FAQ's
FAQ's about Crimea
Do I need a visa to visit Ukraine?
Nationals of all EU countries, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, the Vatican, Monaco, San Marino, Iceland, Norway, USA, Canada and Japan do not need a visa to visit Crimea (for trips lasting less than 90 days.) If you intend to stay longer than 90 days, you can simply cross the border into a neighbouring country, then come straight back in again.
Citizens of all other nationalities please go to http://www.euro.org.ua/eng/ua/13.html
Here you will find a list of all Ukrainian embassies, and will be able to contact the relevant one for more information.
Do I need to register upon arrival into Ukraine?
In the past it was necessary to register your visa within 3 days of arrival into Ukraine. Fortunately that aspect of bureaucracy is now behind us, and this is no longer a requirement.
Will I need any injections before I go the Ukraine?
Unless you a planning to spend more than a few weeks in Ukraine in rural areas, there are generally no injections required before you come to Ukraine. You may find out more on the Department of Health website: www.dh.gov.uk/PolicyAndGuidance/HealthAdviceForTravellers/fs/en
Is it safe in Crimea?
Violent crime is low in Crimea, but foreigners are at risk of petty theft as they would be in any part of the world where a person is perceived as being rich. A particular problem is flat and hotel owners going through guests' belongings when they are out. In such a case they would typically just steal a small amount of money so that you wouldn't immediately notice. At accesscrimea.com, all of our accommodations are checked and friendly relationships built up with the owners in order to protect you from such unscrupulous people.
Do Crimean people speak English?
It is a rare occurrence to meet anybody here that can speak good English. In the service industry English speakers are only provided at the very top end of the market (and sometimes not even then.) Our bilingual staff at AccessCrimea will be able to solve any problems that this language barrier can cause, and make your time spent here go as smoothly as possible.
Why should I travel to Crimea?
Many visitors to this part of the world have called it 'heaven on earth'. It is a beautiful and still undiscovered part of the Ukraine, that is finally accessible to almost everyone. It offers untouched nature, beaches, fair prices and we offer the service!
What is the weather like in Crimea?
Crimea's southern tip is only 300 kilometres from Turkey, and it's summer temperatures are similar to those on Mediterranean coasts of Portugal and France. Check today's weather in the principal Crimean resort of Yalta at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?world=5098.
The warm/hot season lasts from middle May through to the beginning of October, where temperatures rarely drop below 30 degrees in the day, and 20 at night. The winter of snows and freezing temperatures experienced in much of the rest of the country arrives in Crimea for a short time from December until the end of February. Rainfall is light, averaging around 1 inch (25 mm) per month in summer and 3 inches (75 mm) in the cool season.
As a result of geographical factors which shield the coastline from cold northern winds, the Crimean coast between Sevastopol and Yalta is officially a sub-tropical zone. This mean that temperatures rarely fall below freezing, creating ideal growing conditions for tropical flora such as palm and banana trees.
How can I be sure to get great service from you?
We are foreigners and know what its like to travel. We have a combined 20 plus years experience in the tourism industry, and we know how to make your trip a success. We have been in the Ukraine and the Crimea for a long time, and care about its fate. We want tourists to come to Crimea and have a such a positive experience, that they come back again and again, and advise their friends and family to come too.
Just send us an email with your telephone number and see how quickly we respond to your request. We live in Ukraine and as such can service your needs quickly.
What if I need medical attention while I'm in Crimea?
You are advised to arrange travel insurance which includes the cost of medical care, in case of a serious incident. In any case it is likely that you would have to pay towards any hospital treatment, even if you are covered for it. However this will be a very small amount compared to Western care. A client who recently damaged his ankle and spent 4 days in hospital was charged just $30 for his treatment and care. On the whole; when you have money to pay, medical and emergency services in Crimea are generally good.
What time is it in Ukraine?
Ukraine is 2 hours ahead of GMT time. 7 hours ahead of EST and 8 hours behind Eastern Australian time.
Can I keep in contact with friends and family at home whilst I am in Crimea?
Communication services in Ukraine have made leaps and bounds in the last few years. Internet cafes are abundant in all of the main towns and cities in Ukraine, with a fast connection and inexpensive prices (about $1 an hour.)
Most European mobile phones will automatically tune in to the local Ukrainian network, but calls will be expensive because they go via your home network.
In larger towns, there are easy to use international call booths from where you can call to any country for about 20 cents a minute.
If you travel to Crimea with AccessCrimea, and have any troubles contacting home when you are here, you can give us a call and we will arrange it for you.
How do I get around Crimea?
Crimea perhaps has the best public transport system in the world! Buses within and between towns are very frequent and are mostly modern. Trains are slow, but are a low budget option and can be a very interesting experience. Taxis are in abundance, and can take you anywhere for a price very reasonable compared to the West. (As long as you are a with a Russian speaker; the prices can be hiked up shamelessly for tourists!)
Can I buy essentials in Crimea such as shaving materials, shampoo etc?
Yes, the Soviet days of queuing for bread have long gone and essential products such as shaving materials are readily available. You may not, however, be able to obtain that Western brand that you are used to.
FAQ's about accommodation
How can I book an apartment listed in your database? (make this line proper font)
Please fill in the Order Form. We will check availability and get back to you as soon as possible, and no later than within 24 hours. We will confirm availability and send you via e-mail a link to Payment page for the deposit. Once we process your payment you will receive a Sales Receipt confirming the booking and the receipt of payment for the deposit.
What are the payment arrangements?
To book a room, we require a deposit equivalent to the cost of one nights stay. The rest of the amount due must be paid in cash the day of check-in.
What if I can't find the accommodation that I require through your website?
If you have looked through the database and none of the listed apartments fits your criteria, please describe your needs by filling out the Advanced Search form, and we will search for a room that will suit your requirements. This search will take up to 72 hours, but we will make every effort to find you something suitable in the shortest time period of time possible.
Why I cannot book my hotel in Ukraine immediately on-line?
Currently, very few hotels in Ukraine have a guaranteed on-line booking system. Any assurances about immediate on-line booking systems in the Ukraine are often, so to speak, 'insincere'. In order to be sure you get the specific room in the specific hotel for the specific dates you request, the availability should be confirmed with this hotel first. It cannot be made in the real-time of your on-line request. Therefore you get the booking payment details after the hotel confirms the room availability only. There is no other way to be sure customers get what they want. All the hotel bookings are confirmed within 24 hours from the moment payment guarantee is received, if not on the weekend of holidays.
How can I change or cancel my booking?
Please contact us should you wish to change or cancel your existing booking. To change a booking you need to cancel the previous one. All cancellations made 14 days prior to the check-in date are usually subject to a full refund. For later cancellations, fees depend on the hotel or apartment cancellation policy solely. However, cancelling your hotel at least 5 days prior to the hotel check-in date you can be sure that cancellation fee would not exceed one night stay cost. For cancellations made less than 5 days prior to the check-in date the cancellation fee will equal the sum of the deposit, which equals the cost of 2 nights stay.
Who should I contact if I have a complaint about the accommodation?
If you have any problems with your accommodation you can contact us immediately and we will do everything we can to find a solution to the problem.
If my accommodation is not in the centre of town, how do I get around?
Crimea has an efficient and regular running public transport system. We will provide you all the necessary information you need in order to get from your accommodation to the centre of the town that you are staying in.
Is your online payment system for deposits safe?
Yes. We use PayPal, an eBay company based in San Jose California, the global leader in online payments. It has over 70 million account holders worldwide and is amongst the most secure ways of paying online. If you are not an a/c holder it is fast and easy to sign up.
