Frequently Asked Questions - Travel
Yes, please provide me this information on your application.
When you get to the airport, there is a blue and white form for you to complete. It will be in Russian. You will most likely need to ask someone for an English form. If an English form is unavailable, ask one of the passangers if they can translate for you – then share with the rest of the team.
When completing the form, just list the big items, such as the amount of money and any big items. For everything else, bulk them together as “personal work related items, like shoes and clothes.” Then place a used price for these items. It is an arbitrary number you will need to come up with. Always be honest with the agents if they ask you questions.
Keep $500 in your pocket for customs tax, just in case. We will figure out what to do about the money later. But you need to do two things:
1. Don’t tell them you are bringing in gifts. Then you will have to pay, for sure.
2. Take all new things out of their original packaging. Do not wrap any gift in advance. They will be opened by customs. Make everything look like it is yours as much as possible.
Each person can bring one carry-on bag and two suitcases. The suitcases must be no more than 50 pounds.
Tag each one of your bags all the way to Kharkov, Ukraine. Please take TWO DAYS of clothes and all of your hygene items, medicines, etc. as carry-on items. Keep all of your money on your own body, preferably in a money belt.
In Kiev, Ukraine.
The airlines will pay and take care of any missed connections. In Vienna, go to the Austrian Airlines customer service representative (they should all speak English), should be able to book you on a new flight for the following day. Also ask for a free hotel room at the NH Vienna Airport Hotel. They will provide you with a hotel and food voucher, since this hotel contracts with the airline. The hotel is 50 yards just outside the airport front door. This is the same hotel you will stay at during your return trip to America.
If you miss your connection, don’t worry, you will not lose too much time. Use your time in Vienna as your rest day, and when you get off the plane the following day, we will feed you and tour the city. All will be fine.
If you think you can make your next flight, but there is a long line to go through security, be bold and go to the representative at security control and show them that your plane is leaving in minutes! Don’t be shy and wait in line or you will miss the plane! Remember if your plane is late, the airlines will pay for your hotel and food while you stay in the country.