I just had a Tinder girl try to insist that I meet her at specific restaurant. When I told her I prefer to choose, she went crazy and refused to meet. Scam averted!
Sad.. Born in Kyiv, I've never been to such places because of scam'y image around them. None of my friends go there. I understand: you want to meet girls and the girls you meet via traditional dating sites usually invite you to such places. This has been working for at least 20 years already. Nothing changed, looks like :) However, the girl you met in Poltava is of a different kind, for sure. Keep looking for such girls, avoid guys who also go to Avalon etc, start digging into cultural and intellectual layer of Kyiv, and you'll be amazed. Best luck!
@@michaellangone4766 Going to Podil, places like Палата №6, dig into socialist architecture, take the METRO to a random outskirt etc. Avalon wouldn't be my Kyiv, either. (:
Going for a walk in the park and getting a 🥙 is more ideal😋 If the girl doesn’t like you, she’d rather go to the park with a 🥙alone. Simple. Oh now I want to eat
I dont think this can be called dating at all. Date is when both parties are actually interested to meet and get to know each other. When one of them is simply doing that to get dinner for free and such is not a date :)
Or even just meeting a guy to practice her English or 'talk to an interesting foreigner'. It doesn't mean she's actually interested in getting to know you AS A MAN. But, if she is, you'll know lol.
@@mileicampeonmundial For most its not really their job. Just a 'side hustle'. Unless they're living with a bf/husband/parents. THEN maybe its basically their job.
A foreigner taking a Ukrainian girl to an expensive restaurant on a first date never gets them anywhere. When I lived in Ukraine, my first dates were always informal and involved coffee and a light lunch. Once a relationship had been established, I would take them fancier places. But at that stage it would be clear that they weren't just using me for an expensive meal.
It was hot in early July 2021 in Kyiv. I popped in to Avalon where there was decent air conditioning and ordered a lemonade. The waiter asked me if I like flavored and large lemonade. I said ok sure. My bill was 576 UAH ( over $21) for one glass of lemonade before tip! I commented to the waiter that this is probably the most expensive glass of lemonade in the world and he responded by reminding me that service is not included! Lesson learned; never spent any more money at Avalon!
You could get that price in New York if you enter in a 5-star restaurant and ask for lemonade only. Who does that?Restaurants are for dinners or lunches.
I live in Kyiv. All those places you mention are just tourist traps, just go a few more blocks from them and you will find 100% better and not scammy places...
14:44 That girl in the back who never smiles, chowing away at free food, and looks like she's waiting in line at the DMV. What a downer. At least fake a smile.
That’s why tourism won’t thrive there. We had the same experience of being preyed by the locals. It’s a no return for me. There are so many better destinations where people are poor but genuine and honest. No thanks, Ukraine.
yes,go in belgrad servia,tbilisi in georgia and you will be safe anytime. i live in odessa and kiev from 1990.now i am in cyprus for vaccination. next week back to kiev 10 days and afterin odessa my base. in odessa also many places have this scam atitute. no tryst ladies,friandly locals and english speakers. before 3 years 2 tyrist from cyprus didnt lisent me about a club in odessa name paladiym.for one battle of vodka they pay 3000 euro! many other people i know had the same bad expereance
In Odessa Ukraine....BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE "The Bar" downtown near Center. scammed me for $949 dinner for 2. 2 cheap bottles of wine..a shared seafood platter with my date and a Hookak. Should have cost at most $100 ...and still trying to get reversed by my bank. Wish me luck.
I see guys get scammed there all the time ! One man payed $3000 USD with 2 girls who are on commission. I watched as the girls ordered absolutely everything while he was just oblivious as they distracted with affection and charm . I’ve seen these two girls heaps of times always hanging around the Main Street both blond one skinny one heavier both about 35 .I try to warn sometimes but probably putting myself at risk
This scam almost happened to me in Kiev with a girl I met on tinder but as I have a certain experience in post soviet countries I didn't fall for that. She wanted to take me to a certain restaurant but I insisted to go to an other one (not so expensive), she kindda disapproved but we did then go to my own choice and during dinner started to complain about how bad the quality of the food was and barely ate what was served to her. In the end I knew she was a scammer like many others and left in a more than a dark taxi that was waiting for her. In conclusion, in those countries never let a girl decide for a restaurant where to eat.
I'm planning to spend my next vacation in Ukraine, 6 days in Kiev and 8 in Odessa, glad youtube recommended ur vlog as an eye opener for me to watch out for these things, appreciate the tips. cheers
Just got back from a week in Kyiv after seeing Johnny's videos, it was amazing, the people are charming, the prices are great, like you can eat your fill for so little and it's such a beautiful city. Go do a Chernobyl tour while you're there, super interesting!
Just avoid recommendation of touristic guides, find a young people who speak english and ask them about nice local places. There are hundreds of fancy and safe places both in Kyiv and Odessa.
You can rent your rooms in advance and get apartments, if you do not speak Russian at least a translator is helpful in some places, they have some for your phone.
I met my Ukrainian wife through Interpals and we're living in Bahrain with our daughter for the past 5 years.. One thing Americans need to know is that decent girls cannot be found in bars, because decent girls don't hang out there in Ukraine. It's just a different culture.
that is bullshit -a girl in ukraine can go to a bar to hang out with her friends, there is nothing wrong about it. But ofc if a FAKE LOOKING supposedly attractive lady is hitting on you , looking like a foreigner -she might be a scam .
Did he say it costed 2400 Hryvni that's around $90 - being scammed I don't think that is too bad..lol Last summer I was in Odessa and met up with girl from a dating app (Happened). She gave me a recommendation of a restaurant of which I declined thinking it'll be very expensive. After couple of recommendation from each other we ended going to this one by Afina Mall of which she recommended. I've looked at the menu thinking it'll going to expensive evening probably costing around $120 for two including a $65 bottle of wine (cheapest on the list). When the bill came - it tallied up to $250, I did challenged the waiter on each of the items on the bill. Outcome was that a glass of Orange juice costed $19 and the food was based on 100g pricing. So my salmon fillet main costed about $60 and while hers was slightly cheaper at $45, luckily I did not bother with the deserts. Moral of the story is a never let your Ukrainian date choose the restaurant on your first date, unless you already know them well.
were was this place.any time you have problem in odessa or your here let me know and yoy will not have this bad expereance. i will tell you were to eat with 3-5 euro and also the ladies like this place. this my area afina mall and all greek sguare.even genady tryxanov the mer of odessa is my emploee)).is good that only you spent money and you didnt get beaten or roped by a gang. all the ladies in iternet are scamers and avoid folow them or invide them. the prices you pay is very cheap,mayby you was in cezar in derebasoskaya 8-10. in other places are more and more expensive than there) my recards from cyprus at the moment
I paid 2,100uah at bernardazzi for me and my girlfriend. Most of that was the wine though and the food was a little more high end so even though it’s expensive for Ukraine I didn’t feel to put out as the same meal in the uk would have probably costed allot more.
I'm an American from California. Here in Odessa this week. Tonight just got caught up in the restaurant scam thanks to a Tinder girl. 2200 UAH for her 2 drinks, some dessert thing + my one vodka/orange juice! In the Greek Square area. Here in Odessa,, I've had several Tinder girls suggest we meet for lunch or dinner in the Greek Square area. Seems to me this is now a big red flag. 🚩 Forget those restaurants for a first date. Btw: I just had a girl try to get me to take her to ESHACK. Tip: Never let the girl choose the restaurant.
