Visas: for information on visa requirements and to download a visa application, go to the Ukrainian Embassy's homepage:  http://www.ukraineinfo.us/contact/contact.html
 

International Air Transportation:
United-Lufthansa, Northwest-KLM, Delta- Malev (Hungarian Airlines), SAS, and British Air all fly into Budapest, Hungary, which is the closest major airport to Uzhgorod.  You may check two bags not exceeding 70 pounds each.  Place legible address labels inside as well as outside your luggage.  Lost luggage is not uncommon -- be sure to have essentials and a change of clothes in your carry-on.

In the Budapest airport baggage claim area, you may want to exchange a small amount of money for Hungarian forints.  After clearing customs in Budapest, you will see the Airport Mini-bus desk in the main lobby.  Tell the clerk at the Mini-bus desk where you want to go (which train station or hotel), and they will take you anywhere in Budapest for one low price (round trip tickets available).  If you want to spend the night and do not have reservations at a hotel, they have a list of hotels of various prices, from about $50 to over $200, and they will call and make a reservation if you wish.
 

Budapest Hotels:
Budapest has all the American chains (Hilton, Hyatt, Radisson, etc.), as well as local hotels in all price ranges.  CSCA members who have been to Budapest or your travel agent can give you suggestions.  The Budapest webpage lists many local hotels, most of which can be booked in advance through your travel agent.  There are also numerous pensiones and hostels in Budapest.
 

Budapest sightseeing:
You will almost certainly want to spend a day or two in Budapest, either when arriving or before flying home.   Places of special interest on the Buda side of the Danube are the Citadel and Castle Hill  (including St. Mathias Cathedral, Fisherman's Bastion, the National Gallery of Art, and charming shops and restaurants).  On the Pest side of the river, take the tram or subway to Heroes Square (and adjacent art museum and park).  The promenade along the Danube has lots of vendors and is adjacent to  a pedestrian shopping district.  The architecture of the Parliament Buildings is magnificent, both outside and inside.

If you do plan to do some sightseeing in Budapest, ask your hotel where to buy a pass for the city transportation system.  You can buy books of 10 tickets, or one-day or 3-day passes good on subway, tram, and buses..  They are sold only at specific places and are NOT available from drivers. Be sure to validate your pass or ticket when boarding (any rider will be happy to show you how).  If you get off without a validated ticket and are caught (they check randomly), the fine is substantial.

If you take a taxi anywhere in Budapest,  take a registered cab only (the hotel personnel can help).  Americans are often overcharged, so be sure you and the driver understand destination and price before getting in the taxi.
 

Budapest to Chop (Ukraine) Train:
This is the closest stop to Uzhgorod for the train from Hungary.  The afternoon train from Budapest to Chop (Ukraine) leaves from KELETI Station in the afternoon (schedule changes frequently, but time of departure is always between 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.) and arrives in Chop about 5-1/2 hours later.  If you choose to spend the night in Budapest and travel to Uzhgorod in the morning, the train leaves at approximately 6 a.m. from NYUGOTI Station, arriving Chop early afternoon. If you are taking the 6 a.m. train, it is best to purchase your ticket the previous evening. You will need to purchase your ticket at either station at the INTERNATIONAL TICKET window. There is not a baggage car, so you must carry your luggage on. Be sure you get in the correct car -- both trains disconnect some of the cars half-way and they go to Romania! A conductor can direct you to the correct car before you board.

If you arrive in Chop by train and have not arranged for someone to pick you up at the station, you will need to get a taxi to your hotel in Uzhgorod (about 14 km). Agree on the price before getting into the taxi.

Uzhgorod Hotels (reservations can be made through sister city contacts):
* The Uzhgorod Hotel is on the Uzh River and in an excellent location for walking to just about anywhere. Elevator. They are in the process of remodeling, and some updated rooms are available now. Restaurant.
* Atlan Hotel is a nice, small private hotel in the city center.
* Duet Hotel is a lovely private hotel with a great restaurant, but the location is not convenient if you want to be able to walk to the city center.
* The Zakarpatya (Transcarpathia) Hotel is the Intourist Hotel. Restaurant, coffee shop, etc. Elevator.
* The Druzhba (Friendship) Hotel is the old Communist Party hotel. Restaurant. Pleasant location on a hill, but not the most convenient to city center. Elevator.
* Additional small private hotels are opening, so options are increasing. Hotel prices change frequently.

