DO’s and DON’Ts - When visiting Russian friends at home

Russians are very hospitable and like both to invite and visit friends. When you are in Russia most likely you will be a guest at least once. Here are our tips:

DOs’

• Bring a gift if visiting someone's apartment. In case you are invited for a big celebration – bottle of wine or other alcohol would be good, in other cases – sweets, chocolate or flowers (an odd number over 2 flowers) for mistress would be enough. Do not forget about the sweets for children.

• When you are invited to dinner, expect to have a lengthy party with several course meal and drinks.

• DO shake hands upon meeting.

• DO know the less formal greetings in Russia for close friends. Women kiss each other’s cheeks three times, starting with the left cheek. Men hug and pat each other’s backs.

• DO expect a Russian to try to protest if you give them a gift – in Russia this is a kind of politeness. Explain that it's just a little something and offer it again until they accept.

• DO help your host with preparation and clean-up.

• DO discuss topics such as peace and Russia's economy.

Don’ts

• DON'T shake hands or greet someone over a threshold. Go into the room first, and then exchange handshakes.

• Don't leave your shoes on in someone's home

• Don’t begin eating before the host tells you to start

• Don’t put your feet on the tables. This will support Russian stereotypes about Americans being "uncultural".

• Don't be afraid to decline vodka. You won't offend anyone. Just have a religious or health excuse ready. If you do drink with Russians, know that the bottle is usually drunk until it is empty.

• Don’t talk about politics or the U.S.S.R.

• Don’t whistle indoors. Russians are very superstitious about this. They believe that it brings losing money.

• Don’t hesitate to open your soul to Russians. You will be considered a real friend.

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