So many Americans Got robbed in Kiev In hostels They give you locker with digital key You think it’s secure You go out They open your locker Take your valuables Drug you ate night When u sleep You will not find out happen till u leave Ukraine It happened to me at zhoste in Kiev
Not necessarily. There are a lot of legit high paying IT jobs in Kyiv. I know several guys in their early or mid 20s that are pulling down serious salaries. Sometimes almost comparable to IT salaries in the Midwest USA.
depends on what you call really rich. But there are also many genuine businessmen, entrepreneurs and ppl who work high paying jobs at international companies.
I work for anon company in the US, at one point we were sending out about 500k $ loads of product to Kyiv pretty much everyday, I always joked that it was the mafia ordering it
I can’t believe this video. I was just there two years ago, I stayed right next door. I knew that place was a bit of a scam. Now you just confirmed it for me. I actually put it in one of my videos about my apartment that is seriously right next-door. Thanks Johnny
My cousin got done by a similar scam in Thailand, He was in a club with a friend then these girls come over starts flirting with you then more come over and end up shouting them drinks and the bill ends up being 3 or 4 times what it’s supposed to be and you try to leave and the bouncers stop you make you pay and you have to pay because you don’t want any trouble and you don’t know what their going to you and you can’t call the police because their corrupt.
I have seen many of your recent vlogs. I do not recommend you to go these places in city center. Find places that are cool for locals. Non of cool Ukrainian people would spend time and money in those kind of restaurants.
I had a similar one in Hungary in the late 90s. Girl approached me in the street. Buttered me up asked if I was a tourist. Offered to show me around. First place was a cute cafe where she recommended a wine called Bulls Blood. $4US for the bottle. Then she goes let's go dancing at this club I know so I'm like sure. We get seated in a cozy area and she goes "let's order another Bulls Blood". The wine was pretty decent so I'm like yeah sure let's do that. But the place itself was dead and boring as hell. So I say to the chick let's finish this bottle and get out of here. We finish the bottle, the bill comes and it's something like $120US! I kind of throw a fuss at the waiter who was built like a mack truck who's glaring at me and he just goes "you must pay!" I go "I don't have it on me!" He goes "ATM outside". So dude walks me out to the ATM and I hand him the cash. Then the chick walks up to me and says "where are we going next?" I said "Nowhere! You're too damn expensive!" and walked off.
So the best way to enjoy a nice restaurant food is to do takeout there without the water. Tell the date to hang out at your place with that restaurant food. No scam or worries. Otherwise tell the date to meet at Starbucks for 1st date. If I’m gonna spend that kind of money on a date I want to get at least laid to make it worthwhile.
you realy dont know this ladies)) me in macdonalds?i only eat in this 5 star restorant. all the foreigners you meet tha same gairls online or in the street so dont wait normal behave and for sure 100% yoy will get scam
@@inquisitvem6723 i mean the gairls tell you me only in fancone or bisteka i eat in odessa example.after you will see them alone in macdonalts or seat for hours dooing nothing.
The right perspective helps... I was young once, we all know why many guys go there, and it isn't to pick daisy's and sip tea... we get ourselves caught in our own zipper.
If you can cook, suggest to the girl you'll cook at your place or her place, if she says no, you know she's a scammer and not really interested in you.
That would be a strange request for a first or even 2nd date. But, if its a scammer playing the long game, and you ask this after you're already a couple? Then yeah she'd probably be a scammer if she still says no lol. Either that or she has no interest in cooking for her man. And in that case why would someone want her for a girlfriend?
I strongly recommend that you do not visit Ukraine. Especially the city of Odessa. The restaurants are a sham. The city is dirty. Total disrespect for tourists.
You seem pretty laid back about knowing one of your "friends" is apparently in on this scam and make a kickback from scamming you. I would want to know who that person was so I could get my money back 😂
@@cubajonesie I wonder how they feel now that Johnny is advocating for Ukraine. I wonder if they feel bad about how they treated Johnny. Or maybe they are sociopaths and just dont care?
Johnny, love your channel. I'm from NYC. 3yrs ago I met a beautiful Russian girl who was travelling for vacation, stayed in touch, visited each other then she stayed and we got married. Took 2 weeks after the wedding for me to discover she was scamming me and only wanted a green card - fortunately for me, I never applied for her. I sent her ass back to Russia, and she can't return. She begged me to bring her back, I said no. Don't get scammed bro!
@@emirk.3979 That seems to be the pattern, often stating that women in Russia don't work. Oddly enough, her statement couldn't be further from the truth. Last I heard she's barely getting by. Oh well.
@@DHFlip18 yes they work but they dont want to work they want to find someone and to do nothing. I have been with many if them but for exemole i live im Germany and womens are much better
If girl is beautiful, she need a worthy partner: good looking, intelligent, he should be an interesting person, and the most important - he must be about her age, otherwise your life priorities will be different. If you are non of those, and beautiful girl approaching you - something wrong.
Maybe its because I'm older and have experienced more of life, Johnny, but I much prefer peace and quiet and not the big cities. I've lived in Southern Calif. my whole life and I'm sick of all the noise and traffic and high costs. I would still love to hang out with you and Ben sometime because I know you guys would make me laugh a LOT. But WOW, I was not aware of all those crazy scams! Thank you for keeping us informed man!
When I was in Kiev like 5 years ago, I went to an Italian place (Prego) on Shevchenko. Had two full meals, drinks, salad, and desert for two and it was $22.00 with tip. Things are not supposed to be that expensive, I literally was there for a week and a half and could not spend the entire $500.00 I had for entertainment. Maybe things have changed since then.
things haven't changed, it was the fact that you went to normal places. here though, you can see that johnny goes to some really damn expensive yet totally unworthy restaurants. in my opinion, while traveling to places like ukraine, the cheapest opportunities must be considered, because this way you are going to know how usual people live, not rich ones
Oh yeah. Kyiv has been getting more expensive. I first got her in 2017 and prices on everything have gone up by around 30%. That is not scams that is just the inflation and the economy here.
I've also heard about that. Strange. I have been to Avalon with my girlfriend and we paid the normal price from the menu. They were not even suggesting some "heavily expensive" alternatives. But we both spoke Polish and just ordered in English. Maybe that was the reason. I actually really enjoyed that place. But I encountered a different situation. A police car stopped me after late night grocery shopping, wanted to see my passport and took me to their police station, because I refused to pay them to let me go. That was a really unpleasant situation. Still... we loved Kiev and we will come back.
I got caught by such scam and had to pay 650$ for a couple of drinks and a hookah, unfortunately I learned about this scam later. It was in Kiev, and the place was called Hi Hookah Bar or something of that sort.
If a girl expects you to take her to a fancy restaurant on a first date, doesn't that set off alarm bells? They are gold diggers, at best, scammers/criminals at worst. Certainly NOT marriage material. Avoid at all costs- if you just need to get laid, you can get an "escort" for less. FWIW, I'm a multimillionaire, and I hate overpriced "fancy" restaurants in any event. The food is rarely worth the ridiculous cost. You'll have more fun at eating and having a few beers at a good BBQ joint, without all the pretentious BS. I can't even remember the last time I ate ate at a restaurant where the average bill per person cost more than $35.
