The Digital Nomad Lifestyle in Kyiv, Ukraine

This time, we are going to a city and country that I think every digital nomad should be excited to experience: Kyiv, Ukraine! Yes, there is still an active war in Ukraine, but how does it feel to be a digital nomad in Ukraine in this war situation? I explained it all as candidly as possible; it was a really nice, attentive, and detailed guide.

I already loved Kyiv as a tourist, but after my last visit, I loved Kyiv as a digital nomad. I am sure that after this blog post if you give this beautiful city a chance, you will love it as much as I do. 

So what will you find in being a digital nomad in Ukraine? You will read about my first-hand experiences, everything as detailed as possible, but only with useful information. With this post I have created a format, I will write all my blogs about cities and countries in this way. Dubai and Bali are next :) 

If you have your tea & coffee ready, here I go!

1. Getting to Know Kyiv-Ukraine

The capital of Ukraine and one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, Kyiv has a rich historical culture and architecture. Founded more than 1,400 years ago and referred to as the 'Mother of Slavic Cities', Kyiv was an important center of East Slavic civilization and played a crucial role in medieval development.

As you walk through the city, you walk over layers of history and modern buildings. The streets reflect stories dating back to the turbulent times of the World Wars and Ukraine's modern independence. Landmarks such as St. Sophia Cathedral and Kyiv Pechersk Lavra are UNESCO World Heritage sites, showcasing exquisite examples of Eastern Orthodox architecture and art.

The city is also a lively center of contemporary culture, hosting a variety of cultural festivals, music events, and art exhibitions, all reflecting the resilient and dynamic spirit of Kyiv residents.

- Language and Communication

The official language of Kyiv is Ukrainian, as in all of Ukraine. However, Russian is also widely spoken and understood due to its different historical and cultural influences. As a digital nomad, it can be an interesting experience to wander through this bilingual environment. However, due to recent negative situations, there is an effort not to speak Russian. Even though I know a few Russian words, I was careful not to use them.

To immerse yourself in the local culture, it is extremely useful to learn some basic Ukrainian phrases. Even simple greetings or expressions of gratitude can open doors to more meaningful interactions with locals. I have practiced it myself and received a very positive response, naturally, making this effort and making an effort is welcomed by the locals :) Here are a few examples with their spelling, take a note, it will definitely help you when you go :)

Hello: Привіт (Pryvit)

Thank you: Дякую (Dyakuyu)

Yes: Так (Tak)

No: ні (Ni)

Please: Будь ласка (Budʹ laska)

Goodbye: до побачення (Do pobachennya)

Normally, English is becoming more and more common in business environments and among young people, especially in co-working spaces, modern cafes and tourist areas. However, as far as I have observed, due to the war situation and the winter season (especially in the last 2 years, there are sometimes problems with heating and electricity in winter), the English-speaking part of the population has temporarily migrated to other countries. This can sometimes cause difficulties in communicating in English. But without any offense, we immediately opened a dictionary similar to Google Translate and we made up the situation and continued our communication with the locals :) However, don't be surprised to encounter situations where English is not widely spoken, especially among the older generations or in more traditional institutions.

2. Digital Nomadism in Kyiv

In fact, Kyiv is a hotspot for digital nomads, offering a vibrant and supportive community for those who embrace the remote working lifestyle. The city is truly an attractive destination for digital nomads and expats alike. But.....

But due to the war situation, Kyiv is not having the best of times for digital nomads. I also checked Nomad List to find digital nomads, unfortunately there were almost none. There were no tourists in the country, in the city, let alone digital nomads. It's sad and a bit selfish to look at this huge percentage, but it's also great for me as an individual. The whole city, all the places to see and visit, were empty, and I had it all to myself. I enjoyed it to my heart's content, of course.

The infrastructure and conditions to be a digital nomad are, of course, very good. At the same time, the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Ukraine is also very good and improved. Of course, they are scattered in various parts of the world due to the war situation, but I am confident that they will recover and continue stronger than before once the war is over. 

Finding Digital Nomads in Kyiv

Nevertheless, with an eye to the future and a firm belief that the good old vibrant life will soon return, I would like to talk about the possibilities here. 

Kyiv has many good quality coworking spaces for connecting with digital nomads and foreigners. They offer not only high-speed internet and a comfortable workspace but also an epicenter for community interaction and communication.

