Frequently Asked Questions - Money
Hryvnas. You can exchange money anywhere in Ukraine without any problem. However to exchange dollars into hryvnas, please bring unmarked, unfaded, and unripped US money. You can order money for your trip in advance. You may ask for new money, but usually the bank will not be able to fulfill this request. If they are unable to provide you with new bills, then the bank should work with you to provide you with the best bills available. Do not bring any bill with a blemish, it will not be accepted by the local exchange booths. The exchange rate between Ukraine Hryvna and the US dollar hovers around 5 to 1.
Please do not bring traveler's checks. They may be allowed by banks (in theory), but you will most likely never be allowed to cash them inside the country. You will be able to withdrawl money with your debit cards, but make sure that you contact your financial institution before you travel to release any security hold on your account before travelling. And once again, you still may need to contact your bank once inside Ukraine because of automated security enhancements.
The best way is to engage in money transactions is with United States dollars. I would encourage everyone to bring new bills of any amount. If new bills are unavailbe, the unfaded, unmarked, untorn bills are necessary. You will be able to exchange your money inside Ukraine without difficulty.
Each person may bring up to $10,000. ALL OF YOUR MONEY MUST be reported on the customs forms. If an individual purposefully or negligently forgets to write any or all of that sum, the Ukrainian government has the right to take all of the money from your possession and claim it for themselves. The same is true for anyone bringing in more than the allowed maximum.
It is SCM’s policy to warn every missionary to report all their money, and that they should not bring in more than the maximum of $10,000 per person. If the individual fails to report the any or all of the amount on the customs form, or brings in more than the maximum amount allowed by law, it is at the sole risk of the individual or team, and SCM will not be responsible for any adverse outcome.