Thank you for Sharing advice:)) I travelled with my Russian girlfriend for 2.5 years through Europe… Dating advice for you, Johnny:)) Don’t date party girls who are most likely scammers … My Russian girlfriend didn’t drink or party… was very health conscious and amazing at cooking amazing Russian dishes:))) keep up the great videos… cheers from Vancouver Canada
Why was my last post not published?( A scammer girl tried to take me to an expensive Chinese restaurant called ‘Bao’ and also a trendy place called ‘Zweig’ When I suggested I choose a place of course she disappears! Avoid these places as they have deals with scammers. Even if you choose a place to go a girl can phone up and do a commission deal before you meet. Yes it’s that bad! Best to meet at a normal bar or cafe and go somewhere you choose. Most dates foreigners go on involve some scam or at least free food without a word of thanks. Yes, sad.
This happens all over eastern europe, it happened to me in Budapest. The eastern european mentality is to charge anyone who is not from their country a premium. But to a fellow countryman they will charge a smaller amount. Just feels wrong.
Some restraunts in Kyiv will show the menu of a meat dish, but they don’t say it’s the cost of only 100g. You order it because the price seems like a big dish. You order it and the food comes out with 200-300g so you don’t think you only paid for 100g. You think the price on the menu is what u got (200-300g). However the bill comes and it’s 2x-3x the cost of the dish due to more meat that they forced you to eat without knowing
You got similar tourist scams in other countries. In Greece for example they will bring you food you didn't order and if you touch it, you'll have to pay. But yeah, the tactics are more advanced in kyiv and odessa hahahaha
I'd never leave any type of a credit card at these places, in fact in wouldn't be seen so there places. The girl at the end of the table looks like she's about to cry.
I been to Ukraine many times, met ladies. Never had this problem. But I never met any ladies through these expensive dating sites. Was done in a more "personal" way. The ladies had my interests at heart.
The right perspective helps... I was young once, we all know why guys go there, and it isn't to pick daisy's and sip tea... we get ourselves caught in our own zipper.
I have just read some of the comments. What a lot of people fail to realize is that TH-camrs are always looking for content to blog about.Anyone with his wits about him would not fall for these scams and most of these TInder dates are not much better than prostitutes
Essentially, it's just an alternative to paying a fee to an Escort Agency. For many guys, it's more acceptable, but make no mistake, you are hiring a girl for the night and her wages need to be paid for somehow. You can find this sort of thing in London, around Soho, although there it's more usual to offer a sex show, charge you a reasonable entry fee ... and then some pretty girls come out of the woodwork and demand ridiculously expensive drinks. No drinks = no show, and if you relent, then they simply ask for more. There never is a show. If you demand your entry money back, they press an alarm button and a bunch of heavies call round to kick you out. Such scams are common in the very large capital cities.
Hey, Johnny great job! Thanx! With the help of this kind of videos, the amount of crooks and scums in Ukraine will finally reduce, I hope. So foreigners and tourists will feel much safer. Do you have experience with Czech Republic?:) this is my second homeland and I am interested, if there are many gold diggers there. Btw, my sister used to live in the flat in Mikhailivskyi provulok, where u and Bald were celebrating you birthday😂😂😂 I was really shocked. Have a nice day and enjoy Ukraine! Tony Popovich.
Should be retitled Tips For Simps. With any ounce of observational skill you would be able to tell a genuine girl from a scammer, and a well meaning resto from one out to screw you over. However the guys who fall for this are blinded by the fact they lack so much life awareness… which is why they are seen an unattractive and have to seek out girls willing to provide a service of companionship - at a cost.
The must common scam I have come across in my travels is the “Let’s have a drink” (Istanbul) in which you are invited by either man or women for a friendly drink and they take you to their favorite bar may end up with a hefty bill and of course you must pay or else. So, it’s not just Ukraine but other locations that if your not aware of such practices you can end up in a very unpleasant situation.
It's not necessarily "shy or embarrassed" in the West Johnny. It's naïve trust that's been developed over the years. The waiters and the women don't extort money from you, and recommendations are taken at face value. Of course the tipping system can be argued as a scam too, but that's a different conversation.
The money goes pockets of servers %99. In this kind of place, they copy credit cards of foreign tourists too. The owners never do that but some of the servers work for someone else. You never should use your credit card , especially if they dont bring the credit card charging machine to the table. Because credit card copy machine look different.
Have you had personal experience with that? I haven't heard that type of scam before, as in general my credit card has always been safe in Ukraine. It's more of the amount on the check that is the question.
@@JohnnyFD I dont know if that happens in Ukraine. But its happens many places in world. I cant give links because youtube dont let me. You can read "credit card shimming" "credit card skimming" "credit card cloning" scams on google. And I personally knew some people working in very luxury restuarants, bars and doing that as a side job. They got arrested
I've been watching your vids for a while now, really hoping that when I get out of the Army I can pull off a similar gig. Your videos keep my hopes up for a better life!!!
I lost alot of money to Ukraine (mailorderbride scam) 20k+, you probably lost a lot of money too with real estate investments. I think the country is jinxed with bad luck, it just takes in money from foreigners, with nothing in return. So sorry for you and this situation in Ukraine.
HA HA many guys fat bold and old think they will get a supermodel in Ukraine just because they have few bucks... she does not want you only your money ...
When is strange places, I look for shabby side street restaurants that cook local home type food. If you spend over the odds at a cheap local restaurant they will give great service. I am not attracted by the décor, only the quality of the food. In some countries were food and drink is expensive eg Norway. I tell the restaurant what is my budget, and they will serve accordingly.
HA!! I know this girl Olga sitting closest to you. She definitely knows whats going on as I've seen her around Kiev for many years. Restaurants Mario and Queen should also be avoided. Caribbean Club (Late night club 22:30-05:30) has always been fun and affordable...with a better ratio of nice, normal girls to prostitutes / gold diggers than Avalon and such places. Your experience in Odessa at the scam bar was the most obvious and they have been doing that for at least the past 4 years!!
Ukraine among other ex-USSR countries has always stricken me as scammy. And once they hear you speak English they will assume you are a money bag and take it upon themselves to relieve you of that burden. On the other hand the more you blend with locals, the less attention to yourself you draw by going to the most pretentious places advertising your English left and right, the fairer a treatment you will receive.
There is a steak house restaurant in Kiev where I took two friends to dinner. We ordered regular type steak house fair. I had 2 beers and my friends girlfriend had one wine. We had vegetables. It wasn’t a spectacular dinner. Two thick steaks and a couple of vegetable stuff. They slammed me for $160. I was so shocked but didn’t want to alarm my guests. I paid it and left. Another American ripped off! Beware. Ask questions ahead of time.
I go to Odessa with my lovely and darling girlfriend .. she is taking so care of me .. she is protecting me from any scams ..I never have been charged of a big bil .. never ... at the contrary she is always looking for the offordable plans for me .. I thank my girlfriend .. Ukrainian people are nice. . just some few Ukrainian people, unfortunately giving this bad image of the lovely Ukraine ...
Hey Johnny boi. Thanks for an informative video. I’m going to Kiev in a few weeks, i saw you mention in the video you would pin a comment or write in the description names of theese restaurants, can’t find any list 😬 can you mention some names i should avoid?
Avoid scams. Everyone who wants to visit Odessa and pay Ukrainian price on everything from accommodation to restaurant let me know. Free advise, no commission.
