Expert explained how many hryvnias need to be saved before buying dollars.

Before engaging in the purchase of dollars, Ukrainians should accumulate a sufficient amount in the national currency. Without a 'financial cushion', building savings in any currency is a high-risk process, especially in the unstable conditions of a full-scale war.

Doctor of Economic Sciences Oleksiy Plotnikov explained in an exclusive comment to Novyny.LIVE editorial how much in hryvnias you need to have in order to buy dollars.

When it is not advisable to buy dollars

At any moment, geopolitical shifts can lead to significant exchange rate fluctuations in the currency market. Ukrainians faced a sharp increase in the dollar price due to Russia's invasion in 2022. Since March 2025, the euro unexpectedly rose, as the USA imposed high import tariffs on the European Union.

To avoid losing currency savings due to unpredictable factors, one should approach the purchase of dollars/euros with caution. It is not recommended to start accumulating foreign currency bills without having at least a minimal 'financial cushion'.

In other words, one should first save a certain amount in hryvnias to avoid worrying about not having enough money for everyday needs tomorrow. The question arises: how much savings is enough to go to the exchange office for dollars?

'A normal cushion is the citizen's income for approximately three months. If suddenly they are laid off, they should have about three months' worth of money to search for other sources of income during this time. With such a cushion, one can engage in buying foreign currency or try other risky ways of earning', - answered Oleksiy Plotnikov.

Suppose a regular income of a Ukrainian is 20,000 UAH/month. They should set aside at least 60,000 UAH 'for a rainy day', and the rest of the savings can be invested in dollars or euros. With this approach to currency buying, one can be sure that in case of an unfavorable situation, it will not be necessary to rush to sell currency in search of funds for daily use.

What else Ukrainians should know

Please note, Ukrainians can’t sell just any bills of dollars. Exchange offices and banks do not accept counterfeit currency, heavily damaged bills, and those issued before 1914. Cash of the old sample from 1996-2003 is also often refused to be purchased.

Also, we wrote that the new US import duties caused the dollar to strengthen. The currency rose by 2.5% against other major currencies (euro, yen, franc, and Canadian dollar) and reached its highest level since May 2025. However, this situation may turn out to be short-term.

Ukrainians should exercise caution in purchasing dollars and euros, first accumulating a sufficient 'financial cushion' in the national currency. This will help avoid negative consequences during unexpected exchange rate fluctuations and ensure financial stability in risky situations.