Tipping in Moscow: where, when, and how much

Wait staff in Russia are not as dependent on tips for a big chunk of their pay as, say, in the U.S. So the expected amount is correspondingly less, and you generally will not be looked at with hidden malice even if you take all of the change brought back to you, but tipping is still encouraged.

If your total is under 500 rubles, round it up to the nearest fifty; under 1000 — to the nearest hundred; from 1000 to 1500 a hundred-bill is appropriate. If you are going above that, 10% would be reasonably generous; in really swanky places, though, all bets are off.

Don‘t tip in cafeteria-like settings, where you travel along the counter with a tray and pay at the cash register.

Throw a couple of tens into the tip jar for baristas.

Note: there is no way to leave a tip on the credit card — when you receive the slip for signature, there isn't a place to write the extra amount in, so keep enough

small bills in your wallet.

The unwritten rules of tipping in Moscow are more or less similar to those in Europe.

The service charge (плата за обслуживание) in restaurants is not included in the bill. It is generally accepted to leave a tip of 10% of the bill, although the size of the tip for the waiter will of course depend on the size of the bill and whether you liked the service. If you spend a large sum of money, it will be enough to leave around 5% but if on the other hand the bill is small and you liked the service, the size of the tip will be significantly more. People do not tip waiters in fast food eating establishments.

Staff in cloakrooms (гардероб) in expensive restaurants will also gratefully receive your appreciation in the form of a few dozen roubles. But staff in both expensive and cheaper establishments will not be offended (обижаться) to receive just a ―thank you‖ when returning your coat.

People do not tip taxi drivers in Moscow. If the fare is not an even number, you can give the driver the change rounded to the nearest 100 roubles. Private drivers do not receive tips either, apart from situations in which you have agreed for the driver to drive you around the city for a whole day or even several days. The sum given here on top of the agreed fee is directly related to the driver‘s skill and service.

Couriers delivering goods or products to homes are usually given small change rounded to the nearest 100 roubles.

Refuelling staff (АЗС) at petrol stations are usually given 10 roubles.

Leaving a tip to staff in beauty salons (hairdressers, cosmetologists, manicurists) is entirely your own choice. If you liked the specialist and the end result of the work, leaving a tip.

Thanking doctors for an appointment is not practised, but if you have gone through some sort of specific treatment with a doctor and are pleased with the results, appreciation is better shown with money rather than conventional gifts.

Porters or bellboys who help you with your luggage in a hotel usually expect a small tip.

Guides on interesting excursions are usually given tips. Museum guides are not normally given tips.

Etiquette

Meeting Etiquette

1. The first situation where the rules of etiquette should be used is, of course, when meeting new people. Here are some tips to make your acquaintance with new people much more pleasant.

1. A man always greets a woman first.

2. A younger person is the first to greet an older person.

3. When joining a group, you should be the first to greet them.

4. Do not put your hands in your pockets when greeting people.

5. Take your cigarette out of your mouth if you happen to be smoking.

6. A man must take his gloves off for a handshake.

7. It is best to maintain eye contact with the person you are greeting.

8. The first to extend a hand for a handshake must be a woman, a person of higher rank, or an older person.

9. A man should be standing during a handshake.

10.A woman does not have to get up unless she is greeting a person older than her or to whom she wishes to show respect.

11.Women must be first allowed to greet each other, then men can greet women, then men can greet each other.

But exceptions can occur in any situation. The violation (нарушение) of the above-listed rules will not be considered a major violation of etiquette.

An older person may be the first to greet a younger person to show his respect to the person he is greeting. A woman may also greet a man first. It is not a big deal.

However, it is important to remember that the way you treat a person is the way he will treat you. Be as respectful as you can while maintaining your dignity.

Communication Etiquette

One of the main rules of etiquette in Russia is showing respect for the older generation. For example, in Russia people traditionally give up their seats to older people on all modes of public transportation, help older people cross a road or even carry heavy bags.

It has also long been a tradition to open the door for women and let them through, help them carry bags, and other heavy things.

Despite the fact that many people think of Russians as people who have no clue (=idea) about etiquette, it is not true. If you get an opportunity to visit your Russian friend‘s house, by all means seize it.

When entering the house, remember to take off your shoes and put on house shoes. Russians do not wear outside shoes at home to keep the house clean. Russians love having guests over. When you come to visit, you will see the table set with lots of dishes. Table manners in Russia are identical to those of Europeans. Russians

traditionally wait for all guests to gather at the table to start eating. The same is applicable to finishing the meal – it is considered impolite to leave the table if one of the guests is still eating.

Table Etiquette

Russian families traditionally serve dinner according to banquet rather than cocktail party rules, i.e. it is generally a several course meal. In addition, in Russia, men and women eat at the same table. Turning food down is impolite. It is best to ask for a small portion of something than to turn it down all together. It is also impolite to leave food on your plate – your hosts might think that you did not enjoy the meal. Tea, coffee, and dessert are served after dinner. Alcohol is not usually offered at this time.