I’m, as Ukrainian girl, feel such a shame for my country… it’s very sad. I don’t want people around the word think bad things about Ukrainian girls, not all of them are like those scammers. I apologize for them. Please enjoy your time in Ukraine and wish you all the best)
Wait, did I just hear the waiter say "well done" at 11:31? I wouldn't feel bad about charging you extra for ruining a good piece of meat. If you order a steak well done in Europe, it is considered a crime against humanity/animal cruelty. If you want a piece of rubber to chew on all you need to do is ask :) Thanks for making people aware of what to look out for when travelling!
you sound frustrated & uncomfortable man. Unfortunately, this is the harsh reality - you don't seem to belong there, are you aware of the place you're in? watch your videos & reflect.. I genuinely wish you the best. Be around people who share your core values.
scopalomined in prague by 2 females in prague at a bar. gladly walked to the cashpoint to hand over £500 and lost the next 8 hours.. at least i woke with my clothes on lol.
It's not OK. Scamming is cheating over paying for your food money doesn't come free. Unless you have enough money to throw 🙄 even then I wouldn't go to places like that. Specially now with the covid income is effected will count on every penny.
Well in Asia is called the tea house scam. I heard that they use the dropped wallet scam in Ukraine too. Never pick a wallet up, if you see someone drop it, just point to it to the person. If you pick it up they claim it was full of cash and you stole it
There are, unfortunately. I never got into one (but I'm local - not so obvious target). We had a client representative came to us once - he is Indian guy who lives in NYC. Basically he was an obvious spot for scammers. He got into the wallet scam like 300 meters away from the hotel (some fancy Hilton, I bet those guys are monitoring places like that). Luckily he didn't have any cash on him and called our colleague once he felt that something spooky is going on. Even though it was middle of Sunday, our colleague instructed - do not give any cash to anyone, do not agree on anything, just wait - I'll be there in 15 minutes. Once those guys understood that he is calling for help from local people - they just vanished in a second.
tbh those places are not scams, they are just crazy expensive. The hookah you had was more expensive not because of the flavoring, but because the bowl was an actual grapefruit. It was on the menu probably at that price. But 600 UAH hookah is already expensive. so just look at the prices before ordering and you should be fine. Not listening to waiters is good advice tho
in odessa we have this scam with foreigneres and ladies. they have 2 diferent menus or is not very clear what you order you think a class of jameson whiske is 100 grivna and after you pay 2500. they will tell yoy is 25 gram,is 100 grivna evry gram. people pay for an orange juise 2000 dolars. keep in mind all this ladies and evry gairl yoy will meet in the street they will order the most expensive thinks for drink and food with out asking .is one of the most common scams in ukraine
I never take a girl out on a first or second date to a restaurant. Coffee is fine and I’m happy to cover its cost. While I’m not in the Ukraine, there are plenty of women here who take advantage of guys and get free meals and some even brag about it.
Thanks. I will never go to that scummy country for sure. Scamming tourists is like asking for them to never return and also adds up to the bad rep. Thats not constructive thinking at all. And its not about wether you can afford it or not. Its literally spitting on new money income from outside the country. Scummy and totally disrespectful.
Similar scams like this happen in Thailand for tourists,, where the Tuk-Tuk driver takes you to a so-called “ authentic “ Thai restaurant that’s out of of the way , and you pay almost western prices for ordinary food. The Tuk-Tuk driver gets a cut of the bill.
Charging you per 100 grams of meat or seafood is no scam. That's how they compute how much meat is on the menu and still make a profit. It's not a scam. You just have to read the menu carefully to avoid these misunderstandings.
Johnny, what was your expectations for going to restaurant under lockdown ? I am sure they have maximized the scams, They are taking the risk of getting fined, they need to rip off somebody my friend, that's how illegal things work, if you are stretching the rules, you need to pay a lot....
Just like any city everyone is out to make a few bucks, and unfortunately being a tourist you are the target got mugged in kyiv liked to 2 girls my mate though was is lucky night. That had links to the system of many of scammer. Common sense no one connects with other unless they after somthing enjoy and don't fall a victim Ukraine is a beautiful place and so much to offer
I just had a Tinder girl try to insist that I meet her at specific restaurant. When I told her I prefer to choose, she went crazy and refused to meet. Scam averted!
That is crazy
Good move man.
My respect to you sir!
absolutely they only want to go to commission restaurant .
You should have agreed to meet her there and then not shown up. Waste her time bro 😂
Sad.. Born in Kyiv, I've never been to such places because of scam'y image around them. None of my friends go there. I understand: you want to meet girls and the girls you meet via traditional dating sites usually invite you to such places. This has been working for at least 20 years already. Nothing changed, looks like :) However, the girl you met in Poltava is of a different kind, for sure. Keep looking for such girls, avoid guys who also go to Avalon etc, start digging into cultural and intellectual layer of Kyiv, and you'll be amazed. Best luck!
What are some examples of cultural and intellectual layer of Kyiv?
@@michaellangone4766 Going to Podil, places like Палата №6, dig into socialist architecture, take the METRO to a random outskirt etc. Avalon wouldn't be my Kyiv, either. (:
Good advice. Those girls are crooks and on the game. AVOID.
Сережа, как правило , стараются обмануть только иностранных граждан. Нас так не возмеш.
It’s like a sport to some these girls
Take the girl to Mc Donalds.Always safe.
Hesburger
Well you will know she’s genuine
Going for a walk in the park and getting a 🥙 is more ideal😋 If the girl doesn’t like you, she’d rather go to the park with a 🥙alone. Simple. Oh now I want to eat
Take her to Mcfoxy. People from kyiv would know this XD
@@2damaxmr2 mcfoxy does not exist anymore :)
I dont think this can be called dating at all. Date is when both parties are actually interested to meet and get to know each other. When one of them is simply doing that to get dinner for free and such is not a date :)
yeah it is her job
I met my wife in odessa...I have been on dozens of dates beforehand....and many trips there. And you?
@@jeanpaulfelix4095 your comment doesnt make any sense in the context presented here. try again.
Or even just meeting a guy to practice her English or 'talk to an interesting foreigner'. It doesn't mean she's actually interested in getting to know you AS A MAN. But, if she is, you'll know lol.
@@mileicampeonmundial For most its not really their job. Just a 'side hustle'. Unless they're living with a bf/husband/parents. THEN maybe its basically their job.
A foreigner taking a Ukrainian girl to an expensive restaurant on a first date never gets them anywhere. When I lived in Ukraine, my first dates were always informal and involved coffee and a light lunch. Once a relationship had been established, I would take them fancier places. But at that stage it would be clear that they weren't just using me for an expensive meal.
It was hot in early July 2021 in Kyiv. I popped in to Avalon where there was decent air conditioning and ordered a lemonade. The waiter asked me if I like flavored and large lemonade. I said ok sure. My bill was 576 UAH ( over $21) for one glass of lemonade before tip! I commented to the waiter that this is probably the most expensive glass of lemonade in the world and he responded by reminding me that service is not included! Lesson learned; never spent any more money at Avalon!
You could get that price in New York if you enter in a 5-star restaurant and ask for lemonade only. Who does that?Restaurants are for dinners or lunches.
Ask the price before you spend your money.
If he said to me that service is not included I would say too bad for you.
I live in Kyiv. All those places you mention are just tourist traps, just go a few more blocks from them and you will find 100% better and not scammy places...
Where? Add a list.
