It’s September here in Ukraine, and you know what that means. Winter is right around the corner. One of the most common stereotypes about Ukraine, other than having beautiful girls, is that winter is never-ending and bitter cold. Unfortunately, this isn’t far from the truth at all.
Today, we’re going to discuss the Ukraine winter, and how to survive it.
It’s Cold…Like, Really Cold
There’s no getting around the fact that Ukraine has one of the harshest, coldest climates in Europe come wintertime.
Snow covers Kyiv approximately 80 days of the year, down from 100 due to our friend global warming.
During wintertime, temperatures average at 0 °C or 32 °F. Unfortunately, this is only the beginning. In fact, temperatures will often touch down to -30 °C or -22 °F as winter really begins to settle in.
But, let’s keep in mind that the severity of the winter is largely going to be determined by where you live in Ukraine. The country is absolutely massive, nearly the same size as the state of Texas.
For example, the weather in Odessa will be much more temperate than anywhere else, as it is on the very southern tip of the country. Eastern Ukraine, such as the city of Kharkiv, is going to have the coldest winters as it is over 1200 miles further away from the Atlantic Ocean.
In a city like Lviv, you’ll find February to the coldest month, you’ll be dealing with the aforementioned -30 °C or -22 °F. Throughout winter in Kyiv, you’ll find that temperatures are between -5 °C and -10 °C during the day, and -15 °C at night.
Even though there are regional differences, it’s still extremely cold compared to much of the rest of the world.
The Russian Winter Conquers All
There is a phrase known as the “Russian Winter” that history buffs are all too well aware of. This essentially refers to a series of failed military invasions of Russia from the 1700s until World War II.
The cold weather had the ability to stop the armies of Hitler and Napoleon, cause equipment to malfunction, and destroy troop morale before any fighting could actually take place.
Unfortunately, Ukraine literally translates to “the borderland” or “the frontier region” in a variety of languages. In all fairness, it resides at the Southern border of Russia. While the Russian winter may have been able to halt invading armies from ever reaching major cities in Russia, Ukraine still had the misfortunate of being invaded and conquered countless time throughout history.
Sadly for them, the Russian winter never quite worked out in their favor.
But, you get the point. The two regions are directly next to one another, and you can bet that the same winter that stopped Hitler dead in his tracks is waiting for you in Kyiv as soon as fall ends.
But, honestly…it’s not really that bad.
Honestly, It’s Not That Bad
Now, I know that I just said that the winter in Ukraine literally had the ability to defeat armies and change history.
But, hear me out when I say it’s also not that bad.
There are plenty of things to complain about in Ukraine, and winter is definitely one of them. There’s a dark, looming grey that seems to hang over the country from November until February. The short skirts go away, and the parkas come out. It becomes a very different country as soon as old man winter rolls around.
People often write in asking when the best time is to visit Ukraine. Obviously, the country is much more lively in the springtime and autumn, but a little cold weather should certainly not deter you from visiting.
How To Survive Ukraine Winter
Preparedness here is key. With these two tips, winter will be far more pleasant.
Boots and Jacket
I know it may sound basic, but one of the best investments you can make going to Ukraine is a solid pair of boots and a jacket. Due to markup on common retail items, picking these up prior to your arrival is well worth it.
It’s amazing how many people complain about how much they hate winter, meanwhile, they’re wearing a $40 jacket from Primark and tennis shoes in 18 centimeters of snow.
I’ve been wearing this jacket from The North Face for the last three years in Ukraine, and it has been one of my best investments to date.
If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even invest in an ORORO jacket that has a small heating pad inside of it. Believe it or not, this thing is pretty sleek looking in real life, and it’s not obvious that there’s small heater built-in.
Even if you’re not the type of person who wears boots, 18 centimeters of snow on the ground come December will have you thinking differently! I really quite like the classic leather Doc Martens to get through the Ukrainian winter. You can even wear them in springtime as a fashion statement.
Some Ukrainians, on the other hand, simply pack up and head to a warmer country like Georgia until the season changes.
Grocery Delivery
One thing that is admittedly unpleasant about living through the Ukrainian winter is having to go grocery shopping in the snow.
Most people in Ukraine don’t own cars, as the cities are very walkable and public transportation really quite good. Even still, in a country where you shouldn’t drink the tap water, trudging through the snow to buy groceries isn’t something I look forward to.
Fortunately for you, Ukraine’s largest grocery store lets you order groceries straight to your home. I discussed how to do this in the above-linked post on Ukrainian tap water, and I will tell you that it is a true luxury.
It’s as easy as making an order online through the website, translating the page with Google Chrome, and waiting for your order to show up.
Pro-tip: Google Chrome has the best built-in translator for looking at foreign websites.
You can pay in either cash or card. It’s ridiculously convenient.
But, there’s no convenience that can replace the warmth of a nice Ukrainian girl to help you get through the colder months.
The Ladies Make It Better
As someone who has personally been through five Ukrainian winters, I no longer fear the coming of the snow. In fact, I look forward to watching the city transform each year.
It’s a strange thing really, but there’s nothing quite like sipping a warm cappucino as you watch the snowfall outside while you work on your laptop. Better yet, there are few things I enjoy more than coming home to a hot pot of borscht cooked by a lovely Ukrainian girl during wintertime.
