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.

Here's a quick and vital note for EVERYONE coming to Ukraine. Usually, you will be provided an Immigration Form on the plane before landing that you need to fill out. It is basically two copies of the same form. If you do not get it on the plane, you will be able to pick one up in the lobby of the Immigration/Passport Control office - typically at Borispol Airport in Kiev or Odessa International Airport. When you take this form to the Customs Officer, he will look at and ultimately stamp your passport. He or she should also give you a copy of the Immigration Form you completed.

In OdessaFX's fine tradition of investigative journalism, I purposely... um... well... accidentally? yeah, I accidentally forgot to MAKE ABSOLUTELY FRIEKIN' CERTAIN to get a copy of that Immigration Form.

So, this is not entirely a lethal thing to do, but it does hurt. As opportunity presents itself, I will cover what to do in case you do not receive (or you lose) your immigration card. It is essential to have, as you will need to provide it on your next trip out. Sore, in a rush to get to the bathroom, very tired and happy to be back home...I can't believe I made this mistake, but... it leads to two important articles.

How much money should you bring? How will you replenish your cash on hand? What contingencies should you establish in the case of emergencies? How and where should you keep your money? It is important, and easier, to plan for these issues before you arrive to Ukraine. At the same time, it is not especially difficult to address these issues after arriving either.

Once you know that you are coming to Ukraine and how long you plan to stay, determine whether you will need or want a Visa. It is recommended to take care of all Visa related issues for Ukraine before leaving your home country.

Okay, you’ve spent some time thinking about how you will spend your time in Ukraine. Technically, at this point you can start some apartment planning; but that will skip one more important step.

When deciding to move anywhere, there is more involved than just packing up and going there. Where do you start? Do you start preparing by looking for an apartment? Well, that sort of skips a few steps...

The majority of problems encountered by westerners visiting Ukraine are largely self-inflicted. Either one forgets they are in a foreign country and what their presence as a “wealthy westerner” insinuates or they engage in high risk activities. Ukraine is essentially a safe country by most standards, but in almost every country certain patterns of behavior invite trouble. Most of these are easy to avoid through self-awareness, composure, scrutiny of others, and avoiding attention.

Making purchases via the Internet accelerated into the mainstream starting in about 1999 and 2000. Now, we practically take it for granted. Online merchants and credit card processors adopted and implemented security measures effectively protecting at least 99.9% of online transactions. Traveling outside the United States and to places like Ukraine brings you closer to that .1% of transactions requiring concern.

Ukraine's visa-free program for Americans changed in August, 2007 such that Americans may stay only for 90 days out of every 180 days without a long-term visa. Previously it was possible to enter for 180 days and extend with the local OVIR, but no more. One solution is to take a trip to the Ukrainian Embassy in Chisinau, Moldova.