@@cabral_del_elpaso I guess you don't need a list anymore 😑
14:44 That girl in the back who never smiles, chowing away at free food, and looks like she's waiting in line at the DMV. What a downer. At least fake a smile.
That’s why tourism won’t thrive there. We had the same experience of being preyed by the locals. It’s a no return for me. There are so many better destinations where people are poor but genuine and honest. No thanks, Ukraine.
yes,go in belgrad servia,tbilisi in georgia and you will be safe anytime.
i live in odessa and kiev from 1990.now i am in cyprus for vaccination.
next week back to kiev 10 days and afterin odessa my base.
in odessa also many places have this scam atitute.
no tryst ladies,friandly locals and english speakers.
before 3 years 2 tyrist from cyprus didnt lisent me about a club
in odessa name paladiym.for one battle of vodka they pay 3000 euro!
many other people i know had the same bad expereance
If you are not looking for Slavic girls, don't travel Ukraine for vacation or tourism purpose. It's not a tourism destination.
In Odessa Ukraine....BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE "The Bar" downtown near Center. scammed me for $949 dinner for 2. 2 cheap bottles of wine..a shared seafood platter with my date and a Hookak. Should have cost at most $100 ...and still trying to get reversed by my bank. Wish me luck.
I see guys get scammed there all the time ! One man payed
$3000 USD with 2 girls who are on commission. I watched as the girls ordered absolutely everything while he was just oblivious as they distracted with affection and charm . I’ve seen these two girls heaps of times always hanging around the Main Street both blond one skinny one heavier both about 35 .I try to warn sometimes but probably putting myself at risk
This scam almost happened to me in Kiev with a girl I met on tinder but as I have a certain experience in post soviet countries I didn't fall for that. She wanted to take me to a certain restaurant but I insisted to go to an other one (not so expensive), she kindda disapproved but we did then go to my own choice and during dinner started to complain about how bad the quality of the food was and barely ate what was served to her. In the end I knew she was a scammer like many others and left in a more than a dark taxi that was waiting for her.
In conclusion, in those countries never let a girl decide for a restaurant where to eat.
And don't pick up girls on tinder or online anywhere.
I'm planning to spend my next vacation in Ukraine, 6 days in Kiev and 8 in Odessa, glad youtube recommended ur vlog as an eye opener for me to watch out for these things, appreciate the tips. cheers
Odessa is a city full of scams, watch it.
Just got back from a week in Kyiv after seeing Johnny's videos, it was amazing, the people are charming, the prices are great, like you can eat your fill for so little and it's such a beautiful city. Go do a Chernobyl tour while you're there, super interesting!
Just avoid recommendation of touristic guides, find a young people who speak english and ask them about nice local places. There are hundreds of fancy and safe places both in Kyiv and Odessa.
You can rent your rooms in advance and get apartments, if you do not speak Russian at least a translator is helpful in some places, they have some for your phone.
Good luck! Looking forward your feedback on what are the scams if any and tips on how you avoided them
I met my Ukrainian wife through Interpals and we're living in Bahrain with our daughter for the past 5 years.. One thing Americans need to know is that decent girls cannot be found in bars, because decent girls don't hang out there in Ukraine. It's just a different culture.
same goes for guys
@@mirusadventures7721 sure, but who is looking for a Ukrainian husband? It's mostly the other way around.
Absolutely
that is bullshit -a girl in ukraine can go to a bar to hang out with her friends, there is nothing wrong about it. But ofc if a FAKE LOOKING supposedly attractive lady is hitting on you , looking like a foreigner -she might be a scam .
Did he say it costed 2400 Hryvni that's around $90 - being scammed I don't think that is too bad..lol
Last summer I was in Odessa and met up with girl from a dating app (Happened). She gave me a recommendation of a restaurant of which I declined thinking it'll be very expensive. After couple of recommendation from each other we ended going to this one by Afina Mall of which she recommended.
I've looked at the menu thinking it'll going to expensive evening probably costing around $120 for two including a $65 bottle of wine (cheapest on the list). When the bill came - it tallied up to $250, I did challenged the waiter on each of the items on the bill. Outcome was that a glass of Orange juice costed $19 and the food was based on 100g pricing. So my salmon fillet main costed about $60 and while hers was slightly cheaper at $45, luckily I did not bother with the deserts.
Moral of the story is a never let your Ukrainian date choose the restaurant on your first date, unless you already know them well.
were was this place.any time you have problem in odessa or your here
let me know and yoy will not have this bad expereance.
i will tell you were to eat with 3-5 euro and also the ladies like this place.
this my area afina mall and all greek sguare.even genady tryxanov the mer
of odessa is my emploee)).is good that only you spent money and you
didnt get beaten or roped by a gang.
all the ladies in iternet are scamers and avoid folow them or invide them.
the prices you pay is very cheap,mayby you was in cezar in derebasoskaya 8-10.
in other places are more and more expensive than there)
my recards from cyprus at the moment
@@vatraxosapoelistas1629 Any Tipps?
I thought Ukrainians pay for their own food
Odessa is an scam city, watch it my friends...
I paid 2,100uah at bernardazzi for me and my girlfriend. Most of that was the wine though and the food was a little more high end so even though it’s expensive for Ukraine I didn’t feel to put out as the same meal in the uk would have probably costed allot more.
I'm an American from California. Here in Odessa this week. Tonight just got caught up in the restaurant scam thanks to a Tinder girl. 2200 UAH for her 2 drinks, some dessert thing + my one vodka/orange juice! In the Greek Square area.
Here in Odessa,, I've had several Tinder girls suggest we meet for lunch or dinner in the Greek Square area. Seems to me this is now a big red flag. 🚩 Forget those restaurants for a first date.
Btw: I just had a girl try to get me to take her to ESHACK.
Tip: Never let the girl choose the restaurant.
So many Americans
Got robbed in Kiev
In hostels
They give you locker with digital key
You think it’s secure
You go out
They open your locker
Take your valuables
Drug you ate night
When u sleep
You will not find out happen till u leave Ukraine
It happened to me at zhoste in Kiev
@@aliciohemanes2917 You didn't read the reviews before you booked?
you can check the menu of any restaurant online ahead
17:39 That girl at the end of the table with her head down wasn't feeling it, I bet she was just there for a meal.
There are a lot of simps. These girls know how to take advantage of them.
Lesson: No genuine people in illegal activities ✅
No honor among thieves
@@nn-dj2nu There's heaps, just not with their marks.
if you are really rich in Ukraine, you are either a corrupt gov worker or a shady businessman.
Not necessarily. There are a lot of legit high paying IT jobs in Kyiv. I know several guys in their early or mid 20s that are pulling down serious salaries. Sometimes almost comparable to IT salaries in the Midwest USA.
depends on what you call really rich. But there are also many genuine businessmen, entrepreneurs and ppl who work high paying jobs at international companies.
I work for anon company in the US, at one point we were sending out about 500k $ loads of product to Kyiv pretty much everyday, I always joked that it was the mafia ordering it
I can’t believe this video. I was just there two years ago, I stayed right next door. I knew that place was a bit of a scam. Now you just confirmed it for me. I actually put it in one of my videos about my apartment that is seriously right next-door. Thanks Johnny
they called them in kiev "soldiers" be careful johnny, they always wants your money free drink , food etc. play wisely
My cousin got done by a similar scam in Thailand, He was in a club with a friend then these girls come over starts flirting with you then more come over and end up shouting them drinks and the bill ends up being 3 or 4 times what it’s supposed to be and you try to leave and the bouncers stop you make you pay and you have to pay because you don’t want any trouble and you don’t know what their going to you and you can’t call the police because their corrupt.
