1. {{ Traveling to RussiaTraveling to Russia A few pieces of advice for those who want to visitA few pieces of advice for those who want to visit the country and not make themselvesthe country and not make themselves embarrassedembarrassed Shelkovnikov Daniil

2. You should know that Russia,You should know that Russia, thanks to its geographic location,thanks to its geographic location, has taken both European andhas taken both European and Asian culture elements, so yourAsian culture elements, so your trip may be different intrip may be different in comparison with other countriescomparison with other countries you have been before.you have been before. But this does not mean that youBut this does not mean that you have to be scared about it. Herehave to be scared about it. Here are a few tips that will help youare a few tips that will help you not to embarrass yourself.not to embarrass yourself. IntroductionIntroduction 3. {{ What is right to do when you areWhat is right to do when you are in Russiain Russia DosDos 4. {{ The subway systemThe subway system in Moscow can bein Moscow can be an inexpensive andan inexpensive and convenient blessing.convenient blessing. However, the metroHowever, the metro can also be the setcan also be the set of a pickpocket ofof a pickpocket of fight.fight. Do not flash moneyDo not flash money in the metro andin the metro and keep your metrokeep your metro pass separatepass separate Don't speak loudlyDon't speak loudly or make a fool ofor make a fool of yourself on theyourself on the metro.metro. Respect the metroRespect the metro 5. {{ Try to get an officialTry to get an official copy of your passportcopy of your passport and visa and alwaysand visa and always show that beforeshow that before showing the originalshowing the original Be sure you haveBe sure you have photocopies of yourphotocopies of your passport andpassport and photocopies of otherphotocopies of other important documents -important documents - take severaltake several ones.ones. When going out, leaveWhen going out, leave your passport and anyyour passport and any cards (credit, insurance,cards (credit, insurance, ID, etc.) that you won'tID, etc.) that you won't need in a safe placeneed in a safe place Watch out forWatch out for your documentsyour documents 6. {{ Try to have a back upTry to have a back up plan for everything.plan for everything. Have a back up of localHave a back up of local and international cards.and international cards. If you are at a bar late,If you are at a bar late, save a little cash.save a little cash. Always have importantAlways have important telephone numberstelephone numbers with youwith you You never know whenYou never know when you will have anyou will have an emergencyemergency Always have a back upAlways have a back up 7. {{ Russians oftenRussians often assume you knowassume you know what they want. Thiswhat they want. This creates a discrepancy.creates a discrepancy. Ask about houseAsk about house rules when yourules when you arrivearrive If you do not knowIf you do not know how to do something,how to do something, simply ask someonesimply ask someone Russians showRussians show politeness by beingpoliteness by being vague and beatingvague and beating around the busharound the bush Ask, when in doubtAsk, when in doubt 8. {{ Have some tea andHave some tea and sweets on hand. Thesesweets on hand. These are a tradition to haveare a tradition to have for guests.for guests. Be hospitableBe hospitable Try to see Russians atTry to see Russians at home and whenhome and when invited expect to haveinvited expect to have a several course meala several course meal and drinksand drinks VisitingVisiting 9. {{ Do not hesitate toDo not hesitate to open your soul toopen your soul to RussiansRussians You will beYou will be considered a realconsidered a real friendfriend Be open talkingBe open talking about yourabout your finances. This willfinances. This will be verybe very educational foreducational for them.them. Open your soulOpen your soul 10. {{ Boys should be awareBoys should be aware that in Russia, men stillthat in Russia, men still pay the bill on datespay the bill on dates If you are wearingIf you are wearing gloves, take them offgloves, take them off when you shake handswhen you shake hands Bring a gift if visitingBring a gift if visiting someone's apartmentsomeone's apartment Ask Russians to takeAsk Russians to take you shoppingyou shopping Be polite to the peopleBe polite to the people who you see everydaywho you see everyday like security guards,like security guards, etc.etc. A little gift can grantA little gift can grant you many privilegesyou many privileges Other useful tipsOther useful tips 11. {{ Be careful with these thingsBe careful with these things DontsDonts 12. {{ Do not assume thatDo not assume that everybody in Russia iseverybody in Russia is ethnically Russianethnically Russian When talking toWhen talking to Russians it isRussians it is appropriate to askappropriate to ask about their "nationality"about their "nationality" and their customs andand their customs and traditions differenttraditions different from the Russianfrom the Russian Don't use ATM's in theDon't use ATM's in the metro or on the streetmetro or on the street Use the ones in theUse the ones in the lobbies of hotels thatlobbies of hotels that cater to westerncater to western businessmen where thebusinessmen where the ATM's are usuallyATM's are usually guarded andguarded and uncorrupteduncorrupted Be carefulBe careful 13. {{ Don't expectDon't expect people to smile atpeople to smile at youyou Don't expectDon't expect everyone youeveryone you meet with to be onmeet with to be on timetime Do not wear capsDo not wear caps in the buildingsin the buildings Do not expect toDo not expect to pay a visit to apay a visit to a friend "for a halffriend "for a half an houran hour CommunicationCommunication 14. {{ Don't be scaredDon't be scared by anybody'sby anybody's warning! Justwarning! Just realize that thisrealize that this is not theis not the Europe!Europe! Take fullTake full advantage ofadvantage of the situationthe situation and learn byand learn by having funhaving fun WarningsWarnings