Of course, in addition to the coworking space, there are so many wonderful, well-organized, and comfortable cafes in Kyiv that you can't miss the coworking space at all. I will share the ones I visited and the ones I liked the most with their locations under the title "Working in Kyiv".

3. Working in Kyiv

Coworking Spaces

Kyiv offers an impressive array of coworking spaces for digital nomads, catering to a variety of needs and styles. No matter what you're looking for, Kyiv has something for everyone. I've shared a few popular coworking spaces with location information below.

Unit.City: This is one of the largest innovation parks in Kyiv. It's not just a co-working space but a complete ecosystem offering a modern work environment, networking events, and even startup incubation programs. You can view its location here.

iHUB: Perfect for tech professionals and startups, iHUB not only provides workspaces but also opportunities to network and collaborate with like-minded individuals in the tech industry. You can view its location here.

Creative Quarter: With multiple locations in Kyiv, Creative Quarter is favored for its stylish interiors and professional atmosphere. Ideal for those looking for a mix of comfort and productivity. You can view its location here.

BeeWorking: You can view its location here.

Coworking HUB 4.0 CAMPUS: You can view its location here.

Regus: You can view its location here.

Amazing Cafes 

Kyiv's cafe culture is very improved; many cafes offer an excellent experience with high-speed internet for digital nomads to get their work done while enjoying a good cup of coffee and consuming delicious food. Below are the cafes I visited and spent my days in during my stay in Kyiv. Of course, as I said, there are so many cafes that it is impossible to experience and finish them all :) I am also preparing these cafes in a Reels video as a guide, I will add the link when I share it.

1. Khlibnyy: This cafe is by far my favorite and the staff is very polite and friendly. Wifi is quite good. The food is varied and delicious. It is also bright and warm inside. "Kyiv cake" is a must-eat dessert, they make it incredibly well :) 

2. Zavertaylo Bilya Sofiyi: 2 floors, small, nice place. The wifi is also fine and the food is quite delicious. If the weather outside is overcast, it gets a bit dark inside, but it is a good alternative for those who want to work quietly. 

3. Takava: Takava is a cafe that can be preferred again with its location right in the center. There are a lot of people working on their computers inside. They also offer many alternatives to coffee and a strong barista experience.

4. The Blue Cup: This is one of my favorite places to work. It's a very quiet, cozy cafe where you sit in small armchairs. Their desserts and hot drinks are very good.

5. Kashtan: This place is very small but very popular. I still can't figure out why it is popular, but it is ideal for working during the day. It gets very dark in the afternoon and after. And the toilets are incredibly cold :D It's the same temperature as outside :D Still, there were people who actually opened their computers and came to work intensively. 

6. Idealist: This is a very pleasant place and almost a co-working space. It's designed like that and people who come here really use it as a co-working space. There was only one thing that bothered me, I normally tip in every place unless otherwise, that is, if I haven't experienced a negative situation. I was going to tip here, of course, but before I had a chance to take action, the waiter who took care of me asked me if I was going to tip in a slightly off-putting way, and this slightly prevented the positive experience I had there. But maybe it was a one-off, everything was generally positive. Still, I wanted to share it because it sticks in my mind. 

4. Living in Kyiv

Accommodation

Kyiv has a wide range of accommodations to suit a variety of preferences and budgets. But my absolutely clear recommendation is to choose accommodation right in the center of the city. Especially if you've been there during the harsh winter like me, the central location is vital. And it maximizes your enjoyment of the city. Areas like Podil, Pechersk, and Shevchenkivskyi districts are popular with foreigners and digital nomads for their lively atmosphere and proximity to amenities. My preference has always been the Khreshchatyk and Tarasa Shevchenko districts.

Although there are different alternatives, I have always preferred to use Airbnb. The reviews there have a very high rate of authenticity, I have never had any problems in Kyiv so far. Also, the Airbnb culture is so advanced that it invites the use of technology and many features that make life easier. In 3 out of the last 4 houses I stayed in Kyiv, I never saw the owner or the manager. Everything is provided with encrypted entrances and exits that are delivered remotely. And I guess due to the harsh climatic conditions, the entrance to the houses is usually done by passing through 3-4 locked doors. Of course, this causes you to enter 3-4 different passwords each time, but it is still a practice I like :) 

Also, don't just think of it as a house, the hostel system is also very common and there are even tube systems (accommodation in very small square meters, consisting only of beds), which I have seen a lot in the Far East but have not yet experienced, and the prices are incredibly affordable.