I have seen many of your recent vlogs. I do not recommend you to go these places in city center. Find places that are cool for locals. Non of cool Ukrainian people would spend time and money in those kind of restaurants.
exactly
I had a similar one in Hungary in the late 90s. Girl approached me in the street. Buttered me up asked if I was a tourist. Offered to show me around. First place was a cute cafe where she recommended a wine called Bulls Blood. $4US for the bottle. Then she goes let's go dancing at this club I know so I'm like sure. We get seated in a cozy area and she goes "let's order another Bulls Blood". The wine was pretty decent so I'm like yeah sure let's do that. But the place itself was dead and boring as hell. So I say to the chick let's finish this bottle and get out of here. We finish the bottle, the bill comes and it's something like $120US! I kind of throw a fuss at the waiter who was built like a mack truck who's glaring at me and he just goes "you must pay!" I go "I don't have it on me!" He goes "ATM outside". So dude walks me out to the ATM and I hand him the cash. Then the chick walks up to me and says "where are we going next?" I said "Nowhere! You're too damn expensive!" and walked off.
Tell the girls you want to go to McDonalds and see what happens : )
So the best way to enjoy a nice restaurant food is to do takeout there without the water. Tell the date to hang out at your place with that restaurant food. No scam or worries. Otherwise tell the date to meet at Starbucks for 1st date.
If I’m gonna spend that kind of money on a date I want to get at least laid to make it worthwhile.
No Starbucks in Ukraine so far :)
you realy dont know this ladies)) me in macdonalds?i only eat in this 5 star restorant.
all the foreigners you meet tha same gairls online or in the street so dont
wait normal behave and for sure 100% yoy will get scam
Vatraxos Apoelistas I won’t get scammed because I won’t eat at 5 star restaurants for dine in…I will only do take out.
@@inquisitvem6723 i mean the gairls tell you me only in fancone or bisteka i eat in odessa example.after you will see them alone in macdonalts or seat for hours dooing nothing.
@@inquisitvem6723 well I mean even the ukrainian girls have standards. Judging by your creepy comments you probably are below them lmao
The right perspective helps... I was young once, we all know why many guys go there, and it isn't to pick daisy's and sip tea... we get ourselves caught in our own zipper.
If you can cook, suggest to the girl you'll cook at your place or her place, if she says no, you know she's a scammer and not really interested in you.
That would be a strange request for a first or even 2nd date. But, if its a scammer playing the long game, and you ask this after you're already a couple? Then yeah she'd probably be a scammer if she still says no lol. Either that or she has no interest in cooking for her man. And in that case why would someone want her for a girlfriend?
Why don’t you just offer her dollars and take her to a hotel 😂
And order a pizza from pizza hut home delivered.
because she wants food and clothes and attention, not sex or straight up cash.
They can get more money from commissions and shopping than for straight sex
@@lordclancharlie1325 but aren't they humans and want sex?
@@surveyorsairinc2166 Sex not important when you hungry and thirsty
I strongly recommend that you do not visit Ukraine. Especially the city of Odessa. The restaurants are a sham. The city is dirty. Total disrespect for tourists.
Like tourists should be worshipped. Maybe try SE Asia
You seem pretty laid back about knowing one of your "friends" is apparently in on this scam and make a kickback from scamming you. I would want to know who that person was so I could get my money back 😂
It was the couple in the corner ordering everything. I'd agree though, he seems pretty chill about his 'friends' playing him.
@@cubajonesie they weren’t his friends because they scammed him. They are his enemy!
@@cubajonesie I wonder how they feel now that Johnny is advocating for Ukraine. I wonder if they feel bad about how they treated Johnny. Or maybe they are sociopaths and just dont care?
Johnny, love your channel. I'm from NYC.
3yrs ago I met a beautiful Russian girl who was travelling for vacation, stayed in touch, visited each other then she stayed and we got married. Took 2 weeks after the wedding for me to discover she was scamming me and only wanted a green card - fortunately for me, I never applied for her. I sent her ass back to Russia, and she can't return. She begged me to bring her back, I said no.
Don't get scammed bro!
They ALL do that if that makes you feel better. The keyword for the trap is 'beautiful girl'. ;)
Like most girls for Rusia she will never spent one penny on you and she will never work
@@emirk.3979 That seems to be the pattern, often stating that women in Russia don't work. Oddly enough, her statement couldn't be further from the truth. Last I heard she's barely getting by. Oh well.
@@DHFlip18 yes they work but they dont want to work they want to find someone and to do nothing. I have been with many if them but for exemole i live im Germany and womens are much better
If girl is beautiful, she need a worthy partner: good looking, intelligent, he should be an interesting person, and the most important - he must be about her age, otherwise your life priorities will be different. If you are non of those, and beautiful girl approaching you - something wrong.
Maybe its because I'm older and have experienced more of life, Johnny, but I much prefer peace and quiet and not the big cities. I've lived in Southern Calif. my whole life and I'm sick of all the noise and traffic and high costs. I would still love to hang out with you and Ben sometime because I know you guys would make me laugh a LOT. But WOW, I was not aware of all those crazy scams! Thank you for keeping us informed man!
When I was in Kiev like 5 years ago, I went to an Italian place (Prego) on Shevchenko. Had two full meals, drinks, salad, and desert for two and it was $22.00 with tip. Things are not supposed to be that expensive, I literally was there for a week and a half and could not spend the entire $500.00 I had for entertainment. Maybe things have changed since then.
things haven't changed, it was the fact that you went to normal places. here though, you can see that johnny goes to some really damn expensive yet totally unworthy restaurants. in my opinion, while traveling to places like ukraine, the cheapest opportunities must be considered, because this way you are going to know how usual people live, not rich ones
Most places are cheap as hell. You can go to a good-quality buffet-style place for lunch and get a 4-course (entree soup salad etc) meal for
Oh yeah. Kyiv has been getting more expensive. I first got her in 2017 and prices on everything have gone up by around 30%. That is not scams that is just the inflation and the economy here.
@@hipkno77 not just there, but everywhere
You will never be scammed there again.
Bald is always getting scammed. He's got a weakness for the Babushkas!
lmao
You also got scammed with your steak, they gave you a lump of coal.
not only that he asked for a well done steak.
I've also heard about that. Strange. I have been to Avalon with my girlfriend and we paid the normal price from the menu. They were not even suggesting some "heavily expensive" alternatives. But we both spoke Polish and just ordered in English. Maybe that was the reason. I actually really enjoyed that place.
But I encountered a different situation. A police car stopped me after late night grocery shopping, wanted to see my passport and took me to their police station, because I refused to pay them to let me go. That was a really unpleasant situation.
Still... we loved Kiev and we will come back.
Thanks for this video, Johnny. That’s why I eat at Puzata Hata. Good food, and no scams.
You can also try Dinners, the same price but better quality
@@JarheadUkraine or any Georgian)
puzata hata is quite low-quality food. just go to the places where owners are not the mafia.
Biggest scam I came across is waiter padding the bill . Putting items on the bill you never ordered . Charging double . Happens constantly
I got caught by such scam and had to pay 650$ for a couple of drinks and a hookah, unfortunately I learned about this scam later. It was in Kiev, and the place was called Hi Hookah Bar or something of that sort.