Trust me when I say that things like these that make even the coldest winters totally bearable.
It seems that everywhere we look these days, everyone is talking about Lviv, Ukraine…and who can blame them? With centuries of beautiful architecture, some of the lowest prices in Ukraine, and a thriving food and restaurant scene, it’s hard not to fall in love with Lviv. All things considered, who wouldn’t want to live there? Luckily for you, today we’re going to tell you exactly what it’s like to live in Ukraine’s cultural capital.
Basic Information & Background
Lviv may be the biggest small town on earth.
Believe it or not, Lviv was actually not even a part of Ukraine until 1939 after the German-Soviet Invasion of Poland. Historically being part of Poland, the USSR, Austria Hungary, and even Nazi Germany at one point, the city is bursting with history.
Some of it is good, and some of it is bad. But, all of it is certainly interesting.
If you’re a history buff, you’ll be well entertained in Lviv. With numerous free, guided tours that take place around the city, you’ll find plenty of objects of interest. From decaying Communist architecture to a few locations historically significant to WWII, Lviv may be one of the most historically inclined cities I’ve ever visited.
Looking at the skyline in Lviv reveals an eclectic mix of architectural styles that, when paired with one another, make for a very interesting flavor.
But, the visual sites won’t be the only flavor you enjoy during your stay in Lviv.
City of Lions, Chocolate, and Coffee
Lviv is nicknamed “Leopolis,” literally translating to the “city of Lions.”
While you’d be hard-pressed to find a living, breathing lion anywhere, there are statues of lions almost everywhere in the town. This is because of an old piece of folklore that claims that in ancient times, a lion was tasked with protecting the city from invaders.
While the lion had to give his life protecting the princess, he gave an oath to forever protect Lviv. As the legend has it, a statue miraculously appeared as the lion laid dying, making the lion the enduring symbol of the city today.
Pretty neat, huh?
Regarding chocolate, there is an active handmade chocolate scene in Lviv. The Lviv Handmade Chocolate Factory is one of the best sites to see in town. They even have branches in Kyiv! That’s how popular it is.
Of course, coffee is absolutely integral to the culture of Lviv as well. If you’re a digital nomad who loves working from coffee houses, you’re in luck. Lviv may have a coffee shop scene that rivals far more developed countries. The town is big enough that you can try all of them at least once.
All things considered, quality of life in Lviv is really quite high when compared with the rest of Ukraine.
Price & Quality of Life in Lviv, Ukraine
Lviv was once Ukraine’s best-kept secret. While the cat is out of the bag, the town hasn’t been spoiled…yet.
In fact, most Ukrainians would say that it is, by far, the most comfortable city in Ukraine. Even though the city is 25% the size of Kyiv, there’s hardly any traffic. There’s no metro because the city is small enough to get aroun without one. While you can take the streetcar for 5 UAH (approximately .10 cents), the city is extremely walkable.
Needless to say, Lviv is cheap.
Ridiculously cheap. Laughably cheap, even.
While there are still plenty of places for you to blow your hard-earned cash, you may find it hard to do so. Lviv consistently ranks in at one of the cheapest cities to live in on the planet, rivaling even cities in India and Pakistan.
Pro-tip: check the global cost of living index for updated information on what it costs to live around the world.
You’ve heard it before, but I’ll say it again.
You can get a gourmet cup of coffee for $1, have a delicious lunch for $4, take an Uber from the airport to the city center for $3.50, and buy a cocktail in a club for $5.
All in all, you’d be hard-pressed to spend over $1,400 a month.
Getting To Lviv, Ukraine
Getting to Lviv from anywhere in Ukraine is very easy. It’s just a short train ride away from Kyiv, and tickets are dirt cheap.
But, traveling by train isn’t the only cheap transport in Lviv right now.
In fact, Lviv is home to some of the cheapest flights in Europe.
Budget airline RyanAir has just moved into the town’s international launch off point, Lviv Danylo Airport. Now, the common stereotype is that when cheap flights begin to route through the best towns in Eastern Europe, they quickly become ruined by British stag parties and other “undesirable” tourists.
Lviv has held up pretty well against this. It’s just not well known enough as a city like Prague or Budapest, and seriously lacks the nightlife scene of those places. Even still, it is still pretty good if you know what you’re looking for.
The silver lining here is that some curious expats are actually using Lviv as a home base, traveling out as needed to surrounding countries.
Think about it: you can fly to London from Lviv for as little as $40 if purchased far enough in advance.
That’s about as much as it costs to get from the airport to the city center in most other European countries. While it’s an unconventional approach, traveling businessmen can live in Lviv for pennies on the dollar. And they’re just a quick plane ride away from Europe’s capital cities.
This is one area where the city has a huge leg-up on Kyiv, bringing us to our next point.
Is Lviv better than Kyiv?
Lviv vs. Kyiv
Living in Kyiv can be kind of a hassle from time to time. Much of your day will be spent commuting. The traffic is horrendous. The city is absolutely massive, and during the winter, can occasionally look a little bit like a post-apocalyptic, decaying Soviet city.
Oh wait, it kind of is…
Now, that’s not to disparage Kyiv. It’s a great city. But, it doesn’t quite sweep the competition.
Compare this to Lviv, and the differences could not be starker. It is simply a stunning city and can feel more like Paris or Vienna. Of course, you still have the general sense of disrepair that is common in most of Ukraine. But, as they say, “it’s Ukraine.”
