Question by Hello,: What are some tips and information that a traveler to Russia should know?
Any info would be appreciated – but one thing, especially, that I want to know is what is some little American thing that is not found in Russia that I could bring to give to the people I meet?
Answers and Views:
Answer by Apple King
I think this website might help you, it’s an official website.
Of course you can bring some little American thing that is not found in Russia. I’m Taiwanese. Last time I traveled to France I brought our traditional puppets to give the French friends who live there. They’re really interested in the puppets and they are happy.
Have a nice trip!
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
jpc_julia says
don't be surpirsed if people don't smile back, if they don't greet you or are just plain rude and disrespectufl. its not because they don't like you, it is the culture. not everyone is like that of course, but most are. watch it when you cross the street, cars don't stop for pedestrians. bus won't wait for you and you will have to squish yourself in and out. beware of such things as no personal space. "personal bubble" concept does not exist. does't mean that you should break that rule, but don't be offended if people are too close to you. please don't wear knee shorts, hawaiian shirt and nike shoes all together, oh and don't forget the baseball cap! that is a ridiculous outfit in russia. it might fly here, but there you will definately get laughed at behind your back and be called a rich american tourist. idea of customer service exists in very few places, such as ritzie hotels and upscale restaurants only. at a store you won't find a friendly helpfull clerk that will be glad to assist you, they will more likely just brush you off and not pay attention until you say something to them. public restrooms is a non-existant idea, the ones that you will find are absolutely nasty, and a McDonalds won't let you use their restroom until you buy something. don't be surprised by the traffic (given you are going to a big city of course), when cars cut off the max its okay, or drive on the tracks in front of it slowing it down its okay, people will run red lights and not share lanes, definatley won't let you go if you are in the wrong lane. policemen wil stop you pretending to write you a ticket, but acutally stopping you just so that you can pay them money (if you are planning to drive there, don't suggest it.. cabs or "privately owned cabs" (carowners out to make extra money) are a better way to go.
there are plenty of things that you can bring back home, good Russian Vodka (no, not grey goose or etc) (Stolichnaya, or Peter the Great) will be a great present. Real Russian Vodka tastes nothing like american or any othre foreign vodka. now a days, Russia has everything you can buy in America. so a little something would have to be traditional russian such as (matreshka, hand sawn blanket, a realy Russian tea set etc) russian parcelone (sp?) figurettes or plate sets you defiantly won't find anywhere else. Lomonocov Parcelone is the best quality and just gourgous. I hope I helped.
mila KZ says
ok the firs tip is BE CAREFUL ON THE STREET WHEN YOU CROssing it because people dont stop look if no car then crossand evryone sed other stuff.
lululala says
I was there for a year and I would bring things for cleaning their car like little squeegies or small bungees. Maybe your state shot glasses or ziplock bags Fishing lures, if they like fishing? ALWAYS BRING FLOWERS FOR THE LADIES OF THE HOUSE maybe a bottle of cognac or local wine!!! The one thing to remember is keep your head down and eyes aware..don't be overly cautious, there is little to be afraid of but just watch your money. Don't give handouts to anyone but Babushkas! Watch your money when exchanging it, don't let it out of your sight, or you could get back a fake hundred!! Just be good there! Have fun!!
yuliyasa2003 says
Just be careful in airports and all kind of stations! Hold your bag and watch on it all the time! Just be careful! But i think all this "rules" are the same for all travelers not only to Russia. And don't forget to bring hat, gloves, scarf – if you go in winter time!
About what to bring here from there – it depends of course on where you are going, for example in Moscow you'll probably find everything what you need, but you can always bring souviniers from your place which represent your country, or your town, or maybe your state!!! It is always nice to have such from different countries.
For example i collect magnets and plates from countries where i've been with the famous places on them!!!
toxicbabeyy says
dont get surprised when people wont smile back and some of them will be very rude.
also dont ever admit that you think that eating cavier is weird.
it is a disrespect. 🙂