Social Etiquette in Russia
Russia, despite covering a vast area of land with a population of nearly 150 million people, has its own codes of social etiquette that apply throughout the country. Both business and leisure travelers need to be aware of them. A modest yet proud and patriotic people, the Russians are warm and welcoming as long as visitors attempt to abide by social codes of conduct that are ingrained in Russian culture.
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Meeting And Greeting
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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. Russians familiar with each other will greet one another with hugs and, among women, three kisses on the cheeks, starting with the left. As a non-native, do not assume familiarity; wait for your Russian acquaintances to take the lead.
Body Language
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Russians are wary of anyone who appears insincere. Smile only when you mean it and are genuinely pleased to meet someone. Sitting with the bottom of your feet showing is considered rude. Whistling indoors is frowned upon as it is superstitiously thought to herald poor financial performance. The thumbs-up sign is acceptable as a positive gesture. When pointing, do not use a single finger but gesture with your whole hand. Bad posture and standing with your hands in your pockets are considered signs of laziness and should be avoided. Russians rarely display affection in public.
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Dress
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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. As a rule, men should also dress in darker colors. For business meetings, a dark suit and formal shoes are required.
Gift Giving
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If you are invited to a Russian's home, it is considered good form to bring a gift. If taking flowers, avoid yellow ones and only take bunches with an odd number of stems; those with even numbers are for funerals. Wine and chocolates are also considered suitable gifts. It is customary for the recipient of the gift to gently protest; the correct response is to explain that it is "just a little something" and offer it again, at which point, it will be accepted. Do not give expectant parents a gift for their unborn child; it is considered bad luck to receive gifts before the child is born.
Dining
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Whether in a restaurant or someone's home, dress smartly for dinner as it shows respect towards the host. Remove your outdoor shoes upon entering someone's home; your hosts may offer you a pair of slippers. Don't be late and do not start eating until your host has indicated you can start. Never turn down an offer of vodka or another alcoholic beverage and take bites of food between sips. Leave a little food on the side of your plate to indicate that you are full, but do not leave the table until invited to do so. Offer to help your host clean up. As with gift giving, etiquette requires your host to refuse, at which point you should offer again and she will assent.
Business
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Besides dressing smartly and conservatively, those attending business meetings in Russia should try to organize them as far in advance as possible. Russian schedules often change. At the start of the meeting, shake hands and engage in some small talk, but avoid political subjects, before getting down to business. Do not be surprised if your meeting is late getting started (although you should always be on time) or gets interrupted. In general, patience is a necessity; negotiations are frequently protracted, particularly those with government departments.
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References
- Photo Credit the flag of russia image by yaros from Fotolia.com
