Kryvyy Rih Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation

Resourceful Strategies

During these challenging times, traditional tourism advice is not applicable. Focus on essential needs and safety.

Cost Considerations

Discount cards or passes are not available for tourism.
All outdoor activities and attraction visits carry severe risk.
Restaurants operate with restrictions; happy hours are not relevant.
Public transport, when operational, is the most affordable option. Exercise caution.

Accommodation Details

For essential stays, long-term rates may be available directly from lodging providers.
Hostels or apartment rentals may present lower costs.
Verify safety features and shelter access directly with the property.
Confirm operational status with your chosen accommodation.

Efficient Movement

Skipping lines for attractions is not applicable.
There are no safe times for seeing attractions.
Express transportation for tourism is not applicable. Prioritize safety.
For essential journeys, plan carefully and have alternative routes ready.

Advance Arrangements

For essential train travel, reserve seats well in advance.
Personal contact with accommodation ascertains operational status and safety.
No tourism-related advance bookings are relevant at this time.
Prioritize safety verification over other booking considerations.

Local Insights for Essential Presence

Pitfalls to Avoid

Travel for tourism purposes constitutes the biggest mistake.
Ignoring air raid alerts carries significant danger.
Photographing sensitive sites is strictly forbidden.
Not carrying emergency supplies shows a lack of preparation.

Essential Communication

Speaking Ukrainian is always valued and aids communication.
Expressing solidarity for Ukraine's struggle is highly valued.
Simple Ukrainian phrases are generally appreciated.
Demonstrate respect and empathy for local residents.

Cultural distinctions

Show profound respect for military personnel and authorities.
Understand the deep trauma experienced by the local population.
Avoid frivolous or disrespectful actions.
Adhere to instructions from security checks without questioning.

Social Protocols

Follow all local instructions implicitly.
Strictly adhere to the established curfew.
Expect heightened security measures throughout the city.
Be prepared for a serious and solemn atmosphere.

Guidance for Various Travelers

Travel advice adapted for those with specific, essential reasons to be in Kryvyy Rih.

Solo Travelers

Solo travel carries extremely high risk.
Social opportunities are severely limited.
Maintain a low profile at all times.
Someone must always know your whereabouts.

Group Logistics

Essential group travel calls for meticulous planning.
Comprehensive security assessments are paramount.
Clear communication on safety protocols for all members.
Strict discipline regarding movement and shelter.

Family Considerations

Families with children must avoid travel due to extreme danger.
If present for essential reasons, constant vigilance.
Robust shelter plans and access to support are critical.
Schools and public areas for children are under threat.

Accessibility

Accessibility is severely compromised during wartime.
Travel for individuals with specific needs is highly challenging.
Damaged infrastructure restricts movement.
Emergency conditions make frequent travel unfeasible for these individuals.

Language and Cultural Respect

Engagement with local language and customs demonstrates respect and can ease interactions.

Valued Interactions

Learning Ukrainian phrases earns appreciation.
Solidarity for Ukraine's defense is highly regarded.
Respectful behavior in public spaces is always appropriate.

Adaptation to Norms

Traditional customs, like removing shoes indoors, may persist.
Small gifts, if invited to a home, remain a kind gesture.
Security measures may alter some social interactions.
Observe local queues and polite distance.

Navigating Local Rules

Always follow local instructions.
Expect rigorous security checks.
Strictly observe curfew hours.
Local authorities guidance must be followed.

Showing Appreciation

Positive greetings make a good impression.
"Добрий день" (Good day) and "Дякую" (Thank you) are appreciatedd.
Solidarity words are deeply appreciated.
Any effort to speak Ukrainian is noted.

Important Note on Tourism

All tourism-related activities described in pre-war contexts are suspended. This guide is for individuals with essential travel requirements only.

Essential Information and Support

For essential travel, staying informed and prepared for emergencies is paramount.

Digital Safety

Stay connected and alert with critical apps and on the internet resources.

Background Insight

Understand the historical background and cultural setting through relevant materials.

Critical Contacts

Access immediate help with emergency and medical information.

Digital Connectivity and News

Applications

The "Air Alarm" (Повітряна тривога) app is mandatory.
Official Telegram channels for Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration.
Trusted international news applications for broader context.

