We have all heard that "When in Rome do as the Romans do".
That advice is equally appropriate when visiting the Russian Federation
so it is important to know a little about what the do's and don'ts that Russians will expect of you.

DO's:

• Bring US dollars, but only in new or relatively new bills or they won't be accepted for exchange. It is better to have bills in denominations of more than $20.You can change them in most banks, just look for the sign outside the building and watch the rates against the ruble. It is a good idea to bring an ATM/Debit card to withdraw extra amounts of cash, just be cautious of the ATM you use.

• Respect the metro. The incredible subway system in Moscow can truly be an inexpensive and convenient blessing. However, the metro can also be the set of a pickpocket of fight. Do not flash money in the metro. Keep your metro pass separate. Don't speak loudly or make a fool of yourself on the metro. It is considered rude, and it will just make Russians think less of foreigners.

• Watch out for your documents. Try to get an official copy of your passport and visa and always show that before showing the original. When going out, leave your cards (credit, insurance, ID, etc.) that you won't need in a safe place. If you are robbed while out on the street you will have not lost everything.

• Always have a back up. Try to have a back up plan for everything. Have extra money hidden on you and in your room for emergencies; bribes are a reality. Have a back up of local and international cards. That way you can always make a phone call. If you are at a bar late, save a little cash. In case you miss the last subway, you will need to take a taxi. Always have important telephone numbers with you. You never know when you will have an emergency.

• America uses 110, Russia 220+. If you plan on packing electronic components, bring the necessary adaptor as most homes have no need of them. Hair dryers need at least 1600 wattage converters.

• In the right situation do not be shy. Do not be afraid of making mistakes while trying out your Russian tongue. Most Russians are just happy that you are trying and will help as much as possible. Try to make Russian friends at school, office or during inter-program excursions. Part of being here is learning how Russians behave between themselves. The more you talk with native speakers, the more you will force yourself to learn. You will learn a lot just by listening to the way they speak, in addition to how they speak. Be open to meeting all the Russians you can. Most Russians are truly warm and hospitable despite their normal cold and pessimistic attitudes on the street.

• When in doubt, ask. If you do not know how to do something, simply ask someone. Additionally, Russians show politeness by being vague and beating around the bush. If you are politely insistent, eventually, they will figure out that you really don't know and will enlighten you.

• Always use "vi" with Russians whom you do not know, even if they are the same age. Wait for the Russians to initiate using "ti" with you.

Behavior (the unwritten codes):

• Boys should be aware that in Russia, men still pay the bill on dates.
• If you are wearing gloves, take them off when you shake hands.
• Take tissues and liquid soap with you if you are expecting to use a bathroom somewhere out. Most public restrooms are not equipped with these basic items.
• Bring a gift if visiting someone's apartment; chocolates or flowers (an odd number over 2 flowers and not yellow) are a good suggestion. (Even number of flowers is good at funerals only.)
• Ask Russians to take you shopping. People at the markets raise the prices when they see foreigners.
• Know that most young people have studied English and can help you if you get in a bind.
• Be polite to the people who you see everyday like security guards, etc. A little gift can grant you many privileges.
• Have some tea and sweets on hand. You never know when your Russian friends may pop in unexpectedly. Tea and sweets are a tradition to have for guests.
• Be hospitable: your friends will be offended if you do not invite them to be your guests. Try to see Russians at home and when invited expect to have a several course meal and drinks.
• Date Russians - it's a pleasant cultural experience. Your speaking skills will improve.

DON'TS:

• Do not assume that everybody in Russia is ethnically Russian. There are more than 100 ethnic groups in Russia. When talking to
Russians it is appropriate to ask about their "nationality" and their customs and traditions different from the Russian.
• Don't take a lot of your money in Traveler's Checks. It can be a pain to find a place to cash them, and when you do, they will take at least 10% of what it is worth. You can literally lose hundreds of dollars just through commission.
• Don't use ATM's in the metro or on the street. There are many scandals with cards and pin numbers being stolen with ATM's at these locations. Use the ones in the lobbies of hotels that cater to western businessmen where the ATM's are usually guarded and uncorrupted.
• Don't take a taxi alone at night. Avoid a car if it has anyone besides a driver. Know where you are going and sound sure of yourself when negotiating a price with the driver.
• Don't be afraid to decline vodka. You won't offend anyone. Just have a religious or health excuse ready. If you do drink with Russians, know that the bottle is usually drunk until it is empty.
• Don't be afraid to try new food, customs, words or ask for help.
• Don't expect people to smile at you. It is not customary in Russia, especially in big cities, to talk or smile at strangers, so don't interpret this behavior as coldness or unfriendliness.
• Don't expect everyone you meet with to be on time.
• Don't walk around alone at night.
• Don't expect to eat different food in the cafeteria.
• Do not put your feet on the tables.
• Do not expect to pay a visit to a friend "for a half an hour". If you are invited to someone's house and sit down to lunch or dinner this is a lengthy process.
• Do not hesitate to open your soul to Russians. You will be considered a real friend.

• Don't be afraid to decline vodka. You won't offend anyone. Just have a religious or health excuse ready. If you do drink with Russians, know that the bottle is usually drunk until it is empty.• Take tissues and liquid soap with you if you are expecting to use a bathroom somewhere out. Most public restrooms are not equipped with these basic items.
I loved these two points and Maree its really a good list.

Yes its a quite a good list, Maree good work !!!

• Know that most young people have studied English and can help you if you get in a bind'''

Get ready to be disappointed ;)



I also found useful
- Do not shake someone's hand when you are standing in their entrance to the house (door) - it's considered bad luck
- Apparantly so is whistling in house
- Try to avoid political debates and any criticism towards Russia in general but more so towards Putin

- Try to avoid political debates and any criticism towards Russia in general but more so towards Putin[/quote]



This is very difficult, I found.

Most of my Russian friends in Moscow, Yekaterinburg and Izhevsk always steer the conversation towards that subject.

What do you think about Russia? What do you think about Putin? (before it was Yeltsin).
What do English people think about Russia? etc, etc...

And even: Do you like America? Have you been there?

- Don't get a euro mullet no matter how cool you think it looks.
- Do avoid the menti (police)
- Do avoid the Gypsies.
- Don't avoid the devushki
- Don't take official cabs, chasniki and martshrutki are much cheaper.
- Don't whistle in the house (you are whistling your money away)
- Don't visit a friends home empty-handed.
- Do give up your seat to women and the elderly on the Metro (otherwise you are a punk)
- Don't be stupid.
- Don't carry anything valuable in your trouser pockets in the Metro.
- Do, when speaking, error on the side of formality.
- Don't be afraid, people blow the danger thing way out of proportion.

Can anyone help me please I'm trying to find someone interested in network marketing in Russia?
Many thanks,
Alan Hill UK.
Mail: trl@onetel.net