Ukraine Currency.
Things you should take into consideration
while traveling in Ukraine.

The monetary reform in Ukraine was carried out on September 2 -16, 1996 in accordance with the President's Decree. The National Bank of Ukraine introduced Hryvnia as the monetary unit of our state. It was an event of great importance. The introduction of the Ukraine's currency-Hryvnia is considering as the starting point for stabilization of the Ukrainian economy.

Ukraine Currency:
Circulation Coins - 1 Hryvnia = 100 Kopiyka.

The national currency Hryvnia (UAH) and its one hundredth part- kopiyka was put into circulation.
1 Hryvnya (UAH) = 100 kopiyok. (Singular: kopiyka).

• Banknotes come in the following denomination: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 Hryvnias.
• Change coins come in the denomination: 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 kopiykas.
• Change coins of 1 Hryvnia denomination.

• Starting September 2, 1996, the National Bank of Ukraine from time to time emites new bills the same denominations (see above), but different look. For example, like these two bills. Both of them are valid.

  "Old" 50 - Hryvnia bill (1997).

  "New" 50 - Hryvnia bill (2004).

  
  

  Complete history of Hryvnia, chronology of issue of Hryvnia banknotes, samples of banknotes, change coins, commemorative, and jubilee coins you will find at the National Bank of Ukraine site.
  

  Ukraine Currency: Exchanging money in Ukraine.

  
  
  
  Ukraine Currency.
  Money Exchange Booth Sign.
  

  Money can be exchanged:

  • at banks
  • exchange desks at the hotels
  • some shops
  • licensed exchange booths in the streets

  Current exchange rates you can check at the Flights to Ukraine page. (new window opens).

  Currency Calculator can be found at the Ukraine Money page (new window opens).

  Ukrainian Customs Procedures for Transporting Currencies can be found at U.S. Embassy site
  kiev.usembassy.gov/amcit_travel_ukrcustoms_eng.html

  The most popular currencies in exchange booths are USD and EURO. Be aware, that exchange rates offered are everywhere different. Usually they are better in the central areas of town unless it is not a pure tourist area. The worst exchange rates are at the airports, railroad and bus stations.

  Please, make sure that all of your banknotes are new and don't have any writing on them. Otherwise you will be suggest a discount rate or they just refuse to exchange your money.

  A few words of precautions.

  • Count your money in front of the exchange window before you walk away.
  • Be discreet with your cash. Don't attract too much attention looking for the banknotes you are going to exchange. Prepare them before you come to the exchange window.
  • If somebody at the booth suggests you better exchange rate, please, don't do it. You can loose your money. Besides that, it is illegal.
  
  

  Other payment options.

  
  

  Credit and Debit Cards.
  Credit cards are not readily accepted. You can use them in expensive restaurants, stores, and hotels only. Besides that, Ukraine is famous for high credit card fraud. I highly suggest using your credit card only when you don't have any other option to pay.

  Credit Card Security Issues in Ukraine you can find at U.S. Embassy site.

  Travelers checks.
  The most popular Travelers checks in Ukraine are Thomas Cook and Visa. They can be cashed at the bank (1-4 % bank fee), but not every bank (even in Kiev) will accept them. The more problems you will experience while out of the big cities.

  ATM cards.
  There are a lot of ATM machines in every town in Ukraine. They work around the clock and it is a very fast and convenient way to get Ukraine currency. Sorry to say, it is not 100 % secure. It doesn't mean that any of your transaction will cause money fraud, but the chance to loose your money is pretty high.

  Perhaps, the best way to use your ATM card is to have two accounts. One, which can't be accessed by ATM card and where you keep your money. And another one - connected to your ATM card. Once you need cash, transfer it to the second account, as fast as possible go to the nearest ATM machine and take your money right away.

  Crime in Ukraine is relatively low as for western standards. Most travellers do not encounter problems with crime while in Ukraine. But nothing is ideal in this world. Follow your common sense, and you will be fine.

  About Ukraine currency restrictions and customs rules you can read at UkraineInfo site (new window opens).

  
  
  
  

  Return from Ukraine Currency page back to Home page