Based on the opinion of the Consulate General of Russian Federation here, the booklet aimed at reducing stressful situations and misunderstanding in predominantly non-English speaking and non-vegetarian country.
The RIC creates a detailed list of Do’s and Don’ts for Indians travelling to Russia.
The handbook, that will be shared with tourism departments and associations and all travel agencies, says “the mentality and traditions of Russian and Indian people are similar in many ways – despite the significant difference in the lifestyles”.
“These differences, as well as language gap, according to RIC experts, often create unnecessary problems for both Indian tourists and tour operators in Russia for whom RIC has issued a separate guidance on working with Indian tourists,” it said.
Ekaterina Belyakova, head of RIC in India, said “We have been working on promoting bilateral tourism between Russia and India for over three years and have noted many cases of misunderstanding, concerns, that we’ve tried to address in this handbook. We felt warning people about some cultural traditions, social norms and customs, sentiments, even tastes, especially when it comes to food, is very important.”
The handbook contains information and recommendations on how to go through immigration and passport control after arrival in Russia, how to take care of meals and where to find vegetarian options in Russia, how to behave with Russian authorities and common people and how to read their behaviour, which is often misleading.
“Smiling to strangers is not a part of Russian culture.
Russians are polite and professional, and they do smile whole heartedly after they come to know you – which often takes time,” the handbook says.
The handbook also deals with situations often leaving Indian tourists in Russia outraged – such as, for example, paid toilets or paid water.
PTI