29 Things You Should Never Do In Russia

Like it? Share it!

Facebook

Pinterest

Reddit

Twitter

Google+

Never Take A Pregnant Woman’s or Elderly Person’s Seat

Source: https://cdn1.vectorstock.com

Giving up your seat for an expectant mother or an elderly person on public transportation should be a common courtesy wherever you are on the globe. It doesn’t matter if you’re exhausted from hiking the trails of Mount Elbrus or you’re unwell because you imbibed too much too early—you should offer your seat to someone who needs it. While some elderly people in other countries might feel offended if you offer them your seat, upset that you’re implying they are frail, this is simply not the case in Russia. If you don’t stand up and offer your seat, the locals will you rude, and an annoyed, burly Russian might even bluntly tell you to vacate your seat.

Men also often get up and offer their seat when they see a woman standing nearby. While this is optional, these acts of chivalry are quite common among Russian men. Some men wouldn’t even bother sitting when they see women riding the metro.