the same as asking, "How much?" For most trips, you could say "Dvatsit" (Twenty Hryvnia) - they may be getting a few dollars more than the trip is worth, but it's a simple enough starting point. The more time you spend with them learning how to negotiate with gypsy taxis, the better off you will be.

Personal drivers? Not necessary unless you plan on visiting other towns or will be staying outside the center.

That's a few tips for starters.

Pricing. You can try to get a package rate that can trim some off your total bill. For two weeks, you should be able to work something out for $1500 or less that will suit your interests. It is possible to go more extravagant depending upon your wants and needs.

OdessaFX does not directly support short-term visitor services, first as a logistical matter and second as a practical matter of not attempting to reinvent the wheel. Our focus is especially directed to those who will stay in Odessa for three months or more. That said, we are looking at putting together a basic or an "almost all inclusive" one month and six-week package. These two terms are a real gap between existing services and where we specialize and are not as efficiently serviced by anyone at present.