Online Information

Look at official government travel advisories for your country.
Websites of major humanitarian organizations provide context.
Ukrainian government official news sites for verified information.

Social Media Guidance

Follow official accounts of the Ukrainian President, Ministry of Defense, and local administrations. Avoid unverified sources.

Emergency and Safety Protocols

Critical Emergency Information

Emergency Services

Police: 102
Fire: 101
Ambulance: 103
Commit these numbers to memory and have them saved.

Essential Contacts

Keep embassy/consulate numbers (Kyiv) accessible.
Contact numbers for any affiliated organizations.
Written down and on a fully charged phone.
Always carry a backup.

Medical Facilities

Where hospitals are located are known to locals.
Access may be disrupted; facilities could be overwhelmed.
Emergency medical care cannot be guaranteed.
Prepare for self-sufficiency in medical emergencies.

Security and Awareness

Embassy Guidance

All foreign embassies are located in Kyiv.
Your embassy in Kyiv serves as main point of contact.
Register your presence with them if you are an essential traveler.

Document Loss

Contact your embassy in Kyiv immediately.
Report the loss to local police.
Digital and separate physical copies of documents are useful.

Learning and Context

Relevant Media

Seek documentaries and news reports about the war in Ukraine.
Focus on impact in cities like Kryvyy Rih for current reality.
Books on Ukrainian history and current conflict clarify the situation.

Community and Language

Consult forums for aid workers or those with essential needs.
Seek advice from experienced individuals in conflict zones.
Language learning Babbel helps with basic phrases.

Wartime Protocols

Natural Disaster Equivalence

Military conflict constitutes the main "disaster."
Air raid alert procedures are of utmost importance.
Seek designated shelters immediately upon alerts.
Stay informed via official channels.
The city is under constant threat.

Local Publications

Consult local news sources (online and print) for safety.
Community updates are disseminated by means of these channels.
Trust official outlets for accurate information.
Be cautious of unverified reports.
Information can change rapidly.

Cultural Immersion

Ukrainian Music

Explore Ukrainian folk, pop, or rock music for cultural context.

Local Art

Seek out local art or historical works for insight into area-specific identity.

Physical Maps

Hard copy maps prove useful if digital navigation fails due to outages.

Travel Advisory

Travel to Ukraine, including Kryvyy Rih, remains highly dangerous. Foreign governments strongly advise against all travel.

Preparing for Your Stay

Essential Documents & Kit

Personal Readiness

Continuous Monitoring
Monitor travel advisories daily from your government.
Accreditation Confirmation
Secure any required accreditation or invitation for essential presence.
Itinerary Sharing
Inform family and friends of your detailed itinerary and emergency plans.

Critical Supplies

Medical Kit Assembly
Get a... ready thorough medical kit, including trauma supplies.
Being Financially prepared
Carry sufficient cash plus numerous bank cards for liquidity.
Device Charging
Charge all electronic devices fully, including power banks and communicators.

Navigating Arrival

Initial Check-in

Immediately establish communication with contacts upon safe arrival.

Local Connectivity

Purchase a local SIM card immediately for reliable communication.

Consider a VPN like NordVPN

Transport from Entry

Use pre-arranged transport or reliable ride-share services.

Practical Orientations

Route and Shelter

Confirm your route to accommodation is safe.
Familiarize yourself with nearest bomb shelters.
Understand local curfew hours and adhere strictly.
Identify safe routes, emergency exits, and shelter locations.

Financial and Supplies

Exchange enough local currency (Hryvnia) for immediate needs.
ATM access is sometimes unreliable.
Purchase essential supplies: bottled water, non-perishable food.
Note locations of essential services like pharmacies and markets.

Departure Planning

Logistics and Security

Avoid purchasing anything sensitive or illicit.
Consider border crossing questions with any items.
Allow significant buffer time for land border crossings.
Queues and procedures are unpredictable.

Final Checks

Confirm all transport details for your return journey.
Inform your contacts of your departure plans and route.
Ensure all documents are easily accessible and in order.
Pack an emergency bag for your journey.

Security Updates

Monitor news for any sudden security changes that might impact your departure route or timing.

Kryvyy Rih Travel Checklist