This guide was written prior to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and is therefore not reflective of the current situation. Travel to Russia is currently not advisable due to the area’s volatile political situation.
Expats moving to Russia will almost certainly experience some degree of culture shock. The weather is often harsh, and the language is seemingly impenetrable. At first, people may seem reserved in public, but many expats find that once they build closer relationships, they encounter a warm and supportive social circle. Expats living in Russia will also find themselves in a land of surprises and adventure, and will be able to enjoy the country’s sublime theatre, dance, art and music.
Russian people speak with pride about the nature of their ‘Russian soul’; once one gets to know them, they are often eager to share their traditions, passion for life and rich culture. With patience, good friends and an open mind, expats will be well-equipped to deal with the culture shock of living in Russia.
Meeting and greeting in Russia
Living in Russia’s big cities, like Moscow or St Petersburg, is a curious and contradictory interplay of invisibility and exposure. At times, expats may feel like they have disappeared altogether, as people in the streets seem to look through each other.
Expats shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that everybody in the country is rude and unfriendly. Once acquainted with someone, Russians are usually generous and warm and will go out of their way to help.
When meeting someone, Russian greetings are normally done through a firm handshake.
Drinking in Russia
Alcohol often plays a noticeable role in social and business gatherings in Russia, and expats may be invited to join colleagues or friends for drinks. Expats should be prepared for this when their local friends and colleagues invite them out for drinks. It is acceptable to set personal limits and decline drinks politely, and expats should be mindful of their own tolerance and safety.
Gift-giving in Russia
Gift-giving is a common part of Russian culture, and guests usually bring something small like flowers or a drink when invited to someone's home.
In business settings in Russia, small tokens of appreciation are sometimes exchanged, but expensive or overly personal gifts are usually avoided. Traditional etiquette often associates stronger spirits with men and items like wine, chocolates or flowers with women.
Language barrier in Russia
Expats in Moscow will find that metro stops, among other things, are announced in English, making it the most foreigner-friendly city in Russia. That said, English isn’t widely spoken by locals in Russia, although it’s sometimes spoken among young professionals.
It’s worth attempting to master the Cyrillic alphabet. Some letters look exactly like letters from the Roman alphabet but denote entirely different sounds. This does cause issues when it comes to transliteration to and from Cyrillic script, particularly with names on passport and visa documentation. Wherever possible, it’s worth the time and energy to correct any such mistakes and inconsistencies immediately, as problems can arise that reach far down the bureaucratic line.