If a girl expects you to take her to a fancy restaurant on a first date, doesn't that set off alarm bells? They are gold diggers, at best, scammers/criminals at worst. Certainly NOT marriage material. Avoid at all costs- if you just need to get laid, you can get an "escort" for less.
FWIW, I'm a multimillionaire, and I hate overpriced "fancy" restaurants in any event. The food is rarely worth the ridiculous cost. You'll have more fun at eating and having a few beers at a good BBQ joint, without all the pretentious BS. I can't even remember the last time I ate ate at a restaurant where the average bill per person cost more than $35.
Thank you for Sharing advice:)) I travelled with my Russian girlfriend for 2.5 years through Europe… Dating advice for you, Johnny:)) Don’t date party girls who are most likely scammers … My Russian girlfriend didn’t drink or party… was very health conscious and amazing at cooking amazing Russian dishes:))) keep up the great videos… cheers from Vancouver Canada
Which website did you find your mail order bride on?
@@danthadon87 go to University library.. There are some, reading books
If you google China Tea House Scam and you'll find a similar strategy used in Beijing and Shanghai.
Why was my last post not published?(
A scammer girl tried to take me to an expensive Chinese restaurant called ‘Bao’ and also a trendy place called ‘Zweig’ When I suggested I choose a place of course she disappears! Avoid these places as they have deals with scammers. Even if you choose a place to go a girl can phone up and do a commission deal before you meet. Yes it’s that bad! Best to meet at a normal bar or cafe and go somewhere you choose. Most dates foreigners go on involve some scam or at least free food without a word of thanks. Yes, sad.
I have never been scammed like this myself but I see it all over Eastern Europe.
This happens all over eastern europe, it happened to me in Budapest. The eastern european mentality is to charge anyone who is not from their country a premium. But to a fellow countryman they will charge a smaller amount. Just feels wrong.
I would love to know why the girl sitting at the end of the table looks so unhappy every time she appears on the video. She really isn't lovin' it.
Some restraunts in Kyiv will show the menu of a meat dish, but they don’t say it’s the cost of only 100g. You order it because the price seems like a big dish. You order it and the food comes out with 200-300g so you don’t think you only paid for 100g. You think the price on the menu is what u got (200-300g). However the bill comes and it’s 2x-3x the cost of the dish due to more meat that they forced you to eat without knowing
You got similar tourist scams in other countries. In Greece for example they will bring you food you didn't order and if you touch it, you'll have to pay. But yeah, the tactics are more advanced in kyiv and odessa hahahaha
I'd never leave any type of a credit card at these places, in fact in wouldn't be seen so there places. The girl at the end of the table looks like she's about to cry.
This is not a new scam. It's just become more prevalent. You use to see this in south east Asia too.
Dude - any restaurant blaring techno music is an obvious trap. Traditionally, a good place to eat is relatively quiet - better for digestion.
I been to Ukraine many times, met ladies. Never had this problem. But I never met any ladies through these expensive dating sites. Was done in a more "personal" way. The ladies had my interests at heart.
The right perspective helps... I was young once, we all know why guys go there, and it isn't to pick daisy's and sip tea... we get ourselves caught in our own zipper.
I live in Kyiv. Never been in such places. It is obvious these places are for those who dont count money.
I have just read some of the comments. What a lot of people fail to realize is that TH-camrs are always looking for content to blog about.Anyone with his wits about him would not fall for these scams and most of these TInder dates are not much better than prostitutes
I have no shame about being cheap, I will interrogate the waiters about the cost of everything.
I do the same sometimes I just say I give me 20€ in food. Easy cheers
Essentially, it's just an alternative to paying a fee to an Escort Agency. For many guys, it's more acceptable, but make no mistake, you are hiring a girl for the night and her wages need to be paid for somehow. You can find this sort of thing in London, around Soho, although there it's more usual to offer a sex show, charge you a reasonable entry fee ... and then some pretty girls come out of the woodwork and demand ridiculously expensive drinks. No drinks = no show, and if you relent, then they simply ask for more. There never is a show. If you demand your entry money back, they press an alarm button and a bunch of heavies call round to kick you out. Such scams are common in the very large capital cities.
Hey, Johnny great job! Thanx! With the help of this kind of videos, the amount of crooks and scums in Ukraine will finally reduce, I hope. So foreigners and tourists will feel much safer. Do you have experience with Czech Republic?:) this is my second homeland and I am interested, if there are many gold diggers there. Btw, my sister used to live in the flat in Mikhailivskyi provulok, where u and Bald were celebrating you birthday😂😂😂 I was really shocked. Have a nice day and enjoy Ukraine! Tony Popovich.
Should be retitled Tips For Simps.
With any ounce of observational skill you would be able to tell a genuine girl from a scammer, and a well meaning resto from one out to screw you over.
However the guys who fall for this are blinded by the fact they lack so much life awareness… which is why they are seen an unattractive and have to seek out girls willing to provide a service of companionship - at a cost.
The must common scam I have come across in my travels is the “Let’s have a drink” (Istanbul) in which you are invited by either man or women for a friendly drink and they take you to their favorite bar may end up with a hefty bill and of course you must pay or else. So, it’s not just Ukraine but other locations that if your not aware of such practices you can end up in a very unpleasant situation.
It's not necessarily "shy or embarrassed" in the West Johnny. It's naïve trust that's been developed over the years. The waiters and the women don't extort money from you, and recommendations are taken at face value. Of course the tipping system can be argued as a scam too, but that's a different conversation.
The money goes pockets of servers %99. In this kind of place, they copy credit cards of foreign tourists too. The owners never do that but some of the servers work for someone else. You never should use your credit card , especially if they dont bring the credit card charging machine to the table. Because credit card copy machine look different.
Have you had personal experience with that? I haven't heard that type of scam before, as in general my credit card has always been safe in Ukraine. It's more of the amount on the check that is the question.
I’ve never had an issue using Apple Pay.
it happens.. Never let the waiters take your credit card and go away. Always let them bring POS machine to the table
@@JohnnyFD I dont know if that happens in Ukraine. But its happens many places in world. I cant give links because youtube dont let me. You can read "credit card shimming" "credit card skimming" "credit card cloning" scams on google. And I personally knew some people working in very luxury restuarants, bars and doing that as a side job. They got arrested
You got off easy Johnny. Some men don't know that they are being played by their girl until after they have married the girl.
I've been watching your vids for a while now, really hoping that when I get out of the Army I can pull off a similar gig. Your videos keep my hopes up for a better life!!!
The best way to avoid a scam is not going there.
Never eat out I haven't in years I would rather save my money for other things plus it is healthier if I make my own food.
I lost alot of money to Ukraine (mailorderbride scam) 20k+, you probably lost a lot of money too with real estate investments. I think the country is jinxed with bad luck, it just takes in money from foreigners, with nothing in return. So sorry for you and this situation in Ukraine.
A girl who is out of your league shows interest for no reason
Take her to McDonalds see how interested she actually isn't 😄
HA HA many guys fat bold and old think they will get a supermodel in Ukraine just because they have few bucks... she does not want you only your money ...
@@ericgabay1580 exactly!
they're getting those water bottles anywhere from 10cents to 50 cents per bottle.. and charging 2400% on it. nice
When is strange places, I look for shabby side street restaurants that cook local home type food. If you spend over the odds at a cheap local restaurant they will give great service. I am not attracted by the décor, only the quality of the food. In some countries were food and drink is expensive eg Norway. I tell the restaurant what is my budget, and they will serve accordingly.
HA!! I know this girl Olga sitting closest to you. She definitely knows whats going on as I've seen her around Kiev for many years. Restaurants Mario and Queen should also be avoided. Caribbean Club (Late night club 22:30-05:30) has always been fun and affordable...with a better ratio of nice, normal girls to prostitutes / gold diggers than Avalon and such places. Your experience in Odessa at the scam bar was the most obvious and they have been doing that for at least the past 4 years!!
Ukraine among other ex-USSR countries has always stricken me as scammy. And once they hear you speak English they will assume you are a money bag and take it upon themselves to relieve you of that burden. On the other hand the more you blend with locals, the less attention to yourself you draw by going to the most pretentious places advertising your English left and right, the fairer a treatment you will receive.
Sometimes you have to be hostile just like the environment, like a mirror.
Be careful! You can get yourself hurt
There is a steak house restaurant in Kiev where I took two friends to dinner. We ordered regular type steak house fair. I had 2 beers and my friends girlfriend had one wine. We had vegetables. It wasn’t a spectacular dinner. Two thick steaks and a couple of vegetable stuff. They slammed me for $160. I was so shocked but didn’t want to alarm my guests. I paid it and left. Another American ripped off! Beware. Ask questions ahead of time.
there are some pricy steak houses, check the menu online ahead of your visit
I go to Odessa with my lovely and darling girlfriend .. she is taking so care of me .. she is protecting me from any scams ..I never have been charged of a big bil .. never ... at the contrary she is always looking for the offordable plans for me .. I thank my girlfriend .. Ukrainian people are nice. . just some few Ukrainian people, unfortunately giving this bad image of the lovely Ukraine ...
It’s more than few
Hey Johnny boi. Thanks for an informative video. I’m going to Kiev in a few weeks, i saw you mention in the video you would pin a comment or write in the description names of theese restaurants, can’t find any list 😬 can you mention some names i should avoid?
''overchaged for something that did not worth that money'
Avoid scams. Everyone who wants to visit Odessa and pay Ukrainian price on everything from accommodation to restaurant let me know. Free advise, no commission.
I’m, as Ukrainian girl, feel such a shame for my country… it’s very sad. I don’t want people around the word think bad things about Ukrainian girls, not all of them are like those scammers. I apologize for them. Please enjoy your time in Ukraine and wish you all the best)
Thanks Anna. 🙏🥰
There is nothing to apologize for. You didn't do that.😊 you are not responsible for their behaviour.
Wait, did I just hear the waiter say "well done" at 11:31? I wouldn't feel bad about charging you extra for ruining a good piece of meat. If you order a steak well done in Europe, it is considered a crime against humanity/animal cruelty. If you want a piece of rubber to chew on all you need to do is ask :)
Thanks for making people aware of what to look out for when travelling!
haha le epic not allowed to cook cow meat through, hehe can't drink cosmos either or ur gay real manly men only drink beer
Dude you got to show us that app that they're using! Expose it!
you sound frustrated & uncomfortable man. Unfortunately, this is the harsh reality - you don't seem to belong there, are you aware of the place you're in? watch your videos & reflect.. I genuinely wish you the best. Be around people who share your core values.
scopalomined in prague by 2 females in prague at a bar. gladly walked to the cashpoint to hand over £500 and lost the next 8 hours.. at least i woke with my clothes on lol.
It's not OK. Scamming is cheating over paying for your food money doesn't come free. Unless you have enough money to throw 🙄 even then I wouldn't go to places like that. Specially now with the covid income is effected will count on every penny.
Well in Asia is called the tea house scam. I heard that they use the dropped wallet scam in Ukraine too. Never pick a wallet up, if you see someone drop it, just point to it to the person. If you pick it up they claim it was full of cash and you stole it
There are, unfortunately. I never got into one (but I'm local - not so obvious target). We had a client representative came to us once - he is Indian guy who lives in NYC. Basically he was an obvious spot for scammers. He got into the wallet scam like 300 meters away from the hotel (some fancy Hilton, I bet those guys are monitoring places like that). Luckily he didn't have any cash on him and called our colleague once he felt that something spooky is going on. Even though it was middle of Sunday, our colleague instructed - do not give any cash to anyone, do not agree on anything, just wait - I'll be there in 15 minutes. Once those guys understood that he is calling for help from local people - they just vanished in a second.
Thanks for telling me this. You inspired me to go there and I’ll be there in August. Just hoping Jiujitsu gyms are a go by then.
Paying that much for a restaurant no michelin star attached to it.
tbh those places are not scams, they are just crazy expensive. The hookah you had was more expensive not because of the flavoring, but because the bowl was an actual grapefruit. It was on the menu probably at that price. But 600 UAH hookah is already expensive. so just look at the prices before ordering and you should be fine. Not listening to waiters is good advice tho
$88 doesn't sound so high.... You can pay that much at a Chili's for two meals and drinks.
Don’t they have the prices on the menu. As for ordering the most expensive when you are paying, I know people like that.
in odessa we have this scam with foreigneres and ladies.
they have 2 diferent menus or is not very clear what you order
you think a class of jameson whiske is 100 grivna and after you pay 2500.
they will tell yoy is 25 gram,is 100 grivna evry gram.
people pay for an orange juise 2000 dolars.
keep in mind all this ladies and evry gairl yoy will meet in the street
they will order the most expensive thinks for drink and food
with out asking .is one of the most common scams in ukraine
If my watermelon juice cost 70$ I will literally go to the restaurants kitchen and start pulping the watermelon myself 😂🤣🤣🤣
I never take a girl out on a first or second date to a restaurant. Coffee is fine and I’m happy to cover its cost. While I’m not in the Ukraine, there are plenty of women here who take advantage of guys and get free meals and some even brag about it.
Thanks. I will never go to that scummy country for sure. Scamming tourists is like asking for them to never return and also adds up to the bad rep. Thats not constructive thinking at all. And its not about wether you can afford it or not. Its literally spitting on new money income from outside the country. Scummy and totally disrespectful.
Similar scams like this happen in Thailand for tourists,, where the Tuk-Tuk driver takes you to a so-called “ authentic “ Thai restaurant that’s out of of the way , and you pay almost western prices for ordinary food. The Tuk-Tuk driver gets a cut of the bill.
Still averaging out to about $20 for a BJ so you're miles in front
Charging you per 100 grams of meat or seafood is no scam. That's how they compute how much meat is on the menu and still make a profit. It's not a scam. You just have to read the menu carefully to avoid these misunderstandings.
Johnny, what was your expectations for going to restaurant under lockdown ? I am sure they have maximized the scams, They are taking the risk of getting fined, they need to rip off somebody my friend, that's how illegal things work, if you are stretching the rules, you need to pay a lot....
It is not related to covid 19. It has been happening for a long time and it is common especially in Kyiv and Odesa
Just like any city everyone is out to make a few bucks, and unfortunately being a tourist you are the target got mugged in kyiv liked to 2 girls my mate though was is lucky night. That had links to the system of many of scammer. Common sense no one connects with other unless they after somthing enjoy and don't fall a victim Ukraine is a beautiful place and so much to offer
Thank you friend. I appreciate sharing this information. Its very important and helpful.
I never go to fancy restaurants. I would not pay more than £10 for a meal.