What should I avoid in Russia?

What's considered rude in Russia?

Hugs, backslapping, kisses on the cheeks and other expansive gestures are common among friends or acquaintances and between members of the same sex. Russians stand close when talking. Putting your thumb through your index and middle fingers or making the "OK" sign are considered very rude gestures in Russia.

Why you should not visit Russia?

Do not travel to Russia due to the unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces, the potential for harassment against U.S. citizens by Russian government security officials, the singling out of U.S. citizens in Russia by Russian government security officials including for detention, the ...

Is it rude to smile in Russia?

In Russian communication, a smile is not a signal of politeness. Russians consider a polite smile as “servant's smile.” It is considered a demonstration of unwillingness to show one's true feelings.

Is Russia friendly to tourists?

In general, Russia is a safe country, especially if you're traveling as a tourist to large cities (such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, etc.) or if you are making the Trans-Siberian route. However, there are a number of risk areas in Russia, which is advisable not to travel to: The border with Ukraine.

8 Things NOT to Do in Russia!

Is Russia a scary place to visit?

Travelling to Russia for the first time may seem like a crazy adventure – and though a 'closed door' policy was in place for almost a century, Russia is not that scary at all. While touristy cities are well equipped for visitors, there are a few details to consider beforehand.

What shouldn't you do to strangers in Russia?

Do Russians drink a lot?

Alcohol consumption in Russia remains among the highest in the world. According to a 2011 report by the World Health Organization, annual per capita consumption of alcohol in Russia was about 15.76 litres, the fourth-highest volume in Europe.

Why do Russians wear Adidas?

Gopniks are often seen wearing Adidas or Puma tracksuits (mostly Adidas), which were popularized by the 1980 Moscow Olympics Soviet team. Sunflower seeds (colloquially semki [семки] or semechki [семечки]) are habitually eaten by gopniks, especially in Ukraine and Russia.

Can you whistle in Russia?

It is considered proper to either invite the person outside in or to step outside to shake hands if parting. Whistling in a house would bring misfortune to that household (see origins below). It is considered taboo to give something that is broken or has a defect as a gift.

What is it like dating a Russian guy?

Chivalry and paying the check

Russian men are highly courteous towards women. They will always turn up on time, often hold doors open for their date, help them with their coats, and so on. It is also common for men to bring flowers for their date, but always an odd number.

Are Americans allowed in Russia?

To enter Russia for any purpose, a U.S. citizen must possess a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. It is impossible to obtain an entry visa upon arrival, so travelers must apply for their visas well in advance.

What does the middle finger mean in Russian?

In Russia, the middle finger is used to simply point (usually at the speaker themselves) and to communicate emphasis.

What does thumbs up mean in Russia?

That innocent "thumbs up"? In Greece, Latin America, the Middle East, Russia and several other places, it actually means "up yours."

What is polite and impolite in Russia?

In short, when meeting a Russian for the first time, male or female, good etiquette is shaking hands firmly while retaining eye contact. Looking away is rude and shows indifference. Men should wait for a woman to offer her hand first. (Tip: Do not shake hands over a threshold; enter the room first, then shake hands.)

Why do Russians drink vodka?

Keeping quality and health in mind. Unlike whiskey and cognac, people in Russia piously believe that vodka is healthier. This belief is even reaffirmed by some doctors. The reason for that is that vodka only gives you a slight hangover,” said Dmitri from Moscow, who prefers vodka over any other strong spirit.

What does Gopnik mean in English?

New Word Suggestion. a pejorative stereotype describing a particular subculture in former Soviet republics to refer to young men or women of sometimes lower-class suburban areas coming from families of poor education and income.

Why do Russian tanks have Z?

The Latin-script letter Z (Russian: зэд, зи, IPA: [zɛd, zi]) is one of several symbols (including "V" and "O") painted on military vehicles of the Russian Armed Forces involved in the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. It is speculated that the Z helps task forces distinguish themselves from other forces.

Why do Russians get so drunk?

The average Russian drinks more than twice the maximum amount considered healthy by the World Health Organization. So why do Russians drink so much? Experts say it's a number of factors, including the lack of adequate social services, employment opportunities and depression, among other things.

What do they eat in Russia?

What is the drinking age in Russia?

In Russia, the legal drinking age is usually eighteen. Usually, because there are some exceptions to that case. Technically, stronger alcohol such as cognac and vodka is sold only to those over 21.

Do men kiss in Russia?

Hugs and Kisses and Russian Leaders

It is a Slavic custom for a man greeting another man to grab him in a bear hug and kiss him three times on the cheek. Some Russian men even go as far as kissing each other on the lips.

Is Russia safe for foreigners?

Crime against foreigners is a serious problem. Harassment and assaults are prevalent, particularly against foreigners of Asian and African descent. Some victims have died as a result of assaults. Foreigners in the areas to which we advise against all travel are particularly vulnerable.

Is Russia expensive to visit?

You should plan to spend around ₽4,787 ($83) per day on your vacation in Russia, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, ₽1,017 ($18) on meals for one day and ₽371 ($6.44) on local transportation.