Kharkiv is the second-largest city in Ukraine. Located in the northeast of the country, it is the largest city of the historic Slobozhanshchyna region. Kharkiv is the administrative center of Kharkiv Oblast and the surrounding Kharkiv Raion. The latest population is 1,433,886 (2021 est.).
Warnings & Dangers in Kharkiv
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Kharkiv is considered one of the safest cities in the region. The crime rate is low here. You should beware of the outskirts of the city and watch your belongings, especially during the holidays.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW
Public transport is well developed and safe. Keep an eye on your wallets on buses to avoid pickpocketing. Use only licensed taxi services.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
Like any major city in Kharkiv, pickpockets do happen. Especially on public transport during rush hour. Keep track of your belongings, and do not leave bags and wallets unattended on the tables in the cafe.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : LOW
The city is not subject to any serious risks of natural disasters.
MUGGING RISK : LOW
Serious robberies and attacks practically do not happen in this city. You can feel safe in any area of the city at any time.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
The risk of terrorism is low in Beijing. The global risk of terrorist attacks in public areas exists worldwide, so tourists should be vigilant.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
The most common types of fraud in Kharkiv are related to cybercrimes: sending SMS and emails from fraudsters to find out your data and credit card details. Usually, tourists do not face this problem, but in any case, remember that it is not safe to share your personal data with third parties.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW
Women traveling alone can feel quite safe in Kharkiv. The main thing is to adhere to the usual precautions and monitor your surroundings.
How Safe Is Kharkiv for Tourists?
Kharkiv is a fairly safe city to travel.
The crime index here is at an average level.
The main problems are related to corruption, vandalism, and petty theft.
Kharkiv is one of the safest cities in Ukraine.
We can say that the city is quite loyal to travelers and you will not find aggression based on racism or homophobia here.
Although isolated incidents do happen.
The people in this city are friendly enough and will be happy to help you.
Most young people speak English well and will be able to help you if you ask them.
At the same time, in stores and shopping centers, you may not be understood everywhere.
Kharkiv is a city of students and there are a lot of universities here.
This means that in the university area, especially on weekends, you can find a lot of drunken youth.
Avoid their groups and just bypass them, they are usually not aggressive.
For the rest, as in any other city, follow the general rules of precaution: watch your belongings and surroundings, do not walk late at night along poorly lit streets and areas, lock your car and park it in guarded parking lots if you are traveling by car.
If you are traveling to Kharkiv in winter, take care of enough warm clothes – winters here are quite severe with a lot of snowfall.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Kharkiv?
Visitors to Ukraine must obtain a visa from one of the Ukrainian diplomatic missions or online unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. A valid passport is a must.
Which Currency Is Used in Kharkiv?
The hryvnia, hryvna, or sometimes hryvnya has been the national currency of Ukraine since 2 September 1996. The hryvnia is subdivided into 100 kopiyok.
How's the Weather like in Kharkiv?
In Kharkiv, the summers are warm and partly cloudy, and the winters are long, freezing, dry, windy, and mostly cloudy. The best time to visit Kharkiv in Ukraine is from May until September.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Kharkiv?
Kharkiv International Airport is an airport located in Kharkiv, Ukraine. It is the main airfield serving the city of Kharkiv. It is located to the southeast of the city center, in the city’s Slobidskyi district.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Kharkiv?
In Kharkiv, it is definitely worth visiting the metro, the Gosprom building, visiting one of the largest squares in Europe – Freedom Square, enjoying the monuments of Soviet architecture and urbanism, as well as the Gorky Park.
Is the Water in Kharkiv Safe to Drink?
Tap water is not drinkable in Kharkiv. You should buy bottled water or boil tap water.
Is Uber Safe in Kharkiv?
There is an Uber taxi in the city; you can call a taxi from your smartphone application. The fare will depend on the time of day, and the distance traveled.