You really can’t compare Lviv to Kyiv. The fact is that they are two very, very different cities. Kyiv is like a much less multicultural, far cheaper New York City. Lviv is a gorgeous, comopolitan little town near the Polish border.
If you’re a big city person, you may get bored in Lviv rather quickly. As we discussed in our Lviv nightlife guide, you can easily see all there is to see in Lviv in just under a month.
At the same time, you’re a little more cut off from the rest of the world in Lviv. For example, won’t find some American brand name clothing stores such as H&M in Lviv. The city just isn’t big enough to justify setting up shop there.
Even still, with just how cheap both live in and commute out of Lviv, it’s an attractive option for any digital nomad.
The Fastest Growing City in Ukraine
Look at the numbers. Tourism to Lviv is growing more than any other Ukrainian city every year!
Realistically, this means that Lviv is going to be a hotbed for development over the next decade. You can still purchase flats for under $1,000 USD per square meter in the city center, and even less once you start to venture further away. I’d imagine that these prices are going to rise up quite dramatically in the coming years.
Ask anybody whose been going to Lviv for more than 5 years, and they’ll be the first to tell you that the city is growing each and every year. While there used to be virtually no expats there, there is now a small, albeit thriving scene of remote workers, digital nomads, and even entrepreneurs who have discovered the city.
Oracle has an office there, as does Price Waterhouse Cooper, and SoftServe.
It’s become a major hub for IT outsourcing, explaining why you’ll occasionally run into groups of American IT workers at the city’s many bars. If you’re an American worker who’s being transferred to Lviv for an assignment, don’t worry. Chances are, you’ll enjoy the city just as much as your compadres.
Ukrainian culture is known for being rather cold and standoffish. Luckily, Lviv has a vibe that is certainly far more approachable than the rest of the country.
The Local Culture of Lviv, Ukraine
Lviv differs quite greatly from the rest of Ukraine.
This can be a good thing, or a bad thing depending on your tastes.
For one, they don’t speak Russian for the most part.
That’s not to say that you can’t get around there with your Russian speaking skills, but they may be frowned upon ever so slightly. Lviv takes pride in the fact that they very much have their own microculture within Ukraine.
A big, big part of that is that they insist on speaking Ukrainian when possible.
You can also see this by the way people dress. Lviv has a bit of a “hipster chic” type of style as opposed to the high heeled, heavily made-up style that’s popular in the rest of Ukraine.
This is not a bad thing, per se. The women of Lviv are still beautiful in their own, unique type of way.
On the flip side, if you spend enough time in Lviv, you’ll see that people can have a bit of a “haughty” type of attitude.
The local sentiment can be somewhat nationalistic, proud of where they are from, and even believing that they’re better than everyone else.
This is kind of hilarious…as it takes but a quick look back at history to see that the nobility that once lived in the city in the early 1900s were all chased out under Communist policies of liquidation.
Their gorgeous, Austro-Hungarian homes were redistributed to the poorest villagers from the outskirts. Of course, their descendants still live there today in homes that they were given for free.
The irony that people from Lviv believe themselves to be better than everywhere else in Ukraine is pretty thick. It is, by and large, the distant relatives of the poorest Ukrainians who are living in housing that was stolen from the rich…and given to the poor.
Even still, this is a minor detail. You won’t notice it without spending a lot of time in Lviv.
And if you’re the type of person who truly enjoys the city, you’ll find the benefits to far outweigh the negatives.
Women in Lviv certainly differ from the rest of Ukraine.
As we pointed out previously, Lviv is very much a “hipster” type of town. Heartbreakingly, wearing high heels isn’t as common in Lviv. As the whole city is built on cobblestone streets, wearing heels can be a bit dangerous as the girls can easily break their ankle if their heel gets caught in the street.
The upside here is that while the women are certainly Ukrainian, they’re far more approachable than the rest of the country. When meeting women any other city in Ukraine, you’ll often be hit with questions about the purpose of your trip. They’ll be incredibly skeptical that a Western man would willingly choose to visit their city.
Lviv, on the other hand, is one of the most touristic cities in the country. While most girls there have not actually interacted with the groups of tourists who come, it’s not entirely out of the question to pay a visit.
Many men laud Lviv as being just traditional enough to find girls that are relatively chaste. In other words, girls from Lviv aren’t the type to listen to Nicki Minaj. They often come from conservative families and believe in old school gender roles. Even still, it’s not some random village in the middle of nowhere, either. It’s a quickly modernizing, European town.
Luckily for you, you don’t have to hop on a plane to Lviv to start meeting the many beautiful women that live in the city. Instead, you can use our favorite dating app for Ukrainian girls to start matching right now!
We get this question all the time, and for good reason.
In many ways, Lviv is the perfect city.
It is dirt cheap, extremely relaxed, and full to the brim of beautiful women. As a foreigner, you’re just enough of a novelty enough to stick out, but not enough to raise any eyebrows. You can easily set up shop there, and if you make even the tiniest salary from the internet, know you’re going to be well off.
If you’re the type of person who likes to law low, do their work, and enjoy the city they live in, Lviv is a fantastic choice for you.
