Things NOT to Do in Russia
Whenever you’re traveling to a new destination, it’s important to research local customs before you go. Russia is no exception, especially because the local people tend to be very superstitious and you wouldn’t want to do anything that signifies bad luck. In Russia, the most important – don’t refuse vodka!
1. Don’t Shake Hands With Your Gloves
On Unless You Want to Insult the Person You’re Meeting
It is considered extremely impolite
to leave your gloves on while greeting someone with a handshake. So make sure
you remove your gloves before any interaction occurs. Also, never shake hands
over a threshold as Russians see this as bad luck. They’ll expect an argument
to be the outcome of your conversation if you shake hands in a doorway.
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2.. Whatever You Do, Never, Ever Tell
a Joke About a Russian Person’s Mama
Many jokes you’ll hear in Russia will not be considered politically
correct as gender, race, religion and politics-based laughs are not off limits.
However, never make fun of someone else’s family member as this is seen as very
disrespectful and insulting.
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3. Don’t Disrespect the Elderly
Unless you Want to Invoke the Wrath of Several Much Younger, Much Stronger
People
Like with many countries, respecting the elderly is an important part of
the family culture. Giving up your seat on a bus or a train for an elderly
person or pregnant woman is a sign of respect. In certain countries, some may
be offended by this privilege, but in Russia it is expected to offer your seat
to someone in need.
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4. If You Invite Someone Out to Eat,
Don’t Expect Them to Pick Up Their Half of the Tab
When dining out, the host is expected to pay the entire bill, as going
“Dutch” is considered rude. Also, the tradition of a man covering all expenses
when with a female companion is definitely still upheld in Russia.
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5. Don’t Ever Give a Gift of an Empty
Wallet … That’s Actually Just a Good Life Rule
Russians believe that giving a gift of an empty wallet or purse is bad
luck. They see it as wishing financial hardship or poverty on the receiver of
the gift. So, make sure you put a little something special inside if you’re
giving a lover or friend a new money holder.
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6. Don’t Expect A Lady To Carry Her
Bags, Which Is Another Good Life Rule While We’re At It
In Russia, distinct gender roles still exist. Men are expected to act
chivalrously – offering a hand to woman getting off of a bus, opening car
doors, assisting with heavy lifting. But it has nothing to do with a lack of
feminism in the country. Their women are strong, but most Russian men just
believe that lending a hand is a simple act of politeness.
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7. The Russians Reserve Happiness for
Important Things, So Don’t Smile Without a Reason
Russians reserve smiling for their friends and family members. So don’t
randomly smile at strangers while you’re riding on public transportation or
shopping in Moscow. Russians have a saying, “To smile with no reason, is a sign
of a fool.”
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8. Don’t Show Up Empty Handed, You
Stingy Jerk
If you’re invited over to someone’s house for a dinner or a visit, it is
considered very rude to show up empty handed. Bring a small gift – a bottle of
wine, flowers, dessert or small toy for the children. Russians take pride in
preparing elaborate meals for their guests and showing up without a small token
of appreciation is a sign that you don’t care.
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9. Get Comfortable, Grab a Drink, and
Don’t Leave Your Shoes On
Whenever entering a Russian home it is proper custom to remove your
shoes. Many homes are decorated with expensive Persian rugs that are difficult
to clean. Some hosts may offer tapochki (slippers) for you to
put on. At nice parties, some women may bring an extra pair of heels or shoes
for inside use.
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10. Don’t Sit at the Corner of the
Table Unless You Want to Live an Existence Doomed to Utter Loneliness
This is another Russian superstition. It is advised that you never sit
at the corner of the dining table, especially if you’re a young woman. It is
said that “the one who chooses a seat at the corner of a table is
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11. Don’t Whistle Indoors Unless You
Want to Invite Disaster Into Your Life
Like many Asian cultures, whistling indoors in Russia is considered bad
luck. Russians are very superstitious and believe that whistling inside may
cause financial ruin, poverty, or another invasion of cockroaches.
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12. Get Ready to Cowboy Up When You
Enter a Home; Don’t Refuse a Shot
It is true that many Russians can drink, but not all Russians are heavy
drinkers. Most keep one bottle of vodka in their homes at all times for
celebrations and random visitors. If you’re offered a shot of vodka don’t
refuse it, because sharing a drink is considered a sign of hospitality.
Russians don’t see one shot as a big deal, so to them a refusal comes off as
untrusting or turning down friendship.
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13.. For Superstition’s Sake, Don’t
Keep Empty Bottles on the Table (It’s Also Just Sloppy)
If you’re drinking in a Russian home, leaving an empty liquor bottle on
the table is considered to be bad luck. Once the bottle has been drunk, it is
best to put it on the floor or throw it out before the next bottle is served.
It’s also recommended that you keep your change and keys off the table as well.
These are all bad omens of financial loss and tears.
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14. This Isn’t Denny’s on a Sunday
Morning, So Don’t Slack in the Style Department
Russians dress very well. Men and women alike love to dress up even for
informal occasions like grocery shopping or going to the bank. You’ll hardly
ever see a Russian woman on the street without a full set of makeup and
sky-high heels. So, the next time you’re in Russia, up your style standards.
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SHOOT FOR THE MOON.EVEN IF YOU MISS , YOU’LL LAND AMONG THE
STARS.
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