How to behave in Russia? Russian etiquette

Our website is mostly devoted to Russian law to help foreigners avoid legal issues, but knowing how Russians interact with each other in everyday life, what is normal or inappropriate to them may also make your life in Russia considerably easier.

Smiling

Yes, the fact Russians don't tend to smile at strangers is not a myth. In Russia, smiling is usually considered to be something to be shared with friends, and may be assumes to be insincere or unprofessional. However, if a Russian smiles at you, you can be sure he is genuinely glad to see you.

Greeting

Shaking hands is a usual greeting between men - no matter how close they are. But don't give a handshake across a doorway - it's considered bad luck in Russia. Women are usually greeted with a nod. Hugs when meeting are acceptable among friends.

Addresses

A Russian full name consist of three names - given name, last name, and patronymic (modified form of the father's name). In formal situations, people use the given name and patronymic together when referring to other, for instance, «Lev Nikolayevich». Friends and family members prefer referring to each other by their first name only. Addresses by surname like «Mr. Tolstoy» practically do not exist in modern language. Neutral addresses like «Sir» or «Madam» in English have disappeared from the modern Russian language, so to address someone you do not know on the street you can use «простите» - «excuse me».

Hospitality

Russians are famous for their hospitality; they like entertaining guests in their homes and tend to serve the table lavishly, putting more food than can be eaten. From your side, it's a must to bring some gift when you come as a guest to Russians; a good idea is to buy something, as we say, «for tea», like a cake, candies, chocolate, pastry, etc. A sweet gift for the youngest family members is also advisable.

Flowers are considered a good gift, just be sure you don't give an even number of flowers, unless it's a funeral.

Once you enter a Russian house, take your shoes off unless you're told not to.

At the table, no one should start drinking without making a toast.

Stores

In Russia, unlike in some oriental countries, it's not customary to bargain, and usually the cost that the seller first names is the cost for which he is willing to sell the goods.

By the way, unlike in Europe, Russian shopping malls are open even at the weekend. The only exception is the New Year's day.

What else?

It's common courtesy to offer your seat to an elderly person, pregnant woman or person with a baby in a bus if they don't sit.

Men are expected to be chivalrous toward women, for example, open doors for women, pay for their food in a restaurant (although it is discussable), help them carry heavy items, etc.

It's considered rude to use an informal way of speaking with those who are older than you or adults who you do not know.

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