Manners in Russia

Greetings

Removing shoes when entering homes is common practice
It is polite to accept tea or sweets at least once rather than refusing
Use the respectful "Vy" form when speaking to elders
Always make eye contact during toasts
When giving flowers, always give an odd number
Keeping a hat on in public places is considered impolite
Opening doors for women is considered gentlemanly
Birthday celebrants traditionally treat colleagues to sweets
Historical and war-related topics should be handled carefully
In saunas (banya), there is a custom of lightly hitting the body with bundled birch branches