Cost of living

Kyiv is known for its relatively affordable cost of living, especially compared to many Western cities, which actually makes it an attractive choice for digital nomads. Compared to Istanbul, the city where I was born and raised, I have found Kyiv to be more affordable and the quality of what you get for your money is better, especially with Turkey's recent poor economy and high inflation. 

Housing: Rent varies greatly depending on location and type of accommodation. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost anywhere from $400 to $700 per month, while options further away from the center can be as low as $200 to $400. But with Airbnb the situation is of course different, we stayed in a house for $40 a night, which is acceptable as it was for 8 nights and in a very central location. For long-term stays, the cost will, of course, be lower. Let's still say an average of 200 dollars per week for accommodation.

Food: Groceries are reasonably priced and local markets offer fresh produce at lower costs. Eating out is also affordable, with prices ranging from 5 to 10 dollars in mid-range restaurants. Let's say the cost of 3 meals out per person per week is $30 per day including alcohol, that's $210 per week.

Transportation: Public transportation in Kyiv is extremely affordable; a single trip by metro, bus, or tram costs less than $0.50. Taxis and ridesharing services like Uber are also widely available and cheap. We stayed in such a central location that we never used public transportation. We used taxis a couple of times, and even then it was an affordable ride (Uber and Uklon are very common and work perfectly). Still, just in case, let's add 20 dollars a week for transportation.

Entertainment: Kyiv's entertainment options, including cinemas, theaters, and museums, are generally budget-friendly. For example, a museum ticket can cost around 3 to 5 dollars. Let's say we overstayed for the week, 20 dollars can go on and on. 

In summary, Kyiv offers an affordable living environment for digital nomads. The combination of affordable accommodation, low living costs, and rich cultural offerings make it a great choice for both short and long-term stays. By my standard of living during my stay, my expenses (but with no tendency to save and a focus on pure enjoyment) were around $450 per week. This amount can definitely be reduced much lower, especially if you stay a little longer :) 

5. Walking around the city

Kyiv's diverse transportation options and uncomplicated map make it a convenient city for digital nomads to explore and enjoy. As I said, I mostly walked everywhere, and even then it's pretty easy to get around. 

Public transportation

Public Transportation: Kyiv has an extensive and efficient public transportation system. The metro, with its three lines, is both a fast and economical means of transportation and a tourist attraction with some of the deepest stations in the world. And each station is different. Trams and buses cover larger areas and are ideal for reaching places not served by the Metro. A single trip costs less than about $0.50, making it a budget-friendly option. 

Taxis and Carpooling: Taxis are available all over the city for added convenience. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Uklon offer an easy-to-use, cost-effective alternative with added benefits like fare estimation and route tracking. And they offer a really high-quality experience, which I was positively impressed with during my time using them. 

Safety Tips

Kyiv is generally a safe city, but as in other large cities, it would be wise to take some precautions. At least I did not feel any man-made threats during my stay, but it is still important to remember:

- Be aware of your surroundings: Be careful with your belongings to avoid pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas such as markets or public transportation.

- Use Reputable Transportation Services: Stick to known taxi services or ridesharing apps, especially at night.

- Stay Informed: Stay up to date with local news and advice, especially regarding areas to avoid, local laws, and cultural norms.

- Emergency Numbers: Take note of emergency contact numbers. The general emergency number in Ukraine is 112 and it is very good to have the contact details of your country's embassy.

6. Free Time and Exploration

Kyiv is not only a great place to work; it's also a city brimming with opportunities for fun and exploration, offering a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and culinary delights. I have made it my mission to soak up these qualities every time I visit :D 

Kyiv also has a very strong nightlife and entertainment scene. However, due to the night curfew, these nightlife activities have shifted a bit more underground and are not very widespread, they are maintained as a community that operates by reference. And you have to keep having fun until the curfew ends (5:00 am :D) :D

Local attractions

There are so many beautiful landmarks in Kyiv that you will enjoy visiting and watching them, just like me! Below are the places you should definitely visit, I am also preparing a Reels video about them. I will add the link when I share it.

1. Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square): We can call it the heart of Kyiv. I would call it a great icon and the main meeting point. You can view its location here.

2. Saint Sophia Cathedral: When it snows it's an amazing experience, very mystical inside. You can view its location here.

3. Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Monastery of the Caves): It offers a visual feast in a very beautiful location.

4. Motherland Monument and War Museum: Ahh this place really impressed me. A huge sculpture symbolizes Kyiv, which is called the mother of the Slavic region. You can view its location here.

5. Andriyivskyy Descent: A street, or rather a slope, full of interesting shops and art galleries. It is quite pleasant to walk from top to bottom. I wouldn't even think of walking up from the bottom, it's really steep :D You can view its location here.

6. Khreshchatyk Street: Kyiv's main street with shops, shopping centers and beautiful places. It offers a pleasant experience with its wide sidewalk and straight path. I recommend walking from beginning to end. You can view its location here.

7. Dnieper River: A wide river that divides Kyiv in half. There are countless bridges on it and an island in the middle. It is very pleasant to eat in restaurants overlooking this river. You can view its location here.

8. Golden Gate of Kyiv: Although it's called a gate, what I saw was a church with an interesting architecture, most of it wooden. I didn't go inside but it is pleasant to walk around and examine the structure. You can view its location here.

9. Parks and Green Spaces: For outdoor fans, Kyiv's parks and green spaces offer the perfect setting. Mariinsky Park and Holosiivskyi Park are ideal for jogging, cycling or just a pleasant walk. Of course, I say ideal, but the weather definitely makes a difference. Still, even if you can't ride a bicycle, it's fun to stroll along the frozen walkways :D 

Food and Cuisine

Here we come to one of my favorite episodes. If you are trying to diet like me, you will have to give it a break in Kyiv. There is a lot of delicious food and it is usually heavy and high in calories (probably to keep them strong and healthy in the cold climate). Below I will just give the names of the foods without any explanation. Because I'm making a really, really good YouTube video about it, which you must watch!

Lviv Croissant

Kyivska Perepichka

Piana Vyshnia

Bilyi Naly

Varenyky

Chicken Kyiv

Syrniki

Borscht

Pyrizhky

Pickled Vegetables

Kvass

Deruny Salo 

Grechka

Ukrainian pancakes blinchki

Borscht

Perepichka

McDonald's: You will understand why I included this place in the YouTube video :D

7. Some Challenges Related to Kyiv-Ukraine

Kyiv, like any other city, offers a wealth of opportunities for digital nomads, but also its own challenges. Understanding these and knowing how to guide yourself through them can significantly improve your experience in the city.

Entering the country: Ukraine's airspace is closed, and no airplanes fly into the country. Therefore, the only way to get there is by road. The road also has some difficulties, such as long driving times and bad roads. Also, because of the sensitivity, they take extra care at the border gates, the interrogations may take a little longer, but they should be understood. Their priority is to protect themselves and their country.

War situation: As you know, there is an active war going on. In this process, unfortunately, some unpleasant moments may come up, such as "air alert". This is a warning system that informs you that there is a dangerous situation in the area you are in, and when it is active, shopping centers, cafes, and restaurants are closed. You need to move to a safe place. To be informed about relevant warnings; you can access the app and its details here.

Lockdown: Ukraine has a curfew from 00:00-05:00 due to the war situation. You must respect and obey this curfew. You can check out the details here.

Fully Comprehensive Insurance: I always make sure to get travel insurance when traveling abroad. This time I asked for an interesting coverage to be added to my policy, if I die due to a war situation, I have my body sent to my country :/ it feels a bit strange, but there are also the facts of life.

Weather: I've always been in the harsh conditions of winter and cold weather :D I'm not a big fan of cold but I think it's good to understand the real spirit, to feel those emotions. Although many of my Ukrainian friends tell me that Kyiv is really beautiful in summer, I haven't tried it yet. You can be less affected by the cold with sturdy winter clothes. You can easily explore this beautiful city when you minimize the places in contact with the outside.

Conclusion

To wrap up, Kyiv is a city with many possibilities, places to visit, history, culture, and great tastes and experiences both as a digital nomad and as a tourist. My suggestion is that it is a place you should definitely give a chance.

I would like you to know that we are as close as a DM to you if you have any questions before you go, or if you want any suggestions or advice after you go.

I wish you good luck, happiness, and joy in all your journeys and adventures.

For more tips and insights on digital nomadism, check out the NomadVibe Instagram account.

And as I always say, until the next post arrivederci folks :)