Ukrainian Etiquette

To make points with your Ukrainian hosts, try following a few simple rules of etiquette.

If invited to a home, bring a gift with you. A bottle of wine, a cake or a bouquet of flowers is customary. If there is a child in the house, it is appropriate to provide him/her a small gift as well.
If you bring a bouquet, make sure it is an odd number of flowers.
Do not shake hands across the threshold of a door. It is considered bad luck.
When shaking hands, take off your gloves.
Be prepared to remove your shoes upon entering a house. To keep apartments clean, most hostesses want shoes kept at the door. They will provide you with a pair of slippers.

If you can, have business cards printed in Ukrainian on one side and English on the other.
When eating at someone's home, casual dress is acceptable.
Be ready to give toasts at dinner. Guests are often asked to do so.
If you smoke, offer to share cigarettes with those around you.
On business occasions, clothes should be conservative. Men should not take off their jackets unless asked.
In Orthodox churches, women wear scarves or hats, and men take off their hats.
Do not put your thumb between your first two fingers - this is a very rude gesture.

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