There are many prejudgements about Kiev, actually created by people who have never visited it.
For instance, all kinds of consumer products are widely available: no need to bring American cigarettes, chewing gum, toilet paper, or Levi's jeans as presents to your hosts. You will seldom have to wait in line - except in McDonald's! Internet cafes are widely located throughout the city so you can leave your notebooks at home. Credit cards are widely accepted in many restaurants, shops and offices. The city has drastically changed during the years of independence, and it doesnot really remind one of it's Soviet past. As democracy and the economy have developed the natural tolerance, friendliness and helpfulness.
Our advice - do not pay attention to travel-guides and web-sites which create negative ipressions of the country - use your common sense: Kiev is not stucked in time and is developing altogether with the rest of the world. Many foreigners have lived in the city for many years and lots of them are willing to stay here, because they like it so much; those, who leave are anxcious to return.

Though, as every city in the world Kiev has customs and traditions, which you have to know if you do not want to face an "awkward" situation:

If invited into a family home, bring a gift with you.
A bottle of wine, a cake, chocolate or a bouquet of flowers is customary. If there is a child in a house, it is appropriate to provide him/her with a small gift as well.

If you bring flowers, make sure it is an odd number of flowers.

Do not shake hands across the threshold of a door. It is considered bad luck.

When shaking hands, take off your gloves.

Be prepared to remove your shoes upon entering a house. To keep apartments cleen, most hosts will provide you with a pair of slippers.

When eating dinner at someone's home, casual dress is accepted.

Be ready to give toasts at dinner, for guests are often asked to do so.

Offer to share your snacks and cigarettes with those around you.

Be prepared to accept all food and drinks offered to you when visiting friends. Ukrainians are known for their genorousity when it comes to feeding others. Turning down food may be considered rude.

In Orthodox churches women wear scarves or hats, and men take off their hats.

Do not put your thumb between your first two fingers - this is a very rude gesture.

Never whistle in someone's house or a car - it is believed to bring impoverishment to the owner.

Do not discuss politics at the dinner table - you can never know your host's opinions.