Nikolaev Practical Information is a great way to get acquainted with some of Nikolaev's basic information before arriving in the Ukraine. Sometimes referred to as Eastern Europe's crown jewel, Nikolaev is safe, uncrowded, clean, relaxed and a very friendly city.

Location

Nikolaev (in Russian), also known as Mykolaiv (in Ukrainian), is located in the southern part of the country of Ukraine, approximately 40 miles from the Black Sea coastline. The country of Ukraine is located in Eastern Europe bordered by the Black Sea, Poland, Romania, Moldova and Russia in the east. The precise coordinates for Nikolaev are 46 degrees 58'0" north 32 degrees 00'0" east.

Population

The population of Nikolaev is estimated at a little over 500,000 residents. The population of Nikolaev makes up approximately 3% of the Ukraine's population.

Language

The official language of Nikolaev, as well as the entire Ukraine, is Ukrainian. The Ukrainian language uses the Cyrillic alphabet, and derives from several Slavic languages and dialects.

Time Zone

The official time zone for Nikolaev is Eastern European Time (EET) or Greenwich Mean Time plus 2 hours (GMT +2 hours). Nikolaev observes Daylight Saving Time (DST), so during summer months the time zone is known as Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) or Greenwich Mean Time plus 3 hours (GMT + 3 hours).

Currency

The official currency of Nikolaev, as well as the entire Ukraine, is the hryvnia. The hryvnia is subdivided into 100 kopiyok. The most common hryvnya coins are the 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 kopiyok and 1 hryvnia. The most common banknotes are the 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 hryven. It is a good idea to exchange some currency before leaving for the Ukraine. Upon arrival in the Ukraine, you can exchange currency in any major bank, most major hotels and at a bureau de change. The best exchange rates are usually found at banks, and with your local bank when pulling money from an ATM. Major credit cards and traveler's checks are widely accepted throughout the Ukraine, but it always advisable to carry a small amount of cash on you at all times.

Telephone and Postal Code

The international dialing code to Nikolaev is 380, and the national dialing code for Nikolaev is 8. The postal code is 54000.


Climate

Nikolaev, and the southern Ukraine, have a mild continental climate. Winters are cold and result in snow, spring lasts until May and results in gorgeous blooms, summers are mild and warm, and on hot days most residents of Nikolaev head to the Black Sea, and it usually rains in autumn.