Hotels in Uzhgorod do not provide wash cloths, so take your own if you use one. A transformer (for European voltage -- 2 round prongs) is necessary for any electrical appliances you use. European-style toilet paper (unbleached, not soft) is provided in the hotels, but many public restrooms do not have toilet paper, so take a roll or lots of kleenex. Also take bug repellent in summer/fall. Do not drink tap water unless you have filtered it with a high grade camping filter. Bottled mineral water and cartons of fruit juices can be purchased at hotels and kiosks.

Money:
Uzhgorod is primarily a cash economy. There are ATMs throughout the city. It is easy to change dollars into local currency as long as the bills are crisp and clean and have no marks or tears. Inflation is a problem, so it is best to only exchange currency for a couple of days at a time. Ukrainian currency has no value outside the country, so convert back to dollars (or Euros) before leaving.

Sightseeing:
In Uzhgorod, be sure to visit the castle and the outdoor museum of folk architecture, the Greek Catholic Cathedral, the Synagogue (now Philharmonia), the Russian Orthodox Church, and art galleries and music/dance performances.  The best way to get around in Uzhgorod is by foot, but taxis are plentiful and cheap if you prefer to ride (most taxi drivers do not speak English, however).  Renting cars/drivers/interpreters is possible through Intourist (offices at Zakarpatya Hotel) but expensive.

Other sights of interest nearby include Nevitsky Castle ruins (just outside Uzhgorod), Mukacheve castle and monastery, Zakarpatya Sanitorium, and lovely forests.   Longer trips might include the salt mines, Lake Sinovir, or the picturesque high mountain villages.
 

Jet Lag:
Uzhgorod time is 10 hours ahead of Corvallis (noon in Corvallis is 10 p.m. in Uzhgorod), so jet lag may be a major problem.  Some folks swear by melatonin, some get prescriptions from their physicians, some just let it run its course.  In any case, there are many things you can do to make jet lag more manageable.  During the transAtlantic flight, avoid coffee and alcohol, and sleep if you can. If you have a short layover in your European gateway city, try to get outside into the sunlight and take a walk.  Spending the night in Budapest before the ground travel to Uzhgorod is helpful for some.  When you arrive in Uzhgorod, force yourself to be on their time.  If you must nap during your first couple of days, set your alarm and keep the nap short (an hour or less), and if you drink, limit your alcohol intake.  Be out in the natural daylight as much as possible -- the sun will help reset your body clock.

During your visit to Uzhgorod, you will meet warm, generous people.  Often you may think, "They are just like us," and in many ways they are.  However, in many other ways, they are quite different.  Both you and they may think the other rude at times because of cultural differences.  You may sometimes think that they are very inefficient and slow to accomplish important tasks, and they may think you are "pushy."  They may become irritated if you suggest that they should do everything the way it is done in the U.S.  -- while they do realize the need for change, they want to develop processes that work for their people in their culture.

The economic situation is currently very difficult for workers and professionals.  A few businesspeople have become extremely wealthy, but the standard of living for many people has actually declined since the fall of communism.  The assumption will be that you are wealthy (they think Americans actually live like the characters on imported U.S. TV programs), and many people will ask what your salary is. This is not considered rude in their culture, and if you discuss such matters, please be sure to include how expensive it is to live here (cost of housing, food, utilities, health insurance, education, etc.) so they get a clearer picture of reality.

Alcohol and food are sometimes problems for visitors to Uzhgorod.  Their food is often quite fatty (lots of butter, cream, fried foods, etc.), and the meals are larger than we are used to.  Be prepared for three hot meals a day.  Most people eat the big meal (dinner) at noon and a smaller supper at night.  However, for visitors both the noon AND evening meals tend to be several courses:  appetizers (cold cuts, cheeses, bread), soup, fish, meat (sometimes more than one course) and potatoes.  Meetings during the day will probably also include pastries, and most meetings and meals (except breakfast) will include alcohol -- wine, vodka, champagne, cognac (sometimes all 4) and lots of toasting.  Do not be afraid to say you prefer mineral water or juice.  On the other hand, if you do choose to drink, try sipping -- they will refill your glass as soon as it is half-empty.  Do NOT feel you have to keep drinking as long as they keep filling.  In their culture it would be impolite not to keep offering more until you simply stop drinking.

Communication among people of the same culture is complicated enough.  Communication among peoples from different cultural backgrounds requires special skills and knowledge, if misunderstandings are to be avoided.  Also, it is often difficult for us to recognize the limitations imposed by our own cultural biases and filters on our perception of the outside world.  Words and behaviors may have special meaning in one culture and none whatsoever in another.  For instance, if you say, "I really like that idea," your intent may simply be to be polite, but your Uzhgorod counterpart may assume that it means you will do something to make it happen.  They have little understanding of funding limitations, etc., so they sometimes think that if you express enthusiasm for a collaboration or exchange, it is a "done deal."  Always try to clearly express your meaning, and try to word phrases so there can be no misunderstanding.

