Ukrainian currency is hryvnya (UAH), divided into 100 kopiyok.
Notes are available in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 hryvnya. Coins are in denominations of 1 hryvnya and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 kopiyok.
Money Exchange
Ukraine is mostly a cash country and obtaining changing larger amounts of cash may be necessary. Hryvnya is very difficult to get outside of the country; there is also a restriction of only UAH 1,000 being allowed to import without a customs declaration.
Money can be easily changed in banks or at currency booths. It is advisable to keep receipts showing money changed. Tourist should definitely not use black market to exchange money as they may become targets to a scam and such transactions are also illegal. The easiest currencies to exchange are US dollars, Russian roubles and the euro. In western part of Ukraine also Polish zloty and Hungarian forints may be accepted.
Exchanging currencies other than USD, rubel or euro in southern and eastern parts of Ukraine may be practically impossible. Foreign currency notes should be also in pretty good condition - otherwise the exchange may be refused.
ATMs
ATMs are widely available in Ukraine. Most recognized networks are Cirrus, Plus, Visa, and MasterCard/EuroCard. Most ATMs (known locally as 'bankomats') dispense cash only in hryvnya.
Credit Cards
Except for some restaurants, hotels and bigger stores most establishments do not accept credit cards. Cards that accepted include Visa and MasterCard; it can be difficult to use American Express, Diners Club or other credit cards.
Travelers checks
It is rare for banks in Ukraine to accept travelers checks. The ones that could be accepted are only Thomas Cook, American Express or Visa checks in US dollars.
Cashing them may also require a lot of time and paperwork.
In general, travelers should avoid bringing them and use foreign currency cash or credit cards to obtain hryvnya instead.
Current Ukrainian Hryvnia Rates
For other currencies or conversion amounts go to Currency Converter
