Customs and Etiquette

• If you are invited into a family home, it is traditional to bring a gift such as a bottle of wine or vodka, a cake, a box of chocolates or bouquets of flowers.
• The general rule on giving flowers as a gift, is to make sure that the number of flowers in a bouquet is uneven (an even number of flowers is considered bad luck and for funerals).
• Do not shake hands across the threshold of a door. It is considered bad luck to do so.
• Be prepared to take off your shoes upon entering a home, most hosts will provide their guests a pair of slippers.
• When using public transportation, seats should be given up to accommodate the elderly, mothers with children, and the handicapped.
• Offer to share snacks and cigarettes with those people around you.
• It is considered a very rude gesture to place one's thumb between your first and second fingers.
• Do not whistle indoors as you will be sending money away from the house.