If, on the other hand, you’re a bit more of a social butterfly who likes to party, Kyiv is a better option for you. Lviv can quickly get boring to the more thrill-seeking of us. Plus, your opportunities for business networking are much smaller than in bigger cities.
On the other hand, Kharkiv is said to offer a middle ground between the two. But, it has far worse English and is far more isolated from the rest of the world than either Lviv or Kyiv.
Regardless of which camp you fit into, I wish you luck in your exploration. Lviv is a great town to visit when exploring Ukraine.
Ukraine is known all around the world for having the world’s most beautiful women. Naturally, this has inspired hordes of men from the world over wanting to meet these young ladies. For some men, using a Ukrainian marriage agency is one of the best ways of meeting Ukrainian women. But, what is the role of a marriage agency in 2019? Today, we’re diving into the controversial topic of marriage agencies in Eastern Europe.
What Is A Marriage Agency?
The concept of a marriage agency is simple. A marriage agency is a matchmaking service that works to connect singles from all over the world. They are also commonly referred to as “introduction agencies,” meaning that they personally introduce you to women.
Think of a marriage agency in the same way that you would a longtime friend who wants to introduce you to someone special. They serve as a trusted link between you and a potential new partner. This saves you the hassle of having to put yourself out there, potentially facing rejection, and wasting your precious time.
Marriage agencies are typically smaller-scale operations. They will often put out ads in local publications, finding single women in countries like Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, or even locales like Latin America or Southeast Asia. With the help of a few well-paid locals, they can quite quickly rack up a list of eligible bachelorettes want to date a foreign man.
Better yet, if a girl from a small town in Eastern Europe is married to a foreigner, her friends are naturally going to be curious about how she met her foreign husband.
Then, it is as simple as setting up another branch in a country like the United States or Australia. Marriage agencies create websites and wait for curious men like yourself to stumble upon them.
Reputation goes a long way in this industry. As we’ll discuss later in this article, it’s overwhelmingly clear which companies have withstood the test of time.
The best marriage agencies are legitimate, Western-based companies that employ dozens of people. They pay taxes both at home and abroad, and some even do charitable work in the countries they are based in. I don’t know about you, but something like this goes a long way with showing that they’re a legitimate company that is invested in the communities they serve.
But, introducing people alone is not all that a marriage agency does.
In fact, it’s just the start.
What Does A Marriage Agency REALLY Do?
A marriage agency offers two services: online dating and in-person romance tours. Obviously, you don’t need to use a marriage agency just to do basic online dating with Ukrainian or Russian women. For that, you can easily use a service like Ukraine Date for a much lower price.
Where marriage agencies truly shine are their in-person, guided tours.
If you’re not the type of person who wants to venture off to a country like Ukraine or Russia on your own, I don’t blame you. While I personally have thoroughly enjoyed going at it on my own, I can’t completely understand why most men wouldn’t be interested in the path I have taken.
For most men, there’s a big learning curve with understanding Ukranian dating culture. A romance tour offers a way to explore foreign dating locales on “easy mode.” Obviously, this is useful for men who are marriage-minded.
Getting You Acquainted With The Ladies
Most marriage agencies will actually set up a guided tour of a particular country, where a group of men is taken to a variety of social events. At these “socials,” there will often be over one hundred women in attendance.
The company will be well and fully prepared, ensuring that they’ve promoted the event, screened attendees, and put you into a place where socialization is easy breezy.
Even if you’re not the most outgoing type, they are sure to make it that getting to know the ladies is interactive and fun.
They’ll often organize “speed dating” activities, where you’ll be introduced to dozens of women in an hour. This is a quick “getting to know you” type of game that really opens people up!
It’s a lot of fun, and a great icebreaker if you’re not the most social person.
It’s just you, and the women. What’s not to love?
If you’re used to dealing with Western women, you will be pleasantly surprised by the choices that await you during a Ukrainian romance tour.
What Happens on A Romance Tour?
Most romance tours will last about one week or so. They are typically split up by about three days of speed dating, and a few days of free time where men are able to take interested ladies on dates.
All in all, the second half of the trip can be a lot of fun. Imagine touring around a fun European city with a new, interested lady.
For many men, it’s like being young all over again.
It pays to know that at the end of each speed dating activity, interested women are instructed to leave their phone numbers with event organizers for men they fancy.
Let’s just say if you go on a romance tour, you’re going on some dates too. That’s for certain.
If you’re worried that you won’t be receiving any interest from local women, you need not be concerned. Foreign men are a seriously hot commodity in Ukraine.
After meeting dozens of pre-screened Ukrainian women, there is always someone (or, quite a few) who will be interested in getting to know you more.
In short: it’s something that most men from the West have never experienced in their entire life.
Each year, thousands of men will venture off to countries like Ukraine on a guided tour such as this. They are literally put in the exact same room as the single women that are curious about dating them. These tours are designed to save you time and energy.
Hopefully, this takes years off of the process of dating abroad and finding someone to love.
While these tours are certainly not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, they represent a very common approach to how matchmaking services work in Ukraine.
But wait, it sounds too good to be true…right?
Well, not really.
If anything, you need to understand a little bit more about what it’s like to live in Ukraine to see why this isn’t as far fetched as you may think.
Why Do Marriage Agencies Exist?
I know, I know. This all sounds crazy.
Honestly, you’re right to be skeptical.