The city of Uzhgorod is almost 1000 years older than Corvallis.  Nevertheless, the sister cities have much in common, including climate, topography, agricultural products, and universities.  Uzhgorod sits at the base of the foothills of the Carpathian mountains on the River Uzh.  The city and surrounding areas remind Corvallis visitors of the mid-Willamette Valley and the Coast Range.

Uzhgorod is located in the far southwestern corner of Ukraine, near the Hungarian and Slovakian borders.  It is the capital of the oblast (region) of Transcarpathia.  Transcarpathia has a unique history in Ukraine -- in fact, it did not become part of Ukraine until it became part of the Soviet Union after WWII.   Between the two World Wars, it was part of Czechoslovakia, then Hungary.  It had been part of Hungary before WWI also, and its Hungarian name, Ungvar, is still used by some Hungarian residents there.  The city of Uzhgorod celebrated its 1100th birthday in 1993.

Although the name is usually, but not always, spelled "Uzhgorod" in English, you will hear it pronounced two ways there -- the Ukrainian pronunciation is "Uzhhorod," while the Russian pronunciation is "Uzhgorod."  "Gorod" means "city," and the name of the river is "Uzh" (meaning "grass snake").

The population of Uzhgorod is between 120,000 and 140,000.  Because Uzhgorod has belonged to so many different countries, everyone there is at least bi-lingual, and most residents know three or four languages fluently and understand a few more.  The approximate ethnic breakdown.
 

In Uzhgorod:	In the region:
Ukrainian        70%	Ukrainian        70%
Russian           15%	Hungarian       17%
Hungarian       10%	Russian            7%
Slovakian       >1%	Slovakian         3%

Other ethnic groups, including Romanians, Albanians, and Roma (Gypsies) are represented in smaller numbers.

A few expressions in Ukrainian:
 

good day	dobryj den'
good morning	dobryj ranok
good evening	dobryj vechir
good-bye	dopobachenja
please	proshu
thank you	djakuju
thank you very much	doozhe djakuju
yes	tak
no	ni
I don't understand	ja ne rozumiju

NOTE: in transliteration, u=oo (as in pool), a=short o (hot), y=short i (big), i=ee (seek),  j=y (yes)

Gifts are very important in Ukraine.  You will be given many lovely gifts, and you should also have gifts to give.  Give an especially nice gift to the one or two people with whom you work the most, and smaller gifts (seeds, pocket calendars, etc.) to others.  If you eat at someone's house, a small gift is in order.  If you run out of gifts, you can buy candy or champagne or flowers (always buy an odd number of flowers) very inexpensively in Uzhgorod, and sometimes American or European food or beverage products at the tourist hotels.  Suggestions of American or Oregon gifts:

1.  Books or calendars with pictures of Oregon (Book Bin has half-price Oregon calendars)
2.  Corvallis bags -- great for shopping, since folks carry their own bags to shop there (sold at Chamber).  The Oregon tourist book is free and has lots of pretty pictures of the state.
3.  Vegetable seeds -- U.S. cucumbers, tomatoes, etc. (No hybrids -- they'll want to save seeds from the crop for next year)
4.  American chocolate
 

Personal items:
1. Money belt -- You will not need much money, but what you take should be cash.  Credit cards are fine for Budapest, but not Uzhgorod.  Some types of Traveler's Checks are now accepted at some hotel exchange windows (when they are open), but cash is best, and it is easy to exchange money, as long as it is crisp and clean (unmarked, untorn bills).
2. Toilet paper or kleenex -- this is important.  Many public restrooms do not have toilet paper.  (Actually, you will want to avoid public toilets as much as possible.)  The hotels and homes have toilet paper, but it is the European variety, which you may find to be more stiff than you are used to.
3.  Transformer/voltage converter -- for appropriate wattage for any electrical appliances you are taking.  Their outlets are for Eastern European plugs (2 round prongs) and are 220 volts/50 hertz).
4.  Lots of business cards -- everyone there exchanges cards.
5.  Aspirin or other pain relief medication, prescription medication, extra eyeglasses, hearing aid batteries, etc.
6.  A washcloth, if you use one.  Only hand and small bath towels are provided.
7.  Any American snackfoods you think you might miss.  They do sell Snickers and a few other American candy bars in the kiosks.
8.  You might want to take a small (camping-type) water filter if you have one and want to drink plain water.  You can get plenty of mineral water wherever you go, but it is carbonated and salty.  Bottled juices and soft drinks are readily available, and you will have a small refrigerator in your hotel room.
9. Although the winters in Uzhgorod are colder than in Corvallis, the rest of the year has seasonally similar temperatures.  Raincoats or umbrellas in spring and autumn are a good idea, and boots are helpful, as sidewalks may be slushy and puddles are numerous. The streets and sidewalks are quite uneven (often cobblestone), so comfortable shoes are a must.
10.  Wash and wear clothing is best, and bring Woolite or similar for hand washing in the hotel.  Have one "nice" outfit for official receptions or gatherings, but other clothing can be casual.
11.  Photos of your family, workplace, home.
12.  Additional items you may have use for:  small flashlight, small first aid kit, swiss army knife (take in checked luggage only), duct tape.
 

