Russian Etiquette Tips
If traveling to Russia and you'd
like to give someone a gift, keep Russian gift
giving etiquette in mind. For instance, giving
a baby gift before a baby is born is an enormous
social faux pas in Russia. It's considered very
bad luck and you should only give a baby gift
after a baby is born. Typically, good gifts are
wine, dessert, or flowers, but always give flowers
in odd numbers!
Russia is a very proud country, rich in history
and culture. As a visitor, you should practice
the utmost respect not only to be polite, but
you'll also blend in with the locals much better
that way. Below are some Russian etiquette tips
to help you out on your trip!
1. What to wear
- DO dress conservatively
for business occasions. Men should wear
dark suits and women should wear suits
and skirts that come below the knee. Nothing
flashy and no bright colors! Shoes be
formal and well polished.
- DO wear skirts as opposed
to pants if you're a woman.
- DO cover your head
before entering a Russian Orthodox Church,
if you're a woman.
2. Food/Drinks
- DON'T begin eating
before the host tells you to start
- DON'T put your elbows
on the table, but do keep your hands visible
on the table and not in your lap.
- DO use bread to soak
up sauce or gravy.
- DO leave a little bit
of food on your plate to indicate when
you are full.
- DON'T turn down an
offer of vodka or other alcoholic beverages.
It's considered rude.
- DO take bites of food
in between sipping vodka. To not do so
is bad form.
- DON'T leave the table
until invited to. The guest of honor is
usually the first to get up.
3. Tipping
- DO tip about 10% at
a restaurant if the service was good.
4. Gift giving and Accepting Gifts
- DON'T give yellow flowers.
- DON'T give a baby gift
before a baby is born; it's bad luck.
- DO expect a Russian
to try to protest if you give them a gift.
Explain that it's just a little something
and offer it again until they accept.
- DO give gifts such
as wine, dessert, or flowers.
- DON'T give even numbers
of flowers. Even numbers are for funerals.
5. Gesturing and Body Language
- DON'T smile unless
you mean it. In Russia, smiling a lot
can be seen as insincere.
- DON'T show the bottoms
of your feet. It's impolite.
- DON'T stand around
with your hands in your pockets.
- DON'T point with your
finger. Instead, point with your entire
hand.
6. Greetings
- DO shake hands upon
meeting.
- DON'T shake hands or
greet someone over a threshold. Go into
the room first, then exchange handshakes.
- DO know the less formal
greetings in Russia for close friends.
Women cheek kiss three times, starting
with the left cheek. Men hug and pat each
other's backs.
7. Visiting Someone's Home
- DON'T arrive more than
15 minutes late.
- DO take your shoes
off upon entering.
- DO dress well.
- DO help your host with
preparation and clean-up.
- DO bring a dessert
or alcoholic beverage.
8. Business
- DO be on time. However,
don't expect your Russian associates to
be on time. Remain patient no matter how
late they are.
- DO make appointments
as far in advance as possible. Avoid making
appointments the first week of May, because
there are some public holidays that fall
on that week.
- DO engage in some get-to-know-you
chit chat before getting down to business.
- DO expect meetings
to be sidetracked and interrupted.
- DON'T be impatient.
Meetings and negotiations can be slow.
- DO have your business
card translated into Russian on one side.
Include any advance degrees on it and
present it with the Russian side facing
up.
9. Socializing
- DON'T talk about politics
or the U.S.S.R.
- DON'T speak too loudly
in public.
- DO discuss topics such
as peace and Russia's economy.
Don't let the long list of etiquette overwhelm
you. You'll catch on in no time. Just try
to remember as much Russian etiquette as possible,
mind your manners, and have a great trip to
Russia!
|
