If you’re seriously thinking about moving to Russia, you are guaranteed to have the time of your life. You’ll discover a fascinating country with a challenging past, a remarkable diversity of people, outstanding cultural offerings, and a remarkably low cost of living – not to mention an endless supply of breathtaking sights to visit. If you are looking for moving companies in Russia, then this is for you. But there are a few things you need to know before moving to Russia.
Russian culture is characterized by long-standing customs and practices. Due to their strong cultural identity, individuals can quickly identify the behaviors of different civilizations. Some additional actions can occasionally even be considered disrespectful by Russian citizens. So, if you want to have a comfortable stay in Russia, you should be aware of Russian table etiquette, gestures, and traditions.
Here is the list of dos and don’ts when visiting Russia in the blog article. Let’s start with the dos.
Bring presents for your Russian hosts.
Always bring a small gift with you when you are asked into a Russian home; failing to do so is considered impolite. No matter what it is—flowers, a bottle of wine, a cake—don’t show up without bringing something. Always bring flowers in odd numbers when considering what to present to a funeral because it’s customary to do so.
Eating with Russian families
To convey to the guest that they are welcome to eat as much as they like, a Russian host will always place more food on the table than any normal person could ever consume. Wait till your host starts eating before you begin. It’s also crucial to avoid resting your elbows on the table and to always have your hands visible. Don’t clear the entire plate after you’re done eating to avoid giving your host the impression that there wasn’t enough food. When Russians offer to replenish your plate, you should politely decline and thank the host and kitchen for the delicious yet filling meal. Last, wait until your host invites you to get up from the table.
Respect Russian Babushki at all times.
Elderly folks hold a lot of respect and authority in Russia. If an old woman on a public transportation vehicle requests you to assist her with a heavy bag and you can, please do so. It is respectful to give up your seat to an elderly person on a train or bus.
Now that you know the do’s, let’s look at the don’ts.
Take a seat and enter the room, but remove your shoes first.
In Asia and Russia, this is a customary norm that is widely followed. There are numerous pricey carpets on the floor and even the walls of the typical Russian home. Remove your shoes as soon as you step inside someone’s house to show respect. You’ll likely be given a pair of slippers by your host.
Don’t just smile at random strangers.
Russians reserve their smiles for their loved ones, close friends, and coworkers; they do not indiscriminately grin at strangers. The proverb “To grin without reason is a sign of a fool” is popular in Russia. Thus, don’t expect them to return your smile when you do so in a public setting or when you are taking a stroll or shopping in a mall.
Never shake hands when wearing gloves.
This maneuver is viewed as being highly rude. When shaking someone’s hand, make sure to take your gloves off. Never shake hands over a threshold, or better yet, never believe in superstition, as Russians believe this to be unlucky. This might cause conflict with the participant.
When visiting another nation, it’s crucial to learn about local customs and traditions to prevent offending anyone. Hopefully, this short list of dos and don’ts will help you avoid instances when you can come across as unpleasant to locals and avoid being quickly identified as a foreigner. Last but certainly not least, never, ever say no to vodka!
How Help Xpat can help you
To prevent cultural shock, Help Xpat provides cultural training to ex-pats who are moving to Russia or any other country of their choice. This can help you to prevent mistakes and know the etiquette and culture of the new country.
We are the best international moving companies in Russia who can help you with social and cultural understanding before you move to Russia. We train both you and your family. Our cultural programs are personalized to suit your needs and maintain a good comfortable setting while keeping professional ethics. Apart from relocation services, we can assist you with immigration services, cultural training, home search services, and much more.
Want to know how we work? Call us at 00971042622554 or 00971528102947 for a free consultation.