How are there are just supposed to be stables of beautiful women waiting for you in some faraway country you’ve never heard of?
But, as someone who’s lived in Ukraine for almost 5 years, I can tell you one thing.
It’s not unreasonable at all.
What you must understand about Ukraine is that it is a traditional country that never experienced feminism and the social changes in the United States that flip-flopped gender roles.
The sad fact is: the dating market just isn’t what it used to be in America.
Think of Ukraine in the same way that you would the United States in the 1950s. Women care deeply about their appearance, and they are generally quite family-minded.
Best of all, women sleeping around is not nearly as common as it is in America. It’s really not tolerated at all, to be honest.
The typical American woman leaves her house wearing sweatpants, hair that is ratty and bunched up, and without doing much in terms of makeup. On top of that, obesity is common, and women have an attitude that they “don’t need no man.”
These women are not feminine.
They can be obnoxious, entitled, and seriously unpleasant to be around.
You know it, I know it. We both know it.
What you probably don’t know is that many cultures in the world still respect tradition, family, and most importantly…men.
Fortunately for you, Ukraine is one such place where these things have not gone away.
Do I Really Need To Use A Marriage Agency?
Marriage agencies were created in a world that existed before online dating. Back when most marriage agencies were first thought up, there were no dating apps that allowed you to simply sign up for a free account and begin chatting with Ukrainian girls.
Whether or not marriage agencies are even necessary in 2019 is a very good question.
On one hand, you have some men who are 100% jet-set on getting help with finding a foreign life partner. These men are often highly uninterested in giving online dating a shot. They’ve often been in the workforce for a long time, and have a bit of money to saved up.
These men are almost always well over the age of 30 and may lack the zest of their younger years. They fear their time is running out. They know for certain that they don’t want to be alone for the rest of their lives.
Someone like this, in our opinion, is a decent enough candidate for a marriage agency.
Younger vs. Older Men: Who Should Use a Marriage Agency?
On the other hand, you have a group of guys that are on the fence about whether or not using a marriage agency is really necessary. Though I personally know multiple couples who first met through a marriage agency, I personally am more in this camp.
If you’re a younger fellow, I encourage you to have a serious go at online dating before investing your time and money with a marriage agency.
Then again, this is your life we’re talking about here. Some men realize that life simply is not the same without having a beautiful woman to spend it with. Better yet, some guys realize that they’re not getting any younger.
The clock is ticking, and ticking fast. They wonder if they can still get married and start a life with somebody.
I get it, I really do. Some men simply can’t jump on a dating app, hit the gym, and start picking up young ladies on their own. They need help with a process as delicate as this and don’t quite have the fire from when they were younger.
In the end, the choice is largely yours. Different strokes for different folks, as they say!
But, most importantly, are marriage agencies actually safe?
The answer may surprise you.
Are Marriage Agencies Safe?
This is a question that more men should ask themselves before entering into the wild world of Ukrainian marriage agencies.
In short: some companies are better than others. Whether you like it or not, it is really on you to decide if the company you work with is legitimate.
And no matter what I say, some of you have already decided that a marriage agency is the best option for you. For that reason alone, it’s my job to steer you in the right direction.
Lucky for you, there are two companies that we can put our stamp of approval on!
What Is The Best Marriage Agency in Ukraine?
In my many years in the Ukrainian dating sphere, I have never quite seen a service like Dream Connections.
If you can’t afford Dream Connections, I’d recommend saving up until you can. This is not one area where you can cut corners. Sure, cheaper alternatives do exist, but you can bet with 99% certainty that these services are not at all what they claim to be.
I’m completely serious here. The marriage agency business is absolutely full of scammers that will promise you one thing, and completely fall flat when it comes time to deliver.
By contrast, Dream Connections is a true diamond in the rough.
Think of using a marriage agency as being similar to paying to go to college. Some people invest a huge amount of money in college education and are rewarded with a fulfilling career that makes their life way better.
Others, however, will invest big money into their college education and get nothing in return. As with all opportunities in life, you have to assume a certain level of risk in order to be rewarded.
Of course, using a marriage agency costs a seriously tiny fraction of what a degree does. But, you know what I mean.
After all, it is only when you use a company like Dream Connections that you can bet your money will truly be well spent.
Our Dream Connections Review
If there’s one word that comes to mind whenever you look at Dream Connections as a company it is this…
But…as I said earlier, some guys have no interest in experiencing the ups and downs that come alongside international travel and dating.
That’s where Dream Connections comes in.
Dream Connections has you covered from the beginning, to the bittersweet end of your trip in Ukraine. Not only do they offer personalized dating coaching throughout the duration of your trip, but everything from your hotel, airport pickup, and a local SIM card are covered, ensuring your trip is a success.
Dream Connections differs from the competition in that they offer two days of matchmaking events. Some would argue this is too few. But, it’s obvious that Dream Connections knows what they’re doing with putting compatible singles in the same room with one another.
Under their guidance, you don’t need any more than two days of matchmaking events to find someone you will connect with. After all, the vast majority of people who go on a guided romance tour with Dream Connections leave very, very satisfied.
A Success Rate That Is Second To None
Dream Connections boasts an 80% success rate.
Think about that: those are pretty insane numbers. That certainly does not mean that 80% of men are married after a nine-day tour (that would be weird, after all). But, it does mean that 8 out of every 10 men who go on a Dream Connections tour leave ready to enter into a serious relationship with a woman they have met while traveling.
