Customs and traditions in Ukraine and Russia

Bring a gift to the family who invites you to their home for dinner. A bottle of wine, cake, box of candy or bouquet of flowers are traditional. A small gift for the child is always appropriate.

If you bring flowers, make sure the number of flowers is uneven; even numbers of flowers are for funerals.

Do not shake hands or kiss across the threshold of the door step; this is traditionally bad luck.

Take off your gloves when shaking hands.

Be prepared to remove your shoes upon entering a home. You will be given a pair of slippers (tapki) to help keep the apartment clean.

When entering or exiting a vehicle the man steps out first so as to offer his hand to the woman whom he is accompanying.

On public transportation, give your seat to mothers with children, the old or infirm. People will admire you.

Men should offer to carry the parcels of women they are accompanying.

Check your coat, briefcase, or parcels at the front door of a restaurant, at theaters or any formal receptions.
Do not cross your legs with the ankle on the knee or put your feet on the furniture. It's impolite to show people the soles of your shoes. When in the metro or sitting on the bus, don't let your feet even come close to the seat.

For business people traveling to Ukraine or Russia, make sure that you have plenty of business cards, one side printed in English, the other in Russian. These can be printed quickly here.

Offer to share your snacks and cigarettes with those around you especially on the train or at the office.

Be prepared to accept smoking but preferably not in homes.

Be prepared to accept all alcohol and food offered when visiting friends and it can be quite a lot. Refusing a drink or a toast is a serious breach of etiquette. An open bottle must often be finished.

Be prepared to give toasts at dinners, etc. Be careful, the vodka can catch up with you.

Dress for the theater, check your coat and any large bags at the garderobe. Be on time. Absolutely no photographs.

Be careful in complimenting something in a home. Your host may offer it to you.

Don't put your thumb between your first two fingers. It is a very very rude gesture.