Where to buy food and essential goods: supermarkets, markets, delivery

After moving to a new country or even a new city, one of the most important issues is finding places to shop at a bargain. Depending on your preferences, budget, and lifestyle, you can buy groceries and essentials in supermarkets, and markets, or order them through delivery services. Learn more about the specifics of grocery shopping in Ukraine

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The retail market in Ukraine is quite diverse. You can shop in large retail chains, and traditional markets, or use online delivery services.

Ukraine is a fairly comfortable country for everyday shopping. It's easy to find both local products and imported goods, as well as to use various payment methods: cash, bank cards, or mobile payments

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You can find a checklist for living or traveling in Ukraine from Visit Ukraine here.

Supermarkets in Ukraine

If you're looking for places to buy groceries in Ukraine, supermarkets are one of the most convenient options. They are usually located in all areas of large cities and even in small towns. You can buy almost everything in supermarkets: food, household goods, hygiene products, and even some medicines.

The assortment of most supermarkets in Ukraine includes both local and imported products. However, prices can vary significantly depending on the chain, store location, and focus on a particular customer segment. 

The most popular supermarket chains in Ukraine

- Silpo is one of the most widespread supermarket chains. It offers a wide range of products, including delicacies and ready-to-eat meals. You can also find many imported goods here, as well as high-quality meat and dairy products. Prices are slightly higher than average, but there are often promotional offers.

- ATB is a chain of stores that specializes in affordable prices and everyday goods. Compared to other chains, the assortment is somewhat limited, but you can always find basic products at an attractive price.

- Varus is a chain that offers a balanced selection of goods: both private label and well-known brands. Prices are average. They often have their own baking and cooking departments.

- Metro - cash & carry hypermarkets focused on both retail consumers and businesses (restaurants, cafes). You need a club membership card (if you don't have one, you can get one on the spot). Food prices are lower when buying in large volumes.

- Novus is a modern supermarket chain with a large selection of imported delicacies and fresh produce. Prices are slightly higher than the market average, but you can find exotic fruits, foreign snacks, wines and cheeses.

- Auchan is a French hypermarket chain that offers a wide range of groceries and household goods. Hypermarkets are usually located in shopping centers, where it is convenient to make other purchases.

In addition, you should consider the type of purchases you make when choosing a supermarket. If you want to buy delicacies or imported goods, we recommend visiting Silpo or Novus. ATB is an ideal option for everyday goods. Metro is the best choice for large-scale purchases or business.

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Payment methods in Ukrainian stores

The hryvnia is the only official currency in Ukraine, so payments are accepted only in hryvnia. There are plenty of ATMs in major cities, so withdrawing cash from international cards will not be a problem. 

In our previous article, we told you how to use foreign bank cards in Ukraine.

Almost all supermarkets, store chains, and even many markets accept international Visa and MasterCard payment cards. If you have a card from a foreign bank, you can usually pay with it as well, but check to see if your bank allows transactions in Ukraine.

Cashless payments via smartphone are widespread in Ukrainian cities. If your phone or watch supports Apple Pay/Google Pay, you can pay almost anywhere with a POS terminal.

Markets and farm products in Ukraine

Farmers' markets are an important part of the country's shopping culture. The markets offer a wide selection of fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, cheese, homemade pastries, honey, and spices. Farmers often sell their own produce at the markets, which attracts those who want to buy organic products at reasonable prices.

Where to find the best markets in Ukraine?

- Kyiv - Bessarabian market (in the city center), Zhytniy market (in Podil), Volodymyrskyi market.

- Lviv - Krakivskyi Market and Pryvokzalnyi Market.

- Odesa - Privoz - one of the largest and most famous markets in the country, where you can find almost everything.

- Kharkiv - Central Market, Horse Market, and Barabashovo Market (the latter is one of the largest shopping complexes in Eastern Europe, although it specializes in more than just food).

What to buy at the market

Seasonal fruits and vegetables at the markets are always fresh and much cheaper than in supermarkets. Large markets have specialized meat and fish pavilions. However, it is better to come in the morning to have a wider choice. You can try cottage cheese, sour cream, brynza, or other cheeses right on the spot. Ukraine is famous for its variety of natural honey. You can also buy herbal preparations and spices at the markets.

Life hacks for foreigners

At markets, you can usually negotiate a price reduction, especially if you buy a larger quantity of goods. So don't be afraid to bargain. Do not hesitate to ask the seller to show the product closer, try a small piece of cheese or sausage. The largest assortment and the best freshness are usually in the morning. In the evening, you can sometimes find discounts on leftovers.

Are foreign products represented in Ukraine?

If you're looking for something special that reminds you of your home or is needed for specific cooking recipes, you can easily find imported products in Ukraine, especially in big cities. Many supermarkets have specialized departments with exotic fruits, Asian sauces, Italian cheeses, etc.

In addition, in some cities there are delicatessens or departments in large shopping centers that offer a wide range of imported brands. Products from the US, UK, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Asian countries are quite common.

Online grocery delivery in Ukraine

If you value your time or don't want to carry heavy bags, you should pay attention to delivery. After the COVID-19 pandemic, this format has become especially popular and continues to grow.

Popular online delivery services in Ukraine

- Glovo is an international service where you can order groceries from supermarkets, food from restaurants, and even some basic necessities.

- Bolt Food is another platform that offers delivery of food from restaurants and products from partner stores.

- Raketa is a local Ukrainian delivery service.

- Zakaz.ua is a specialized delivery service from large supermarkets (Silpo, Auchan, Novus).

- Rocket - similar to Glovo or Bolt Food, with a wide geography.

How to order groceries online?

1. Create an account. Most services require registration by phone number. You can often use a foreign number, but in some cases, you may need a Ukrainian SIM card.

2. Choose a store/restaurant. Enter the delivery address and view the available offers.

3. Make a payment. International bank cards Visa / MasterCard are usually accepted. Some services can also work with Apple Pay / Google Pay.

4. Delivery. Delivery time depends on the distance and workload of couriers (on average 30-90 minutes in large cities).

Online delivery is an ideal option if you do not speak Ukrainian or do not want to waste time shopping. The services often have an English-language interface, which makes it easier for foreigners to use.

Household goods and non-food shopping in Ukraine

Most supermarkets offer a standard selection of shampoos, detergents, laundry detergents, etc. 

In addition, there are chains of specialized stores where you can find cosmetics, personal care products and household chemicals (EVA, Watsons, Prostor). They often offer discounts and promotional offers. 

Some pharmacies sell not only medicines, but also children's products, vitamins, and medical care products.

Home improvement stores

1. Jysk is a Danish chain where you can buy furniture, textiles, and home furnishings.

2. IKEA - although there are currently no large offline IKEA stores in Ukraine, there is an official online store.

3. Epicenter is a large Ukrainian chain of construction hypermarkets that sells everything from nails to furniture, plumbing, and decorative elements.

Traveling or staying in Ukraine for a long time under martial law requires special attention to security issues. Therefore, we advise you to take out an insurance policy covering military risks on the Visit Ukraine portal. Such a policy will help you avoid financial losses and provide prompt assistance in the event of a critical situation. The policies available on our website cover medical expenses in case of injuries or accidents caused by hostilities.

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We remind you! Citizens of other countries have the right to enter Ukraine by car with foreign license plates. However, the rules for crossing the border are different for them. Read more about what is required to enter Ukraine with a car with foreign license plates.

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Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

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