Now that, my friends, is remarkable. Most guys can’t even manage to land a date after months of trying. With the help of a company like Dream Connections, anything is possible.
On top of that, Dream Connections assigns each member of their tours a personal translator.
As you’ll be sure to find out, your translator is there to help you out beyond simple language barriers alone!
Translators: The Hidden Benefit of Dream Connections Marriage Agency
Imagine being assigned a female personal assistant who will help to schedule your dates, help you pick out clothing to wear, and generally just “watch your back” for a week.
She’s your female wingman. Her job is to help you succeed.
Your success rate would skyrocket. You’d have an inside look at female psychology, and be getting grade-A coaching.
Now, who wouldn’t love that?
Dream Connections is well aware of this, and that’s why you’re assigned a personal translator during your whole stay in Ukraine.
That’s right. You get a personal dating coach to literally hold your hand every step of the way while dating in Ukraine.
Hell, there may have even been a few instances of men getting involved with their translators instead of the women who they went on dates with. You can’t make this stuff up, it’s literally what the stuff that romantic comedies are made from! Judging by the looks of some of the translators…who can blame them?
It’s a combination of all of these factors that ultimately leads us to recommend Dream Connections to anybody who is truly jet-set on using a marriage agency to find their dream girl in Ukraine.
Now, no review of marriage agencies would be complete without a mention of A Foreign Affair.
Like it or not, A Foreign Affair is the oldest company in the Ukrainian/Russian marriage agency space. They have been around for almost 25 years now, and have hosted over 1,000 events.
You don’t stay in business that long by offering a poor product, that’s for sure.
Both companies follow a largely identical format. It works, after all.
The key difference here is that, unfortunately, A Foreign Affair has gotten some seriously negative press in the past five years.
To be completely fair, they’re literally taking hundreds of men to Ukraine each year. There will naturally be some customers who are going to whine about their experiences and cause an online firestorm.
Look these up on your own time. I’m not here to badmouth anybody.
Plus, with the West having a largely anti-family perspective, should it come as any surprise that Western media wants to attack a company that offers men a way out?
Should this cancel out all of the good results that a Foreign Affair has received over the years?
Personally, I don’t think so, which is why they are absolutely still worthy of a recommendation.
Bigger Agencies vs. Smaller Companies
Even still, I personally would be more prone to going with a smaller, boutique marriage agency instead of a larger scale company that does higher volume.
Having been in touch with customers from both, it’s overwhelmingly clear that Dream Connections offers a more personalized approach with more individual attention.
The other key difference here is that a romance tour with A Foreign Affair costs roughly $3920, whereas Dream Connections will run you about $5000 altogether.
See…we told you that these things aren’t cheap!
To be fair, these trips include hotel stays, translators & personal assistants, transportation and even a fair portion of your meals as well.
If you were to calculate what the costs of traveling internationally would be, you’d find that the price isn’t that bad. At the end of the day, you have to ask yourself what true love is worth to you?
Okay, okay. You get it. If you’re interested in using a marriage agency, there are some seriously good options out there.
But, what if you’re still unsure about all of this?
If this sounds like you, it’s okay. We totally get it.
Like all good things in life, sometimes it helps to start slow. And fortunately for you, there are far cheaper options that allow you to dip your toes into the water before making a commitment as big as this.
If you’re on the fence about using a marriage agency, I’d say that’s very much a good thing.
While there are two marriage agencies that we clearly endorse here, we still hold the belief that it is in the best interest of every man to start small and gradually work their way up.
If you’re a little bit hesitant about using a marriage agency, I highly suggest you make the comparatively smaller investment into a subscription to Ukraine Date instead.
Ukraine Date is an online dating service that specializes in connecting single men from all over the world with Ukrainian women. There are thousands of profiles on the site of single women from all age groups in every Ukrainian city. Your choices on the app are endless.
Of course, signing up for an account at Ukraine Date isn’t going to provide the same level of service that a romance tour will. But, you may be pleasantly surprised in that meeting a beautiful Ukrainian girl is easier than you think.
Even if you’re completely decided that a marriage agency is the best choice for you, I encourage you to sign up for a free account on Ukraine Date to get a glimpse of the alternative.
You’ve got nothing to lose in doing so, and signing up for an account is 100% free.
Spending money with a Ukrainian marriage agency is not a decision to be taken lightly. I encourage you to think it through and through before making any rash decisions.
But, if you have already decided that this is something you’re doing, I’d be doing you a disservice by not suggesting Dream Connections.
Have you ever dreamed about dating a Russian woman? If so, who can blame you? It’s no mystery that in addition to Ukraine, Russia is home to some of the finest women on the entire planet. Russian women are simply oozing with femininity, beauty, and style. They can be an absolute dream to date, especially if you’re used to dealing with women in the West. Lucky for you, the wait is over. You can start dating Russian women right this very second, without ever stepping foot in Moscow. Today, we’re reviewing the top 3 best Russian dating sites.
Why Date Russian Women?
Russian women are similar to Ukrainian women in that they match many men’s image of an “ideal” lady. I’m not joking, either. They are often thin, feminine, and respectful. They absolutely blow Western girls out of the water in terms of their looks, their attitude, and their values.
