Oh Wise and Worldy Ledgies

[danax6]

Here's what I know about Poland (I've been there before, whereas I've never been to Ukraine, so I can't help you with that, aside from some technical stuff). Eastern Europe, and especially Poland, is one of the cheapest areas/countries you can go to. Before Poland joined the European Union, a lot of things like washing machines and computers used to cost about a quarter of what it costs in Western Europe. Many people drove there to get their stuff. The people in Poland still don't make as much as we do, so the men come to this part of Europe and work in construction or in the fields for about half of what we earn, but twice as much as they would earn in Poland. It's gotten to be quite a problem. But that's an aside...

Poland still uses the Zloty, so it's really easier to get some of that. Euros will probably be accepted at various stores or restaurants, but I wouldn't trust the local exchange rates, so exchange some money at the bank. It'll be a few more years before Poland switches to the Euro, seeing they only recently joined. As for Ukraine, they aren't even part of the European Union, so I don't think they accept Euros anywhere. Definitely go with Hryvnia there. Dollars won't be accepted anywhere.

I have to say that most Polish people I have encountered don't really have any grasp of the English language, and I suspect neither do Ukrainians. Not even the Polish people that have been here for a while speak any English, and besides German that's basically the only way for them to communicate with us. They speak better German and French than they do English. The younger generation would probably be the better people to approach. I am pretty sure English is mandatory in school throughout all of Europe now.

Debit cards... as long as yours comes with a Cirrus or Meastro logo, it will be accepted at any ATM machine in Europe. Poland and Ukraine are not big on credit cards, so you won't find many places where they accept that.

As far how Americans are perceived... that's a tough question. Overall, America is not that popular with the Europeans, for a lot of obvious reasons, but Eastern Europe is very different from Western Europe, and I can't really say what their overall opinion is. But generally, we are nice people! Just don't go to France.

I do think crime is vastly exaggerated, but there is still a difference between there and here. In general it's the poorer part of Europe, and like with all areas where poverty is a problem, so is crime. It's inevitable, but I guess the same goes for any big city you visit, just don't wander into too many remote areas. If you stick to the touristy areas, you'll be fine.