Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited. Heavy fines are imposed if traffic police smell alcohol on a driver's breath. An International Driving Permit is necessary. Kyiv and Kharkiv have clean, efficient and cheap metro systems, where tickets can be purchased at vending machines inside the stations. Buses and trolleybuses are extremely crowded and are best avoided.
Taxis are easy to find in the cities.
State-owned taxis have yellow and black signs on the roof and are metered. Fares should be negotiated in advance for private taxis. Some shared taxis and minibuses exist on fixed routes. Hitchhiking is very common, although not recommended. Travellers can indicate the need for a lift and the driver will take them to their destination cheaply by Western standards, but prices should be agreed in advance.