A few simple rules of etiquette that should be followed when visiting Ukraine:
 
* If invited to a family home, it is traditional to bring a gift.  A bottle of wine, something from your country, or a bouquet of flowers are customary.  If giving flowers as a gift, make sure that the number of flowers in a bouquet is uneven (an even number of flowers is considered bad luck).   If there are children in the house, it is appropriate to bring a small gift for them as well.
* Do not shake hands across the threshold of a door.  It is considered bad luck to do so.
* When eating dinner at someone's home, casual dress is accepted.  Also, be prepared to give a toast at dinner, as guests are often asked to do so.
* Accept all food and drink offered to you when visiting friends unless an allergy, medication, or religion prevents you from doing so.  Ukrainians are known for their generosity when it comes to feeding others.  Refusing food may be considered rude.
* Be prepared to take off your shoes upon entering a home.  The streets are quite dirty and this is necessary to keep apartments clean.
* Be careful when complimenting a host's belongings -- he or she may offer it to you.
* If wearing gloves, take them off before shaking hands with someone.
* When using public transportation, seats should be given up to accommodate the elderly, mothers with children, and people with disabilities.
* Offer to share snacks with those people around you.
* At the entrance of an upscale restaurant, expect that your coat, briefcase, or baggage will be checked.
* For business, dress should be conservative.  Men should not take off their jackets unless asked to do so.
* In Orthodox and Greek-Catholic churches, women wear scarves or hats, and men take off their hats.
* Some gestures are considered extremely rude or obscene.  Do not place your thumb between your first and second fingers.  Also, do not make the "OK" sign with your fingers.
* Women should not sit on stone steps or table corners (superstitions are taken quite seriously).
* Legs should not be crossed in such a way that the bottom of your shoe faces another person (ankle on knee).

Those who are planning a trip to our sister city, Uzhgorod, Ukraine, will want to plan ahead to insure a safe and healthy trip. This page gives some preventative strategies, and I suggest that you talk with your personal physician for specifics regarding your individual situation. A trip to Ukraine may give rise to numerous health-related issues, such as jet lag, safety of public water, care of minor and not-so-minor illnesses or injuries, and the advisability of taking along an antibiotic, just in case. The most challenging issue is prevention of infectious diseases, from diarrhea to diphtheria, so I have devoted most of this page to prevention through immunization, and caution against exposure.

Required Vaccinations: None

Recommended Vaccinations:

1. Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus (children) or Diphtheria/Tetanus (adults) - due to an epidemic of diptheria in all areas of the former Soviet Union, travelers to Ukraine should all be up-to-date on this immunization. Routine schedule is every 10 years, however, if you are going to Ukraine, I recommend a booster if it has been over 5 years since last vaccination.

2. Poliomyelitis - if you completed the primary series (given before entry to kindergarten) you do not need to be revaccinated, unless going to a country where there has been a recent outbreak (not Ukraine).

3. Measles - if you were born after 1957, and have not had a booster, you should have a booster now.

4. Hepatitis A - endemic in all parts of the world, especially in developing nations, hepatitis A is one of the most preventable diseases affecting travelers. A single vaccination (Havrix or Vaqta) gives immunity within 15 days of administration. For lasting immunity, it is recommended that a booster be given at 6 to 12 months after the primary. I recommend vaccination rather than immune globulin, unless you require a more immediate protection.

5. Hepatitis B - formerly called "serum hepatitis", hepatitis B remains a worldwide problem, especially in Africa and eastern Asia. This vaccination is recommended for travelers to Ukraine who will be staying for an extended period of time, or those who will be involved in healthcare.
 

