Exchanging U.S. dollars into Hryvnia is simple and unproblematic, licensed exchange booths are widespread, exchange rates are clearly advertised.
For more information see the US department of State Web page at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1053.html
Payments to the independent in-country facilitators can be made in cash, by check or by wireless transfer, according to the agreement negotiated prior to parents' travel in country.
Travel Documents:
What is needed to enter the Ukraine?
A US passport valid for six months beyond the planned date of travel is required for each traveller. U.S. citizens traveling to Ukraine on short-term (up to 90 days) tourist, business, or private travel do not need a visa to enter Ukraine.
The Ukrainian parliament passed a law in 1997 whereby all visitors to Ukraine are required to obtain mandatory health insurance. According to information from the Ukrainian authorities the cost of this medical insurance depends on the anticipated length of a foreigner's stay in Ukraine. The cost for the insurance is approximately 25 cents per day (more for short stays). This required insurance can be obtained from the Ukrainian Department of Immigration, Citizenship and Registration and covers only the costs of basic medical care inside Ukraine and does not cover medical evacuation.
Medical Clinic:
What innoculations or preventions must one consider when traveling to the Ukraine?
In December 2005, Ukraine reported the first cases of the "avian flu" among birds in Crimea. Further outbreaks followed in 2006. There are no registered human cases of H5N1 in Ukraine. For detailed information on H5N1, please review the Avian Influenza Fact Sheet.
Drinking and brushing teeth with local tap water is not recommended. Many varieties of bottled water are available.
The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of hospitals and clinics with some English-speaking staff http://web.usembassy.kiev.ua/amcit_medical_eng.html. There are no hospitals in Ukraine that provide a level of medical care equal to that found in American hospitals, or which accept American health insurance plans for payment. Some facilities are adequate for basic services. Basic medical supplies are available; however, travelers requiring prescription medicine should bring their own. Medical evacuation remains the best way to secure western medical care. This option, however, is very expensive and could take at least several hours to arrange. Travelers may wish to purchase medical evacuation insurance prior to travel, or have access to substantial lines of credit to cover the cost of medical evacuation. More information can be found on the U.S. Embassy's website in a separate document “Medical Services in Kyiv” at http://kyiv.usembassy.gov/amcit_medical_serv_eng.html.
Radiation and Nuclear Safety: In 1986, the Chernobyl incident resulted in the largest short-term unintentional accidental release of radioactive materials to the atmosphere ever recorded. The Chernobyl nuclear power station closed officially on 15 December 2000. The Ukrainian government has an effective program of monitoring fresh foods and meats sold in local markets. Street purchase of produce should be avoided. Wild berries, mushrooms, and wild fowl and game should be avoided, as these have been found to retain higher than average levels of radiation. Background levels of radiation are monitored regularly by the Embassy and are within the allowable limits set by the Ukrainian nuclear regulator, which are consistent with the Western countries.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel.