Retire in Ukraine

"Life for a retiree in Ukraine and its surroundings can be quite enjoyable. There is an active expat community in Ukraine, with many retirees from other countries living in the country. There are plenty of cultural attractions to explore, such as the many churches and monasteries, as well as the many museums and galleries. There are also plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and skiing. For those looking for nightlife, there are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore," explained one retiree living in Ukraine.

"We socialise with as many family and friends as possible. They are always celebrating something or other, folk bring lots of food and its a sort of bring-and-share mentality. Expats are rare here. There are a lot of foreign students at the Universities but I've met one American guy, one Canadian woman, but not English since I've lived here 18 months. It doesn't bother me. I don't hanker after the old country. It's important not to look back when making this kind of lifestyle change. The great thing about the Ukrainian summer is they very much have a European behaviour to night life. For example the shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, parks all stay open late, and people are out until late. In England people go home and lock their doors after 8pm, it's the British isolationist mentality, (barring to occasional barbie). Ukrainians are far more sociable and friendly. People will stop and talk, in England if you try talking to a stranger there is immediate suspicion. It's a totally different culture," said one retiree in living in Kharkov, Ukraine.

")))))) Interesting , I have been ice skating, bowling, billiards, karaoke, cinema, (Ukraine language) and have walked many miles in bitter cold this winter, but enjoyed it.Have also enjoyed visits to Russian sauna's and a major indoor aqua park. Even went tobogganing on a small hill.)))) I have yet to find an expat community here but would like to," explained a retiree in Kharkov.

"The Ukrainian people are great. The women dress and behave like real women and are fiercely proud of their feminity, my wife is awesome," commented one retiree living in Kharkov, Ukraine.

"If you do not mind accepting life and each day as it is, create your own adventure. My life had become predictable, boring, unhealthy, and less than satisfying. I am experiencing a new culture , slowly learning a little new language, have a beautiful loving companion, and the opportunity to visit much of Europe at reasonable costs from here. I do not mind bad service, and unpredictable experiences. Boredom is a killer for me.))) Good luck in your search for a wonderful life experience. Whatever that may be.))))," explained one retiree living in Kharkov.

"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Ukraine is the lack of a comprehensive pension system. Many retirees rely on their savings or the support of family members to make ends meet. Additionally, the cost of living in Ukraine is relatively high, making it difficult for retirees to stretch their pension income. Furthermore, the healthcare system in Ukraine is not as well-developed as in other countries, making it difficult for retirees to access quality medical care. Finally, the language barrier can be a challenge for retirees who do not speak Ukrainian," commented one retiree living in Ukraine.

"1) Tackling the old soviet-style bureaucracy when it come to getting anything done, like getting a "probisca" of residency, visa etc. 2) The language. Russian grammar drives me nuts ! 3) Cockroaches and the aggressive Ukrainian mosquito in the summer! 4) Crossing the road can be a little like Russian roulette, seriously they don't stop for anybody. 5) I bought a car last year and actually enjoy driving around here. The main roads are generally in good condition and very wide, however, the side streets are badly pot-holed and unless you have a 4x4 it's bad on the vehicle. 6) Despite the fact that I speak Russian to colloquial level, when I go shopping on my own, especially in the market, they detect immediately that I'm foreign and the prices, for some strange reason, seems to almost double. 7) I have to be very careful driving because the traffic cops love to stop speeding cars. Unfortunately, corruption is still a problem here and the cops always look for a donation to cover the problem. I heard that 2 driving offences and its immediate deportation, but I've been problem free so far," explained one retiree living in Kharkov.

"Have developed a wonderful loving relationship with a fine woman. My health has improved eating fresh home cooked food rather than processed prepared meals, or over salted and processed restaurant meals. I have quit taking blood pressure and cholesterol meds. Walking daily, as exercise and have no car here," explained one retiree living in Kharkov.

"1) The exchange rate is still quite favourable against the British pound. So although we don't live like royalty we do enjoy an above-average lifestyle compared to many locals. 2) I'm just amazed at the quality of the food here, it's fresh and invariably organic. You can taste the difference, especially with meat. The shops and markets are great. There are even western-style shopping malls like "Karavan" if you're missing all those expensive clothes shops back home. 3) The people are generally more friendly and open. 4) British weather is both dull and unpredictable, whereas we get contrasting weather, cold and snow in the winter and a good blast of sunshine in the summer. There has been very little rain this year. Nice weather for retirement. 5) I like the wide open space once you leave the city. In the UK people live like sardines in a can. 6) The parks are great, we often frequent Gorky Park in the summer. 7) When I'm not driving I take the Metro. It's exceptionally good. For just 3 uah you can go anywhere and it's very quick and efficient. Whereas in London the Metro is always slow, crowded and very expensive. 8) Re. driving - there's no road tax, no MOT, no speed cameras and no speed bumps, it's great. The car insurance is against the vehicle, not the individual, so when you sell a car the insurance goes with it. A lot less hassle owning a car than in the UK. 9) There are some awesome places to visit in the Ukraine, barring the trouble spots of course," said one retiree in living in Kharkov, Ukraine.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Ukraine is the low cost of living. With a lower cost of living, retirees can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without having to worry about their finances. Additionally, Ukraine offers a wide range of cultural activities and attractions, making it an ideal place to spend one's retirement. The country also boasts a rich history and culture, providing retirees with plenty of opportunities to explore and learn. Finally, Ukraine is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature," explained a retiree in Ukraine.

"The medical services are good and easily accessible, but you have to pay. I had a problem with my eye earlier this year, was referred to a specialist eye clinic in the city on the same day. They conducted a thorough set of eye tests for 700 uah (£20) ! Medical insurance makes useful toilet paper and that's it, trust me - you still have to pay to get treatment, even the nurse will expect something, although for an expat it's relatively inexpensive," said a retiree who moved to Kharkov, Ukraine.

"I go to a lab each month for INR and cholesterol blood check for 6 to 7 dollars, they e-mail me results with all the norms included for comparison. Lab is much cleaner and more professionally run than the lab I went to in Canada. A doctor visit here may be 10.00 US," said one retiree in Kharkov.

"Ukraine has a public healthcare system that provides free medical services to its citizens. The quality of healthcare services in Ukraine varies depending on the region, with some areas having better access to medical facilities and resources than others. Ukraine has a network of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a range of services, including primary care, emergency care, and specialized care. Ukraine also has a number of private healthcare providers that offer a variety of services, including medical check-ups, diagnostic tests, and treatments. In addition, Ukraine has a number of pharmacies that provide medications and other medical supplies," commented one retiree living in Ukraine.

"Expats in Ukraine often join local clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, visiting cafes and restaurants, or joining online forums and social media groups. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join expat-specific organizations, such as the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, which provides networking opportunities and other resources," said a person in Ukraine.

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Ukraine can be quite rewarding. The country offers a unique cultural experience, with a rich history and vibrant cities. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The country is also well-connected, with good public transportation and a reliable internet connection. Expats and digital nomads can find a wide range of activities to enjoy, from exploring the countryside to visiting the many museums and galleries. The people are friendly and welcoming, making it easy to make friends and build a social network," explained one retiree living in Ukraine.

"Four universities and a host of job training schools, so many young. They have no cultural problem with promiscuity, and most children do not have fathers present. This usually results in criminal delinquency elsewhere. Mogliv is the second highest crime city in UE behind Odessa. Much smuggling from Moldova across the river. We have a dance club here, it is called Step. Three people knocked off by Russian Mafia last week. Best to be home after dark," said one retiree in living in Mogliv-Podilskyi, Ukraine.

"Before retiring in Ukraine, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, as English is not widely spoken. It is also important to research the cost of living in Ukraine, as prices can vary significantly depending on the region. Additionally, expats should be aware of the visa requirements for retirement in Ukraine, as well as any restrictions on foreign ownership of property. Finally, expats should research the healthcare system in Ukraine, as well as any health insurance options available to them," remarked one retiree in Ukraine.

"Rent with an official rental agreement. It costs twice as much, but if you try the way they do, the first month is low, but you will then be asked for a LOT more, and if you don't pay, they promptly kick you out. Even if you have been there less than 24 hours, there is not a thing you can do. Well, maybe cry. Laws here are lax. You can do things that will amaze you. Even carry a concealed gun, no permit. If you are here over three months, you become an illegal alien. If you leave, you will not be allowed back. If you stay, they cannot afford to kick you out, so they will only fine you $100 upon your eventual departure. I cannot even go across the river to Moldova for lunch! Until I marry. If. If you marry a Ukrainian, you can stay here legally, and not become a UE citizen. I personally will get a UE lawyer to handle the papers. Like everything else here, it costs a lot less than the US. My very low SS Disability income is four times the national average income here. I can not afford to live in California anymore, but I can, here. At least, theoretically. They still are not paying me," said a retiree who moved to Mogliv-Podilskyi, Ukraine.

"In Ukraine, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, and sports complexes. Parks are a popular destination for families, offering a variety of activities such as walking, biking, and picnicking. Beaches are also a popular destination for residents, offering a variety of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. Sports complexes are also popular, offering a variety of activities such as basketball, tennis, and soccer. Additionally, Ukraine has a variety of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theaters," remarked one retiree in Ukraine.

"People living in Ukraine typically buy groceries from local markets, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Other shopping can be done at malls, department stores, and specialty shops. Online shopping is also becoming increasingly popular in Ukraine," explained one retiree living in Ukraine.