Optional Vaccinations :

1. Influenza (the "flu")- this an annual immunization, since immunity is short-lived, and the strains vary year to year. This vaccine is recommended for "at risk" adults (over age 60, healthcare workers, those with chronic illnesses).

2. Pneumococcus (pneumonia) - this is recommended for adults with chronic illnesses, esp. lung diseases.

3. Typhoid Fever - there have been cases of typhoid fever in western Ukraine in recent years, caused by ingestion of the water-born Salmonella Typhi organism. I have not made a strong recommendation for this immunization, since, by proper precautions, one can greatly reduce the risk of this gastrointestinal infection (see below under heading "Notes on Prevention" for details). I am recommending this immunization only if you will be spending some of your time in a rural or primitive setting in Ukraine. For those who desire this added protection, they can take the oral form, available as four doses, taken on an empty stomach every other day. No antibiotics should be taken for two weeks after the first dose. This vaccine is generally well tolerated, and a booster is required after five years. There is now available a new injectable typhoid vaccine, Typhim Vi, given as a single dose. This vaccine is generally well tolerated with minimal side effects (this is different from the old injectable form which gave significant adverse side effects).

Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis is quite common in Ukraine. I recommend that everyone who travels to Ukraine have a PPD skin test prior the trip, and a repeat test approximately 2 months after return.
 

Additional Notes on Prevention, Antibiotics and Special Considerations

1.  Prevention of ingested pathogens (salmonella, shigella, campylobacter, pathogenic E. coli, etc.) can be accomplished in most cases by following the following guidelines. Avoid drinking unpurified water, including the municipal water, and avoid ice cubes or chips in your beverages. For brushing your teeth, use only purified water. During bathing, do not allow water from the bath or shower to enter your mouth. Avoid any unpeeled fruit, and eat only vegetables which have been cooked or served in a vinegar or salty solution (a common dish in Ukraine is sliced cucumbers in a mild vinegar solution). A major source of bacteria-laden food is street vendors, who sell fresh fruits, etc. Water purification can be accomplished by either using tablets, or a compact filtration system.

2. I am frequently asked by patients who are planning foreign travel to prescribe antibiotics for them to have "just in case". In general, it is wise to carry an antibiotic for bowel infections, but they are rarely necessary for other infections (respiratory, etc). Traveler's diarrhea is the most common ailment in persons traveling from the U.S. to Ukraine. The major sources of these enteric pathogens include unpeeled fruits, uncooked/untreated vegetables, and municipal or well water. Traveler's diarrhea caused by a bacteria typically occurs during the 1st or 2nd week of a trip: 20% lasts under 24 hours; 60% lasts 2 - 7 days; and 15% lasts over 8 days. Symptoms usually include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. A more severe infection will include fever and bloody diarrhea. Prevention, as mentioned above, can be summarized: "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it". Trying to prevent infection by taking an antibiotic during your trip is discouraged, since there is a chance that the antibiotic will cause a problem. Below, I have given my recommendations for diarrhea.

Treatment of Diarrhea (Check with your physician if you have special needs):

Mild Diarrhea (I - 2 loose stools/day, mild symptoms): alter diet toward clear liquids (avoid all fresh milk products) and toward easily digested foods (avoid spicy, rich or fatty foods). Antidiarrheal meds, such as Loperimide, Imodium AD, Kaopectate, or Peptobismol may be used, but are usually unnecessary.

Moderate Diarrhea (3 - 5 loose or watery stools/day, moderate abdominal symptoms): alter diet to only clear liquids (no dairy) and easily digested food (bananas, rice or rice water, applesauce, low-fat crackers or dry toast). Use Loperimide, 2.5 mg, one after each stool, and if symptoms last 3 days, begin 3 day antibiotic regimen (see below).

Severe Diarrhea (3 or more watery stools/day, severe abdominal cramps, possibly bloody stools): clear liquids only (water, dilute soda pop, and in severe cases use oral rehydration solution), avoid solid foods, Loperimide 2.5 mg every I - 4 hours depending on the presence of diarrhea, and 4 day antibiotic regimen, taking a double dose on day 1, and regular dose on days 2 - 4.

Antibiotics: One of the following - (a) Cipro 500 twice/day, or Levaquin 500 once/day (b) Trimethiprim/Sulfamethoxisole DS twice/day

3. Special Considerations: In the case of patients who are pregnant, or are on immuno-suppressant medications, they should avoid live virus vaccines, such as yellow fever, measles, mumps, rubella, and oral polio. There is evidence that patients who are taking gastric acid inhibitors (Tagamet, Pepcid, Zantac, etc.) are at greater risk to develop a case of infectious diarrhea.