R G.

AnastasiaDate is little more than a sophisticated web site like so many dating sites you may have experienced locally. The woman's local agency will often send the initial letters based on the woman's search criteria. Similarly, the software is set up such that the woman can enter search criteria and chat requests are sent out automatically. The main difference between domestic dating sites and AD is that instead of spending a flat fee each month, AD hits you every time you do anything. I can understand the need to charge for letters that require translation. But, use a 'special' emoticon... $$$$. Use their chat server to communicate... $$$$. View a video of the woman in her profile... $$$$. A man will spend a lot of $$$$ just determining which women he does NOT wish to communicate with. And, with 42,000 women on the site, there is just a boatload of women to choose from such that a man can throw away a LOT of money.

On the flip side, the women on the site are real and most of them have serious intentions on finding a man. I have visited Ukraine twice to meet women there and I have not left feeling I was defrauded. We decided we weren't a good fit after a couple dates but that's common with dating anywhere... not just in Ukraine. AD is a decent tool if used properly:
* Write letters until you qualify the woman, Letters are cheap and you can send and receive one picture for free in each letter.
* Don't become a chat addict! Ukrainian women are masters at flirting. It's natural given that there are 5 women for every 4 men there. Think of chats like dates and spend accordingly based on your interest in the woman.
* Focus on women in one geographic area. When you travel to Ukraine to meet women for the first time, meet a FEW women with whom you have been communicating. These are FIRST DATES and first dates are the same all over the world. There is either chemistry or there isn't.
* If you have the flexibility, visit the women as soon as possible after determining mutual interest. There is no reason to spend hundreds of dollars communicating with a woman BEFORE you meet in person, That's just stupid.
* Plan at least TWO DATES, If a woman is worth traveling thousands of km to meet, she's worth meeting at least twice.
* Once you have met the woman in person, exchange information and get OFF AD. AD is a great tool for FINDING the woman. Not a great tool for building a relationship. It's just way too expensive.