Local Customs & Etiquette in Khabarovsk, Khabarovskiy Kray, Russia
1. Greeting Customs
Russians typically greet each other with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. In Khabarovsk, it's common to use the informal 'ты' (you) instead of the formal 'вы'.
- Respectful Greeting: Using 'вы' shows respect but 'ты' is more friendly and common in everyday situations
- Maintain Eye Contact: Eye contact during greetings demonstrates sincerity and interest
- Handshake Firmness: Firm handshakes show confidence, but don't overdo it as it may come off as aggressive
2. Table Manners
In restaurants, use only the bread roll to eat bread and do not spread butter on your knife. It's also impolite to start eating before everyone has their food.
- Bread Roll Etiquette: Use the bread roll directly, don't spread butter on a knife
- Waiting for Everyone: Avoid starting to eat before everyone has their food.
- Table Manners Differences: Some table manners differ from Western customs, it's important to adapt
3. Gift Giving
When giving gifts, use both hands and avoid wrapping them in blue or black paper as these colors are associated with mourning.
- Using Both Hands: Showing respect by using both hands when giving a gift
- Avoid Blue or Black Wrapping: These colors are associated with mourning and should be avoided when wrapping gifts
- Gift Giving Etiquette: It's important to consider the recipient's preferences and social status when choosing a gift
4. Dining Out
In Khabarovsk, it is customary to split the bill equally among all diners and tip around 10%. Some restaurants may add a service charge.
- Equally Split Bill: Diners usually split the bill equally, regardless of what was ordered
- Tip Percentage: Around 10% is an acceptable tip but some restaurants may add a service charge
- Cash vs Card: Cash is more commonly used for tips, although credit cards are also accepted in many establishments.
5. Public Transport Manners
On public transport, give up your seat to elderly or pregnant women. Stand near the door if the bus or tram is crowded.
- Giving Up Your Seat: Offer your seat to those who need it more, such as the elderly or pregnant women
- Standing Near the Door: Stand near the door if the public transport is crowded, in case you need to get off quickly.
- Respect for Elders: Russians generally respect and take care of their elders, this applies on public transportation as well.
6. Alcohol Customs
Toast before drinking and never pour your own drink from the common bottle. It is considered rude to refuse a toast.
- Toasting Before Drinking: Always toast before taking a sip of alcohol, it's a sign of respect and friendship
- Never Pour Your Own: It is considered rude to pour your own drink from the common bottle
- Refusing a Toast: Refusing a toast can be seen as impolite, although moderation is encouraged
7. Gestures and Body Language
Avoid pointing with your index finger, instead use an open hand or a pencil. Nodding 'yes' means agreement while shaking your head from side to side means 'no'.
- Pointing Etiquette: Use open hand or pencil instead of index finger when pointing
- Nodding for 'Yes': Nodding means agreement, not the opposite as in some Western cultures.
- Shaking Head for 'No': Shaking your head from side to side means 'no', unlike in some Western cultures where it means 'yes'.
8. Invitation etiquette
Accepting an invitation usually means you will bring a gift. The gift should be wrapped in white or gold paper.
- Bringing a Gift: When accepting an invitation, it is customary to bring a gift
- Wrapping the Gift: Gifts should be wrapped in white or gold paper
- Return Invitation: If you are invited to someone's home, it is expected that you will invite them back at some point.
9. Dress Code in Public Places
In public places like museums and theaters, smart casual attire is appropriate. It's best to avoid wearing shorts or flip-flops.
- Smart Casual Attire: Wearing smart casual outfits in museums and theaters shows respect for the occasion.
- Avoiding Shorts and Flip-Flops: Public places require more formal attire, shorts and flip-flops are not appropriate.
- Adapting to Local Culture: Dressing appropriately in public places shows respect for local culture and traditions
10. Addressing Someone
In formal situations, use the person's last name followed by 'господин' (Mr.) or 'госпожа' (Mrs.). In informal situations, use the person's first name.
- Formal Address: In formal situations, use a person's last name followed by 'господин' (Mr.) or 'госпожа' (Mrs.).
- Informal Address: In informal situations, use the person's first name.
- Knowing the Person: Assess the situation and address someone accordingly to show respect and appropriateness
11. Public Displays of Affection
Public displays of affection are less common in Khabarovsk. It is better to show affection more discretely.
- Less Common PDAs: Public displays of affection are less common, showing affection discretely is appreciated.
- Respecting Local Customs: Respect local customs and traditions by being mindful of public displays of affection.
- Different Cultural Norms: Understand that cultural norms differ from Western societies, adjust your behavior accordingly.
12. Talking about Politics or Religion
Avoid discussing politics and religion in social situations as these topics can lead to heated debates.
- Avoid Political Discussions: Political discussions are generally avoided in social situations.
- Respect Religious Beliefs: Religious beliefs should be respected and not discussed in casual conversations.
- Focus on Common Ground: Focusing on common ground and getting to know each other better is a more effective way to connect with locals.
13. Smiling and Making Eye Contact
Smiling and maintaining eye contact are important when communicating in Khabarovsk. It is seen as a sign of trustworthiness and sincerity.
- Importance of Smiling: Smiling helps to establish trust and shows friendliness.
- Maintaining Eye Contact: Eye contact is an essential part of communication, demonstrating sincerity and interest.
- Body Language Matters: Non-verbal cues like smiling and eye contact play a crucial role in communication.
14. Asking Personal Questions
Avoid asking personal questions about someone's salary, marital status, or living situation. It is seen as impolite and intrusive.
- Personal Questions Taboo: Avoid asking personal questions like salary, marital status, or living situation.
- Respecting Privacy: Respecting someone's privacy is important and not asking personal questions shows this.
- Focus on Common Interests: Instead, focus on common interests to establish a connection with locals.
15. Business Etiquette
In business meetings, punctuality is crucial. Dress smartly and be prepared to discuss business before building personal relationships.
- Punctuality: Arriving on time for a meeting shows respect for your counterpart's time.
- Smart Dress Code: Dressing smartly demonstrates professionalism and respect.
- Business before Personal: Discuss business matters first, before moving on to personal topics.