If you’re looking for love abroad, Russia is absolutely worth having a look at. In the past, you had to jump on a plane and go to Russia to meet these beauties. Today with the help of the internet, you can begin chatting with Russian girls from the comfort of your own home.
While we personally prefer Ukraine for a variety of reasons, both countries have some seriously amazing women to offer. But, don’t forget, the two countries are extremely different from one another. It is important not to mix them up, especially when chatting with their girls. They take this stuff very seriously!
Explaining the age-old rivalry between Russia and Ukraine would be difficult, to say the least. It is one that largely dates back to Communist times, particularly with how many Ukrainians died during Soviet times due to policies of liquidation and famine from the Russians.
That, plus hundreds of years of history, has made the Russia vs. Ukraine topic a touchy one, to say the least. What you should know, however, is that Russian women have many of the same positive attributes that Ukrainians do.
Russian Cupid is, hands down, our favorite dating Russian dating site, bar none.
With our 1.5 million members currently on the site, your choices are seriously endless. I’m completely wowed by the sheer number of gorgeous women that exist on the platform every time I look at it. It completely puts every other dating app out there to shame.
It’s right on par with Ukraine Date, if I’m totally honest.
In addition to literally having over a million (yeah, that’s million with an m) girls to choose from on the site, Russian Cupid is part of the Cupid Links group.
They’re an Australia-based company with an award-winning trust and safety team. While virtually every other Russian dating site will leave you worried about scams, you can be 100% positive that Russian Cupid is a very safe platform. Payment information is protected by industry-standard encryption, and all profiles are verified and vetted before signing up.
In other words, you can be sure the person you are chatting with is exactly who they claim to be.
Best of all, there are a variety of different membership tiers, with the cheapest being $30 a month for full-fledged membership. Don’t forget, signing up for an account is totally free, allowing you to dip your toes in the water before making a decision.
That, my friends, is truly priceless in today’s world.
Beyond the facts and figures alone, I can personally say I’ve had the most success on Russian Cupid than any other Russian dating site. Countless dates and long nights have started with the help of the app.
Like all good things in life, premium membership on the site is certainly not free. But, for the low fee of $30 a month, we can say that it’s well and fully worth your time and hard-earned dollars.
If you’ve been using Facebook in the past five years or so, I’m sure you can remember loads of spammy notifications for some weird app called Mamba.
It has a strong reputation for being extremely shady, and for good reason.
So, why even considering using Mamba?
I’ll be honest, I totally wrote Mamba off whenever I first heard about my friends using it to date Russian girls. I never imagined I’d be including it in a list of the best Russian dating sites, but here we are.
Luckily for us, it’s undergone a change in management in the past five years, and they’re revamped the platform—big time.
Look, I’d be lying if I said that it’s anywhere near on par with Russian Cupid. But, there are some definite positives to it. The app currently boasts over 1 million members, most of which are in Eastern Europe. It only takes about 3-5 minutes to sign up. Premium membership will run you about $10 a month, which isn’t bad at all.
The app’s interface is a lot like Tinder’s. It’s still not as nice as Russian Cupid, but it’s easy to use and rather responsive, a huge upgrade from what it used to look like.
Unfortunately, the benefits end there, the app still suffers from loads of fake profiles. While they say there are 1 million profiles on the site in Russia, I honestly think a huge portion of them are either inactive or totally fake.
I don’t know about you guys, but I seriously do not have time to sift through hundreds of fake profiles and wait around for girls to respond to my messages. It’s just not my style at all. I’d rather just spend the extra $20 a month and use Russian Cupid.
Even still, Mamba is worth a shot even if it is only marginally better than Tinder.
Tinder: Our Least Favorite Of The Best Russian Dating Sites
Ahh, yes. Tinder.
I’ll be the first to admit that Tinder is not the place where you go to meet a girl that you want to bring home to your parents. It attracts a bit of a young, immature demographic of ladies who are somewhat open to the “hookup culture” that exists with millennials today.
This isn’t a bad thing, per se, but you have to understand that you’re going to be dealing with lower quality women when using apps like this.
Much lower.
Now, I don’t know about you, but if I wanted to date lower quality women, I wouldn’t be looking abroad! There’s already plenty of these types in the United States, the UK, and Western Europe.
If you’re trying to learn about the best Russian dating sites, you’re obviously someone who wants the best of the best.
And, generally speaking, Tinder is not where you’re going to find it.
The positive side of Tinder is that you’ll predominately be dealing with real girls. Sadly, quality is generally low and so are response rates (especially if you’re a little bit older than the girls on there). If you manage to get past the low response rates and semi-professional prostitutes to find a girl you like, you still have to remember that you met her on the sleaziest dating app out there. Tinder girls carry a reputation for a reason, after all.
Even still, it’s definitely an option when trying to find the best Russian dating site.
If you’re totally jet-set on using Tinder abroad, have a look at our guide on how to use Tinder. While it’s written for people traveling to Ukraine, the same principles apply for using it in Russia. Good luck, and stay safe out there.
Conclusion: Which Is The Best Russian Dating Site?
If you’re looking to date beautiful, Eastern European women, Russia is a great place to do so! With the help of the three apps listed above, you’ll be well on your way to meeting the girl of your dreams.
