Top payment methods in Ukraine: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Ukraine? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Ukraine, with a population of around 32.86 million people, has a GDP of approximately 205.74 billion making it the 56th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Ukraine is the Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH)
The economy's main drivers are agriculture (grains, sunflower oil), heavy industry (steel), and a growing IT sector. It has a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the European Union, which is its primary trading partner.
| Country | Ukraine |
|---|---|
| Population | 32.86 million |
| GDP (USD) | 205.74 billion |
| Global Ranking | 56th |
| Currency | Ukrainian Hryvnia (UAH) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Ukraine?
The preferred payment method in Ukraine is the credit or debit card, with a very high penetration of contactless payments made via physical cards or digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Privat24, the mobile app from the country's largest bank, functions as a de facto payment platform for transfers and bill payments. While there has been a rapid shift to digital, physical cash in the form of the Hryvnia is still in use.
How to pay in Ukraine
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Ukraine.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Cards (Visa/Mastercard) | Cards are the dominant payment method for both online and in-person transactions. Contactless payments via card or mobile wallet are standard. | Online/In-person |
| Digital Wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) | Ukraine has one of the highest adoption rates of mobile contactless payments in the world. Using a phone or smartwatch to pay is extremely common. | In-person |
| Cash (Hryvnia) | Despite high digital adoption, cash remains a very important payment method, particularly outside of major cities and for its reliability during instability. | In-person |
| P2P Bank Transfers | P2P transfers via mobile banking apps (e.g., Privat24, Monobank) are massively popular for sending money between individuals. | Online |
Traveling beyond Ukraine? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Ukraine?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Ukraine.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.