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Some useful tips on living among Russians

General

Russians are critical of their own country. Do not join them even if you think they are right. Do not be fooled, they are very patriotic. Avoid the "West-is-best syndrome".
Russians do not have the same concept of persona! space as Westerners, so expect more physical contact with people.
You will be expected to hand in your coat and any large bags you are carrying when entering theaters, restaurants, museums, etc. Never leave money or document in your pockets.
When you enter a Russian home, it would be expected that you would remove your shoes. Bring Indoor shoes or slippers to wear. There is a very practical reason for this as for many months of the year your footwear will be covered in snow or mud.

Gifts

Russian people make hospitable and generous host, so you will need to bring with you some gifts to reciprocate. Give presents similar to those you would give at home: flowers, give an odd number as even is considered unlucky; chocolates; alcohol, western brands are appreciated. Another nice present may be a book about your home town.

When you get to know the family better, you may discover their earnings are low; you might then consider giving good quality cigarettes, cosmetics, soap and toiletries. Obviously it will depend on your relationship with the people as you do not want to offend them.
Keep in mind that the standard of living is substantially lower than in the West. Try to be aware that as a foreigner in Moscow you are in a fortunate position and not take undue advantage of the local's kindness; do your best to redress the imbalance with a thoughtful present when necessary.

Meeting the people

Russian people are generally hospitable and warm. On visiting any Russian home, all food in the house will be put on the table and only tmthe best' will be prepared. Guests, therefore, are fed and looked after well and always made the center of attention. The Western habit of offering only tea and coffee is considered unfriendl~ When going to a Russian family's home for dinner, they will put on a huge spread. Make sure you bring flowers, or chocolates, or a bottle of your favorite wine, vodka1 or champagne. Traditionally, people entertain at home.
Conversations tend to be general rather than personal. Russians in recent times have enjoyed philosophizing about life and could spend hours packed into small kitchens chatting and drinking tea into the wee hours of the morning. Recently, however it seems to center particularly on money, inflation, and the current political situation. They are more direct than Westerners and consider the British too polite. They also consider most Westerners to be naive. Foreigners can find that developing relationships with Russian friends can be more intense and demanding than those cultivated in the West.

Music is a popular pastime. If you play a musical instrument, bring it with as you'll undoubtedly get the chance to play for friends.

Russians are also keen to be given facts and figures about other countries, so it is worth being well informed, particularly about your tovvn, place of work, etc.

Superstitions

When you are invited to a Russian home do not shake hands over the threshold or you will argue with the person you are visiting.
Do not whistle indoors or your money will fly out of the window.
It is considered unlucky it a black cat crosses your path, but lucky if a white one does.
Do not light your cigarette from a candle.
If you drop and break something this is good luck. The more pieces the better!
If you leave the house and have to return again straight away before leaving a second time, look in the mirror and change your appearance a little. If you leave without doing this something bad could happen.
Women should not sit behind the corner of a table, otherwise they will never get married.

Mannerisms

As in many countries "thumbs up" means very good and tapping your head with your finger means crazy.
The most important gesture to know in Russia is flicking the neck with ones fingers. This means "Let's get drunk"!

Education

Russia has a universal free education system and a literacy rate of 99%. Compulsory education ends at the age of 16, although about 96% of the population completes some form of further education. Competition for places in universities and other prestigious academic institutions is stiff. About 12% of the work force has some form of higher education.
The quality of Russian teaching in scientific and quantitative subjects tends to be higher than in many western countries, while that in social sciences is showing strong signs of adapting to the new environment in Russia.

Living standards

The Soviet system provided accommodation with very low rents, free social services, subsidized vacations through the workplace, low priced factory canteens, shops and sport facilities. To a small extent these things still remain, although prices have increased considerably and are in some instances higher than one would pay abroad and the quality much poorer for the price.

Wages during the Soviet period were also very low and this has carried over to the present day. Faced with high inflation during the early 90's and the inconvertibility of the rouble1 individual purchasing power dropped substantially in real terms. During 1995 and 1996 inflation has been reduced and somewhat kept in check, but average Russian wages amount to approximately $50-i 00/month. Those individuals working at major Russian enterprises, banks, and other foreign enterprises receive considerably more especially in Moscow, but wages vary considerably in the other regions although the cost of living at present is comparably the same throughout Russia.A significant share of the population (espedally pensioners) has been forced well below the pov erty line due to rapid inflation outstripping increases in State benefits. Conversely, the wealth of the rich has risen and may continue to do so during a period where business opportunities abound.

Culture and social life

Theater and the Arts are well catered for, extremely accessible and provide a popular leisure activity. Until recently the Arts were heavily funded by the State. However, cost cuffing measures have forced a radical reduction in state funding, and private sponsoring has started to materialize in the larger, better known theaters, such as the Bolshoi.
Russians also spend a considerable amount of their leisure time at the homes of friends and relatives. In the past, this was mainly due to the lack of good restaurants and bars, although at present economic constraints are the main reason for keeping people at home.

Religion

Russian Orthodoxy is the main religion in Russia, followed to a lesser extent by Judaism, islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism. Religion has become more popular in Russia over the last few years as the Russian Orthodox Church has witnessed official encouragement through the return of property confiscated in the Soviet period.

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