The fact of the matter is that most sites out there are pure and utter garbage, and these are the ONLY three that we suggest trying out. All three will allow you to chat with cute Russian ladies, but there’s obviously a clear winner here.
When it comes to choosing a favorite, there is simply no competition. Russian Cupid is hands down the winner here when looking to the best Russian dating sites. Between an abundance of beautiful girls, an award-winning trust & safety team, and a reasonable price that anybody can afford, you’d be crazy to not give it a shot.
Did you know that 40% of all relationships now begin via the internet? I know, I know. It’s crazy to think about! The absolute craze that is online dating, however, is not just in the West. In fact, online dating is absolutely huge all over the world, including in Russia. While in years past, you had to jump on a plane to Moscow to start meeting beautiful Russian women, you can now do so from wherever you are. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, you’re in luck. Today, we’re present to you our Russian Cupid review!
A Word On Russia vs. Ukraine
It’s obvious that we’re huge fans of dating Ukrainian girls. But, let’s not forget, that Russia and Ukraine are very close neighbors to one another. The truth is that both countries, and their dating cultures, are extremely similar. If you’re looking to expand your dating life abroad, you’d be crazy to not have a look at Russia.
In the future, we’ll do a post on the exact differences between Russian and Ukrainian girls. In the meantime, you can be sure that both are excellent options when looking to date abroad.
Pro tip: If you’re looking to date Ukrainian girls, be sure to check out Ukraine Date for a more specialized experience.
Russian Cupid Review: The Best Russian Dating Site?
When looking at the available options for Russian dating sites, things can occasionally look at little…well, bleak.
To say that Russian Cupid is a diamond in the rough would be a total understatement. It is undoubtedly one of the only legit websites out there that allows you to start meeting Russian girls online.
If you’re wondering why this is, it is important to note that there’s a grade-A team behind Russian Cupid, making it the best choice for a good reason!
Russian Cupid Review: The Team Behind The Product
Russian Cupid is run by a company called Cupid Media. Cupid Media is the leading figure in connecting single people from all over the world. Since their establishment in 2000, they’ve literally helped millions of people meet, date, and even marry!
One thing you have to know about Cupid Media is that they have a strong reputation to protect here. They’ve been in business for over two decades, and you can be sure that they’re not putting out any crappy, illegitimate products. You can be absolutely sure that your payment information is safe, and that each girl on the site is verified and screened before she is allowed to chat with you.
Their security culture is truly next level, allowing you the peace of mind you need to let loose and have a good time chatting with new women.
Pros of Russian Cupid
A membership gives you access to one million Russian girls. If you can’t find one that you like, you’re insane.
The quality of the women is off the charts. If you’ve ever even been slightly curious about what Russian women are like, this may be the best way of having a look.
A very high response rate from most of the girls. Many of these girls are naturally curious about foreigners (or else why would they be on the site)?
All women are carefully examined by Cupid Media’s safety team. You know for a fact that you’re chatting with a real girl who is exactly who she says she is. Catfishing isn’t a problem on Russian Cupid.
Cons of Russian Cupid
Some people (who are extremely cheap) are turned off by the price of the app. It will run you roughly $30 for a premium membership. I can understand how you might not want to pay, at first. But, you have to keep in mind that the reason you’re paying is that it’s a premium service that absolutely blows the competition out of the water!
Different Tiers of Membership
Standard: Just Giving It A Try
A standard plan on Russian Cupid is totally free, one of the app’s best features. In other words, you’re free to give it a try and decide if you think it’s worth upgrading to premium membership with more features.
Our course, a standard plan is going to come with way less features than a paid plan. Even still, you still have access to the bare essentials.
Browse one million singles on the site.
Send interest to girls.
Chat with some members.
A standard plan is great for getting your feet wet. But, it goes without saying that a standard plan on Ukraine Date isn’t the best option here.
Personally, I’d suggest you opt for a premium plan from the getgo.
Gold plans on Russian Cupid are for those who are ready to get a running start. A Gold plan allows you to have access to the site’s instant messaging system. This basically means that any attractive girl on the site is just a message away. Better yet, you can ever share photos back and forth on it!
A Platinum plans lets you completely unlock every feature of the site, maximizing your chances of success. If there’s one thing you take away from this Russian Cupid review, let it be that the Platinum membership is like dating on god mode.
The biggest benefit of a platinum membership is that you’re going to be placed at the very top of the rankings on the site.
Not only will your profile be highlighted and more attention-grabbing, but you’ll also have higher rankings in the search field too. In other words, you’re basically going to be paraded around in front of the girls on the site.
I always say that having a platinum profile on a dating site is like having a private table reserved at the fanciest club in town. You might not totally need it, but it sure does help you meet girls!
Conclusion: Is Russian Cupid Legit?
In one word: YES! We’d be crazy to say it’s not.
It’s a crazy world we live in today. The internet has totally changed the way that people meet each other, and it’s up to you to put yourself in a comfortable situation where you can benefit from this.
Now, you can start meeting Russian women from the comfort of your own home. Even 15 years ago, this would have been totally impossible.
The bottom line here is that Russian Cupid comes in highly recommended from us. For meeting Russian women, there’s no other site that even comes close to touching it.
If you’ve ever been even slightly curious about what it’s like to date a Russian woman, I highly encourage to
So, what are you waiting for? The choice is yours.
