Etiquette in Russia

1.

2.

SOCIAL ETIQUETTE IN RUSSIA
• Russia is a country steeped in culture and
tradition with many well-known customs dating
back thousands of years. Modern Russian
citizens have incorporated a number of western
concepts into their daily lives including enjoying
fast food and American films, but a number of
old Russian etiquette rules remain intact,
particularly when it comes to meal time.

3.

MEETING AND GREETING
• When meeting a Russian, male or female, for the first
time, shake hands firmly while retaining eye contact.
Looking away can be considered rude and
indifferent. Men should wait for a woman to offer her
hand first. Do not shake hands over a threshold;
enter the room first, then shake hands. Russians
commonly introduce each other through a third
person, rather than directly introducing themselves.

4.

DRESS
• Russians tend to dress modestly and conservatively.
The traveler should do likewise. Women usually wear
subdued colors and long skirts rather than trousers.
Short skirts and low-cut, revealing tops are frowned
upon. Women should pay particular care to
covering up when visiting historical or religious
landmarks and buildings. In Orthodox churches,
women should cover their heads with a scarf. Men
should remove their hats when entering such
buildings.