Culture & Etiquette

Russians don't smile at strangers -- it's not rudeness, it's cultural. Smiling without reason is seen as insincere or suspicious. However, once you're introduced or in a social setting, Russians are warm, generous, and deeply loyal friends.

Always remove your shoes when entering a Russian home. Hosts will typically offer you slippers (tapochki). This is a deeply ingrained custom -- tracking outdoor dirt inside is considered very rude. The same applies to some offices and medical clinics.

Never visit a Russian home empty-handed. A bottle of good wine, chocolates, or flowers are appropriate. If bringing flowers, always bring an odd number (even numbers are for funerals). Avoid yellow flowers, which symbolize separation or infidelity.

If offered vodka, it's best to accept at least the first toast. Vodka is drunk in shots, not sipped, and typically followed by a bite of food (zakuski). The first toast is usually to the occasion; subsequent toasts become more personal. Declining every drink can seem unfriendly.

Moscow's metro is not just transportation -- it's an underground museum of Soviet art and architecture. Keep right on escalators and let people exit before boarding. Speaking loudly or eating on the metro is frowned upon. Many stations are architectural masterpieces worth visiting.

The Russian alphabet (Cyrillic) looks intimidating but can be learned in an afternoon. Many letters overlap with Latin. Being able to read signs, metro stations, and menus -- even slowly -- is transformative for navigating Russia. Most tourist signage in Moscow now includes English transliteration.

Russians tend to dress more formally than Americans or Western Europeans, especially in cities. Women often wear heels and dresses for everyday activities. At theaters, concerts, and nice restaurants, smart dress is expected. Avoid wearing shorts in the city outside of summer.