Guides and translators in Crimea, Ukraine

We have 2 options regarding guides and translators in Crimea and Ukraine.

1) We can provide you with Guides and translators for part of, or for the whole duration of your stay in Crimea.

In Crimea it is very difficult to find English language services, and unfortunately English is rarely spoken in the tourism industry. We have professional translators can be hired by the hour or the day, and are on hand to assist you with your business, your personal meetings, or to take you on guided excursions.

2) You can hire me personally. I work professionally as personal translator and assistant for businesses and tourists in Crimea and Ukraine.

My services in Crimea and Ukraine - Currently unavailable.

• Personal translator and assistant for businesses and tourists
• Letter translation in Crimea and Ukraine

I am available for hire as a translator and assistant by the hour, or by the day. Whilst Crimea is my speciality, I can travel to anywhere in Ukraine to offer this daily service. My travelling experience in this country means I can offer a high level of service wherever I am. If you with to hire me on a daily basis, my services extend further than just translating. I offer a 24-hour service in which I become your personal assistant and guide for all or part of your holiday. I am by your side to translate, and to give you whatever assistance is necessary. I am your helper and your friend and someone you can rely on to get the most out of your time in Ukraine. 

About me

My name is Jonathan Stromberg. I am from Britain but have been living in Ukraine for 5 years. I run AccessCrimea, and I also work as a professional personal assistant and translator to anyone wishing to come Ukraine and Crimea.

I was born in 1976 in Britain. I completed a degree in Oceanography in 1997, and since then have spent most of my time abroad, principally in Eastern Europe.

After living in Slovakia for 8 months in 2002, on a whim I decided to take a trip into its neighbour to the east; into Ukraine. My trip was to last the duration of my visa; 3 months, and I entered the country after doing no pre-planning whatsoever. Needless to say, I survived, but only just! There a plenty of stories from that trip that I enjoy sharing with family and friends.

During those 3 months, I fell in love with the people, the place and the language, and have never looked back since. 

Currently i am residing in Canada, after unforseen circumstances led to me leaving Ukraine for a while. I have recently met a fantastic Russian/Canadian girl called Elena. On Wednesday we had a date for 7 hours and i ran out of words, then she threw her chewing gum all over the subway. 

I have been fortunate enough to have been in and experienced many countries, but Ukraine is the land of my choice. It is my pleasure to welcome visitors from aboard and to offer the assistance necessary to make Ukraine accessible to anyone desiring to find out, on a first hand basis, quite what an incredible place this is to visit.

Letter translation in Crimea and Ukraine

A translator might well know the language he or she has studied, but it is very rare for them to truly feel that language. For this reason even very experienced translators struggle to translate all the subtle shades of meaning and turns of phrase that are inherent in any language.

As a result of this, I have a special approach to written translation; me and a fellow Ukrainian translator translate all the letters together, ensuring that there is a native speaker on both sides of the translation coin. In this way such subtleties of speech can be discussed out by us, and a translation made as true to the original as you can get.

Who my services are for

Unfortunately, Ukraine is a country that is not geared up for tourists. Outside of the centre of Kiev, English is rarely heard, spoken or written. Acquiring simple things such as train tickets is a painstaking process. The system is officious and complicated, more often than not involving standing in long, slow-moving queues. In areas to which tourists do flock, such as the Crimea, 99% of them come from Russian speaking countries and seem to be content with a Russian, ex-Soviet level of service.

Unfortunately, it is very common for workers in the tourist industry; waiters, taxi drivers e.t.c to significantly overcharge non-Russian speakers - considering them to be rich and knowing that they are probably not aware of what the real charge should be. The taxi drivers at the Simferopol airport, for instance, have demanded up to 5 times the actual rate from unsuspecting foreigners, who are trying to get to the centre town.

My guiding and translating services are geared towards tourists who want to be able to travel independently, but who for linguistic reasons need help and support so as to make their trip run smoothly and rip-off free; so as to get the most out of their short time here. I also have had many clients whose main purpose for travelling to Ukraine was to find a wife. Such clients travel here independently or jointly with a marriage agency.

Crimea has a wealth of investment opportunities, and with a bit of know how it is a potential gold mine for investors with long-term vision. More and more westerners are coming here to research into possible opportunities, and taking on a guide and translator to help them with their enquires. I offer my translation and guiding services to business clients. My experience of the politics of Ukraine will be invaluable, and I consider myself an asset to anyone considering doing business in this country.

Why my services are the best

My services are the best, because, most importantly of all, I offer western service in a land where the concept of service is new, and more often than not incomprehensibly bad. I, in contrast, run my business with the view that my clients will return to use me again, or recommend me to others wishing to use my services. Whilst other people may offer services similar to mine, I am (as far as I know) the only westerner in Ukraine who offers such services.

I consider myself an ideal translator and guide for wife seekers as I have myself been married to a Ukrainian, lived with her in my own country, divorced and so have seen how the process works and observed all the potential pitfalls. I have been surrounded by Ukrainian culture and Ukrainian girls for a long time, and know how they think and what they want. My experience has taught me what the main cultural pitfalls are that westerners fall into, and what we exactly need to do to make a positive impression on Ukrainian ladies.

Rates

Translating and guiding

My hourly rate for translating is $12. This is negotiable for multiple hour bookings.

My daily rate for my translating and assistance service is $100 per day.

If you will be outside of Simferopol, I also charge expenses to cover travel and accommodation. This is cheap in Ukraine. Expenses will never exceed $30 a day.

Remember that this service is 24 hours, so I will be at your disposal at any times that you wish, giving you complete flexibility and great value for money.

Letter translation

I charge per page, and not per word as some translation services. Each typed page (of about 350 words) costs $10. Multiple letter discounts are available.

Letters are most often sent through email, but I receive and send them by post as well. If you are corresponding with a girl who does not have access to E-mail, I can transpose her letter onto the computer if required.

My translation service is to the highest standard and confidentiality is assured.

For more information about my services or to make a booking, please email me at info@accesscrimea.com