16 things tourists should never do while visiting Russia
1) Don’t wear your shoes inside
No, forget about it, seriously. You’ll find this is a custom in both Russian and Asian cultures. When entering someone’s home, you should immediately take off your shoes to avoid being disrespectful. Hosts often provide slippers for their guests. This tradition is centuries-old.
2) Don’t whistle indoors
Whether you’re having fun with friends or absentmindedly humming along to a tune while you go about your daily chores – make sure you don’t whistle indoors! If you’re with a group of Russians and you happen to forget, you will be scolded. It’s believed that whistling brings bad luck, and that it will lead to losing money.
3) Don’t leave empty bottles on the table
In Russia, it is believed that leaving an empty bottle on the table brings you bad luck, specifically, that you’re going to become poor. Many people across Russia say that this superstition arrived with the Cossacks in the 19th century, however it’s still a heavy debate. For superstition’s sake, don’t do it.
4) Don’t smile all the time
How come? Easy! In Russia smiles are reserved for family members, friends and colleagues at work. It’s just a typical Russian thing, and it’s recommended you don’t smile randomly at strangers while riding on public transport or going shopping. Russians have a saying “to smile without a reason is a sign of a fool”.
5) Don’t sit by the corner of the table
This is another Russian superstition that people still believe, especially when it concerns a young single lady. You’ll notice that in every single restaurant or bar, if there’s a large gathering, girls are usually in a rush to sit somewhere in the middle. Russians believe that someone who always chooses a seat at the corner of the table might never marry or be romantically involved with someone.
6) Don’t shake hands with gloves on
You might think that it’s a cold country and that’s totally fine, but shaking hands with gloves on is considered to be extremely impolite. Be ready to take your gloves off if you’re about to be introduced to someone.
7) Don’t shake hands over a threshold
Another ‘handshake rule’, never shake hands over the threshold if you’re in Russia. Russians believe that it brings bad luck, likely involving an argument between both of the people partaking in the action.
8) Always take part in toasts
A toast is a very important ritual, especially if it’s during a birthday meal. If you’re invited, you’re expected to participate. In Russian culture it’s an important gesture indicating friendship and appreciation.
9) Don’t exchange money with people in the evening
Imagine that you owe money to your Russian friend. You have to pay them back as soon as possible – just make sure you don’t do it in the evening, as they won’t be impressed. Many Russians believe that dealing with money so late in the day is a bad omen. You’ll be better off waiting until it’s morning.
10) Don’t argue with Russian babushki
Babushki (old grannies) are not the ladies to mess with. While elderly people are among the most vulnerable members of society, they also command a lot of respect and power. No matter what they tell you, just smile and agree. If you see one of these ladies in the subway and she asks you to carry her bag, just do it her way, because there’s absolutely no point in arguing with her.
11) Don’t show up empty-handed
If you have been invited to dinner at a friend’s house. Never show up without anything to offer in return, as this is considered to be really rude. Even if you bring just a small chocolate bar or a cheap bunch of flowers from the kiosk in the neighbourhood, they’ll still be happy. You can expected a warm reception in a Russian home.
12) Don’t toast with “Na zdorov’ye”
People who don’t speak Russian usually think that they know one Russian phrase: a toast, Na Zdorov’ye! Little do they know that Na Zdorov’ye! (nuh zdah-rohv’-ee; for health) is what Russians say when somebody thanks them for a meal. In Polish, indeed, Na Zdorov’ye! or something close to it, is a traditional toast. Russians, on the other hand, like to make up something long and complex, such as, Za druzhbu myezhdu narodami! (zah droozh-boo myezh-doo nuh-roh-duh-mee; To friendship between nations!) If you want a more generic Russian toast, go with Za Vas! (zuh vahs; To you!)
13) Don’t take the last shirt
A Russian saying, otdat’ poslyednyuyu rubashku (aht-daht’ pahs-lyed-nyu-yu roo-bahsh-koo; to give away one’s last shirt), makes the point that you have to be giving, no matter what the expense for yourself. In Russia, offering guests whatever they want is considered polite. Those wants don’t just include food or accommodations; old-school Russians offer you whatever possessions you comment on, like a picture on the wall, a vase, or a sweater.
Now, being offered something doesn’t necessarily mean you should take it. Russians aren’t offering something because they want to get rid of it; they’re offering because they want to do something nice for you. So, unless you feel that plundering their home is a good idea, don’t just take things offered to you and leave. Refuse first, and do so a couple of times, because your hosts will insist. And only accept the gift if you really want this special something, but then return the favor and give your hosts something nice, as well.
14) Don’t underdress
Russians dress up on more occasions than Americans do. Even to go for a casual walk, a Russian woman may wear high heels and a nice dress. A hardcore feminist may say women do this because they’re victimized and oppressed. But Russian women themselves explain it this way, “We only live once; I want to look and feel my best.”
On some occasions, all foreigners, regardless of gender, run the risk of being the most underdressed person in the room. These occasions include dinner parties and trips to the theater. Going to a restaurant is also considered a festive occasion, and you don’t want to show up in your jeans and T-shirt, no matter how informal you think the restaurant may be. In any case, checking on the dress code before going out somewhere is a good idea.
15) Don’t let a women carry something heavy
This rule may make politically correct people cringe, but Russians believe that a man is physically stronger than a woman. Therefore, they believe a man who watches a woman carry something heavy without helping her is impolite.
16) Don’t overlook elderly on public transportation
When Russians come to America and ride public transportation, they’re very confused to see young people sitting when an elderly person is standing nearby. They don’t understand that in America, an elderly person may be offended when offered a seat. In Russia, if you don’t offer the elderly and pregnant women a seat on a bus, the entire bus looks at you as if you’re a criminal. Women, even (or especially) young ones, are also offered seats on public transportation. But that’s optional. Getting up and offering a seat to an elderly person, on the other hand, is a must.
Sources:
www.theculturetrip.com/europe/russia/articles/11-things-tourists-should-never-do-while-visiting-russia/
www.dummies.com/languages/russian/ten-things-never-to-say-or-do-in-russia/
